I know when Master Pu reads that title, he will have an OMG
moment. You see he directs me on what I
can and cannot discuss in my blog as it relates to the business. I understand the concern considering the fact
that I do work for IBM. I get it. No worries Master Pu, I haven’t completely
lost my mind. J I’m
not sure I’ve talked in-depth about what I’m doing in Africa and I have no
intentions of doing it now…I would like people to continue to tune into the
blog. LOL.
Seriously though, as the Africa Shared Services Manager, I’m
responsible for all of those areas of the business that every department needs
to operate. So, HR, Finance, Procurement,
Quality Assurance, Risk Management, Program Management Office, Contract
Management, Business Controls and Communication all fall under my area of
responsibility.
Let me just say, Master Pu came up with this job
description. I’m always up for a bit of
a challenge, but some would say I’m not wrapped too tight to take on this level
of responsibility. I thought it would be
an amazing experience to build the structure to support this account in 17
countries in Africa. The reach and
possibilities go way beyond IBM. But,
then there are those things that I can’t say. J
You see, there is an area within my realm of responsibility called
the Program Management Office or as it is affectionately known, PMO. The PMO is a relatively structured
organization that handles everything from managing deliverables to our client,
to managing the plan for projects for the year.
What it tends to become is a catch all for all the problems on the account. Don’t get me wrong, I love a challenge, but c’mon!!
The PMO handles everything from building issues, to
accommodations for employees, to transportation for the account. If someone arrives in the middle of the night
and their transportation doesn’t show up at the airport, guess whose phone
rings? If another member of my team can’t
be found…MINE! Now, those of you who
have known me for some time know I am not the one to be disturbed in the middle
of the night or first thing in the morning.
You all would be proud of the way I have handled myself, so far. Okay, there have been a few causalities along
the way, but you’ve gotta give me something.
Nevertheless, I am enjoying my role and the challenge it
presents. But, the things I can’t say
would be material for a great book someday.
If only I could write it. SMH. I’m
heading off to South Africa tomorrow to meet another challenge. I hope Nelson Mandela is home, I may pay him
a visit. LOL
See you here next week everybody.
Asante Sana,
Della Rochelle
Copyright © 2011 by Della Rochelle Williams
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