Significant Career Lesson From a Project Director at PATH Ventures
Michael's most significant career lesson involves proactively learning the job above them, "figuring out what they're stressed about" and alleviating workload to become more valuable; this approach, coupled with independently problem-solving before seeking help – presenting "two or three solutions" – has fueled significant career growth.
Project Management, Leadership Development, Problem-Solving, Communication Skills, Career Advancement
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Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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Michael Busse
Project Director
PATH Ventures
Loyola Marymount University, 2016
UCLA Master's of Urban and Regional Planning
Entrepreneurship
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking, Real Estate
Real Estate
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Learn your boss's job: Understanding your supervisor's role, challenges, and priorities allows you to anticipate needs and contribute more effectively, accelerating your professional growth and demonstrating value to the organization.
2. Develop problem-solving skills independently before seeking assistance: Before asking for help, generate your own solutions to demonstrate initiative, critical thinking, and self-reliance. This approach showcases your ability to tackle challenges proactively and enhances your learning experience.
3. Ask thoughtful questions: Actively seek knowledge and clarification, but frame questions strategically by presenting your initial thoughts and analysis to show initiative and maximize the value of interactions with supervisors and experts.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
The most important lesson, aside from working hard and being tenacious, is to learn your boss's job. This doesn't mean doing their job for them, but rather understanding what they do. Watch them closely and join as many of their calls as possible.
Do everything you can to make your boss's job easier. Identify their stressors and concerns, and work to alleviate their workload. This is how you become valuable and develop the skills needed for their position.
This approach has helped me grow at several places I've worked. By managing up and trying to learn from those above you, you gain the most. If you just focus on your assigned tasks, you'll limit yourself and your potential.
I've grown by paying attention to my superiors, understanding their needs, and learning from them. I ask a lot of questions, but I try not to ask obvious ones.
Someone told me it's important to ask questions, especially when you're trying to learn quickly. When solving problems, it's tempting to immediately ask someone who's done it before.
A better approach is to develop your own solution, or two or three, first. Then, when you go to your supervisor or an expert, present your situation. Explain what you're dealing with and offer your potential solutions. Ask them what they would do and seek their expertise.
This demonstrates your critical thinking and independence, while still seeking guidance. You're showing you have intelligence about your job but are also working collaboratively and not operating completely alone.
So, there are two lessons. First, learn your boss's job. Second, before asking a question, try your best to come up with an answer yourself.
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