Almost exactly 3 years ago, I got a call from work. They asked me to drop my regular responsibilities and be part of a ventilator production launch, which included moving down to Kokomo, Indiana for at least a month.
To set the stage, this was about 10 days into the COVID-19 shutdown. I had just celebrated my birthday in quarantine thinking I was so unlucky to have a March birthday and this would all go away in a couple weeks (turns out we all had several quarantined birthday and our wedding had to be postponed a year). I had heard about GM possibly partnering with Ventec Life Systems to help speed up ventilator production, but never expected to be part of it.
My first reaction was a huge wave of emotions. I remember having a mini breakdown and thinking “There’s no way I can do this – I have to say no!” This opportunity was too big and too out of the blue in the midst of complete uncertainty.
Luckily I ended up saying yes and was part of this incredible project – we converted an office building into a high-volume production facility and started making intricate critical care ventilators within 6 weeks! I was essentially the only person from central office Quality down at the plant, so I got to act as higher management role and present the quality systems status to executives including our CEO Mary Barra. It turned out to be a career highlight.
Reflecting three years later, I wanted to share how I got through that initial shock and into the take-it-on mode. Maybe this can help you make a decision about an overwhelming opportunity presented to you, too.
It’s okay to be scared, but don’t stop there
There’s no shame in feeling scared! The issue is if you let that fear paralyze you and stop you from taking on the challenge. Let yourself feel whatever emotions bubble up and work your way through them to the other side. Even if your immediate reaction is to say “no way,” take some time, sleep on it, be through the freak-out stage before making any decisions.
Reflect on challenges you’ve already gotten through
You’ve made it through all the things thrown at you this far! Take a minute to remind yourself of everything you’ve been able to do to this point. You got that new job, you moved to that new place, you were in that uncomfortable situation and made it to the other side. You might be more capable than you think.
This decision isn’t final
At the time, it usually feels like this is a life-altering, can’t-ever-undo-this decision. It can be really helpful to reframe that thought. Almost nothing is truly final. You can make another decision later to move in another direction. I find a lot of comfort in remembering this – it makes the decision a little smaller so if I make the wrong one, it’s not forever. I learned this from BLANK.
Reach out to your support system
Talk to your people! Depending on the opportunity you’re facing, maybe you reach out to a mentor, or a friend who has been through something similar, or a parent. Sometimes talking through the pros and cons or even just explaining the opportunity can provide clarity or perspective.
This was super helpful when deciding whether to participate in the ventilator project. I shared with Hugh that I had been asked and he was so excited for me! It was a relief that he wasn’t concerned about being left alone for some number of weeks and his excitement was contagious. He made me get out of my head and realize I could take on this challenge.
So whether it’s a promotion or a layoff, I hope you work through some of these steps to take on the challenge and com out stronger on the other side. You’ve got this!
What advice do you have? I’d love to hear about your experience or what you think I missed. Comment below or reach out!
