3 ways to build your resourcefulness at work
Working independently and effectively means tapping into your own resources to anticipate, solve, and address problems without deflecting challenges onto peers and managers. Finding ways to solve problems with the tools and resources you already have access to is being resourceful. It's a trait you'll see in job descriptions and sometimes it's the ineffable thing that differentiates one solid performer from another. While resourcefulness might feel like something you're born with (or not), it's something you can improve with thoughtful intention.
And it's worth investing in. Resourcefulness will differentiate you from so many folks—helping you grow your career—but more importantly, it will make your days easier, because you'll build your confidence. Believing in your own abilities to solve problems is something we could all stand to improve.
Here are some practices you can explore to help you develop and exhibit your own resourcefulness.
Take a cue from the kids
Try 3 and then ask me is a teaching strategy that teachers use to coach kids to try to solve a question themselves before seeking help from the teacher. For example, if a student doesn't understand the directions for a task, they might: 1) ask a peer for help; 2) re-read the directions slowly; and 3) observe what another student is doing before asking the teacher to help.
This technique is equally helpful for driving resourcefulness and problem-solving skills in the workplace. Next time you're not sure what to do to accomplish a task, try to solve the problem in three different ways before asking the stakeholder or manager. For example, search Slack channels for similar projects. Review any project documentation. Come up with a plan to solve a problem and then ask another colleague what they think about this approach.
Essentially, prompt yourself to explore the tools and resources you already have before asking your leadership to help. Taking this step will help you solve problems and it'll also urge you to slow down, make sure you've explored solutions thoroughly, and saved escalation for situations where it's essential.
Get curious
Don't assume you don't need to understand what other teams do in order to manage projects. Getting curious about what different teams do day-to-day will build your context and base of information to make recommendations and draw insights from. When you're working with a team for the first time, seek to understand their core business processes and the tools they use. Ask questions proactively to learn more about how the team is structured, what other projects they have on their plate, and their priorities.
You'll set yourself apart by understanding the full scope of what a team is working on, rather than waiting for a stakeholder or your manager to explain things to you.
Take notes
Build your own wiki based on the conversations you attend. When you’re in meetings or discussions, take notes! Use whatever system works for you—Notion, Evernote, a pad of paper and a pen. The tools matter less than the act itself. Taking notes will help you build your own set of knowledge around your projects, and give you an additional track record of resources to revisit if you encounter similar problems in the future.
I take notes in every meeting I'm in, and I keep a specific note for every 1-1 I'm in on a recurring basis, whether managing my direct reports or managing my relationships with my managers. 1-1 archives specifically give me a deep database of examples to draw on when writing job descriptions, performance reviews, and choosing the right person to assign to any given project.
Add resourcefulness to your portfolio
Take the time to build your resourcefulness and you'll find new opportunities to take on bigger projects and work independently in your role. And you'll find your confidence in your skills growing, as you build a track record of success and independence.
