Today, I had a former staff member tender her resignation. For some time now, she has been expressing her desire to leave, feeling overwhelmed by her workload. She had recently been assigned to a new position where she was essentially a one-person team, directly reporting to our boss.
Being a solo player in a work environment can be incredibly daunting, especially when you’re the only one handling everything and reporting directly to the higher-ups. It’s not the ideal setup for most, but sometimes we have to work with the situation at hand. Let’s talk about how to survive being a one-person team and share some tips for overcoming the challenges that come with it.
1. Stay Organized
When you’re the only person in a role, there’s no one to pick up the slack. Prioritizing tasks and staying organized becomes crucial. Use tools like project management software or even a simple to-do list to ensure you stay on top of everything. Having a clear overview of your tasks can help ease the overwhelm.
2. Set Clear Boundaries and Manage Expectations
One major challenge in being a one-person team is that everyone may expect you to be available for everything, all the time. Communicate openly with your boss about what’s realistic and what’s not. Set clear boundaries for your workload and avoid taking on too much at once. It’s important to be upfront about what you can deliver within certain timeframes.
3. Seek Support and Resources
Just because you’re working solo doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. Reach out to colleagues, even if they aren’t directly involved in your work, for advice or guidance. If certain tools or resources could make your job easier, don’t hesitate to request them. Working alone doesn’t mean you have to struggle in silence.
4. Develop a Strong Relationship with Your Boss
Since you’re directly reporting to your boss, maintaining open lines of communication is vital. Keep them in the loop on your progress, challenges, and any support you may need. This not only builds trust but also ensures that they understand the limitations of your role and workload.
5. Practice Self-Care
The pressure of being a one-person team can lead to burnout if you’re not careful. Schedule regular breaks, practice stress management techniques, and don’t forget to take time for yourself. Balancing your well-being is essential when the workload feels overwhelming.
6. Embrace the Learning Experience
Being a one-person team can be an opportunity for tremendous growth. You’ll become more self-sufficient, learn new skills, and become a problem solver. Instead of seeing it as a burden, view it as a challenge that will make you more resilient and adaptable in the long run.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
When you’re working alone, it’s easy to feel like you’re not making much progress. Celebrate your achievements, even the small ones, and recognize that you’re doing something remarkable by handling the work independently.
The Bottom Line
While being a one-person team may not be the ideal setup, it’s possible to thrive with the right mindset, tools, and strategies. The key is to stay organized, communicate openly with your boss, and take care of yourself in the process. With these steps, you can overcome the challenges and come out stronger on the other side.