Nearly 8 months since my boss left the company, leaving me all alone to do things. Managing even up to group level workings by my own. What did I learn from this?
1) Keep calm
At the initial stage, I was feeling crazy. Everybody was chasing me for urgent things. Other than the fact that those things are really urgent, I have to deal with those at the same level as my ex-boss i.e. other bosses. A 'macai' like me having to manage bosses' expectations. Sigh.
I told myself to think straight and keep calm. I arranged the work based on prioritization, according to requestors and urgency level. I keep telling myself that I am not crazy and will manage my work as best as I can, for my level. No unnecessary stress, please.
2) Health is number one
Having to work alone, nobody is there to back me up on my work. Taking leave is hence not a wonderful option. I sacrificed a bit of my vacation and relaxation plan. I monitored my health condition carefully. I ate medicines as soon as the sign of sickness exist. I met my specialist in advance before the year end closing, even performed a scope inside my stomach. Just to ensure that all is well. Alhamdulillah I was strong enough to handle the work and the underlying pressure.
3) Simplify things, challenge the existing process
I knew I have to do things alone so I reviewed and planned my work really, really carefully. I removed certain processes, simplified certain workings and got all my source documents sorted much earlier. Where possible I even negotiated certain deadlines like those with our auditors, as I know my limitation and time constraints.
During this time I learned that we should always look for better ways to do things rather than being comfortable with what we have now. Challenge the process with a "Why not?" question, of course with clear understanding on why the current process was originally there.
4) Complaining is easy, make sure we try first
Try first before we complain that things are hard. Why? Because at least we will know our true potential. In my case, in stress time resigning has always been on my wishlist. But I waited and persevered, and it was proven to be worthwhile. I got my promotion and highest bonus ever for me, of course only to be used to repay some of my debts. But never mind, that's normal right? What's important is the satisfaction and the understanding that my hard work was rewarded and appreciated. So now is resigning still on my wishlist? Yes, with careful plan on-going. We plan, but indeed Allah is the best planner.
5) Have good and positive friends, help others
Last tip is this: Make sure we stick to the best friends in office, who will give good advices for us and willing to help us in any way. At the same time, offer help to them as well. Even though we are already stucked with our work assignments, do not hesitate to help others. They will help us later when we need it the most. Trust me, in an office environment, people will help us most when they see that we help them during their hard time. Else, die all alone, with documents on our side! Haha! After all teamwork matters, right?
Keep calm, all will be well. Don't forget to treat ourselves with ice creams, cakes, a spa, holiday trips, whatever it takes to destress ourselves. I took a one-week leave soon after my year end closing ended in early of March. I really need that break to chill, before I start with new challenges.
Peace!
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