- Learn to work more efficiently – The pressure of added responsibility stimulates most people to learn how to accomplish more in the same amount of time. Look for opportunities to be more decisive, to let go of tasks that should be delegated to others, to work faster and to create better systems for monitoring and tracking work.
- Plan short-term and long-term – You might be able to orchestrate some developmental assignments rather quickly. You might have to put others on hold as you wait for the right opportunity to emerge. You may get as much out of a small-scale, ongoing assignment (e.g., being a peer coach for new employees) or a short-term project (e.g., serving on a hiring committee) as you would from a larger commitment.
- Schedule your time – This is easier if your assignment involves specific meeting times and clear deadlines, but block out time for other key activities that will help you make the most of your developmental assignment, such as study and practice, writing in a learning journal or meeting with a mentor.