Getting up to speed quickly on new projects
Asking the right questions is always the answer.
In my work as a consultant, I’m often brought in to work on an initiative they haven’t been able to put staff resources behind. These projects, so far, have all been cross functional and often require collaboration with other team members, setting up new processes or adjusting current ones, and creating documents to keep everyone aligned.
This work requires me to get up to speed on the organization’s staff, procedures, and tools quickly. I need to work with others who may or may not have been brought into the conversation about why I’m working on the project or how we’ll work together. The level of introduction and explanation from leadership can vary greatly.
When it comes down to it, I really need others’ help. I have no institutional knowledge. I need to know where files are kept, what acronyms mean, and who handles different kinds of problems. I need others to be motivated to work with me.
While a quick introduction and general paragraph about my background is helpful, I’ve found the best way to get aligned is to ask the right questions.
What does your day to day look like?
How much time do you spend on this type of work?
What kind of work do you really enjoy doing and feel like you are best at?
How can my work make your life easier?
It reminds me of a very instructive tool I used a few years ago when I was moving into a new role. I met with every person in the newsroom and asked them: How close are you to your dream job?
My role at the time often meant that I was the receiver of complaints, so I didn’t have high hopes for the answers. But surprisingly, nearly everyone said they were very close to their dream job. They would often name one or two small to medium things that they would want to change. I put all of those things—or the reasonable requests, at least—into a to do list, and I went to work.
People want to feel seen and appreciated, and I’ve found that when you can show up as true partners trying to understand each other, the collaboration skyrockets.
What I’m reading
Columbia Journalism Review: Q&A: Ryan Lizza on the RFK Scandal, His New Venture, and Politico’s ‘Appalling’ Threats
The Joint Account: Identify your priorities before your backs are against the wall
Things You’ll Learn The Hard Way: Knowledge enables power, execution guarantees it
The best thing I made this week
As I was about to pile random things on a plate for a Girl Dinner Sunday, I decided to spend a few minutes to make myself an actual dish: gnocchi with bacon cream sauce.
One more thing
It’s Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Month, which is the severe condition I had during my pregnancy. I’m working with the HER Foundation on their comms this month. Follow us on Instagram if you want to learn more.
See you next week,
Rachel
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