Whip it good

My ass got whipped last week.

You see, in recent months my work has gone through a series of fairly significant changes: new ownership, new offices, the departure of some of my favorite people.

All had been good. I was doing ok. Really.

Then last week happened. Last week I didn't do ok.

Last week, in fact, I felt like I sucked balls. You see I was to deliver my first reputation audit. I have helped out with them in the past, but had yet to lead one. I was both excited and nervous.

And I totally underestimated all the things I didn't know. Well, that may not be true. I think I underestimated the things that weren't intuitive to me.

Since the start of my career in public relations, most things have come somewhat intuitively, which is how I knew I found my niche. But last week, nothing I did was right. I didn't ask for help when I should have, I didn't send the report to edits early enough, I didn't look at the data from the right angle.

Obviously I didn't do a lot of things right.

I was doubting everything. As per usual. But as Sarin said, "This is your first time writing a report like this. You will learn and do better next time."

Things I have learned because of this debacle:

1. While I am good at my job, I am not perfect. I must remember to ask for help. Even when I don't want to.
2. There are some things that are beyond my expertise, right now. 
3. Bring in extra eyes, they can save so much stress.
4. Look at the data from all angles. Don't assume anything. 
5. Carefully review previous examples of similar work. I put the emphasis on CAREFULLY. Sometimes, because of the environment I work in, I skip the carefully and run through everything. No matter how much other shit I have on my plate, I have to start dedicating time to preparing for the new projects that will come up. Well, new to me. 
6. Regan Lal is an amazing resource and I miss her dearly. She is my co-worker who had a baby and abandoned me. I miss her all the time for many things other than her big brain, but last week I missed her guidance, patience and ability to walk me through things that I need to know. 

Now you know why I turned everything off.