“You seem to be happier now like an Undertaker getting more clients during the Covid“, remarked my Damager – aka – Manager.
I couldn’t understand or relate to what he said at first. A little later, after seeing some awkwardness among my fellow team members, I realised he was showing his annoyance in his best of wits and manners.
Earlier that day, I had written an email to the entire team about my concerns about the user experience (UX) and brand elements being compromised in the product that had gone live. Indeed, it was first-hand input from a close customer. The customer had raised a few genuine questions and pointed out some obvious glitches that had slipped our user-acceptance testing (UAT).
The word “Undertaker” got etched in my mind strongly. I kept pondering over and over, after that day; why was I subjected to such harsh comments, when what I intended was a sincere effort to control the damage. The word “Undertaker” when used for a person cremating dead bodies – as in the Hindu traditions, sounds even harsher than in other religions. Maybe, since the other religions lay them to rest and not “burn” them.
This critical and a very essential occupation of society is looked down upon because they treat both the dead and the living alike. Exception, their family members. Their behaviour would entail another research with the mental healthcare professionals, let’s keep it for another day.
While I continued ruminating on “undertaker”, my damager continued to throw volleys to my team members (including me) on different items, listing and attributing failures to every other member, not one unto himself.
Having read about “Blue Ocean”, which was in a totally different context, I now desperately wanted to move on, before it becomes bloodier, muddier, and murkier.
Having spent a good deal of time and effort, moving away from the current assignment was also becoming difficult. The cause and journey had grown dearer to me within the past few months. So, I started praying for better days, better ways, and a better sense to prevail.
Delving more deeply into the prevalent practices, processes, new-age tools, and their efficacies, I have learned to channelise energies in more appropriate, productive, and positive outcomes. Thanks to the select members, whose company has made me focus on the “what next”s. Also, showcasing the team’s efforts and preparation for a new manager, which was very imminent.
Thus, moving toward the “Blue Ocean”, this “Undertaker” gained a lot of learning in these few months, upskilled and equipped for higher responsibilities.
“The Blue Ocean” is just an arm’s distance now for this “Undertaker”!
