July 12th 2024.
Dear Burnt Out,
I understand how tough it can be to keep up with the demands of your job on a daily basis. And on top of that, you have to deal with the expectations and pressures that come from your manager, who has their own set of responsibilities to handle.
As someone who has been in a leadership position before, I have to admit that I used to fall into the trap of thinking that everyone needed to work at the same level of intensity as me in order to be successful. But that's not always the case. Every person is unique and has their own way of approaching work, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success.
I want to emphasize something very important here: you are in control of your career. You are the one driving the car. Your manager is like a GPS, providing guidance and direction. You know your own needs and limits, and if those change, it's important to communicate that to your manager so they can adjust their expectations accordingly.
The best way for your manager to understand your needs and limitations is for you to openly and honestly communicate with them. This is why I always stress the importance of having regular one-on-one conversations with your manager. It doesn't have to be a formal or intimidating thing. You can create an agenda for these meetings, so you have a clear plan of what you want to discuss. This can be especially helpful if you need to bring up something personal, like lightening your workload.
I suggest setting up a standing weekly 30-minute meeting to discuss project updates, as well as any career development goals you have. This was something I always made sure to prioritize with my own manager, and it can be a great way to strengthen your professional relationship and keep open lines of communication.
It's important to recognize that constantly working at full capacity is not sustainable. You need to communicate this to your manager and explain how it will impact your well-being and the quality of your work. Don't be afraid to bring evidence to support your claims, such as data or results from your previous work. And always tie your needs back to the impact it will have on the business.
When making requests or asking for support from the business, think of it as a two-way street. The business wants to see results and success, but you also need to take care of yourself in order to continue bringing your best to the table. Communication is key in finding a balance between these two priorities.
Before leaving the meeting, make sure to clarify any details and confirm the next steps. It may also be helpful to document your conversation and review it with your manager to avoid any misunderstandings. Your well-being is important, and without it, how can you continue to bring your unique talents and magic to your role each day?
Remember, your efforts are all in the pursuit of making your manager and the organization successful. And ultimately, that's what they want too. So don't be afraid to speak up and remind them of that. You've got this!
Sincerely,
Your Fairygodmentor®
Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and the founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that helps develop empowered, results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation.
Do you have a question about dealing with a micromanager? Are you struggling with navigating workplace discrimination based on your appearance? Is work stress taking a toll on your well-being, or do you need guidance on how to improve poor performance? Or maybe you're wondering how to negotiate for the job offer you desire. Whatever it may be, don't hesitate to ask Your Fairygodmentor® for support and advice. You can submit your questions here.
And if you're interested in learning how to lead your team during layoffs and prevent stress, check out this related article: Ask Your FairyGodMentor®: How To Lead Your Team During Layoffs And Prevent Stress.
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