Dear Wayne … advice from the PM trenches

Defense AT&L, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Wayne Turk

As a project manager and someone who has been around for a while, people frequently ask me for advice. Whether you are new to the workforce or a seasoned employee, the following pointers can help you do a better job, move up in the organization, and keep out of trouble. For you managers, they may also be worthwhile ideas to pass on to those who work for you. At the worst, the suggestions won't hurt and, I hope, will help someone during a working career. Most of my tips come from my own experiences (not always positive experiences, I have to admit). Why not learn from my mistakes or those that I have seen, rather than making them yourself?

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Take the jobs that nobody else wants

How to stand out and maybe even become the office shining star; Take on the jobs or projects that nobody else wants--those that are difficult or the ones where others have failed.

Some people shy away from taking on a project where others have had problems. They don't want to taint their records with possible failure. But it's actually a win-win situation. If you do find a way to achieve success, you'll make a name for yourself. If you don't, nobody expected you to anyway--but if you've made a significant effort, the boss will notice your hard work (assuming that he or she is a good boss). A warning, though: Don't take on one of these jobs or projects and just kiss it off because you know you aren't expected to succeed. That won't help you at all and may hurt you.

I can think of one young man who was assigned to be the coordinator for charitable contributions for a government organization. It was considered a trivial job by some and a lot of work for no real reward. He got the job because he was the new guy, and nobody else wanted it. He didn't either, but once he was assigned the job, he decided to give it his best effort. He ended up surpassing the organizational goal by a large percentage. Not only his boss noticed, but other senior managers did too. It wasn't long before the young man was tapped for another project, this time a desirable one that many others did want. He was given the project because he'd been noticed for his hard work on the charity drive. He went on to become a success with a number of promotions along the way. All because of the jump start that he got from doing a good job on that one project that no one else wanted. Of course, he also continued to work hard, and that helped.

Don't burn any bridges

So you are leaving your current job and planning to tell everyone exactly what you think of them? Bad idea! It's a very small world out there. Unless you have won the lottery and are going off to live in splendor, there is too much chance that you may need some of these people in the future, that you'll see them professionally or socially, or that they'll know someone in your new job or the one after. At most, it is seven degrees of separation between any two people in the United States, and if you are staying in the same field or place, it can be a lot fewer than seven. People remember and--innocently or maliciously--may say something that could damage you or your reputation. Why take the chance? Even if you are changing professions and geographic locations, don't burn any bridges. The good feeling you get from telling off one or a few people is temporary, and it's not worth the potential repercussions. The same goes for other scenarios that involve doing something based on your emotions that others might perceive as unprofessional.

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Reach out a helping hand

Be willing to assist others, especially if you have knowledge that can help them do their jobs.

Helping others shouldn't be allowed to negatively impact your own work, but taking the time to assist coworkers usually has a very positive payback. Answering questions, providing ideas, editing a document, helping on someone else's project, mentoring, giving advice, welcoming a new person into the organization and helping him or her get settled--even something like helping to move furniture--all make others feel in your debt. Then they are more willing to help you when you need it. And you will need help at some point. A helping hand doesn't only support the person you helped, but it also helps your organization. All of that reflects well on you.

Give credit, don't take it

Learn to give accolades to those around you when they do something good or are helpful to you. This goes for recognizing the contributions of those under you and your peers. It it especially true for managers but also pays dividends no matter where in the chain of command you fall.

Be quick to share the credit for a job well done. Trying to hog the credit for an idea or a successful project might get you recognition or help you move up in the short run, but it certainly won't help over the long term. Word will get around, and people won't want to work with you on the next project. Another thing: When you give credit to others, most people assume that you were a part of the reason for success and are just being humble. Perceived humility is a good thing. Perceived egotism for claiming the credit due others is not.