Final answer:
When asked to prioritize a new project over an existing one, show initiative and problem-solving skills. Suggest balancing solutions while setting clear priorities and communicating effectively with your manager to manage your workload.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with a situation where your company asks you to prioritize a new project over your current one, it is crucial to exhibit initiative and strong problem-solving skills. Engineers frequently multitask, handling several projects with different deadlines, which underscores the importance of time management and prioritization. If required to shift focus due to a change in priorities, effectively communicate your plan to manage your workload to your supervisor. To deal with conflicting priorities, you might suggest a better solution or a way to balance both commitments, showing that you bring value to your role. Reading up on the company's goals can help you align your actions with their priorities. At the end of each day, set your priorities for the following day, ensuring you are realistic about what can be achieved, and protect your private time by setting boundaries with electronic communications. Communicating with your manager will be key to navigating new responsibilities. During your meetings, clarify the expectations and explore whether any flexible solutions allow for the progress of both projects. This demonstrates your dedication to working hard and your capability in managing challenging situations.