Swallow the work frog

How to make the most of your work-terms

Author

Michael Ly
17 Oct

(3-min read)

Hi networkers,

While it’s important to put your best efforts into getting recruited, don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re all set once you get hired.

This week, let’s discuss a slightly different topic called “Swallowing the Frog.” 🐸 

Learning this will help you make the most of your jobs, get recognized at work, and even be promoted!

🏁 Here’s the route for this week’s run:

🎙️ Topic: Swallow the Frog

💡 Technique Takeaways

📍 Checkpoints: Networking Events to Stop By

TOPIC
Swallow the Frog

No no put down that fork, I don’t mean to literally swallow a frog. The phrase refers to a workplace technique.

Swallowing the Frog is when you find that one thing your boss either hates doing, or doesn’t have time for, and you do it for them.

Why? Simple, most employers have a tendency to give newcomers what I call - “surface level” work.

Because we’re new and often inexperienced, our managers will be hesitant to give us any responsibilities that a full-timer may have.

However, unless you’re fine with doing coffee runs, you’re gonna want meaningful, impactful work right? That’s where this technique comes in.

You use it to climb up the ladder, and be placed on more important projects!

Let’s say part of your boss’s job is to calculate the department’s budget and present it to their VP at the end of every quarter.

However, you’ve heard them say something along the lines of:

“I hate having to do this”

or

“I barely have time for this”.

That’s where you come in. You identify the frog (a.k.a the task your boss barely has time for) and you swallow it by offering to do it for them!

Figure out a way to make the process easier for them. In this case, not only could you do the budget, you could even improve the process by automating it!

Even if it’s not in your job description, taking any initiative to make your employer’s life easier will achieve a few things:

  1. Recognition - you demonstrated your skills and now that you’re manager has seen it, you’ve built a good rapport

  2. Initiative - you’ve shown that you can get things done on your own, being able to find work is a hidden skill that’s very sought-after

  3. Credibility - once you’ve proven you can be relied upon, you’ll be getting invited to more team meetings, and put on bigger projects

Actionable Step 

In your current/next job, search for your boss’s frog and:

  1. Offer to do it for them

  2. Find a way to improve the process

Remember, it’s not just doing the task, it’s also creating a better version of it.

-Michael

TIP/TOOL OF THE WEEK
Key Takeaways - Q&A

How does Swallowing the Frog help me if I’m not working?

It still applies to you! The common theme here is to prove you can do the job. Example - applying to investment banking? Take the initiative to create a stock pitch deck and submit it along with your resume.

Are there situations when I shouldn’t use this technique?

Yes, Swallowing the Frog doesn’t always work because sadly, there are managers out there who will take credit for your work. Judge their character before you take on an initiative!

What if my boss doesn’t have a frog to swallow?

Unlikely, everyone has at least one aspect of their job they don’t like or have on a lower priority. An easy way to find that frog is to simply ask!

So you’re saying I need to do extra work?

Not at all! I’m saying to take initiative when needed. But if you already have meaningful/challenging work, then swallowing the frog isn’t necessary.

Networking Events To Stop By
📍Checkpoints📍 

CGI Consulting 101: Shining Light on Business and IT Consulting

  • Time: Oct 18, 12:00 - 1:00 pm EST (Virtual)

  • Detail: The CGI Campus Team is rolling out an unmissable series of Fall workshops and webinars with insider insights into Business and IT Consulting and getting the most out of your co-op experience.

  • Register here 

BMO: Recruiter Ask Us Anything Event Series

  • Time: Oct 19, 3:00 - 4:00 pm EST (Virtual)

  • Detail: During this session, we’ll provide you with an overview of BMO, our recruitment timelines and process, and an opportunity to connect with our Campus & Early Talent Recruitment Team!

  • Register here

BMO: Interviews 101 Event Series

  • Time: Oct 26, 12:00 - 1:00 pm EST (Virtual)

  • Detail: Prepare yourself for an interactive opportunity to put your interview skills to the test! Our recruiters will walk you through the “dos and don’ts” for both in-person and video interviews

  • Register here

NielsenIQ: Virtual Career Expo

  • Time: Nov 22, 1:00 - 3:00 pm EST (Virtual)

  • Detail: Are you pursuing or have a post-secondary education and are interested in Technology and Business Analytics? Then this Career Expo is for you! Learn about career opportunities at NielsenIQ.

  • Register here

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