How Many Hats Are You Wearing?
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“So, what do you do at ETE?”
These past few weeks, we’ve been in the midst of “trade show season” so this question has been pretty common. And I could answer in a number of ways, depending on the show or the person asking. But whatever I say usually involves,
“Well, I wear a lot of different hats…”
Wearing many hats, aka the ability to multi-task, lend a helping hand, or fill a void, seems to be perceived as a high value quality. I’m sure you work with someone who considers it one of his/her best skills. You’ve probably hired someone recently who lists it on a resumé.
Maybe you’re like me and you find it the simplest way to explain your job.
After coming back from the ATRA Powertrain Expo, I started thinking about this simple, oh-so-natural-to-say explanation. And as harmless, even positive, as it seems, I decided that there’s a catch:
Picture your shop. You (or one of your employees) is likely a manager, salesman, customer service rep, bookkeeper, and technician all rolled into one.
Imagine your office. You (or part of your team) is probably a meeting planner, account manager, disciplinarian, leader, or even unpaid therapist at times.
When you first put on a different hat and take on a new task, it’s exciting. What you’re contributing feels like it has a real impact. And it does. So, you might put on another hat. And another. And another. And another.
And what happens?
You end up with a head covered in metaphorical hats – and a bunch of things to do, none of which are getting your full time, attention, or skills.
Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Not making the progress with your customers that you’d like to be?
Take inventory of how many hats you’re wearing.
For the ones that work, keep ‘em and refocus your efforts. For the ones that are holding you back, find them a new home.
Director of Customer Experience Jennifer Porter wears a lot of hats at times (not physically, but you know what we mean.) Some of those hats are great, but some get in the way. Could you do with one less hat yourself? Comment below or share with her directly.
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