If people thought about the decisions they were
making and how those decisions would affect others, the decision makers might
be more inclined to take their time during the decision making process.
Speaking from experience, I know that I am prone to make decisions without
evaluating the other stakeholders involved and sometimes the results are good
and sometimes the results are bad.
I have spoken a good deal about my recent change in
positions at Embry-Riddle and I think it is a good topic to be analyzed in a
multitude of ways. My decision to change positions not only affected me it
affected two other departments within the university which meant there were
many stakeholders involved. It was important that when I decided it was time
for a change that I evaluated what I would be giving up and what I would be
gaining. I made a pros and cons list so that I could see what everything looked
like on paper. I knew that I was unhappy doing what I was doing but was I that
unhappy that I wanted to change everything I knew? The answer that question was
undoubtedly yes. I suppose when you get to a time and place in your life when
you are ready to do something new and different you don’t look back. I didn’t look back and I haven’t since but I
did have the feeling of guilt for a while and after my decision was made I was
also angry with how people were treating me. Some stakeholders were not happy
with my decision.
I worked for the CTO for almost 3 years. I knew the
job and the people inside and out but the problem was, they didn’t know me. I
don’t think anyone took the time to see if I was really happy doing what I was
doing. Being an assistant is a thankless job. People rely on you every day to
keep things moving but what happens when you are tired of making sure everyone
else is happy and taken care of? Who takes cares of you? I understood that when
I left it would be difficult. This was not an easy decision to make although it
was a decision I wanted to make. I had to take into account all of my daily
tasks, which were a lot. I think if half of my stakeholders from the side that
was losing me had taken the time to understand what I did and the multitude of
daily tasks I completed in a day they would have valued me more, but that was
something they were lacking in and that ultimately helped me finalize my
decision to leave.
My objective in this decision was not to leave
because I was unhappy but to leave and further my career in a position that
would expand my knowledge and challenge me. I knew I needed this and I knew
that I would upset people making this decision. My stakeholders were on
opposite sides of the fence. One didn’t want me to go and I am sure it was
because there was a part of selfishness and another was because I was good at
what I did. The other wanted me because they knew what I was capable of and
what I could bring to their department. The position I was looking into was
something I had been interested in for a while. I knew that I would have a lot
to prove coming into the Instructional Design and Development department. This
was not going to be an easy decision nor transition. I can vividly remember my
last day before the Christmas holiday break and although I had 2 weeks left
after we returned in the new year, I was still very emotional about leaving. I
think a part of me felt very guilty for wanting something for myself. I rarely
ask for anything and I have always been very independent but for once, this was
for me and no one else.
I learned a great deal about myself during this
process and about the stakeholders who were involved in this decision making
process. Making a decision that impacts not only your life but the lives of
others is difficult. It takes courage to make a big change and especially for
me because I don’t have much to fall back on. When I made that decision to
change positions I was risking a lot. I was risking my career (what if I failed
at the other position) and I risked my education because if I lost my job I
wouldn’t be able to attend Graduate school for free. This process was difficult
but rewarding at the same time. I was able to see what I could handle and how
others would react to those decisions. I have to state I am extremely happy and
this was the best decision for me and I think my stakeholders agree even if
they are not 100% happy for me.
This experienced thought me that I can be strong
even when I don’t think I am, that I have to think about me in certain
situations and that risks can pay off if you understand all the working
components to that risk.
