Avoiding a Rut

A Note to Minions:

It can take up to six months to feel like you’re fully settled into a new position. After you feel settled, then what? You practice getting better at your job and take on more responsibilities. At first, this can be offering to help your coworkers when you have a light load. Then, it can look like adding to the types of tasks you’re able to handle on a day-to-day basis. But, what’s next?

Taking on training or supervisory tasks can be a great way to stand out. For example, if your office training manual looks like it’s from the late 1990s, or (as is usually the case), there isn’t really a new hire how-to manual to begin with, write one! Or, if your office takes interns, offer to take a couple of hours to show them the ropes.

Offering to expand your skillset or fill an office/agency gap is also another way to stand out. Participating in community meetings, attending trainings on a subject that your boss is interested in but unsure about expanding into, or even getting a certificate to specialize in a certain department can be a great move.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide when you want to grow, and when you want to coast. But if you’re feeling stagnant, but aren’t ready or interested in seeking a new job, expanding on your own job might be the ticket to staying out of a major rut!

A Note to Supervisors:

Try to encourage your staff to grow! If they’re looking for ways to prove themselves, by all means if the budget (and time) allows for it, try to embrace change. Sometimes supervisors just “can’t see” some of their staff in certain roles. Other times, supervisors worry that if their staff grows too much, they’ll take over their own job.

A great supervisor isn’t afraid of their staff. They let them grow and expand their roles so that the business or agency improves. Otherwise, expect office turnover to be too high to handle!