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“You made it.” Harrislooks up from the head of the meeting table where he’s sitting, files spread out in front of him, his laptop open to his left.
“Not like I had a choice,” I grumble under my breath, closing the door behind me.
“I’ve been looking over the processes you have in place for testing and development and I gotta say, you’re spinning your wheels a little.” He jumps right into business before I have a chance to sit down.
“How so?” I ask, sliding into the seat to his right before popping open my laptop.
“Well, for example, the Developers are pushing things into production without them going through the proper IT channels. Which would explain why you’ve had so many client complaints recently.”
“How do you know we’ve had a lot of client complaints?” I arch a brow, surprised by this professional side of him. I expected this entire meeting to be full of sexual innuendoes, him insinuating that I want to sleep with him. I’m relieved to see he’s actually taking this seriously and wants to work.
“Because a lot of those complaints come through Robert, and now, me. I’ve been reviewing all his files and I’ve come to one very important conclusion. We need to come up with a more efficient way to push things through production using the proper channels.”
“Okay, so what do you suggest?”
“I’ve already talked to Mike.”
I’m shocked. Mike is the VP over IT, though he’s rarely ever in the office. He splits his time between this office and the office in Atlanta, and he’s extremely difficult to pin down, which is why I’m a little surprised that he’s already spoken to him.
Harris continues, “He agrees that some changes need to take place to create a more streamline process. One that must be followed. We can’t have our developers doing whatever they want. The testing team is there for a reason.”
“I agree.” I nod my head. “I’ve brought this concern up several times but as a BA, no one listens to me.”
“Well they’re going to start listening. As of today, we are going to rework the testing processes. From the moment you receive the client’s specifications to the final product being pushed to the client, there will be a step-by-step guide. Every step must be completed before we can move on and everyone must sign off on each step. That way if someone starts skipping steps, they can be held accountable. What are your thoughts on this?”
“I think this all sounds amazing,” I say, impressed by his eagerness to jump in and take the reins. Robert is an amazingly sweet man, but with that comes his downfalls. He’s the least assertive person I know, and because of this most people take complete advantage of him. It’s difficult to make change when there’s no one willing to enforce said change.
But Harris doesn’t strike me as the type of person to let things slide. Maybe working with him won’t be so bad after all.
“I’m going to schedule a meeting with Peter and Robin this week. Once we have the developing manager and IT manager in the know, we can move forward. We will need their help in coming up with this new strategy. I’ll want you in that meeting as well.”
“Why?” I question, having never really been included in this aspect of the business.
“Because you’re smart and you know what’s going on around here. You also see the changes that need to be made. Not to mention, you’re where the process begins and ends. It only makes sense that you be a part of this. At the end of the day, you’re responsible for the client. You can’t do your job if the developers and testers aren’t doing theirs. So instead of working against each other, we are going to pull together and work as a unit.” He shuffles some of the papers in front of him before sliding one in my direction.
We spend the next forty-five minutes making a list of suggestions we both have on how the functionality of our department could improve. By the end of the meeting, I find myself questioning if maybe I misjudged Harris. But just as the thought takes hold, it immediately goes right out the window.
“Now that that’s out of the way,” he says, standing from the table at the same time I do, “what do you say you and I go out for a drink tonight? You know, to celebrate our new working relationship.”
“I think it’s better if we keep this professional.”
“And being professional means you can’t be friends with someone?” He cocks a brow.
“I think you and I both know that you’re incapable of having a purely platonic friendship with a member of the opposite sex.” I turn, heading toward the door. He intercepts me, blocking my way out.
“That’s not true. I’m friends with plenty of women around the office.”
“You mean the ones that are technically old enough to be your mom? Yeah, that doesn’t count.”
“Why are you so against getting to know me?”
“Why waste my time when I feel like I already know more than I need to?” I fire back.
“Haven’t you ever heard the old saying, don’t judge a book by its cover?”
“Haven’t you heard the old saying, actions speak louder than words? Your actions are quite telling, Mr. Avery. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have another meeting to attend.”
