How to not make the same mistakes at new job
August 1, 2021 7:18 PM Subscribe
I've just accepted a new full time job after consulting for a bit. I've had a pattern of being unhappy in previous jobs because I feel like I've been stuck in an admin rut.
My background is in admin/coordination and though my last few jobs have been ostensibly more than that, I have felt like I haven't been given the opportunity to really expand beyond that admin function. On reflection, I think I'm at least partially doing this to myself. The admin parts of my jobs are where I feel confident and comfortable and I haven't taken the opportunity to expand into other areas, even if they are meant to be part of my role. My new role is a great opportunity to learn and grow and I'm looking for some tips and tricks for how to take initiative to take on more responsibility and how to deal with, for lack of a better term, imposter syndrome.
Looking for online articles, books, or your own experience.
My background is in admin/coordination and though my last few jobs have been ostensibly more than that, I have felt like I haven't been given the opportunity to really expand beyond that admin function. On reflection, I think I'm at least partially doing this to myself. The admin parts of my jobs are where I feel confident and comfortable and I haven't taken the opportunity to expand into other areas, even if they are meant to be part of my role. My new role is a great opportunity to learn and grow and I'm looking for some tips and tricks for how to take initiative to take on more responsibility and how to deal with, for lack of a better term, imposter syndrome.
Looking for online articles, books, or your own experience.
Response by poster: By admin I mean support. Like Project or Program Coordination. And it would be more accurate to say that I was working as a contractor rather than a consultant. I think where I'm stuck is in taking direction from another person(s) and not seeing into more of a proactive role even when that's what it should be on paper.
posted by My Kryptonite is Worry at 10:17 PM on August 1, 2021
posted by My Kryptonite is Worry at 10:17 PM on August 1, 2021
Perhaps it's a question of what you feel responsible for. What is the scope of things of which it's true that, if they fail, the failure is partially yours, and if things go right, you own some of the success?
posted by SemiSalt at 5:14 AM on August 2, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by SemiSalt at 5:14 AM on August 2, 2021 [2 favorites]
For most things where you have to change a habit, some sort of check in is valuable. Something where you have time set aside to ask yourself "what problems here could I be getting involved in solving? How did I respond to hearing about them and do I want to change that?" Pot some time in your calendar for that sort of strategic thinking.
posted by Lady Li at 7:55 AM on August 2, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by Lady Li at 7:55 AM on August 2, 2021 [2 favorites]
I have observed (in myself and the people I've supervised) the same problems you identify: People who are good at something often do that thing, both because they are good at it (so it's satisfying short term) and it's what other people ask them to do.
IMO the "easiest" way to develop in this situation is if you can grab individual projects that have a concrete deliverable that you will be responsible for outside your area of expertise. So you need to get yourself up to speed to do it, and when your done you have a nice accomplishment to look back on that is also satisfying. If you can't find a projects like this (and it's often hard) get as close as you can, like saying "I want to handle all widget maintenance requests for the next two months."
For me at least the public announcement and accountability means I'm committed enough to focus on it because I really don't want to fail after I've done that. Not that failing after putting in the time is always that bad--I at least learn something having tried and failed.
Obviously use judgment about what you can do and what the impact of being late or sub-par on a specific project or responsibility will be.
I tend to think the *worst* approach is formal training, shadowing someone, working as a backup role, and so on. These might be important steps to get to the above point, but so often IME they just end up transferring about 10% of the skills you need, and if you don't immediately use them you promptly forget.
posted by mark k at 11:47 AM on August 2, 2021 [1 favorite]
IMO the "easiest" way to develop in this situation is if you can grab individual projects that have a concrete deliverable that you will be responsible for outside your area of expertise. So you need to get yourself up to speed to do it, and when your done you have a nice accomplishment to look back on that is also satisfying. If you can't find a projects like this (and it's often hard) get as close as you can, like saying "I want to handle all widget maintenance requests for the next two months."
For me at least the public announcement and accountability means I'm committed enough to focus on it because I really don't want to fail after I've done that. Not that failing after putting in the time is always that bad--I at least learn something having tried and failed.
Obviously use judgment about what you can do and what the impact of being late or sub-par on a specific project or responsibility will be.
I tend to think the *worst* approach is formal training, shadowing someone, working as a backup role, and so on. These might be important steps to get to the above point, but so often IME they just end up transferring about 10% of the skills you need, and if you don't immediately use them you promptly forget.
posted by mark k at 11:47 AM on August 2, 2021 [1 favorite]
Having bridged this gap myself, with many of the same stumbling blocks - I would suggest finding a way to become the subject matter expert in what you do.
For instance, if you've been hired to be the Program Coordinator for the Widgets Program, learn everything there is to know about Widgets. Learn so much that you have your own opinions about Widgets, informed by what you've learned. And when you're in meetings about Widgets, speak up with those opinions in such a way that your knowledge is clear to the group.
Alternately, just ask your boss what you can take off their plate - and then own that, beginning to end. Make decisions about it and carry them out. If you're not sure of something or not quite ready to fly without a net, ask your boss - but ask in such a way that it's clear you've already thought your way through it. "Hey, Boss, I'm working on (X) project and we need to do (Y) now. Given (Z) facts I know, I think our next steps should be 1, 2, and 3, but wanted to confirm with you before I pull the trigger." A good boss will recognize that as someone new making a real effort to understand and excel at their role. Eventually you'll know enough that you won't have to confirm - and your boss will trust you enough to let you have that responsibility.
That second method also has the benefit of building your confidence in your work, along with your boss's confidence in your work. My own boss never fails to agree with my take on that sort of thing, because it saves her having to think it through herself.
Finally - if someone sends you + your boss a question and you're sure you know the answer, jump in with it! Don't wait for your boss to do it. That shows everybody that they can trust you to handle questions like that.
(Disclaimer: These suggestions assume at least a moderately functional relationship with the boss; if they're a micromanager or they just suck at their job, it's a whole different ball game.)
posted by invincible summer at 2:46 PM on August 2, 2021 [3 favorites]
For instance, if you've been hired to be the Program Coordinator for the Widgets Program, learn everything there is to know about Widgets. Learn so much that you have your own opinions about Widgets, informed by what you've learned. And when you're in meetings about Widgets, speak up with those opinions in such a way that your knowledge is clear to the group.
Alternately, just ask your boss what you can take off their plate - and then own that, beginning to end. Make decisions about it and carry them out. If you're not sure of something or not quite ready to fly without a net, ask your boss - but ask in such a way that it's clear you've already thought your way through it. "Hey, Boss, I'm working on (X) project and we need to do (Y) now. Given (Z) facts I know, I think our next steps should be 1, 2, and 3, but wanted to confirm with you before I pull the trigger." A good boss will recognize that as someone new making a real effort to understand and excel at their role. Eventually you'll know enough that you won't have to confirm - and your boss will trust you enough to let you have that responsibility.
That second method also has the benefit of building your confidence in your work, along with your boss's confidence in your work. My own boss never fails to agree with my take on that sort of thing, because it saves her having to think it through herself.
Finally - if someone sends you + your boss a question and you're sure you know the answer, jump in with it! Don't wait for your boss to do it. That shows everybody that they can trust you to handle questions like that.
(Disclaimer: These suggestions assume at least a moderately functional relationship with the boss; if they're a micromanager or they just suck at their job, it's a whole different ball game.)
posted by invincible summer at 2:46 PM on August 2, 2021 [3 favorites]
Best answer: "My new role is a great opportunity to learn and grow and I'm looking for some tips and tricks for how to take initiative to take on more responsibility and how to deal with, for lack of a better term, imposter syndrome."
Your biggest source of truly helpful information here is listening to your own thoughts and feelings as you approach your work, your new role, and learning new things. You want to be listening for what's comfortable for you (what you already know, your happy place), what's deeply uncomfortable for you (your triggers for fear, imposter syndrome, self-sabotage), and what's in that sweet spot — where you can use your current strengths (what's comfortable) AND push yourself slightly outside your comfort zone into new territory, without going too far and tripping your Flight/Fight/Freeze response, e.g., the panic buttons.
You may find that you have low tolerance for pushing yourself in certain ways. You may surprise yourself with what you can do in other ways. Regardless, you're building up a new stretching muscles. It's hard at first, it gets easier.
posted by iamkimiam at 3:32 PM on August 2, 2021 [2 favorites]
Your biggest source of truly helpful information here is listening to your own thoughts and feelings as you approach your work, your new role, and learning new things. You want to be listening for what's comfortable for you (what you already know, your happy place), what's deeply uncomfortable for you (your triggers for fear, imposter syndrome, self-sabotage), and what's in that sweet spot — where you can use your current strengths (what's comfortable) AND push yourself slightly outside your comfort zone into new territory, without going too far and tripping your Flight/Fight/Freeze response, e.g., the panic buttons.
You may find that you have low tolerance for pushing yourself in certain ways. You may surprise yourself with what you can do in other ways. Regardless, you're building up a new stretching muscles. It's hard at first, it gets easier.
posted by iamkimiam at 3:32 PM on August 2, 2021 [2 favorites]
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posted by kevinbelt at 8:11 PM on August 1, 2021 [2 favorites]