If you work in a collaborative work environment, you are constantly working with others which is a good thing for accomplishing exciting projects but sometimes it can cause you to rely on others, which stunts your growth.
You can get more done by learning to become more self-sufficient at work. It is easier said than done, especially if your job is very technical or constantly involves innovation. But using these techniques, you can save time on waiting for problems to get solved, and solve them yourself.
Being self-sufficient is a skill, not something that requires previous knowledge, and with time you can refine it. Incorporate these habits to become more self-sufficient at work.
10 Problem Solve
When you face a problem at work, try to resist the urge to go directly to your supervisor. Use your previous knowledge to at least try to figure it out on your own, before running things by a supervisor.
When you show the willingness to use your time to problem solve, your supervisor will take that as the initiative of a skilled worker, even if you don't get down to the problem, be okay with spending some time on it before turning it over to a superior.
9 Ask Questions In Meetings
One way to save everyone's time is to come prepared to meetings with questions, instead of going to a meeting only for the sake that it is on your schedule. Meetings can be a really productive time for everyone if you choose to spend your time correctly.
If you run into a problem today, jot it down and bring it up in tomorrow's scheduled meeting, then use the rest of your time today to do something more productive.
8 Trial And Error
Have you tried trial and error? Write out a list of scenarios for which there could be a problem, then make a plan to eliminate the possibilities.
When you at least eliminate some possible issues, that shows huge initiative and makes a big difference in how much more time you spend talking out the issues with a boss. Trial and error is a great way to narrow down the problem, this is a great skill for learning and growing your abilities.
7 Take Time To Figure Things Out
One of the biggest stressors that employees feel when they run across an issue is the pressure for time. Learn to be okay with spending some time on finding a problem. As long as the time is productive in ruling out possible errors then you are making progress.
Do your best to problem solve before taking it to your boss, unless you are on a tight deadline, don't stress the extra hour of your time is used to problem solve if you learn new things.
6 Trust Your Judgement
If you are unsure of what direction to take a project or moment, trust your best judgment. You were hired for this position because the higher-ups want to trust you when things go wrong, or decisions need to be made, to make the right choice.
As long as you keep a solid record of changes you make, showing initiative is always a good thing.
5 Schedule Time With Your Boss For Help
If you consistently have an issue with a certain work task, ask your boss or manager to schedule a meeting to help you clear up some doubts. Come prepared with questions and what you want to accomplish in order to better solve issues on your own.
It is okay to struggle with tasks in the workplace, showing your boss that you aren't ignoring it and in fact, doing something about it, shows that you are working to become more self-sufficient.
4 Narrow Down The Problem
When facing an issue with your job, make a list of reasons that the problem could be occurring and try to rule them out one by one. Even if you only make it halfway through the list before hitting a brick wall, that is a solid strategy for becoming more self-sufficient and gaining skills in problem-solving.
3 Organize Your Tasks
Staying organized is the first step to being self-sufficient, while it is basic, think of it as your professional self-care task. Spend time at the end of the day planning what tasks need to get done tomorrow, that way the minute that you start you know what to do.
The less time wasted, the more time is given back to your day to be productive or do things for yourself.
2 Be Honest About Deadlines
Missing a deadline is generally not acceptable, but it is okay to be honest with your bosses about a reasonable deadline to achieve something and to keep checking in about the deadline throughout the project.
If you need more time because of solving problems, let them know.
1 Make Your Own Calander
Organize your time, and take control of it by being the one to organize your weekly calendar. If you stay organized and on top of your tasks, then it is easier to take a longer lunch break or schedule time for problem-solving in order to become more self-sufficient.
