Year end is the time for spring cleaning and you won't imagine how much junk you have collected over the past 12 months. As I rummaged through the pile of papers and files, I couldn't but pause to think about all the ideas, plans and projects that didn't take off. Somehow things went awry and/or got distracted by other more pressing issues. It also caused me to ponder about how things look good when they were on the drawing board...but when it comes to execution and totalling the costs, then the gloss and shine just give way to the grey matter.
Sitting in my 11th floor room which overlook a busy road junction as I reflected on some of the papers, I recalled a proposal for a customer to work on a project that would have propelled them to the forefront. Internal politiking among the board members, and worse still, with a leader that's not quite willing to lead, made the proposition even harder. A presentation was made to the board. I went well as the ideas illuminated on the big screen via the power point slides. Questions were asked. Eventually we had to scuttle the project because what they board wanted out of the project was way off the budget they were willing to commit. It was a shame, as it was an opportunity that they missed. The goodwill and the value add would have far out-weighed what they paid.
Other papers pertained to people whom within the span of months have left their organisation, moved on hopefully to greener pastures. Suddenly I realised that how many old familiar names are gone. Times were still good at the start of the year and people were switching jobs like the game of musical chairs, except that now the music has stopped and many may find themselves on chairs with only three legs for support.
Soon another year would dawn on us...and everyone would be looking forward with joy...even if it is subdued joy. People will clothe themselves with new hope that the new year will bring - at least that's the best that they can look forward to.
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