Even the most seasoned PMs can get stuck in a loop of "feel unsure, over-function, get frustrated, lose steam…" over and over again.
But what causes this frustration? It's something I call the Ambiguity Loop.
Ambiguity loops at work are most commonly caused by:
Your manager not being available, or not being willing, to provide direction.
There being no processes in place, or processes continuously changing.
Trying to solve problems that need to be solved by someone else.
Guess which one is most often the case, for me and the PMs I know? Yep. Trying to solve problems that need to be solved by someone else.
As project professionals, we should be routinely stepping back to assess whether we’re shouldering responsibilities that don’t belong to us…
And then giving those responsibilities back to their rightful owners.
You might be a Jack or Jill of All Trades. But I checked the PMBOK and being a psychic isn't part of the PM job description.
Your leader needs to set you up with the pieces you need so you can have a baseline to work from and replicate success from there. Period.
Here’s what I do:
Sit down and list out all the “tasks and asks” that give you stress.
List out what you need to be successful and get the work done for each.
Bring that list to your manager, both verbally and then in writing.
"Hey Mary, I know I'm on point to put together a requirements doc, and I just need these 4 questions answered in order to move forward and get it done for you. Who can get me this info? I'll also email the list to you so you can easily forward to whoever needs to see it."
Make it clear that the item is on hold or blocked until the information you need is provided. "Once I get this info/these questions answered, I'll be able to start on this for us."
Sit back. Like, physically lean back. Work on other things. Check in periodically if you want to (in writing). But your work on this is done till you get what you need to do your job.
Let me know if you try it!
And remember these three things:
Setting boundaries is nerve-wracking at first. You’re disrupting the status quo which is scary, and feeling like you’re about to get in trouble is normal and part of deconditioning.
Maintaining your boundaries helps you build your authority and save your energy for the work that is actually feasible and impactful.
Setting boundaries can be nerve-wracking at first but it helps you build your authority and DIRECT YOUR ENERGY to work that’s actually feasible and impactful.
You got this!
🥭