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A friend of mine has consulted with me a number of times about work issues, and how to create a new assignment for herself, while dealing with an indecisive company and a somewhat difficult client located on the other side of the country. Here are some of the thoughts I shared with her.

Topic: Your soon-to-be-realized trip to Atlanta 

Comments: This is your big opportunity. Despite the many months of delay, and frustration, it's now time for you to take the leadership role that you have asked for, and show them what you are made of. It's time to decide to be decisive. In fact it's time to PLAY BIG, showing with your experience, intelligence and expertise that you are in charge. This does not mean that you won't be consulting with your supervisor, or the client contacts in certain circumstances, but you are the one who is leading this project, therefore you have to be decisive in a big way. 

What's at stake? Well, of course, the client account, and their satisfaction with you and your firm. What else? Your reputation and credibility with your home office. What else? The future potential to this employer (and others) to show what you can do in a difficult and long-distance assignment. Anything else? Well, how about your own satisfaction and pride? What about your ongoing education in the way things get done, and the way YOU get things done, via the thinking, planning and executing that you, and you alone (with whatever virtual support you get from the home office) carry out while in that far-away city and client location. 

Is it ok to make mistakes? Well, some might think no, this is do-or-die, and don't mess up at all costs. However, if you think about it, the reality is there is no ONE way to do anything in business today. We all have to be creative and decisive and stick our necks out at times, and make the best decision and the best execution on that decision possible. This is where it gets interesting, of course. Are you thinking about all the options? Have you done your homework? Are you prepared? Can you pull it off, and what will you need from others, in order to create the result that you want for your client, your company and yourself? These are important attributes, and I'm sure that you are spending a lot of sleepless days and nights thinking about them. 

Are you really seeing the broad picture, as well as the operational, hands-on details? Well, maybe yes, but to the extent that you will see things much better when you are on the ground and involved in the day-to-day activities with your client, there is no doubt that your preparation and well-considered plans will begin to come together even more when you take on the project, on day one. Can you anticipate all the problems or situations that will arise once you take control? No, but you will probably have thought a lot about how to best prepare for this, so stay cool, and stay focused, and it will work out.  

There is no doubt that this will be a challenging assignment. After all that's why it's called "work", and that's why they pay you to take on these kinds of challenges. What makes it fun is that it's something totally new for you, and your skills and other talents will allow you to make the most of the opportunity. That is really great, and I hope that you enjoy every moment of it. As I mentioned, it's time to decide to be successful, time to decide to be decisive, and time to thrive in a brand new environment where the only way for you to make it happen is to make up your mind and execute.  

I hope this helps. I'm sure you have thought about all of this already, and when that plane touces down in ATL, I'm sure you'll feel a few butterflies, but with the determination that you have to make this "your" victory, and "your" project, and thus open up a new door for your future career in consulting or professional services, or whatever else you want to do, this is the time, and you are the person to make it happen. Enjoy! Good luck. You are going to knock 'em dead!

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Thanks for reading. Keep those comments and questions coming. We're all riding on the Career Path Expressway, and this is just one more itinerary as recreated by yours truly. Enjoy the ride!

©Daniel A. Cabrera, TopExec.org, All rights reserved, 2010.

For a look at my blog on topics specific to doing business in Latin America, please see this site, and good reading!

 http://latinknowhow.blogspot.com/