A tongue-in-cheek look at Data Services.

It's a rare occurrence these days, but if one has been around an organization for a long enough amount of time, one may acquire a certain "long-view" of that organization. One becomes sort of an unofficial oral-historian, a keeper of the traditions or simply one who- like Roger Miller's famed "King of the Road"- knows "every engineer on every train, all of the children and all of their names... and ev'ry handout in ev'ry town, and every door that ain't locked when no one's around". In my organization, I fill this role. I'm also the department's Scrounger. If you've ever seen "The Great Escape", James Garner's character is my model. The interesting thing about our department is that although I've been there for ~nine years, I'm not closest to being the "old-timer".

That's me.

Still in addition to that, I have a few odd things that distinguish me from everyone else in the department.

First, I'm the only person in our department who was rehired after a RIF (reduction in force- and to be fair, our facility has only has one RIF). Next, I'm the only one who was hired without a background in our industry or experience in the job. Finally, I'm the only person (quite possibly in the entire plant) who has worked almost every possible shift: 1st (~0800-1700), 2nd (1600-0000) 3rd (2000-0500) and 3 day/4 day (nights 1900-0700 three days per week with alternating Sundays).  In other words, I've been around. I'd like to introduce you to some of my coworkers- past and present.

Now, before I begin, I have to say that not everyone has a nickname, and not all nicknames will be universally recognized, even internally. Also, not all of the names are real... some have been changed to protect the innocent- and the guilty! And, to completely protect everyone, there will also be a few dummy coworkers and nicknames.

For starters, there are Papa and Auntie. This pair is not related in any way, except possibly for their nicknames. Then there would be The Princess, E-Man and J.R.- their connection is their school. And then, there's Banana, The Colonel, The Dancer and the Man with Three First Names, along with The Golden Child, the Gnome and the Fresh Prince of Data Services. We also have The Lurker, the Latin Lover, Cube, Z-Man, Chaz-Baby, My Bookie, Buttercup and Nameless.

And, The Mole.There are several others, but decorum and space prohibit them being discussed.

In conclusion, I apologize for saying next to nothing about anyone, but please consider this whirlwind listing something of a dramatis personae of  my department. I think I have a bit more license than Nameless gives me, but just to be safe, I'm respecting their wishes. Keep this handy, though: in future blogs, you might want to refer to it!

I'm betting YOUR organization also has a similar group of individuals- friends, coworkers or associates- who make or break your day. Mine have been more blessing than challenge. I'd love to hear about yours.

As always, I am hochspeyer, blogging data analysis and management so you don't have to.