First job: How to succeed at work without taking orders

In your first job, taking orders works for burgers, not for projects.

.

A young woman was called into her boss’s office. In light of her diligent work on a recent project, she was sure a promotion – possibly even a raise – awaited her in the meeting.

.

She had, after all, done everything the boss had asked her to do.

.

Imagine her surprise when she arrived in her boss’s office to find she was being given the boot.

.

The young go-getter was perplexed. “I don’t understand. I did everything you asked me to do.”

.

“That’s right,” her manager replied. “You did everything I asked, and nothing more. You contributed none of your own ideas to the project. You relied on me to provide every bit of direction, every step of the way. ”

.

And with that, her young career was seriously disrupted, a victim of “Order-Taker Syndrome.”

.

Order-takers wait for step-by-step instructions. In the same way a fast food place processes a customer order, specific action follows only after specific direction is received.

.

In organizations, managers need employees who have the ability to chart a course and execute a plan given the stated objective. They need employees who are capable of delivering work product without excessive over-the-shoulder supervision.

.

7 steps to succeed without order-taking.

Here are some ideas to keep you out of an order-taking mentality.

.

• When you get a new assignment, validate with your manager the deliverables that s/he expects.
  .
• Clarify the due dates, time lines and specifics about the output; develop your plan.

.

• Arrange a time to check-in regularly about your progress and make adjustments to your course of action. During your check-in, ask for feedback, not “what should I do next?”

.

• Gather the information and resources you need to deliver the work product.

.

• Bring your own perspective to the process, and be able to explain how your insight and discoveries informed the outcome.

.

• Keep your boss apprised of any surprises that emerge as you go.

.

• When complete, proactively seek feedback on the outcome and the process, and integrate this feedback into future missions.

.

As a manager I valued team members who could run with an assignment, keep me informed, and self-manage through the process. It allowed me to focus on the bigger picture.

.

For a newcomer to the workplace, clarifying expectations and having a good plan will provide an affirming start to any project you own. Your manager and your team will soon appreciate the rising star in their presence.

.

.

==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====

Need help navigating the unknown at work? Let’s schedule a coaching session and see what we can make happen!