I think I'm over my job

8 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 25,2024 at 7:46PM UTC

   I completely understand. What I have done is slow way down. I no longer turn things around immediately. I also only offer the bare minimum detail and force the stakeholders to come back multiple times with specific requests so soon they learned to only request the bare minimum from me, are specific and to give me plenty of lead time. I then move at my comfortable pace. I put plenty of time between responses.

   It has improved my stress and overwhelme significantly and also served to highlight the repeat offenders so I can call them out in my status reports and 1:1s.

2. AnonymousNovember 25,2024 at 8:16PM UTC

   Set the pace and the ground rules and they will follow. It may help to send a survey out what is needed. It doesn't mean they will get it, but it could help open the door for communication.

3. AnonymousNovember 25,2024 at 9:42PM UTC

   I've found people who keep asking for more details are generally just wasting their time as a form of procrastination. The real Rockstars move more quickly connecting the dots and doing the work. They are more concise and clear.

4. AnonymousNovember 27,2024 at 2:04PM UTC

   I'm in that club too - nothing is good enough. I went on a week's vacation and did not take the laptop and did not log in on Sunday night. I am only a 'meets expectations. I try to motivate myself but it is hard in this type of climate.

5. AnonymousNovember 27,2024 at 2:19PM UTC

   You can avoid this by asking the stakeholders more questions up front. Often they don't know what they want or what data is available so instead of just treating like an order, ask probing questions. What do they want the outcome to look like? What problem or goal are they trying to address? What kind of insights do they expect? It may help provide better analytical reports if you have a better understanding of what they're trying to achieve.

6. AnonymousNovember 29,2024 at 4:55PM UTC

   Pre-plan before doing anything ask everything before each project. If it's not in the preplan just say no!

7. AnonymousNovember 30,2024 at 4:57PM UTC

   1. Define Scope Clearly

   Detailed Documentation: Start with a clear, detailed project scope statement. This should include deliverables, timelines, and boundaries.

   Stakeholder Agreement: Ensure all stakeholders agree and sign off on the scope before starting the project.

   2. Implement Change Control Processes

   Change Requests: Establish a formal process for submitting and approving changes. This helps manage changes systematically and ensures they are evaluated for impact on time, cost, and resources.

   Change Control Board: Set up a change control board to review and approve changes.

   3. Communicate Regularly

   Regular Updates: Keep stakeholders informed with regular updates on project progress and any potential scope changes.

   Feedback Loop: Create channels for continuous feedback and adjustments.

   4. Prioritize Changes

   Impact Assessment: Assess the impact of proposed changes on the project. Prioritize changes based on their importance and urgency.

   Trade-offs: Negotiate with stakeholders to prioritize or trade-off requirements.

   5. Monitor Project Progress

   Track Deviations: Continuously monitor the project for deviations from the original scope.

   Adjust Plans: Re-baseline the project schedule or plan after incorporating approved changes.

   6. Educate the Team

   Awareness: Educate the project team about the risks of scope creep and the importance of adhering to the defined scope.

   Training: Provide training on change management and scope management techniques.

   7. Avoid Gold Plating

   Stick to Requirements: Avoid adding extra features or functionalities that were not originally agreed upon.

   Focus on Value: Focus on delivering value within the agreed scope.

8. AnonymousDecember 1,2024 at 3:06AM UTC

   You've made yourself too accessible, so now stakeholders are ding-donging you for everything. Instead, ( And I know this is going to be hard for you to do)... don't be so easily accessible or nice. Keep the clients at arms length...don't answer emails and calls IMMEDIATELY...etc