All Aboard the Decision-Making Express!

Why Waiting for the Perfect Answer Won’t Get Us Anywhere

Making decisions is a lot like standing on a platform watching trains come and go. Some people hop on right away, trusting the journey, while others linger, waiting until every single passenger has the “perfect” ticket, the “right” seat, and maybe even a snack. We’ve all been there—on the sidelines, debating every little detail. But as technologists, we need to be willing to jump on board, even if every “perfect” answer hasn’t arrived yet. Let’s talk about why this matters, and what it means for us as a team to embrace constructive confrontation, “disagree and commit,” and learn to board without delay.

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Constructive Confrontation: The Real Conversation, Not a Shouting Match
Constructive confrontation is like that friend who insists on checking everyone’s travel itinerary. It’s not about fighting over who has the window seat; it’s about saying, “I see your point, but what if we’re off track?” Productive disagreements bring every voice to the platform (literally and figuratively) so that we can choose the best train, together.
I know, “confrontation” can sound like we’re preparing for a clash, but here, it’s just honest communication. It’s the courage to say, “I’m not sure about this,” or, “How about another angle?” Constructive confrontation is simply offering up your perspective for the good of the team. Picture it like this: we’re debating the 10:10 or 10:30 departure for our project’s next phase. Constructive confrontation gives us a holistic view of options and stops us from riding the rails based on assumptions.

Stacy Thought: Use your voice! Don’t just be a yes-person. Bring your unique perspective forward—that’s your value.

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Disagree and Commit: We Don’t All Need Window Seats
Once the conversation’s over and we make a call, it’s time to board—no matter what train we chose. Maybe you wanted the 10:30, but the team went with the 10:10. “Disagree and commit” means that even if it’s not your first pick, you’re going to give it your best shot.
And if we waited until everyone was on board with the “perfect” plan, we’d never leave the station! Standing still only means falling behind, especially in our field, where our competitors certainly aren’t waiting. Our success lies in our agility to adapt and keep moving towards our goals—even if it means taking an unexpected turn here or there.

Stacy Thought: Sometimes, you just need to get on the train. 😊

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The Waiting Game: Perfection vs. Progress
If we wait for every person to feel 100% ready, or for conditions to be “just right,” we’ll never move forward. Decisions are, by nature, snapshots in time; business needs, markets, and technology all evolve faster than we could ever predict. We make decisions based on the best information we have at the moment, and the rest unfolds as we go.

One of my most challenging (and inspiring) bosses used to say, “Perfection is the enemy of good enough.” This same boss also said, “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.” That nugget still resonates! Perfection shouldn’t be the goal—getting to an optimal state is a journey of many steps. Remember, “good enough” is what gets us moving.

Stacy Thought: Don’t let perfection paralyze you. Our job is to aim for progress, not perfection.

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Would We Ever Leave?
If we all waited for the perfect plan, the train would never leave the station. The combination of constructive confrontation, “disagree and commit,” and embracing imperfection is what empowers us to board and keep moving. Making the decision to decide is often the hardest part. And while you may not love every choice, having the courage to commit will ensure we’re always moving forward.

Stacy Thought: So here’s my advice: Gather up, ask tough questions, bring your perspectives to the table, and then commit. It may not be the smoothest journey, but it’s one that’ll take us to the right destination—scenic route and all.

Happy Thursday, everyone, and let’s keep this train rolling!
-srt

What Working the California Election Voting Center Taught Me

Working at a California Election Voting Center for four days was an eye-opening experience that taught me lessons about community engagement, the power of civic duty, and the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into ensuring a fair and seamless voting process. Here’s what I learned about both democracy and the diverse and determined people who help make it work.

1. Community Engagement Runs Deep

Throughout my four days at the center, I met people from all walks of life—different ages, backgrounds, and political beliefs. It was inspiring to see how strongly people felt about their right to vote. This kind of engagement doesn’t happen by chance; it’s a product of deep-rooted connections and a shared belief in making one’s voice heard. Working here reminded me of the importance of community and how an election brings people together to make collective choices for the future.

2. Patience and Empathy Go a Long Way

Helping voters navigate the system taught me the importance of patience. Some people were unfamiliar with the voting process or had questions about procedures. Whether it was explaining the voting machine, clarifying a rule, or simply reassuring someone about their vote’s impact, I learned that patience and empathy are key. Elections can feel overwhelming and being calm and approachable can make all the difference in someone’s experience.

3. The Importance of Transparency

There’s a lot that goes into ensuring the integrity of every vote, from the set-up of the machines to verifying voter registration. Being on the inside, I saw just how many steps are taken to prevent any issues. Every process is carefully monitored, and every rule strictly followed. This transparency builds trust in the voting process. It’s encouraging to know that so many checks are in place to make sure every vote counts.

4. Adaptability is Key

Each day brought something new—unexpected technology issues, busy times when the line would build up, or moments when we had to explain changing policies. As a team, we had to stay adaptable. I learned that flexibility and a readiness to tackle challenges are essential in ensuring everything runs smoothly, especially during peak periods. Election staff are highly trained, and they move quickly to adapt to whatever situations arise.

5. Gratitude for Volunteers and Workers

Before this experience, I hadn’t fully appreciated the dedication of the poll workers and volunteers. Many people devote long hours to ensure the voting process runs smoothly, often sacrificing their time to serve their community. It’s rewarding work, but it’s not without its challenges. Observing their commitment firsthand gave me a new sense of gratitude and respect for those who take on this role.

6. Every Vote Counts—Literally

The volume of voters who came through each day was a powerful reminder that each vote truly matters. Watching people exercise this right—some for the first time, others as part of a long-standing tradition—made me realize how important it is to be counted. Whether the voter was young or elderly, from a small town or a big city, each one had a part to play. Working in this role reinforced my belief in the power of a single vote and the collective impact of everyone’s participation.

Final Thoughts

Working the California Election Voting Center showed me the humanity behind the electoral process and the importance of a dedicated team to ensure it all comes together. The experience was a reminder of why voting matters and how, through both large and small contributions, each of us can strengthen our communities. I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of the two days of community service our company offers; giving back not only enriches us personally but also reinforces the fabric of our communities and the democracy we all rely on.

 Happy Thursday all,

-srt

Five Truths for Growing Your Career: Lessons I Learned Early On (Plus a Bonus)

Throughout my years in the tech industry, I've navigated both successes and challenges, and along the way, I’ve learned a few key truths that have truly made a difference in my career growth. Recently, I was asked about the advice I give to individuals looking to move up and around at the bank, and it got me thinking—these aren’t your typical buzzwords or generic advice you’d find in a motivational speech. These are lessons earned through real-life experience, reflection, and yes, some hard knocks.

So, I thought I’d document five key truths I wish I had fully embraced earlier in my career. I hope they will help you as much as they’ve helped me.

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1. Your Only Competition Is You

It’s easy to get caught up comparing yourself to others, especially in our fast-paced, high-performance industry. But the truth is, the only person you should be competing with is who you were yesterday. My son Brandon taught me this lesson early on when he swam competitively. I would ask him whose time he was going to beat at the next meet, and he would simply reply, "My own." I admired that mindset. Sure enough, he held the best records on his team for years—until his younger brother broke two of them during his senior year. The point is, focus on becoming a better version of yourself every day. Learn more, grow in your skills, and push beyond your comfort zone. Your career isn’t a race against others; it’s a personal journey toward your full potential.

Ask yourself: What can I improve today that will make me better than I was yesterday?

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2. Think Big, Act Small

Dreaming big is vital—it provides direction and motivation. And trust me, I am a BIG dreamer. But when it comes to execution, starting small is the key to success. Big goals can be overwhelming if you try to tackle them all at once. Break them down into manageable steps, and celebrate each small victory along the way. Consistent, incremental progress is how you ultimately achieve something significant.

Ask yourself: What’s one small step I can take today to move closer to my big goals?

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3. Break Free from the Herd

Innovation doesn’t happen by following the crowd. To truly stand out in your career, you must be willing to break free from conventional thinking and take risks. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo or bring up new ideas, even if they seem unconventional. The most successful people in any field didn’t get there by playing it safe—they dared to be different.

Ask yourself: What’s one bold move I can make today that will set me apart?

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4. Stop Worrying About What Others Think

This is easier said than done, but it’s one of the most liberating truths. I’ve been there—overthinking what others might think and allowing fear to dictate my decisions. It was paralyzing. But at some point, I realized that I can’t control how others perceive me. I decided to focus on what I can control—being authentic, working with integrity, staying curious, and surrounding myself with brilliant people. The reality is, you can’t control other people’s thoughts, so don’t let that hold you back. Trust your instincts and make decisions that align with your values.

Ask yourself: Am I making this decision for myself, or to please others?

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5. Discipline Beats Motivation

Motivation is fleeting. Some days you’ll wake up ready to conquer the world, and other days you’ll struggle to find the energy to get out of bed. That’s where discipline comes in. Discipline keeps you moving forward when motivation fades. Establish routines, hold yourself accountable, and keep showing up—even on the tough days. Over time, discipline builds momentum, and momentum leads to success. If you haven’t already, I recommend reading The 5 AM Club. While some parts are a little whimsical, it drives home the importance of discipline.

Ask yourself: How can I build discipline into my daily routine to ensure progress even on the hard days?

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Bonus Truth: Embrace Discomfort to Grow

Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. If you’re not feeling challenged, you’re not pushing yourself hard enough. Embracing discomfort is key to both personal and professional development. It’s when you tackle tasks that stretch your abilities, face difficult conversations, or take on unfamiliar challenges that real growth happens. Discomfort is temporary, but the growth is lasting.

Ask yourself: What discomfort am I avoiding, and how can I lean into it to grow?

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By embracing these truths early on, I found clarity and direction in my career. Growth is a continuous process, but these principles are timeless. Remember, your path to success is uniquely yours. Applying these lessons consistently can set you up for long-term success.

I encourage you to take these insights to heart and reflect on how they might apply to your own journey. 

Let’s keep pushing boundaries—individually and as a team.

Stay disciplined, dream big, embrace discomfort, and break free!

Happy Thursday all,

-srt