Ms. Wong. This article is truly amazing.
You give three different examples: "the users were very upset, they absolutely refused...", "my company was furious", "the company had a hard time selling the product," and you finish with "I can still say it is a successful project because I have done my best."
You say, "Success is in the eye of the beholder." Yes, and while you are the centre of your own universe, I guess all is well.
"How can I feel responsible for the failure of projects due to causes over which I have no control?" If you came to work for me, I'd expect you to participate actively in creating *business* success. Singing the c.y.a. song, you wouldn't last long.
The world is changing, as is the definition of success. Many workplaces I visit would find this attitude an obstacle to achieving true success: that is, where the customer gets something that pleases and delights them (which may not match what they asked for in initial requirements).
Are you contributing to communication that produces more value, at work? Or just fulfilling requirements? Here's an article on an evolutionary project approach that values communication and puts the customer first. If you are curious to see what work (even DBA work) looks like in some other organizations, have a look!
http://www.agilemodeling.com/essays/agileUsability.htm
Deborah Hartmann
Agile Community Editor