Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Karen and I have no reason to work together. While on the same, broader team but our respective worlds don’t often intersect. Thanks to my loud mouth and Karen’s intuition, we’re each other’s advocates and cheerleaders.

Last spring after my performance review, I marched into Karen’s office ranting about my feedback. It was fair but I didn’t feel like I was given the opportunities to manage. How then would I be promoted if I hadn’t had opportunities to manage?! How was I suppose to create them? Hindsight being 20/20, only I could create them but moving on. Karen listened as I rambled and then offered me the opportunity to share interns with her for the summer. I was 100% in.

We ended up sharing three college interns and it was

Selfie before our presentation!

an incredible experience. Karen threw me into the deep end at first, making me stretch outside my comfort zone. These impressionable college students showed up on a Monday morning and I had zero of an idea what to do. Luckily, Karen provided guidance via text as I was internally freaking out. I never had interns before nor had I created assignments for anyone or given formalized feedback. I adjusted as needed, shifting my communications style and priorities almost daily. It was hard to balance them and my other work while trying to stay composed as I knew these impressionable souls were watching my every move.

In the end, it all paid off. The interns worked on a meaningful data analysis project that they presented to my directors. We collectively nailed it! The data they pulled together influenced some major decisions. It is one of the highlights of my career. We all left work that day feeling extremely proud!

If I didn’t share my feedback (and frustration) with Karen, I wouldn’t of had the opportunity to manage these interns. It turned out to be so much more than a management opportunity. Now we’re planning for this year’s interns and I can’t wait for this experience all over again, knowing I’ll be even more comfortable and confident this time.

Ask for help. Go after what you what. Find people who will help you reach your goals, who have your back. Have difficult conversations with your managers about new opportunities and promotions. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. I’m so glad I asked and couldn’t have dreamed of a better experience.

Tagged: Advocate, Comfortable Zone, Feedback, Interns, Management, Promotion