How to Fake It

Faking it can mean learning to use a complicated computer application or technology that you have no experience with. For example, you might accept an assignment that requires you to use a Computer Automated Drafting system (CAD). Don't start by attempting assigned task. First design a few smaller practice projects.

Faking it can require an understanding your organization's processes. For example, you accept an assignment that requires you to write a specification. You'll need to get a copy of appropriate procedures manual. Sometimes most surreptitious source for this is a clerk or secretary.

- When attempting to conceal fact that you're faking it, one of your best sources of information may be a clerk or secretary. You would be surprised how knowledgeable these people are about how things get done in organization.

Faking it can mean managing a project or event when you have no management experience. You might think "acting like a boss" doesn't require any special skills. But if managing project requires cooperation of other people, you'll find that some people will be uncooperative.

To manage a project, you need to learn how to use a "pert" chart and a "Gantt" chart, and how to manage a budget. If team members feel that you have lost control and project is doomed to failure, everyone will abandon you.

- When attempting a task for first time, it's important to listen to other people's advice. You may not agree with, or understand what they are saying, but they may have been down this path before and can give tip that will prevent you from stumbling.

- When faking it, study previous work. Can you get copies of schedule used on previous project of this type? Can you get pictures of previous product or event? Can you get a copy of a similar specification? Don't plagiarize someone else's work, just use it as an example.

To fake it, you'll be required to put in extra time, usually your own time, to make up for your lack of experience. That's price you have to pay to succeed in "no stretch" organization. It will be worth extra effort because next time this kind of task comes around, you really will be experienced.

After you have successfully completed a task by faking it, you' be ready to handle even greater assignments. Tasks for which you have no experience. And you'll receive those assignments and succeed in those tasks - by faking it.

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