Guessing is not a strategy: How to build decision velocity with AI and real-time data
June 10, 2026 | Live Webinar
A Timeless Technique
John Sullivan is a working project manager who writes and speaks on project and career issues.
During good economic times, career counselors advise you to “take on more work.” During bad economic times, the same counselors suggest survival strategies, including “take on more work.” Regardless of the economic climate, there is a right way and a wrong way to advance your career by taking on more work. Done right, it can increase your value to the project or organization. Done wrong, it can create misery and unhappiness.
The wrong way is to say to your boss, “You know, I need more to do.” You’re likely to get some assignment the boss doesn’t want to do and doesn’t value. Taking on an existing assignment does not have the same impact as identifying a problem, proposing a solution and offering to implement it. The right “asking for more work” technique addresses an unmet need because new assignments create value while existing assignments have already demonstrated their value and are expected to be done.
But simply doing more work may not help you; you must do work that is valued. Value is subjective and heavily influenced by corporate culture, but a little analysis and good listening can help determine what your company (and its leaders) values. Check your Intranet for information about employee rewards and internal announcements recognizing a job well done. These can help provide critical …
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Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes. |