An Open Letter to an Employer

Something that some of us have noticed is there seems be a problem. Where and exactly what the problem is we are not exactly sure, but here is what we've noticed.

* Information provided to us seems to be a second though and/or reactionary
* We feel that our requests for equipment are viewed as unsubstantial or are re-reviewed and second guessed
* Commonly used company wide communications tools contact is standard, but has been wiped out in only one location. This break down of commonly used communication tool for the entire company has made it extraordinarily difficult to ask a simple 5 word question. Out of five offices, four use Secure-IM and communicate freely. Why not try it with Encrypted-IM support enabled.
* Usage of the IS wiki for a central point of information has not been utilized by others other than Don, Chris or myself
* Usage of the IS Support ticketing system for tracking issues not been utilized by others other than Don, Chris or myself
* Usage of the IS Order tracking system not being utilized by others
* Attempts to increase communication intra-department needs to be supported by all users in a department
* A lack of a defined process for communication (doesn't matter what the process is as long as we all stick to it).

As of now the developers group has the their own trac wiki, regular wiki, and SVN for managing communication and is keeping things rolling. But the support group seems to be mostly in disarray and dysfunctional. Questions that could be answered by looking at the pre-defined points of contact (wikis and ticketing systems).

What are we going to do? With out proper leadership and strong communication we cannot and will continue to not be able to function. The issue with communication is sitting and glaring in the eyes of other departments and divisions. We need to know whats going on with each other and know where we're going. There must be trust between the offices, the ability to know that something is going to be done and that the choice we're making are thought out. Understanding needs to be there that we have needs here that are more than hardware and that hardware is critical to maintaining daily use. Without it we are sunk.

We frustrated and tired and over worked. Each day we wonder what thing will be second guessed next. Each day wondering what change has happened that directly affects how we do business here that we won't find out about until we trip over it. The cohesion that we lack drags down our credibility, and in turn destroys our ability to have sound ideas and concepts taken seriously here.