Just joined as consultant - how to succeed in this role?

Hello,

From what you are saying, it sounds like the junior on your project has been on the firm for longer than you? I know this is quite a tricky situation, but my advice would be to do your best, make sure you ask for help when you need it, and be transparent with your mentor about what is going on.

As a caveat here - I do not know your specific situation, so can only offer general advice. However, if you are new to the firm, you should not be expected to automatically know how to lead a project. Some things you could think about are as follows. Lean on the junior, if they are doing good work. Ask your mentor for advice if you need to (if you frame it constructively, as “I really want to do my best on this project, but am not fully sure how to do XYZ because I am new” rather than “I can't do this!”, I don't think you would look bad). It's a lot of responsibility to be asked to lead a project so soon, but it's important to know your limits. The crucial thing is that the project gets done successfully, so you should try to do what you can to accomplish that goal, even if that means stepping back or asking for more help sometimes.

Hi there,

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Know that no-one can perfectly prepare for the job and that's the point: You will mess up, you will learn, you will be trained and supported. That's OK!

Now, in terms of your specific situation, this is super hard to advise on via writing. I'd suggest you reach out to me (and other coaches) - I'm happy to support you here. I personally had to join a failing project without having prior management experience (or support) and turned it around (leading about 20 people). I know how hard it can be!

The general advice is you need to play to your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses. You need to leverage your coworkers if that's what they're good at (if the junior is good, let him help!). Learn. Adjust. Adapt. Play politics properly. Get the support/help/learning that you need in the way that you need it.