Which Role do You Play?

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else - Albert Einstein.

— Which Role do You Play?

Having been in the design & build industry for a few years, it took me some time to understand my position. For months I questioned my ability and competence at work because my surrounding was irresponsive to my techniques. I was encouraged to begin to play a role by having a more aggressive rather than an assertive approach in order to let those around me know that I took my work seriously. Did this role last? Not at all. Did I go back to my natural way of working? Yes, with self-assurance. I began to take the time to educate myself further and ask the simplest questions to gain greater understanding, which evidently brought confidence but my temperament could not change in an instant.

For a short-lived period, I had lost my identity and tried to figure out where I needed to fit in this screenplay. I soon realised that being yourself is much more valuable and in the long run will be admired or appreciated by many more. Having managerial and leadership qualities are essential to blossom in your career, however, sometimes the constant focus on how we are are perceived takes away the ability to deliver.

I learnt to enjoy the experience no matter how tough and distressing it may have been. The motif was to manage my projects, keep on top of meetings and organise administration. Whilst pressures at work would come and go, I made sure that it was manageable and used a word we do not use enough – no. Being able to say no to your superiors’ demands, to allow yourself to work efficiently, may not always appease to all but in due time will build trust and allow you to micromanage. You need to be firm to get the work done but you should never lose your identity in the role you play.