> “Hey mate, are you free next Wed to consult my customer during workshop for S3.”
Ahh, another S3 request. Unfortunately I was perceived as S3 expert by TAMs, as an ex-S3 engineer. What isn’t considered is my knowledge is limited to the 3 S3 feature teams I was in, when there are many many more.
< “Hey, I’m interested to help, though then I’ll be visiting my customer. I’d also question my expertise in S3 overall but that could be managed via internal sync and some prep I guess.”
> “Ok, let me setup a meeting and take it from there”
A meeting? I thought my point was clear as not available. I didn’t reply.
Next morning a meeting popped up in my calendar, no description, and no people that I know of. It was the one the peer was talking about.
< “Let me know when you have 10min to discuss ^”
> “Hey mate, can you make the call? I don’t have the full background and the Solutions Architect will fill us. I already told them you won’t have time, but let’s see what the request is and then we can decline if needed.”
I fired up. A call to save the account team. But instead I would fail them as I can’t do the visit.
While fighting myself on how to politely decline, I remembered the “assume best intent” advice and considered what might be going on their side. It seemed like it was on a short notice, tehy didn’t had other ideas, and I was their only bet.
< “ok”
The best answer I mustered, given not fully calmed.
I joined the call. Learned about solution the customer wanted to design. And was asked if I can help. Confirmed my schedule doesn’t work. But let them know I’ll try to find S3 engineer to assist. This exact day, by pure coincidence, I was in the office with S3 teams, past teammates, so I could walk by and ask them.
I checked with the most senior engineer, he agreed to help, and visited the customer. Feedback was outstanding.
Best part, when I went to his desk, a book [1] caught my attention. For writing better sentences. He gifted it to me. And what a great timing as I feel lack of progression.
Against all feelings and presumptions, it turned out my engagement was beneficial. Just rolling with it was the right choice. Yet so uncomfortable.
It reminded me of advice I try to follow. To accept when plans are wrecked outside of my control. Instead of frustrating, consider time is not right, and find the result will be positive.
Except here I did have control to engage or not.
Then an idea came. What if I also don’t oppose unfavorable situations which I can influence? Would they end up with good results? I don’t know if that’s how life works, and haven’t researched, but decided to test it out.
Will report insights soon.
[1] It was the best of sentences, it was the worst of sentences.