TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AS A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL

Each of us knows the situation: In a meeting, an upcoming large project is discussed. The question, “Who would like to take responsibility for the project?” is usually followed by silence. Rarely does anyone want to oversee the project and possibly be the 'scapegoat' if something goes wrong. Taking responsibility, however, is a huge opportunity to position yourself in the company and get to know your own limits. Especially for us as the Next Generation, we should dare to take on responsibility to gain experience, build trust, and develop our own mindset. Here is how:
 

Getting out of your comfort zone

Being responsible for a large project may seem like an impossible task at first glance. It requires discipline, continuous motivation, coordination, and prioritization of topics. However, this is also a good way to develop your own skill set and boost your self-confidence. Responsibility opens the possibility of getting to know your limits and strengths. By taking responsibility, we are seen as reliable after successful implementation. Colleagues can rely on us, and we will be entrusted with important projects in the future. It gives us the opportunity to make a difference in the company. 

Dare to make decisions 

Making decisions is hard: Every day we have numerous opportunities, but we must filter out the right decisions to steer projects successfully. Of course, it is unfortunate when our decisions lead to negative consequences, but this should not prevent us from daring to take responsibility. It is important that we make our decisions carefully and stand by them. We should therefore make final decisions and implement our strategy with determination. This gives us the opportunity to build trust among colleagues and in the company. 

Think outside the box 

Being responsible for a project gives us the chance to change something. When we just execute, we follow standard processes that don't give us the opportunity to think outside the box and limit our actions and thinking. Responsibility allows us to question standards, set up new processes and find our own way. This is time-consuming, but important to promote critical thinking and to make your own work as well as that of others more efficient. By following our own approaches and successfully taking responsibility, we are seen as forward-thinkers who are not afraid to take-on over seemingly impossible tasks. 

Don’t be afraid to fail 

When a project goes wrong and you have taken responsibility for it yourself, stand by it. It offers the opportunity to learn from it and to bring the experience gained to other projects. Without this experience we cannot get better. We should therefore not be afraid to deal with negative criticism. We should be able to try and dare to fail. 

Start to say “yes” more often 

With this in mind, we should say “yes” more when getting asked to lead projects. It offers great opportunities for us and to further grow our own personality.