Covert Leadership Agents respond to readers’ questions in the Covert Answers feature.
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Dear Agents:
I just (about a week ago) got promoted to a new position and I’m feeling completely overwhelmed with the amount of work. Should I tell anyone I need help? How can I do that without totally losing credibility? Help!
-ABH
Agent N1 says:
First of all, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Take several long, deep breaths.
When your heart rate is down to normal, make a list of your key short term objectives or responsibilities (jobs typically have three to five objectives).
For each one, brainstorm the components and tasks required in a bulleted list. Don’t worry about details or order, just make a list of all the things you can think of, which you need to do to accomplish the short term objective/responsibility.
Reorder the bullet list into chronological order. Add specifics and as much detail to each item as possible. Put a timeline next to each item, working backwards from your deadline (if you have one). Add people to whom you will delegate tasks (if appropriate).
You should now have a very specific and manageable to do list.
If you have blanks in your list or do not know how to do something, ask for help.
Ideally you will ask your supervisor. Because you have done the pre work, you will not lose credibility – quite the opposite! Your supervisor will consider you to be a professional. They will appreciate your honesty and concern for quality. And above all, they will be flattered that you felt they had the skills and knowledge to help you help them achieve results for the team.
If your supervisor is not available (whether literally or figuratively), then ask a peer who has the experience you are just gaining. Again, they should feel flattered, and because you have thought the problem through, will be impressed with your honesty and dedication to doing things right.
Remember, everyone like to feel useful. When you demonstrate your willingness to support the bigger objectives, and ask for help, people will consider you a professional, worthy team member. Good luck with the new job!!
Agent C1 says:
Congratulations on your promotion!
First, remember there is a reason you were promoted. Tell yourself “I can do it. And I am capable.”
OK, now you have to face the reality. Here is my recommendation.
Step 1: Prioritize your tasks. Categorize your tasks as (a) important, (b) urgent (c) not important (d) not urgent. As you can see, (a) important and (b) urgent should be your first priority.
Step 2: In the first priority category, make a list of tasks which you can delegate to others, and tasks which you have to do by yourself.
Step 3: At this point, you should feel so much better and feel you are in control.
Step 4: If you still feel overwhelmed and need help, bring this list to your supervisor and seek for her/his advice. Your list is already well organized, so you won’t give an impression to your supervisor that you are lost. And also your supervisor gets a chance to review how you think about your tasks, and correct and modify your decisions. Which means you will have less risk of failing.
Good luck!
Some other agents and readers out there may have great suggestion as well…
What would you do if you were ABH? — please comment below!
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