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At one point many years ago I was Director of Engineering for a company that was planning a major new version of their product. After I'd been there a few weeks
by arethuza 3y ago
At one point many years ago I was Director of Engineering for a company that was planning a major new version of their product. After I'd been there a few weeks I said to the CEO that I thought I had a pretty good understanding of the scope and challenges for the new release.
The CEO said "no you don't" - which led me to ask why he thought this and he said he had thought up a new "must have" feature over the weekend - which was clearly very technically challenging. He then asserted that anything could be built in 48 hours....
I'm amazed I lasted as long as I did in that job.
- coldtea 3y agoThe CEO tells the Director of Engineering how long a time a feature "could be built" in? A new one, they suddenly pulled out of their asses too? Why even have a Director of Engineering position then?
- eschneider 3y agoTo take the blame, so, so obviously.
- coldtea 3y agoAh, of course!
- spacemadness 3y agoBecause the world of business runs on hubris.
- TheCleric 3y agoReminds me of my Director of Engineering gig where I was asked how quickly we could deliver a new feature that the CTO had thought of. After giving three different estimates on the spot and being told each was “unrealistic” and told to “try again” in a meeting with senior leadership present, I finally said “Just tell me what date you want to hear so we can pretend I said that.” I was chastised for being unprofessional and embarrassing the department. Didn’t care then; no regrets now.
- jimbokun 3y agoNo sense worrying about getting kicked out of a sinking ship.