Sistertech has been busy consulting with the folks in Cupertino. They're trying to put out the fires Steve started with the iPhone 4. Morale is incredibly low. Plenty of people think this issue with the antenna and the faulty software is enough to change its name to the "iFlub" instead of the iPhone.
As often happens in such cases, Apple's Incident Team is circling the wagons. On the eve of the presser tomorrow, one question kept coming up: "Are mistakes inevitable?" For some of the guys it was clearly an attempt to find a way to evade responsibility for something that purports to be an anomalous, but deeply troubling, failure to attend to the details. Focus clearly was lost.
But for others the question has nothing to do with "covering one's backside". It's evidence of an existential crisis. Who am I? What am I? And what responsibility accrues to me based on who and what I am?
Frankly, Sistertech was a bit surprised by the angst.
"Look, you guys. Even I'm not perfect. And in case you haven't noticed, you're not an angel, you're human. That doesn't let you off the hook, though. You do have a responsibility. You're responsible for remembering your humanity. This means there's likely to be mistakes made from time to time. I directed them to prayer 1.6.3 in The Book of Uncommon Prayer. We took a moment to pray:
Gracious One In Charge,
Help me and others to remember that you are perfect and I am not. I trust in your compassion and forgiveness for all my mistakes and errors.
Amen.
"And there is another aspect I want you to consider. I know some of you aren't terribly religious. That's fine with me! I'm not very religious myself, but that's another story. But I remember the investiture of some of you. Remember that glorious day? The day you dedicated yourselves to the occupation, no, to the vocation of being technicians? I encourage you to revisit that day and remember the words and prayers offered. As long as you're human, mistakes will always be possible. But that doesn't mean that they're inevitable." Prayer 5.2 begins:
My brother (or sister), every Technician is called to follow information technology practices, serving The One In Charge, through the power of the spirit of innovation. The One In Charge now calls you to a special ministry of servanthood directly under your supervisor. In the name of The One In Charge, you are to serve all computers and networks, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely. As a Technician in your community, you are to study the holy manuals, to seek nourishment from technical journals, magazines, and blogs, and to model your life upon them.
I could see the stress leaving their furrowed brows. Yea, their relief was palpable. They understood that by focusing on detail they help themselves immeasurably. Sistertech called on them to imagine crafting an iPhone 4 for a loved one. "Would you be sure to offer the best possible? Would you check for flaws? Of course. Nothing but the best would do. These are the marks of a committed person, are they not? Then the answer is simple. Your oath supports your gift. Focus on that. Do that. Reclaim that."
"Sure, mistakes may occur from time to time," I said. "But believe me when I tell you that dedication covers a multitude of software and design flaws. Unfortunately, it also means having to say you're sorry. Good luck with that, guys."
