Being a team of one can be challenging but also rewarding. It is important to get clarity on expectations from managers, set goals and build a roadmap to achieve them. Additionally, teams of one should focus on organization, collaboration, professional development, and self-care to thrive in their role rather than just survive. Connecting with others in similar positions can help alleviate the sense of isolation that may come with being a solo team member.

1. Thriving as a Team of One
Mandy Pennington, Director of Digital Marketing at Wilkes University

2. Being a team of one
can be exciting.

3. Being a team of one
can be challenging.

4. Being a team of one
can be scary.

5. “I’m responsible for
ALL OF THIS?!”

6. “How will I learn anything if
someone isn’t there to show
me?”

7. “But,who will I go to when
_______ happens?!”

8. “Who will I talk to?”

9. Being a team of one
can be awesome -
and totally doable.

10. What does it mean
to be a team of one?

11. Being a Team of One
● Starring roles
● Remote work is changing the way teams are structured
● New technologies and challenges require new positions
● Limited resources may not allow for teams of professionals
● Promotions may mean you’re the only one in that role
● Freelancing and solopreneur opportunities

12. It doesn’t mean that
you’re alone.

13. Getting Started

14. The Job
Description
“If you could wave a magic
wand and get the perfect
candidate…”

15. Ask about
expectations.
Yep, you’re new.
● You’re not going to know
everything the first day.
● “What are your expectations?”
● Set 30, 60 & 90-day objectives.
● Establish regular feedback
loops.
● Refer back to the job
description/interview.

16. Be a sponge.
Listen & Observe.
● Get exposure to other parts of
your organization.
● Sit in and shadow.
● Ask to meet.
● Take notes.
● Find out how things were done
before - and chart a new way
forward.

17. Get
comfortable
with
ambiguity.
This is an opportunity.
● New roles are NEW.
● It’ll take time to figure it out.
● Just ask.
● Dynamics can be learned.
● Set the goals and roadmap.
● Think strategically about where
your role fits into the big
picture.

18. Setting Goals

19. Image credit: Hydrate Marketing

20. Building a Roadmap

21. Building a roadmap
Step 1
Start with your goals - what
do you want to achieve?
Step 2
Make a list of objectives or to-do’s
that can help you achieve those
goals
Step 3
Add in timelines, tasks, and
how you’ll measure progress

23. Collaboration

25. Collaboration
● Across teams and coworkers.
● Find people in your position elsewhere.
● Build an “advisory board”.
● Online communities (e.g. Twitter chats/hashtags, Facebook Groups, Slack
channels).
● Grow your network - you never know who might be able to help!

26. Remember: you are not alone.

27. Getting Things Done

28. Organization & Planning
● Teams of one have to be hyper-organized to succeed.
● Keep on top of schedules, processes, and deadlines.
● Set up check-in times for yourself to see how you’re doing.
● Find systems that work for you.
● Document your processes.
● Build in margin.

29. Productivity
● Schedule to get things done.
● Plan for distractions.
● Find systems or techniques that work for you (e.g. Pomodoro).
● Build in margin.
● Understand your peaks and valleys (Daniel Pink’s When: The Scientific
Secrets of Perfect Timing).

30. Take care of your
mental health.

31. Make
Time for
Interaction

32. Own Your
Professional
Development

33. Explore
Creativity

34. Speak Up

35. Ask for
Help

36. Check In
With
Yourself

37. Don’t just survive.
Thrive.

38. Summary/Wrap Up
● Get clear on expectations.
● Listen and ask questions.
● Set SMART goals.
● Chart roadmaps.
● Find systems that work.
● Explore and grow in your role.
● Connect and collaborate.
● Take care of yourself.
● Enjoy the challenge.
● Have fun!

39. Have I mentioned you’re not
alone?

40. Thank you!
Continue the conversation:
mandy.pennington@wilkes.edu
@mandybpenn