“What’s the project status?” … can be an incredibly terrifying question. 😱
Especially if you work in a political organisation where teams work harder to cover their butt than to do the actual work. 😕
When there is a culture of fear…
When you’re worried about losing your job…
When everyone’s agenda seem nebulous and sinister…
That’s when you see a lot more energy expanded into the arena of ‘optics’ – how things look.
Project status can be such a contentious issue. 🚦
When the team isn’t allowed to share their challenges honestly because leadership focus more on blame than on helping them succeed, things can get real tough.
Anxiety.
Stress.
Panic attacks.
Mental health can really take a toll on people.
I remember one time a project manager had to turn off her camera as she vomited into a bucket next to her due to stress. 😢
No job is worth your mental health.
Which often leads to physical health issues as well.
So it may be worth taking a pause if you’re dreading going to work because you don’t know what’s expected of you, or what you might do that could lead to your termination.
Assess what’s really important right now (the answer should be your mental health) and evaluate your options.
There are really only 3:
1️⃣ Accept the situation.
– Lower your expectations and absorb everything that’s thrown at you. 🙇🏻♀️ Or find a way to adjust your values and just play the political game to survive 😕
2️⃣ Change the situation.
– Find a way to change the culture, perhaps plan a coup and get into a leadership position. Do not murder the CEO. 🙅🏻♀️
3️⃣ Exit the situation.
– Find another job/career/path. One that gives you meaning and fills your soul, though you may have to get used to living on fewer peanuts. 🥜
What you do will depend on context, and I am sending you a big hug and a pile of good luck 🍀
Don’t forget – the stress you feel can spill over to those around you.
🚨Your friends.
🚨Your family.
🚨All your key relationships with those around you and yourself.
As a listening volunteer for a crisis phoneline, all I can say is that your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing trumps all other requirements (or you’ll be paying the price for a long long time).
Be safe and look after yourself.
You need your own status to be Green. 🟢
