Uncover the 'Why' Before Diving In: React with Purpose Instead of Impulse

Starting a new project or job, while exciting, can be a roller coaster of emotions. Each time I’ve had to start something new in my career my sole focus was to show my team and my manager that I am the perfect person for this job.

Because the worst thing that someone can do is show that they don’t know what they are talking about, right? Not necessarily…. 

Submitted for the consideration of the Midday Society:

“The tale of the overzealous employee”

Fear is a big motivator for keeping quiet and making assumptions in the workplace. I’ve been asked  to put together presentations and quarterly reports before, and because I didn’t ask clarifying questions the work I delivered was wrong. When this happens, you'll likely receive disappointing feedback that may shake your confidence and cause you to doubt your abilities. This is when the infamous Imposter Syndrome enters the chat.

Thinking back on it now, it’s crazy that I expected myself to perform perfectly and have all the right answers at the beginning with little experience. That’s just not possible because people communicate in different ways and you can’t be expected to know what you don't know. Asking questions (while my mom tells me I ask too many) helps you get to the root of the ask. It’s how you better understand the why behind the work.  The #1 mistake I see people who are early in their careers make is not asking enough questions, and not taking the time to break down what an assignment is about. 

Taking time to take stock of what you are trying to accomplish will save you time and wasted effort. 

Here are a few tips to help you along the way before you act: 

• Make sure you fully understand the ask, task, or project at hand
• Ask clarifying questions where gaps exist (ie. what are the deadlines, who is the audience, ask if there are resources for this deliverable etc.) 
• Validate your approach. If you have an idea of how to do the work, double check your approach with your manager or project lead to see if they’re aligned. Most of the time it’s appreciated and will give you confidence that you are on the right track
• Gather resources and make sure you have the right tools before you begin (reference docs, latest insights, or revenue numbers etc.).
• Plan what the output will be (google doc, email, presentation, one sheet) so you are creating something tangible
• Stay focused and be mentally prepared for things to change. Projects can take twists and turns so you need to be able to roll with the changes and continue to ask questions along the way so you don’t lose sight of the end goal.  

Remember you have many opportunities to show people how you operate. Show them you're ready and have a process to ensure it’s done in the best way possible.