INTHEBLACK December - January 2022 - Magazine - Page 66
Decision-making
STRATEGIC CAREER MOVES
66
DEC 2022
JAN 2023
“Talking about how a project could be done better may
lead to some conflict, because not everyone will agree.
But, so long as it doesn’t escalate, it can be very healthy.
It leads to better outcomes in the long run.”
KATHRYN MACMILLAN, CIRCLE RECRUITMENT AND HR
TALK ABOUT IT
Open communication is effective for
keeping a team unified in its goals.
MacMillan suggests holding project
progress updates that cover what’s
working, what isn’t and what could
be improved. Team members know
in advance that an open and frank
discussion will occur and get used to
these kinds of conversations.
“Talking about how a project could be
done better may lead to some conflict,
because not everyone will agree,” she
says. “But, so long as it doesn’t escalate,
it can be very healthy. It leads to better
outcomes in the long run.”
Another strategy is to ensure
accountability through goals at the
individual or team level. Identify what
success will look like from the outset,
how it will be measured and how
INTHEBLACK CAREER, ELEVATED SPECIAL EDITION
frequently. Use the SMART goals
framework, which stands for specific,
measurable, achievable, relevant and
time-bound. Write down goals and use
them as visual cues to check progress.
CHECK FOR BOREDOM
Auerbach believes that ambition for
ambition’s sake is unnecessary. It is fine to
be comfortable in a long-term role, but
check in with yourself from time to time.
Be honest if the situation changes.
“If you feel very comfortable in your
role and eventually boredom kicks in,
pay attention to it. It may be that there
is a fear of exposing yourself to failure,”
he says. “You may feel safe where you are
right now, but you end up with a sense
of dissatisfaction. Sometimes it is about
taking a big, bold step and finding out
what you can do.”
