Getting Assigned Stuff You Don't Know How To Do?

How do you handle situations like this?

Obviously I ask for clarification or how to do it, but is it ok to ask again incase the instructions still weren't clear or should you google, send your boss what you have and if this wasn't what you were looking for I can change it?

8 Comments
 
Best Response

While you don't want to ask for clarification and guidance 50 times - essentially have him/her hold your hand through every single step and almost do your work for you - you also don't want to send stuff that is completely wrong and going in the wrong direction.

Therefore, you need to ask questions as you go, but also do your own research - check online, ask other analysts that may have experience with it for some quick pointers and work through some things on your own. If you are stuck, you can turn to your boss, but don't assume that not knowing step 3 means you won't know the next 25 steps either - out some effort in and then if you get stuck again or are moving along but want some clarification, ask your boss to check through it with you really quick.

Especially early on or if this is the 1st time you've been given this type of an assignment there is nothing wrong with a bit of follow-up and clarification. It is MUCH better that you ask some questions and deliver work that is correct or nearly correct, than deliver work that looks as if you have no idea what you're doing - just make sure you do your research and try to work through it before hunting down your boss for every step.

PM me if you have other questions.

 
makeyourownluckutilize your peers first before ever turning to your boss.
I disagree. Your peers are competing with you for comp. Don't trust anyone.
 

Try to find answers on your own, as the perception of competence is important and ALSO remember that asking for help can also be seen as taking your job seriously. In the big picture, the point is to get it done correctly with minimal hassle.

lebowski
makeyourownluckutilize your peers first before ever turning to your boss.
I disagree. Your peers are competing with you for comp. Don't trust anyone.
I used to work with the a guy who was rumored to be the grandson of a crime boss and quickly learned that it's not a good idea to fuck people over at work or in general, even IF you think you know them well.

Compete by being excellent, not a douche.

Get busy living
 

Don't hassle your boss too much unless it is absolutely necessary. First use Google and do research to find out how to do the task. Then, use the forums to clear your doubts. Then, ask your friends outside the firm. Then ask alumni from your school who are senior to you in the same company. If nothing else works, then ask your boss for help.

 

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