Stop Overcommitting: A Sanity Guide for IT/OT Professionals
Overcommitment, we've all been there. Juggling multiple tasks, deadlines looming, and still nodding 'yes' to just one more feature or project. It feels like a badge of honor, but is it really?
Spoiler alert: it's not.
Let's delve into why overcommitting is a trap and how to escape it gracefully.
Story Time!Â
Imagine you're renovating your house. Contractor A promises to finish the job in six months for €60,000. Contractor B claims they can do it in four months for €40,000. Both scenarios end up taking six months and costing €60,000. But with Contractor B, you also endure endless conflicts over delays and unexpected costs. Initially, Contractor B seems like a dream come true, but the aftermath leaves you wishing you’d gone with A.Â
Does it sound somewhat familiar?
Why We Fall into the Overcommitment Trap:
Estimation Errors: Digitalization projects are notorious for their complexity. We often fall prey to underestimating the unknown and overestimating our efficiency. That 'quick' script you thought would take 10 minutes? Surprise, it's a four-hour ordeal.
Conflict Avoidance: It’s hard to say no, especially in a professional setting. We want to be professional, to deliver! So we agree to unrealistic demands, hoping to avoid immediate conflict but setting ourselves up for future problems.
Lack of Vision: It’s hard to say no to somebody’s ideas when you don’t have yours. People will lie to themselves, saying that doing what the customer wants is always good, right? You’ll end up defenseless when the next idea or next feature that needs to be finished now comes along.
Strategies to Dodge the Overcommitment Bullet:
Learn the Art of Yes-and-No: Start saying yes to projects that align with your strategy and no to those that don't. It's not just about workload; it's about strategic fit.
Avoid Being a 'Yes-Man' Tool: Remember, you're a professional with expertise and judgment. Use it to assess requests critically rather than automatically nodding along.
Embrace a Steady Work Rhythm: Consistent productivity beats last-minute heroics. Establish a sustainable work pace that allows for high-quality output without the burnout. Your team ,family and friends will be grateful
The Power of Curiosity: Instead of immediately responding to demands, ask 'why'. Engage with clients or stakeholders to understand their underlying needs. This dialogue can lead to more feasible commitments and better outcomes. Do their requests come from hard deadlines, misunderstanding, lack of control or simply power play? The answer will determine your approach and answer.
Saying No Like a Pro:
Cultural Dance: Declining requests gracefully is an art. It's about respecting cultural and corporate nuances while staying true to your capabilities.
Theater of Demands: our favorite :when faced with dramatic requests, recognize them for what they are. In the end it’s all theater, and if the theater is threatening your mental health, realize that you can always look for a better job
Final Thoughts : Overcommitting doesn't just strain resources; it strains relationships and credibility. It's about finding a balance between what's asked of you and what you can realistically deliver. Understand your and your team’s limits, communicate effectively, and remember, sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is say no - for your sanity and your success