5 Actions for Challenging Tasks : Part I

Action 1 : Be Prepared

The first and most essential step of dealing with a challenging task, is to be as well prepared as possible.

While it is impossible to prepare for every situation, there are steps that one can take, to set yourself up for success as far as possible.

Throughout my career, I found that by using these small but vital steps, I was able to start any challenging task with an advantage.

Preparing yourself well can be applied to almost any situation.
But it is especially useful when you are faced with a task in the workplace that you find challenging.

Below are 5 key points to consider


1. Understand the Brief

  • Know exactly what is expected of you
  • Understand the scope of the task and what the expected outcome is

2. Know the various role players

  • Find out who fits in where, what they do, and the role they play in your project or task
  • Keep important names and contact details handy (don’t underestimate this important step)
  • It helps to add a brief note or description about them and their role, alongside

3. Plan ahead

  • Plan and prepare: use a programme or app that works for you, to keep track of your project
  • You may choose to use more than one planning tool, but remember that the simpler the better
  • Use something that is uncomplicated, easily accessible, and saves you time
  • After trying many different tools, I still find a plain notebook the easiest, most uncomplicated method
  • Use your planning tool regularly and keep it updated with the latest project or task info
  • Hint: it’s no use having a great tool that is rarely used!

4. Keep Records

  • Start a filing system of your choice on your device and keep it updated
  • File regularly and in an orderly manner
  • Keep everything that is relevant and necessary, on file
  • Sensitive data should be protected with a password or encrypted system
  • Backup your info regularly

5. Be on time

  • Keep track of important dates by using and updating your calendar regularly
  • Set calendar prompts
  • Know the confirmed project delivery or task deadline date and work towards it
  • Always be on schedule. Always.
  • Respect and meet deadlines (this one’s non-negotiable)
This is the first part of the SOCKS Series
“5 Personal Actions that helped me to deal with Challenging Tasks in my Career”.

These snippets are purposely meant to be brief, easy to digest, uncomplicated and universally applicable to any fledgling career.

Look out for part 2 of this 5-part series.

Have an Admintastic day,

Shana

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