Slapped Silly

Summer is in full swing, and we’re on a pilgrimage to the Jersey shore. (Yes, we do live in the majestic bay area, and yes, we do eagerly schlep the 3,000 miles for an annual dose of the “shore.”) ‘Schlep,’ of course, is the operative word. Along with the schlep comes a phrase my kids use over and over again along the 12-hour, door-to-door journey: “How much longer will it take?” It’s their own version of “are we there yet?” which of course they know that we’re not. I suspect this is why they don’t express their anxiousness with so common a phrase.

I was recently asked the same question, “How much longer will it take?” by a colleague, except the depth of meaning in his words and facial expression caught me way off guard. (Off guard isn’t exactly right. It was more like frozen in place, and I continue to play it over and over in my mind.) His question connects with last week’s Conflicted entry.

We were in a session discussing the mass career customization (mcc) rollout, and I mentioned that I was mentally working to resolve my ‘conflict.’ He turned to me and uttered that familiar question in a quiet pitch with eye contact and meaning that spoke a thousand subtle, impactful words.

His message was clear and undeniable: there are a lot of people within our firm and beyond that are watching us with eager intent; that people are looking for some organization (and by extension, someone) to come up with a better way; that so many are counting on mcc to structurally resolve the workplace-workforce misalignment dilemma; that, in short, it matters.

And, well, that your (my) hang up is trivial in scale. So just get over it—and get on with it. Ok, I get it. Slapped silly by a few nominal words and one power-packed stare. I’m all-in. Now, how about you?

Cathy

By blogger Cathy Benko, Deloitte LLP

Comments

[Dolores in New York]

When my phone rang last night at 9PM, I did not think the topic would be Mass Career Customization but it was. My colleague (and friend) debriefed me on her meeting with a senior risk officer at a MAJOR bank. Among his short list of critical risk, attracting and retaining talent...in other words mcc. I've been focusing on my role as champion for the "early adopter" implementation in our Capital Markets group, and hadn't focused on the potential client perspective of this issue. So I was "slapped silly" by the marketplace interest in programs like mcc and the the "C" suite desire to discuss talent as part of their business concerns.

[Diane in Las Vegas]

Well, Vacation aside it sounds like you are a woman on a
mission. Remember some very key pieces of the puzzle and be grateful for
a few more.

You are still dealing with those subtle differences between men and
women in our profession. In big cities and small those differences impact
the workstyle and lifestyle of all CPAs and associated professionals.
The program needs to incorporate the overall work ethic of our
profession which tends to be very high with seasoned professionals who
were indoctinated in earlier years and not as high with the newer
professionals who are not as ready for the level of dedication the
profession really does require.
Also, you are fortunate: You work for one of the best CPA firms in the
world. You also work in a profession that garners the work ethic across
the board with a focus/single minded purpose that the profession creates.
Most professions do not have that positioning. Most companies are diverse
and cannot corral the mindset in the manner that a CPA Firm can. This is
a great benefit to you as you implement some flexibility in your program.
So vacation, enjoy the weather and fun and then I believe your mind will
be ready to face the challenges of your assignment!