I’ve been struggling on whether or not I should talk to my boss about one of my assignments. I am an entry level HR analyst with one year of professional experience and she has tasked me with leading a strategic agency-wide project. This entails procuring a consultant, directing work of our senior analysts, leading a cross functional team to implement the project, point person, managing project timeline and deliverables, updating our policies and procedures to integrate the project, etc. To me, this is senior level work and should be done by the more senior analysts who have experience in this area. I understand it can be a great learning opportunity but feeling nervous. Thoughts?
I can totally understand your trepidation. Anything that is cross-functional has the potential to be very impactful or a very high-profile and frustrating challenge. However, it is a great compliment to you that your boss has confidence in you to manage this important project. The good news is that you can work with a consultant to achieve your goals. Do you have a mentor in the organization that you can discuss the project, goals and timeline with who isn’t your supervisor?
You’ve got this. Bring in the team on interviews for the consultants. You should ask how they plan to help you manage the project timeline and change management. Host weekly Check-in meetings. Have the consultants help put together the agenda. You’re playing quarterback but you have a team- don’t forget that! You got this.
Chief
You got this. But it’s ok to talk to your boss and ask for more mentoring/coaching along the way. It will show that you have a high level of self-awareness which is always a good thing
It’s not a learning opportunity unless you are being properly guided.
Do you feel you have the support you need?
Go for it! Your boss believes you can do this and so should you. If you succeed, you have set yourself up fantastically for a big promotion.
Do it. Good experience. Always take advantage of these opportunities
Doesn’t sound like you are being set up for success...have you asked them why you?