Save and Conquer

I worked as a consultant for nearly six years at a large aerospace firm. Upper middle management of the program I was working on was changed four times during those years. The top management also changed four times. The new management knew I had something to offer the program, or I wouldn’t have been there in the first place, but they did not know me or my capabilities. Because consultants typically cost more than in-house employees, I had to prove my worth every time management changed.

One way I did that was to schedule a meeting with the new manager at their earliest convenience. I came prepared and went over all aspects of the project in which I was involved. I made sure that they understood how well I understood the system. After I helped bring them up to speed on my part of the project, I also told them I would make sure there were no surprises.

I tried to not get involved in office politics (sometimes not possible) and always kept a cool, level head. I worked hard and tried to help the people I worked with feel good and look good to their management. I sometimes told the upper management when I thought someone had done an outstanding job.

Working well with my peers helped. Every time upper management got changed, they naturally looked to cut costs, and the consultants usually got the hardest look. It was then that the people I constantly worked with helped me, by telling management that the project would lose schedule and lose a large asset if I were let go.

Eventually, the budget axe fell and I was let go. Again, it was not because I was lacking, but mainly due to the fact that consultants are expensive. Even then, I was kept on for an extra month because my peers asked that I be given time to hand stuff off and finish several outstanding tasks.

I still keep in touch with some of the people I worked with and consider them friends. They may even be reading this blog.

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