Daughter's Birthday or Project Telecon?

This post discusses the case study: Two World Theory.

The flavor of the season is the work-home balance. However, at times it is a compromise. You would feel absolutely guilty when you see your daughter's sad eyes when you go back home. On the other hand you will kick yourself for not able to get that next project.  And 'money is not everything' is easier said than done. It might not just be your money on line. It is the only chance you have to realize a prized dream of yours. Tough!

The easiest solution to this is of course have a three-way telecon linking your house, office and customer. That is so cool! You get the best of both worlds then. Need to plan for it.

But there are other important issues. Why is that your deputy cannot handle it? Are you not confident enough? I am sure you both would have discussed this project -as important as it is - umpteen number of times, weighing in options, chalking out strategies. Why can't she handle it? Besides, she is sure to understand the importance of this telecon. Haven't you tried out her communication skills in other less-than-critical telecons? If not, why not? When will your deputy take over so that you can move onto to more important aspects of business?

Confidence does not come by emulating. It comes by actually rolling up your sleeves and dirtying your hands. If you had trained your deputy to handle sensitive telecons in your presence, today she could have filled your place in the telecon. Customers are humans too. They understand what daughter's birthday means. Having a deputy who can handle the situation as well as you do also improves the ccustomer's confidence level for you. If you had to skip your daughter's birthday to attend this telecon, does it mean you have no one else to handle the project? How deep is the team's strength in that case? These questions will come up in the customer's mind.

What? Your deputy is capable. Congratulations! You can enjoy the best of both worlds. In any case, do not forget to install a telecon facility at home. You never know when it would prove handy.