{"id":16232,"date":"2022-01-20T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-20T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sourcelive.hr.msu.edu\/?p=16232"},"modified":"2022-01-20T09:23:08","modified_gmt":"2022-01-20T14:23:08","slug":"adjust-your-work-approach-for-success-during-challenging-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sourcelive.hr.msu.edu\/?p=16232","title":{"rendered":"Adjust Your Work Approach for Success During Challenging Times"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Written by Danielle Hook, Learning and Development Manager for HR Organization and Professional Development<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This past month has many of us experiencing the feeling of “\u2026this again<\/em>?” Frequent and unexpected changes to priorities, workspaces and expectations can make productivity and focus feel impossible. Perhaps you find yourself working from home with small children (again), adjusting to staffing changes within your team or experiencing feelings of burnout or languishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to requiring greater patience and flexibility, we\u2019re finding ourselves called upon to take an alternative approach to how we normally complete our work. Whether you feel like you’re stuck in a pandemic time loop, where each day blends into the next, or you’re struggling to manage your time and projects while in a state of uncertainty, there are a few simple steps that can help guide your work approach during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have a Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If there is a chance you could find yourself pivoting quickly to accommodate a change in your work plan \u2014 your child’s daycare closing, a new colleague, uncertainty about whether you’ll be working in-office or remotely \u2014 a loose plan can make the transition a little smoother. The reality is that no amount of planning can fully alleviate the physical, mental and emotional drain many of us feel when faced with this much uncertainty. However, with a bit of intention, a sudden change in circumstances can become an opportunity instead of an obstacle.<\/em> Having a structure in place that allows for adaptability and accounts for your specific circumstances can provide you a clearer path should things change unexpectedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read related article: What\u2019s Your Plan? Six Steps to Align Your Goals with What\u2019s Important to You<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Align Expectations With Attainable Goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consider how you would define success during this period of time. Identify what might indicate success and align your expectations accordingly. Set truly attainable goals<\/em>, both personally and professionally. Think about the types of activities or tasks you could reasonably make progress on under the circumstances in which you’re working. Of those things, is there something you can work on that might even bring joy or satisfaction?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read related article: Adapting Your Goal-Driven Approach During Times of Change<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose Work That Fits Your Circumstances<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This requires some insight into your strengths and work style. Consider the nature of the various tasks on your to-do list. Where possible, prioritize those which hold the highest likelihood of success within your current context. Your supervisor may be able to help with reprioritization and appreciate being informed of your plans. Here are some examples of this differentiation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n