AMiable Solution #192: Sink or Swim

How did you learn to swim?  Did someone help you get comfortable in the water and provide instruction, or did you get thrown in the deep end, with little or no warning?

If you experienced the latter, you probably also experienced resentment and fear.  Sure, you survived, but there were better ways to prepare you for what you needed to do.

Unfortunately, some marketers find themselves in similar positions at work.  They’re suddenly thrown into unfamiliar territory with new responsibilities and little training to get them going.  If this has ever happened to you, then you know the stress this causes.  Fortunately, there are ways to survive in the depths of unfamiliar territory. 

If you’re a manager hiring new employees or moving current employees into new roles, you can help your staff navigate the waters with a training plan.  A good training plan not only acquaints your employees with your expectations and goals, but it also familiarizes them with the various departments and processes involved with the job. 

When that isn’t possible, however, you can put your workers in contact with the people most familiar with the duties, products, people, or services the new responsibilities deal with so your “swimmer” will have multiple sources to go to with questions.

If, on the other hand, you find yourself being thrown in the deep end--your organization restructured and redistributed responsibilities, the workforce was downsized, or you absorbed the job of someone who left and wasn’t replaced--don’t despair.  Although all of these scenarios create fear, stress, and insecurity, you can survive.

First, if management hasn’t provided you with any contacts for guidance, find them yourself.  Befriend a big enough support group to help you understand your new role and take on your new duties.

Second, commit yourself to the task.  Part of the challenge of taking on work stress is mental.  Remind yourself that you are fortunate to still have a job, and take that positive attitude to task.  That may mean you find yourself working longer hours to learn new moves, but once you do, you’ll have your head above water for good.

Finally, to avoid feeling completely overwhelmed, tackle one new aspect of your responsibilities at a time.  Sooner than later, you will be able to coordinate all of your efforts and feel comfortable you’re your new role.

Getting thrown into the deep end isn’t ideal for anyone, but with the right perspective, you can survive.