I've been really struggling with maintaining my system at work since I took on a new role 1.5 years ago.
The main issue is that projects and outcomes are constantly shifting based on the whims of the people around me and I can't always keep up, or I just don't have the power to truly identify projects and next actions. I know this is an issue with the general work culture, but I'm trying to wrap my head around how to deal with it in the now.
As an example: A big part of my job is preparing for biweekly meetings with a large group of leaders. "Prep for meeting on 5/17" is on my project list, which can be too vague because there's a million moving pieces that, again, are always changing. So I'll come up with a plan for that meeting, and have all my next actions or steps in project plans, but then that lasts about 2 days before we hear that this Chief wants to do something completely different or this Chief and that Chief don't agree and we need to wait or rework or this other thing happened that thwarts it all and everything gets scrapped.
My system worked pretty well when I had clear defined outcomes and projects and could identify the next best step for me, but now it's like I'll put in this work to try to get organized and five minutes later it's all up in the air again and I have to start over.
Is there a good way to handle this constant state of flux? Can I get clear enough somehow while still leaving room for things to inevitably shift?
The main issue is that projects and outcomes are constantly shifting based on the whims of the people around me and I can't always keep up, or I just don't have the power to truly identify projects and next actions. I know this is an issue with the general work culture, but I'm trying to wrap my head around how to deal with it in the now.
As an example: A big part of my job is preparing for biweekly meetings with a large group of leaders. "Prep for meeting on 5/17" is on my project list, which can be too vague because there's a million moving pieces that, again, are always changing. So I'll come up with a plan for that meeting, and have all my next actions or steps in project plans, but then that lasts about 2 days before we hear that this Chief wants to do something completely different or this Chief and that Chief don't agree and we need to wait or rework or this other thing happened that thwarts it all and everything gets scrapped.
My system worked pretty well when I had clear defined outcomes and projects and could identify the next best step for me, but now it's like I'll put in this work to try to get organized and five minutes later it's all up in the air again and I have to start over.
Is there a good way to handle this constant state of flux? Can I get clear enough somehow while still leaving room for things to inevitably shift?