What do you do when a new project manager starts at the firm? Do you welcome them with open arms? Do you slightly hesitate? Or do you close your office door… and plot their demise?
If you’re human, you probably will think of all three at some point in your career.
But if you can push your ego aside, you’ll find that the new kid on the block (experienced or otherwise), could provide an opportunity to see yourself in a different light. Here are 3 advantages of making room:
Advantage #1
Fresh eyes bring fresh perspectives, right? Possibly. Getting acclimated in a new job or role requires an overview of processes. Review your current state with your new project manager. Who knows–you may need to publish version 2.0 of your workflows.
Advantage #2
If you’ve been selected to be their peer-mentor, take the assignment seriously. You’re the expert in the working-relationship and an ambassador for the company. Once they’re up to speed, know that you have contributed to their success in the organization.
Advantage #3
Demystify the notion that there’s not enough room for everyone. Again ego. There’s a misconception that fate has a finite number of people whom can shine in their careers. Horse-pucky. By starting from a place of lack or limitations, it immediately places you at a disadvantage.
I was always taught to believe: There is no lack or limitation; freely I give and freely I receive.
This is one of the tenants for the law of abundance.
There is always enough room.
You are enough.
You are unique.
Okay, we can stop holding hands now.
In the end, no one says that you have to give up your seat. Instead of offering them yours, add an additional chair and make everyone scoot a little to make room for someone who really deserves a chance.
How do you create opportunities for others in your organization?
About the Author
Cynthia Canteen-Harbor is a project management professional with 15 years of experience in information technology. She has worked in dot-com, management consulting and software development for both public and private sector companies. You can find her at Getting to the Good as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
I especially appreciate point #3, as I think you’re right on: people are often influenced by the voice of “ego” and “fear”, and forget that nobody else can truly take away our own control over our performance and contributions. Our society gives us so many messages about being competitive, when research really shows that human beings thrive in collaboration. Thank you for highlighting this “thinking flaw” that is so perpetuated and can cause such interpersonal turmoil.
This is a good post, C. I often remind myself that you can move up and move on until someone is there to pick up you are leaving behind. We should hope that they are equal to the task and help them find their rhythm so we can shimmy on down the road.