A few years ago, the State of Michigan decided to upgrade one of their telephone systems. And, since I was the most knowledgeable person on staff, I was charged with the team lead.

Now, given that this was a large telephone system, the upgrade, from start to finish, would take about 9 months. But, since I had been through other large upgrades, I was up to the challenge.

I assembled my team, identified rolls and responsibilities and conducted regular meetings. And, the closer that we got to the actual “turn up” date, the meetings occurred on a weekly basis.

We were within 8 weeks of the “turn up ” date when the director told me that Pat was really in charge of the project. I was surprised by this information but not offended. So, I asked if I was the assistant. He told me that Dan was the assistant. Some what confused I asked him if I was the acting team lead. Again, he said no.

Now, not being a glory hound, I asked what I should be doing since I wasn’t the team lead, the assistant team lead or the acting team lead. The director told me to continue on as before.

Now, sensing that something wasn’t quite right about this whole thing, I asked him if Pat and Dan knew about their new roles and responsibilities. After a few moments of hesitation, the director stated that they did not. I then asked if he was going to tell them and he said “no”.

So, I was not actually in charge of the project but the people who were didn’t know it.

And the management wonders why we think that they are all crazy.

BTW, the project came off without a hitch and Pat and Dan never did know of the responsibilities for the whole thing.