Google first, clarify quickly.

I remember vividly the first time someone asked me to work on an RFP. I was like "no problem, RFPs are my jam." and then walked confidently to my desk to google "wtf is an RFP". 

We grew up in the technological world. The website "let me google that for you" exists because our default is to learn by ourselves.

MPWR data shows that Millennials are 22%+ more self-critical than any other generation. The good side of this is that we're perfectionists. The bad side is we sometimes feign confidence over vulnerability. 

The BAD news?

We've created a habit of closing ourselves off from vulnerability. We hear a term we don't understand and we don't want to seem off our game by asking what it means.

As we grow towards a collaborative default in corporations, this habit will create competition over cooperation. It will also potentially jeopardize the quality and efficiency of the project, which makes your brand look bad. Spending hours agonizing over whether you're doing something right is not a productive way to spend a day.

The GREAT news? 

It's 2018, and content relevant to every industry is available at our fingertips. With TEDTalks, books, articles, free courses and LinkedIn, we've never had more opportunity to learn independently. Employers are also realizing that as Millennials, we prioritize an open learning environment.

What this means for you as an employee

• Either you trust your leader to lead you or you don't. If you trust your leader, be open with them about what you know and what you don't. If you don't, reflect on why. It might be time to jump ship.
• Implement the "Google first, clarify quickly" rule. If you google it and find the answer, that's great. You've saved time for you and your superior and are branding yourself as a self-starter (buzzword alert). If you find that it's more complicated or industry specific, ask for clarification immediately. Here's how I phrase it now: "I've never done an RFP before so I will have a few questions once I begin." This manages expectations for your boss and gives you the opportunity to be open with any issues you have.

What this means for you as a boss

• Manage expectations immediately in order to create an environment of openness and efficiency. Be upfront with your employees that you expect them to keep open communication and that there will never be backlash for not knowing how to do something. Create a habit of checking in soon after the project is started.

The best trick to avoiding feeling like Jim Halpert in the Office (S5 E23) is to be proactive.

Spend 5 hours a week minimum OUTSIDE OF WORK gaining context and learning. It'll strengthen your brand and increase your projection into amplification.