Baby Steps Bob, Baby Steps

Brain Two here is wondering why we make things more complicated than they needed?

I was reminded of this a couple of times in the past week. The first lesson was for us in Payroll. Our site is switching to a new work week and it was left to us for testing. Payroll vs. Labor Department is an entire other topic of how we work together and yet keep certain duties separate. Anyway, we started testing a new work week in the test database for our timekeeping system. We immediately began looking at intricate scenarios. As we were going through, we were able to identify some issues. However, after some further review, we found some of the basic set ups were not correct and that was effecting our calculations. Back to the drawing board we went.

We started over, testing the most simplified scenario just to see if the basic set ups were accurate. Here we found some modifications that needed to be made that would effect the entire population. Once modifications were made, and the simple scenarios worked, we reviewed the intricate scenarios and basically tried to break the system. That’s what you need to do when testing; find different things that can go wrong. I am feeling a little better about the whole thing. This type of testing is new to both of us and a huge learning experience. We are not comparing apples to apples. I’d say apples to oranges, but this is crazy so let’s say we are apples to nuts.

The second lesson made me feel a little smart because I was part of the solution. We were brought into the situation late after decisions were already being made without us. By thinking simple and redirecting, we made the transition of buildings go smoothly. It’s amazing how people can complicate the simplest things. It is up to the folks who are the low men/women on the totem pole to set them straight.

What ways have you found to make tasks less convoluted?

An introverts point of view

Brain One: I am an introvert. This is how I perceive myself, and most likely is the first impression I give to others. To myself, I wonder if it’s just social anxieties that need to be overcome. It’s that queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach along with that voice inside your head that says you are going to make an idiot of yourself. So, I keep quiet and let others take the lead.

Letting others lead is not a bad thing. This gives you the opportunity to listen. You learn more from listening than you do from opening your mouth and inserting your foot. Look for a common ground; this will give you an opportunity to join in the conversation. The first impression might be “she’s quiet”; but a lasting impression might be “she’s a good listener”.

My philosophical tendencies when I write do not always adhere to my reality. We can all claim moments of irrevocable dysfunctional discourse.

Wow! I love big words. Everyone should own a Thesaurus; especially a Meteorologist. Every summer I wonder how many times they can say that it is “sticky” outside. Keep in mind that it is not just the words we use, but how we use them. In Elementary School we are taught the basics of writing and communication. One thing that remains foremost in my memory is teachers saying, “Stop using the word “I” to start every sentence.” Was this a way to remind us that not everything revolves around us?

Ok, so I’m getting off track here. But it only goes to prove my point. Sometimes listening is better than babbling like an idiot.

Let's learn to listen. Sometimes what you hear is more important than what you have to say. If you listen hard enough you might even hear what is not being said.