May 01, 2008

Wrong, Wrong, Wrong

So I'm on this client team at work, one of several. I have my own tiny little fiefdom, a project I run pretty much independently. I took it over because someone had to, and it turned out my experience was a good fit. Everything runs smoothly. The client, who wasn't happy with how the project was going before I took over, is happy with me. So far, so good.

Then we hit a few weeks ago. That was when I discovered that the client is not as thrilled with other parts of their experience with us. Suddenly, "They're always so happy with you and your work," which I've heard before and didn't think much of, has context. It has weight. Suddenly too many people know who I am. All the tiny little decisions I make every day have echoes I wasn't hearing before.

Now people want to meet me. Tomorrow, in fact. I'll walk into the room with a real smile on my face and be very happy to see everyone, but that will be surface. Underneath will be the constant little whisper of "I didn't sign up for this. I agreed that a bunch of stuff needed to get done and I could do it, but I don't remember promising anything like this."

And I haven't a clue what I'll wear. Yeesh.

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