From Interviews to Growth: Lessons in Decision-Making and Alignment

Changing jobs can feel like taking on a massive project. It’s not just about updating your resume or preparing for interviews; it’s about aligning priorities, assessing risks, and making decisions that impact your personal and professional life. Let me share how I navigated this process during my career shift in New Zealand and how these lessons relate to project management and productivity.

Table of Contents

• The Importance of Stakeholder Alignment

• The Power of Delegation

• The Marathon of Execution

• Choosing the Right Opportunity

• Key Takeaways for Project Managers and Professiona …

The Importance of Stakeholder Alignment

Before any major decision, my wife and I sat down to align our priorities. A job change often means a city change here in New Zealand, so we needed to ensure we were on the same page. This process reminded me of stakeholder engagement in project management: identifying key players, understanding their expectations, and securing their buy-in before moving forward.

Action Tip: When tackling a big decision or project, involve all stakeholders early. Open communication ensures you’re aligned on goals and minimizes resistance later.

The Power of Delegation

We had a deal: my wife would handle the job applications while I focused on preparing for interviews. This division of responsibilities saved us time and energy, allowing each of us to focus on what we do best. It’s a classic example of effective delegation, a cornerstone of productivity.

Action Tip: In your projects, delegate tasks based on strengths. Freeing up your time for critical activities can exponentially increase your output.

The Marathon of Execution

Two standout companies emerged during the application process: one in Hamilton and another in Invercargill. The interview schedule was intense. I drove six hours to Hamilton for an in-person interview, returned home the same day, and caught a flight to Invercargill for another interview the next morning.

Despite the packed schedule, I stayed focused by treating the process like a project sprint—time-boxing tasks, planning ahead, and staying adaptable. For instance, the Invercargill company accommodated my request for a Saturday interview and even covered travel expenses, which helped me focus on giving my best.

Action Tip: When working under pressure, break down tasks into manageable chunks, focus on priorities, and stay flexible when unexpected challenges arise.

Choosing the Right Opportunity

After the interviews, we carefully evaluated both offers. Ultimately, I accepted a role as a Project Engineer. The deciding factor? Growth potential. It felt like the right move for my long-term career goals, much like choosing a project that aligns with your organization’s strategic objectives.

Action Tip: When evaluating opportunities, prioritize those that align with your vision and offer room for growth. A calculated decision today sets the foundation for future success.

Key Takeaways for Project Managers and Professionals

This experience was more than a career shift—it was a masterclass in project management and productivity. Aligning stakeholders, delegating tasks, staying focused under pressure, and choosing growth-oriented opportunities are strategies that translate directly into managing successful projects.

Whether you’re navigating a career change or leading a complex project, remember: it’s all about preparation, collaboration, and staying focused on the bigger picture.

Thanks for reading! See you next Saturday for more tips and strategies to grow and thrive.