It seems that there are always fires to put out and problems to solve. But what if you found a something you think can advance your company? What do you do with it? Well, find a company problem that your research found and solve it.
Identified an Opportunity
At the start of my career, I discovered a new law that allowed for private loans through a public agency for the purpose of reducing coastal erosion along a body of water. This loan could benefit homes that were in danger of falling into the water due to the wave lashing along the coast.
Working for a public agency and have the community adjacent to a body of water that was and is known for heavy wave action, I turned this opportunity into a reality through strategic planning and execution.
Key Strategies I used
Conducted Research
I researched the loan, the agency, and the implications of what this loan would mean to home-buyers, not just for their homes, but also for their finances..
Decision-Making
New to the job, I realized that I need help from other departments. I needed first, to get my boss on board. I presented the idea to him. I told him the benefits of this state program, what it would mean to the agency as well as what it would mean to the home-owners.
Interagency Collaboration
I built relationships with the Finance Department and the Building Department. It was great that my boss was on board as he got administration’s approval.
I met with other private and public agencies enacting the same legislation through the oversight committee. This enabled me to meet with state agency representatives and other high-level leaders implementing this program. This process helped me make valuable connections.
Oversight and Project Management
To advertise this project, I created flyers to mail to the targeted home-owners. Out of 20 home-owners, 5 were interested and signed up for the program. Success right there!
Communication
We brought each home-owner in to talk about the program and to complete the paperwork. A face-to-face meeting was held for each home-owner as it allowed them to ask questions leaving no chance for miscommunication.
Look for emerging trends in your field
Look for emerging trends in your field: Once found, do your research. A SWOT analysis of the trend will help you determine if the trend will be the solution to fix a problem or grow the agency. Talk to your peers, friends, and other networking groups. They will let you know if they are implementing any programs or projects based on that trend.
Write a proposal for your boss
Write a proposal to present to your boss. A well-crafted proposal not only communicates the trends value but also serves as a persuasive tool for gathering internal support and resources. Present the proposal to your boss as they would back you up when you implement your program. On their end, the need to use your proposal to gain support and approval from their boss.
Develop a detailed project plan. Include timelines, milestones, resource allocation, a list of stakeholders and contact information, approval list and any other pertinent information. A well-crafted project plan serves as a roadmap, provides easy to print information for your boss on demand and helps you remember all the details and stay on track.
Involve Stakeholders
Identify and engage with key stakeholders or anyone that can help you take on this program. Fostering open communication and collaboration will build a supportive network. Actively involving stakeholders not only ensures their buy-in but also taps into diverse perspectives, enriching the project with varied insights and expertise.
Create Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate across departments and teams. Effective collaboration breaks down silos, creates an ecosystem that harnesses collective intelligence for more agency-wide problem-solving.
Contribute to Company Goals
Always try to contribute you’re your company’s goals. Proactive leaders align their initiatives with the company’s mission. This ensures that every action you make contributes to the success of the company.
Be willing to change and bounce-back
If you have an idea, solution, brainstorm, see something that is not correct, SPEAK UP!
This will show everyone that you have confidence. It will also give you credibility with others as a leader.
Speak up!
Drive positive change. Think outside the box and bringing innovative ideas to the table. Embrace creativity, foster an environment where unconventional ideas are welcomed and explored.
Stay Informed
Regularly stay informed about industry trends, legislative changes, and other factors impacting your company.
Continuous learning and awareness form the foundation for informed decision-making and proactive problem-solving.
Build a Network
Get out and network! Establish and nurture relationships with others to provide valuable insights, support, and collaboration opportunities. A robust professional network not only enhances problem-solving capabilities but also creates a supportive community for sharing ideas and resources.
Demonstrate your leadership qualities as a non-managerial employee to catch the attention of your managers and administrators. Doing this may lead to potential promotions and/or increased responsibility.
Leadership potential isn’t confined to formal roles; it’s about consistently exhibiting qualities that contribute to your company’s advancement.
Foster a Collaborative Culture
Actively foster collaboration within your team and across departments. A collaborative culture facilitates knowledge-sharing, accelerates problem-solving, and creates a cohesive environment where proactive initiatives flourish.
By consistently applying these principles and actions, you can position yourself as successful leaders and actively shape a positive and forward-thinking company culture.
Through this proactive approach, not only do you contribute to the immediate success of your projects, but you also lay the groundwork for long-term influence, setting a standard for innovation and collaboration within your professional sphere.