Nightmare projects can get you ahead. But think before you grab the hot potato.
"No pain, no gain" may be the mantra of fitness gurus, but the idea applies equally well to the workplace. Some career experts recommend that taking on difficult tasks at work can be an effective way of getting noticed, getting that promotion, and getting that raise.
"You won't get much positive attention unless you do more than is expected of you," writes J. Michael Farr, in his book Getting the Job You Really Want (JIST Works Inc., 1995). But don't set yourself up for a fall by taking on anything that's plainly impossible. Farr recommends accepting challenging projects that have a clear benefit for the organisation - only if you think you can do them well.
You really need to get a good reading of the job and what makes it a nightmare, says John Challenger, CEO of international outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, based in Chicago. "Decide, once you know, whether you can overcome those factors - and whether you even want to."
Evaluate the leadership
One factor that can turn a job into a nightmare is a bad boss, says Challenger. Talk with other people who have been in the role you are contemplating. "You'll hear things you'll need to take with a grain of salt," he says, "but there will also be a grain of truth."
Does the boss tend to hog all the credit from his team? If people who work for him or her have had trouble getting the credit they deserve on past projects, you may not want to take on the job.
If someone moved on to greater things after working for a supervisor with a reputation for being particularly challenging, find out what they learned. Then you may be able to take a similar course in your career.
What turns you off?
The elements of a horrible job can be very subjective, but there are some factors that might keep everyone away, says Challenger, including:
In a dysfunctional organization, "there may be a lot of 'shoot the messenger' going around. Especially in MIS," says Challenger. Be sure to understand if you are being set up for a fall. "Remember," he says, "the job is considered a nightmare for a reason. It might mean that you can't win."
Can you take it?
Sometimes a job requires more flexibility than most people can give. You may have to make some lifestyle assessments and decisions, says Challenger. For example, if a job requires frequent travel, are you at a time in your life when you can pick up and shove off at a moment's notice without disrupting your obligations at home?
Taking on the tasks no one wants can be a very rewarding experience in the long run, says Challenger, if you:
Assess its long-run impact: Is it worth it?
If the project goes successfully, how large a force can it be in your career? Would your success be beneficial to everyone involved? Is your motivation primarily monetary? Can this nab you some recognition in the industry?
If you know that if you don't take the opportunity now, you will lose your chance forever, you have to seriously decide if it's worth the risk to dive in, says Challenger.
Consider if a nightmare project could introduce you to a particularly attractive set of skills. "It could be like boot camp," says Challenger. "But it might get you into a hot area of technology."
Get what's coming to you
There also might be a fine line between gaining admiration from peers and the higher-ups, and gaining a reputation that you'll take on every grunge job available.
"Make sure you get rewarded," cautions Challenger. "And make sure you know what that reward is."
A large part of advancement depends on the good conscience of a supervisor. If you don't feel like you can trust a project leader, or if you have reason to doubt his or her ability to deliver, you might be barking up the wrong tree, suggests Challenger.
"Know how your success will be measured, and when it will be measured," Challenger says.
Look for way of measuring your results with numbers, advises Farr, such as money you've saved the company, sales increases you've influenced, and clients you've pleased.
And record your achievements, advises Joyce Lain Kennedy, another career advice author. Maintain records of the qualifications you develop that merit advancement. Note the skills, knowledge, and experience you acquire on the job, and record your achievements and anything positive your peers and coworkers have to say about you.
Shouldering a workload fit for Sisyphus of Greek myth can work to your advantage if you tackle the right projects for the right reasons, in plain sight of the right people.
