Dependencies

There are occasions in life when one wants things done ASAP (As soon as possible). Impatience is certainly not a virtue of the great but is definitely a trait of the common man. (Coming to think of it, great men aren't really divine. I have touched a couple of them and so I know, they are only flesh and blood with a few bones thrown in!). To be successful one needs to be ultra-cool and unfazed by all that can go wrong when you don't want it to. Its always easier to do things when they are small. A trivial task does not warrant your attention and talents for long. You just do it fast. But things no longer remain simple when you want something big. A big task means that it has a lot of intricacies and angles. And unfortunately, it no longer remains a one man/woman job. That brings along with it what could be one's biggest nightmare - Dependencies. Your completion of the task depends on many stars. (conditions apply). Certain events must happen for you to be through with it. My biggest problem happens when there are other people involved.

1. The first biggest problem is to communicate whats in your head to theirs. Now thats easier said than done. (Now I know why bosses get frustrated when you do exactly opposite of what they wanted!). Documenting exactly what you want goes a long way. I feel if everything is written there are less chances of your deviating from what is wanted. That is true not only for others but yourself too. This is because the plan in your brain is a soft copy, no doubt but it is not a digital copy - liable to change. Hence, one must plan in writing what needs to be done. Believe me, it really makes you organized.
2. The second problem is whom to share the task with? Its usually good if you know whom to give it to. If you don't its probably a good idea if you find someone, you should mentor him/her for the task. Initially you can be with him/her but slowly you should move away. As a good manager its important that you let your colleagues make their own decision. Nobody depends on a good manager. They simply do the job for them.
3. Monitoring the work is another grey area. Again, document and plan it. Don't unnecessarily poke into your colleagues noses. Be helpful without being too intrusive. Ofcourse, there are some lazy bones whom you should be always after! You must always keep appreciating good work anyone does. Talk about them not you. It goes a long way in having a good team spirit around.
4. Don't try to do everything is a golden rule to be followed.
   
5. Resource crunch can be a trouble. Please plan ahead what all you'll be needing. Keep it ready and you won't be stuck later.

Last thing is time. A golden rule is not to leave anything for the last minute. (Not many including me follow it though).
Be nice to your people, don't over expect but ensure things are on track and all shall be fine. Dependencies can be managed!