Top 10 "Rules of the Job"
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It's been ONE year since I SUPERVISED my very, first Qtego event! This time last year, I nervously drove 3 miles down the road from the office, to a festival where I would be running my very first event! All on my own.
Looking back, I tried to keep CALM. But like a duck, I was cool and collected above the surface, but my feet were treading underwater! I left the printers at the office and had to backtrack to get them, I accidentally sent out a broadcast message that didn't include the EXACT closing time of the auction, and I had to call my boss at least once for help. One of my part-timers even told me months later that she didn't know if she was going to like me, because I was so uptight. Hahaha. Now we're BFFs.
Yesterday, I worked that very same event. And let me tell you, here I am! One year, 121 events and many lesson learned later! Every day I work, I learn something new. Along the way, I've jotted down many notes. I've sorted and combined them to develop the Top 10 "Rules of the Job." And I'd say these are all universal, so please, read and pass along! It's my hope that they help you, as much as they've help me!
1. Under Promise, Over Deliver
People like you to live up to your expectations. And when you SURPASS them, their mind is completely blown away. So start on an even playing field, and then shoot for the stars. They will be ecstatic when you go "Above and Beyond" your promises. Not to mention, it will keep you SANE because you won't be spending x-amount of time trying to figure out how to get there, because "you've promised it" so you MUST make it happen!
2. Set FALSE deadlines
Let's face it. Deadlines are meant to be broken. Not many people follow them. (And if you do, you're the true MVP, and WE ALL LOVE you). So make sure when planning, that you give yourself some EXTRA time. This will cause less stress on all.
3. NEVER admit it's your first time doing something.
No one likes an amateur. But that doesn't mean they have to know you are one. As my mom always says, "What I don't know, won't hurt me." Same with your job. What THEY don't know, won't hurt them, either! So never, EVER, admit that it's your first time doing a task. If you don't know the answer, simply tell the person you're working with that you aren't quite sure, but you will find out and get back with them.
4. Form PARTNERSHIPS, not "clients"
They are more than just "clients." They have a name, just like you do, and you should use it. When you begin calling your partners by their name, you develop relationships that builds TRUST. And really, it's just better than way.
5. Eliminate the Extra Step
If you ever have become the middle man, STOP. DROP. AND ROLL that information back to the two people you're working in between. It's not your place to be "stuck in the middle," so get out before you're too far in!
6. Get rid of TOO MANY chefs in the kitchen
Every person under the sun does NOT need to be on the call or in a meeting with you. Every person's time is valuable. So find out EARLY ON exactly who NEEDS to be working with you. From the "get go," eliminate those people who has a role that doesn't fit with what you're doing. Because every person has an opinion. And when we get down to the bottom line, it's best to keep the final decisions between you and the coach. Not the entire team. Trust me, it will save you from unneeded conversations and a constant headache!
7. Embrace being the expert
You do what you do, because you are good at it. Seriously! You do your job day-in and day-out, so make sure to relay that to the person you're working with. If they want to do something a certain way, don't tell them HOW it's going to run, but do offer suggestions. And when they say, "You're the expert, you tell me," take this compliment and run with it! Because honestly, you do know best.
8. Respond PROMPTLY to (almost) every email you receive
On the other side of the email in your Inbox, there's someone on the other end waiting for a response. Whether it's "Got it!" or "Hang tight -- I'll have that coming your way shortly!" or "I've received your email, and will get back to you as soon as possible!" make sure to respond. And, the faster the response, the better rapport you will build.
9. Arriving Early = Arriving On-Time
Coming from the person who tends to be "fashionably late," your job is NOT the place for that. Arriving EARLY means arriving ON-TIME. As mentioned earlier, people's time is valuable. Don't keep them waiting. And don't put the stress on yourself, that you have to constantly be in "Rush mode."
10. It's OK, to put the computer away
At the end of the day, the work will be there when you return. You are FIRST a person, and then a(n) [INSERT JOB TITLE HERE]. Your job may be a top priority, but it's not your only priority. So make sure you balance your workload and your personal life!
