I am kind of having a bit of a issue, if you can call it that, with work or just really my overall purpose in the career I am doing. I left my last company mainly due to hostile work environment and feeling that I need more of a challenge or just change of pace. One thing my manager said to me during a review right before I left was that I potentially lack confidence. Since then I moved to my current company that is heavily reliant consultant work. I'm not sure if its lack of clients or just maybe the resume that provided to external companies that want to work with our company, but for one reason or another I haven't been put on a project that is externally facing (even though another co-worker of mine who was hired at the same time as me of has been put on various projects. In the interim of long stretches of no work, I primarily focused on professional development, getting my PMP to show that I can and am a valuable member and also reaching out internally to different department heads to support any activities they are working with. I had opportunities to develop various dashboards and presentations that seemed for one reason or the other pushed to the side or not implemented at all. I was put on an integration project at the beginning of this year to internally support integration efforts for my company. I think there were definitely some nerves and a learning curve to understanding how to lead executive staff and how I fit into these efforts and aligning different workflows to drive to our deadlines. My issue, I suppose now, is that at the end of last year, I had a conversation with the Director of PM trying to clarify my role and get more insight into a definitive work process for myself. He stated that there was a need for internal PM support and that I would be working a lot closer with him, as he put it Chief of Staff equivalent work. I felt confident and excited to have an opportunity to have more responsibility and clearly defined role within the company. However, I had a 1:1 meeting with the same person today and his response to me was that they are still trying to figure out how to best utilize me. I feel like Ive put a lot of time to create things that would be useful but at this point it all feels like I am wasting my time -and maybe theirs. I feel that I am back to square 1 not really knowing my role or place, doubting if I should even be within project management because again, I got the same feedback of not really having the confidence to lead. I don't know if maybe I just needed to vent with individuals who maybe could relate or if anyone just had some insight. Saving Changes...
I'd be extremely frustrated if I was in your situation! In your next 1:1 with your manager, I'd suggest asking what areas of development he feels you need to bridge to start to be assigned to external consulting projects. If he is unable to provide an actionable answer, that's a pretty big red flag.
I would suggest that you will gain a lot more value out of being on those projects rather than internal "make work" projects. The former being billable, so long as there is a flow of new projects your role will be needed however if cost cutting is happening the latter role may not be justifiable.
Thanks Kiron. This is helpful. I am looking to see if there are some helpful LinkedIn learning or cost efficient leadership courses/webinars I could take to better develop my confidence overall as I’m a bit more soft spoken but this is good to note and will bring it up at the next meeting. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Danyelle
I do agree with Kiron. This is definitely not a great environment and from what you've mentioned, I think the problem is them, not you. You are doign whatever you can, asking for work and yet, they are not able to figure it out.
In your next 1:1 meeting, I suggst you insist on being assigned to external projects. If I learned one thing over the years, it is that you need to be persistent in such requests. There is nothing wrong with that because you are asking for work, not running away from it. If they still couldn;t figure out within the next month or two, it is for your own best interest to look for work with another organization where you have a well-defined role and meaningful assignments that are rewarding both ways.
There is one good course for PMI, called Wicked Problem Solving. I can send you the link if you wish.
RK
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1 reply by Danyelle B
Feb 17, 2023 6:52 PM
Danyelle B
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Thanks Rami.
That would be helpful if you could forward it to me, I’d love to take a look. I also agree with your response. I’ve definitely compiled a list of talking point for the next meeting and looking to see what external client work is within the pipeline that I could potentially be added to. I have had a promising interview with a new company today that will probably take about a month or so to complete the interviewing process for. If after my 1:1 meeting I don’t feel any more confident in my role I’ll probably be considering taking an offer.
I do agree with Kiron. This is definitely not a great environment and from what you've mentioned, I think the problem is them, not you. You are doign whatever you can, asking for work and yet, they are not able to figure it out.
In your next 1:1 meeting, I suggst you insist on being assigned to external projects. If I learned one thing over the years, it is that you need to be persistent in such requests. There is nothing wrong with that because you are asking for work, not running away from it. If they still couldn;t figure out within the next month or two, it is for your own best interest to look for work with another organization where you have a well-defined role and meaningful assignments that are rewarding both ways.
There is one good course for PMI, called Wicked Problem Solving. I can send you the link if you wish.
RK
Thanks Rami.
That would be helpful if you could forward it to me, I’d love to take a look. I also agree with your response. I’ve definitely compiled a list of talking point for the next meeting and looking to see what external client work is within the pipeline that I could potentially be added to. I have had a promising interview with a new company today that will probably take about a month or so to complete the interviewing process for. If after my 1:1 meeting I don’t feel any more confident in my role I’ll probably be considering taking an offer. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
I'm going to go on a limb and say your previous employer did not use the words "potentially lack confidence". If those were the words then it would mean that you didn't lack confidence at the time.
Confidence is not something you gain by taking courses. You gain confidence by getting comfortable. First, you become confident in your ability to perform specific tasks, then you get confident in your expertise. Finally, you gain confidence in yourself. How do you achieve these levels of confidence?
By preparing and by doing. And doing. And doing. By getting comfortable with failure. By understanding that your world goes on after a failure. Find a safe haven where you can practice over and over. Toastmasters is one such supportive environment.
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1 reply by Danyelle B
Feb 23, 2023 4:53 PM
Danyelle B
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Thank Stéphane for this feedback.
I actually just reached out to the local toastmasters club near where I live and look forward to joining them next week. I think I’m always open to improvement and it seems working on my public speaking is a necessary step. I do feel like there is a lack of opportunity with not having any consistency in projects to work on that in my work environment, but hopefully toastmasters is the first step.
Saving Changes...
Anonymous
I agree with the comment above. Confidence is not learned in courses. In fact, it may have been biased feedback based on gender. If someone’s communication style is not well informed or is not direct & clear, that is an area for improvement. Being quiet or shy is a personality trait, and an employer has to take it or leave it.
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1 reply by Danyelle B
Feb 23, 2023 4:57 PM
Danyelle B
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Thank you for your feedback. I definitely took some notes from you and other members in this post on how to improve upon projecting more confidence in a public speaking space. I definitely tend to be on more of the introverted side but, I think with the points made in this post and perhaps in a work environment that is supportive to and challenges me I can improve.
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Danyelle,
in your case, first I would look for a mentor to help develop your confidence and find the space where you can happily successful.
Confidence comes from self-awareness, and it can be learned. In the 1990s I attended a class to improve my confidence and it helped me change. It will help you to understand and communicate what you want (and what not). Next step would be self-control, being able to control your emotions in difficult conversations.
If you consider courses, I suggest personality building, like about emotional intelligence, conflict handling.
Also, look at volunteering, e.g. in a PMI chapter. Volunteering provides a sandbox to try out new things. And will give you fodder for confidence.
Maybe toastmasters is also a good option, you have to expose yourself, gain structure and get honest but respectful feedback.
I'm going to go on a limb and say your previous employer did not use the words "potentially lack confidence". If those were the words then it would mean that you didn't lack confidence at the time.
Confidence is not something you gain by taking courses. You gain confidence by getting comfortable. First, you become confident in your ability to perform specific tasks, then you get confident in your expertise. Finally, you gain confidence in yourself. How do you achieve these levels of confidence?
By preparing and by doing. And doing. And doing. By getting comfortable with failure. By understanding that your world goes on after a failure. Find a safe haven where you can practice over and over. Toastmasters is one such supportive environment.
Thank Stéphane for this feedback.
I actually just reached out to the local toastmasters club near where I live and look forward to joining them next week. I think I’m always open to improvement and it seems working on my public speaking is a necessary step. I do feel like there is a lack of opportunity with not having any consistency in projects to work on that in my work environment, but hopefully toastmasters is the first step.
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1 reply by Stéphane Parent
Feb 23, 2023 5:46 PM
Stéphane Parent
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Hey Danyelle! Toastmasters is much more than public speaking. Public speaking is but one important leadership skill. You will find many project opportunities in Toastmasters for you to grow and hone your leadership skills.
I agree with the comment above. Confidence is not learned in courses. In fact, it may have been biased feedback based on gender. If someone’s communication style is not well informed or is not direct & clear, that is an area for improvement. Being quiet or shy is a personality trait, and an employer has to take it or leave it.
Thank you for your feedback. I definitely took some notes from you and other members in this post on how to improve upon projecting more confidence in a public speaking space. I definitely tend to be on more of the introverted side but, I think with the points made in this post and perhaps in a work environment that is supportive to and challenges me I can improve. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Feb 23, 2023 4:53 PM
Replying to Danyelle B
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Thank Stéphane for this feedback.
I actually just reached out to the local toastmasters club near where I live and look forward to joining them next week. I think I’m always open to improvement and it seems working on my public speaking is a necessary step. I do feel like there is a lack of opportunity with not having any consistency in projects to work on that in my work environment, but hopefully toastmasters is the first step.
Hey Danyelle! Toastmasters is much more than public speaking. Public speaking is but one important leadership skill. You will find many project opportunities in Toastmasters for you to grow and hone your leadership skills. Saving Changes...
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