What do I do about my job?! AARRGGH!?

Question

I'm in public relations and I'm basically very good at what I do: writing and media relations. I'm a reliable workhorse. But creativity and "brainstorming" are part of my job also. I can come up with creative ideas when I'm alone and have time to think (I'm an introvert), but if I'm in a meeting with others, it's like I can't think! Everyone else can come up with a ton of ideas on the spot, but I throw out maybe one or two. When I do come up with an idea, half the time, the VP makes a face, critiques the idea or looks at the prez as if to say, "Should I waste my time even writing that idea down?" I feel so inadequate by comparison and intimidated. What do I do? Am I doomed to never go past the Account Supervisor level? I'm afraid to go to another agency, for fear things could be even worse there! Things are bad where I am now, but the turnover is low. I think I could stay as long as I get along with the VP. How do I grow professionally? How do I learn to brainstorm successfully?

Answer 1

I agree with Gwen and Care. Maybe your ideas are good, but these meetings suppress them.
If you get good ideas when you're alone, then work with that. Any good idea you get, even if it seems useless at the time, write it down and keep it. And think of this: maybe, when you're in a meeting, you tense up, and you block your own creativity by assuming you'll fail?
Don't try to think like everyone else. Find your own way to think. If it means getting quiet during a meeting to give yourself time to think, then do it. A good idea is better than a fast idea.
As far as leaving the company, I wouldn't. The problem is not the company itself, so running from the company won't take away the essentil problem.
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Answer 2

There is a local club here called ToastMasters. You have to get up and on the spot talk about whatever topic they give you. I have a friend that is a CPA and an excellent one but when it comes to giving the financial statements information to a group, he is AWFUL and he knows it. So he joined ToastMaster and got over his inabilities by practicing.
Is there anyway you will have the info to think up ideas before the meeting? I was introverted when I was young but with maturity got over it but I'm still one that has to think things over carefully and then I'm extremely creative so I understand. I chose a field that complimented my abilities instead of kicking me to death.
Practice makes perfect and it also gives you confidence and speed. The VP is not helping you with the faces and may know it impedes you. You may be talking yourself into a problem and the VP and his faces just enforce what you are feeling. Remember you are good at what you do. Brainstorming is popping out whatever ideas come into your head. Stop worring about the faces and let it flow. It will come. Use the power of positive thinking, go into the next meeting positive, if the face comes, don't worry about it and force yourself to concentrate on another suggestion. It WILL work.
Also have considered that the VP has a problem? People in management that intimidate and act rudely usually have some type of problem and they try to compensate by acting in an inappropriate manner. I don't understand why these people manage to keep their jobs when they don't work for the good of the company. And finally, NEVER let another worker intimidate you. Don't let them do you, get mad. How dare they! Get in front of a mirror and practice your reactions to his faces. LOL

Answer 3

Granted that you have great ideas. I do so myself.

Sometimes people do not recognise that you think differently as others who follow the traditional path.

Many famous people (after much ridicule) are pioneers for their different and radical ideas compared to today's standards. Like Enistein or mother thresta (who inspired Princess Diana's love for others).

Don't pout is what I am saying here where you may be a good leader in that regard later on. Just for today, develop a greater trust in yourself!

I suggest two remedies for now and leave the rest to you.

1) Restore your spirit, although you may have had a great holiday or a rest, I think you may want to take time to rejuviate your spirit by doing something you value that is not about your workplace, something or somewhere different.

I was thinking (something small and achievable) like visitiing the beach and enjoying the seaside for the weekend.

Why I suggested this is to restore your sense of self. This dramaically improves your creativity because it is all about you not others.

2) Each time before you go to bed, with a pen and a pad write things down everything in order unload the rubbish (even if it not yours or your clients or your office politics you been involved) UNLOAD everything in your mind. Then replace with these thoughts with small baby positives. I mean "I am grateful to have a job I can build my dreams" or "thank you for giving me lessons that I may grow". You get the idea of good affirmations and seriously will help your creativity once you see yourself in a different mindset.

One last thing, don't be surprised by your intutition, it is always right!! If you get an answer from the universe that it is time to move into another job you will know!

Answer 4

Well, I would suggest that you use a notebook just for brainstorming ideas. Take it with you everywhere (so i suggest a small one) & write down all of the ideas that pop into your head, as well as when you brainstorm on your own. Then, take the notebook to your meeting. Nobody can really teach you how to brainstorm successfully, because different things work for different people. Just try different approaches and stick with what works best for you. Good luck.

Answer 5

A lot of people clam up under stress and I think you may be one of them. Kind of like test anxiety, where a student studies hard and knows the material but when they go to take the test, they completely blank out and fail. It's just nerves and the more you worry about it, the worse it'll get. Just keep telling yourself how good you are and make it up in your mind that next time you'l blow them away with your great ideas. Hope this helps a little.

Answer 6

Seriously--see if you can find a shrink that can hypnotize you.
You can train yourself to relax before the meetings so your mind can flow a little better--unless you know what is going to be presented in the meetings and can brainstorm alone then you are going to continue to have problems.
If your VP already thinks you are stupid or incompetent then you may want to move on.

Answer 7

Practise at home.

Take the last or latest idea in which you only had one or two answers, and try to improvet the ones that were given.

You are in a competitive field, and in order for you to rise you need to put yourself to the test. I think you can do it, but are getting down on yourself.

It's the most demanding to be creative. Give yourself credit for being where you are, and hone your skills...also widen your horizons...creativity comes from unexpected sources..visit museums of modern art, read off the wall poetry, try doing something you've never done before...be brave

Answer 8

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Answer 9

You seem very intelligent and motivated. Have you studied up on the trends (magazines in your industry, conferences, etc)? Maybe you need to actually make better use of industry-related resources to pique your creativity. Good luck and don't give up!

Answer 10

You need to learn the 4 C's: Calm, Cool, Collected and Confident!!! Trust your instincts!! It sounds like you like your job, but are unsure of yourself. Concieve, Believe, and Achieve!! Try saying affirmations in the mirror to enhance your confidence! Good luck and Peace!!