Two days before the Phase 1 closing, the kickoff for Phase 2 of the project is set. NextGen has decided for an overnight stay in an exclusive resort in a nearby province. This will serve as celebration and team building for the next project phase.
After the presentation of the Phase 2 plans and framework, the COO of NextGen has made some announcement.
"As the Project Sponsor and Chairman of the Project Steering Committee, I am truly honored to have led this project team and proud of the achievement of this collaboration." Apparently NextGen has expanded is acquiring one of the biggest applications for eCommerce and the COO had to focus on the transition.
"I feel confident that the person who will continue to manage the project is very capable of driving the outcome of Phase 2. I am formally turning over the Chairmanship of the Steering Committee to Tim Connor." A round of applause can be heard from the room, the COO continued "beginning today all final decisions on behalf on NextGen will be made by Tim. Thank you everyone and I sincerely hope that you all continue to give your best in this project. "
Tim gave a brief speech to formally accept the role and requested the Project Management Team to stay for a couple of minutes for some high-level directions.
"As you know the major modules for the solution package will be delivered in this phase. I expect everyone to ensure that the tasks are managed and executed as planned. All risks have to be assessed that planned responses are still relevant." He then turned to Jim and said, "I am looking forward for your expertise in getting this delivered."
Jim nodded his head in acceptance of the responsibilities.
With the new steering committee leadership, Pam wanted to ensure that the process and framework will remain. She raised to confirm this assumption, "Tim are we keeping the bi-monthly steering committee meeting and the escalation protocol?"
"Yes Pamela, just because I am not chairing the committee doesn't mean the process need to change." The sarcasm was too obvious and prompted Pam to reason out.
"I am just trying to confirm since you mentioned the criticality of the modules to be delivered maybe you want a weekly…" before she even gets to complete her statement Tim cut her.
"Let's focus on getting the milestones achieved as planned. Changing the process now doesn't add any value"
Jim, Ronna and some other attendees in the room exchange glances feeling the tension out of a simple discussion. Pam is aware of this and is at the verge of losing her cool.
"I totally agree with you Mr. Connor," she sounded too distant and formal, "since the plans for Phase 2 is well prepared and this is the last leg of the program, I think Jim should be in best position to present the project status over the committee. My role is of no value, Jim is capable enough to manage the committee.
Looking at it, this makes sense not to mention that Jim is a seasoned Project Manager. Presenting and facilitating the committee discussion is something that will prepare him for a Program Management role in the future and at the same time provide firsthand account of the issues requiring committee decision.
"Why am I not surprised with this decision Pamela…" Tim continued after letting out a smirk, "do you always leave as you please?"
The last words he said rendered Pam speechless. Is he hinting on how she suddenly left him 7 years ago? She clenched both her hands and took a deep breath.
"I mean do you always leave a project as you please?" Tim restated but it did not make any difference at all. He was playing with word to shot daggers at Pam. "If you believe you are of no value, regardless of what I will say or opinion I don't think it will matter isn't it?"
He is clearly pointing out my sudden disappearance. He has clearly used the moment to make it sound like I am an irresponsible project partner. 'I will not let you play with my sanity Tim.'
"I do apologize if this is how it sounded, it was irresponsible of me to make those remarks. I will continue to perform the role with everyone else's support. Thank you for calling that out." She said this in a very calm manner. Inside she is consoling herself that this is just work.
Later after the meeting just as they are about to go home, "what's with the two of you?" Ronna asked Pam. "I get this weird feeling that you have worked together for a long time."
"Stop the nonsense." Pam immediately dismissed Ronna's observations.
Jim was observing the two, he doesn't want to add burden to Pam, but he thinks the same way as Ronna. After the short discussion has been adjourned even the workstream leaders from NextGen was confused of the situation. Like Pam and Tim having bad blood. Some are even speculating that they have history of competition.
"The argument came out of nowhere." Ronna could still not forget the exchange earlier, "does he hate you for asking?"
'Yes, he hates for leaving him first for hurting his ego.' Pam wanted to blurt out but chose to ignore Ronna.
"If I had not known, I would assume you were old flames bickering." She rolled her eyes as she mumbled the as if remembering something in a hurried and excited tone, "Whatever, 2 days from now is team celebration and camaraderie. Let's recharge in this 5-star exclusive resort!"
'Indeed, we are an old flame and I don't know why I continue to be burnt this way.' This is what she wanted to say but has to hold it in.
"I might be going back to Singapore for couple of days." Pam has completely lost her interest in this activity. She is not lying though that the office in Singapore is calling her back however, she was given the flexibility choose schedule convenient for her within the month.
"Oh no! You cannot miss this…please!"
"It's not like I am running away or what, you can ask from the office in Singapore." Pam is confident that Ronna will not go to the extent of confirming this back in Singapore.
"Do you want to hear~ is this how you participate in a project team building exercise?" Ronna tried to copy Tim's accent when she spoke. This brought Pam and Jim into laughter.
"Oh Tim," Jim said in a very serious tone with face alerted as he looked towards the project war room door.
Ronna turned and bowed her head "Sorry Tim we were just having light and fun moment. Please…" she suddenly realized Tim was not there. Jim and Pam continued to laugh at how silly she was.
Pam has momentarily forgot how she felt a while ago. She is now contemplating on talking to Tim. Maybe if he tells him why she left before, things will have closure. She doesn't know how she will start the discussion without telling him what she heard directly from his mouth. She is afraid that Tim will just deny it and continue to make her feel miserable whenever he sees opportunity. Just like how the storm came out of nowhere today.