Attitudes At Work That Matter

My sister was counting down the jobs that I’ve held over the years, and boy did that take a while. “Dude, you even beat dad,” she shrieked. In defense, “But my moves have never been horizontal moves”, I shot back.

But yes, I must admit I’ve had an adventurous career ride. I’ve always been blessed enough to do what I enjoy and to love what I do. Doesn't mean I have to stay in one spot. Haiizz...let's leave that for another blog.

Now, in my 10+ years in professional leadership roles, ironically I’ve only ever had one intern. My reason for not accepting interns: I see a lot of employers taking in interns just so that they have someone to do the nitty gritty admin work. I just don't think that's fair without investing sufficient time to properly mentor each intern so that they do get a fair return of their time. And because I just couldn't find the time, I decided not to.

In recent years, I’ve moved into doing consulting... for social enterprises. And as karma would have it, these social enterprises are mostly boot-strapped and constantly relied on, you guessed it - interns to help out with work load.

Experience and observations working with interns have prompted me to write a Dear Intern blog, or call it my redemption if you will, which I thought may be of some use to those entering work life for the first time.

Here goes:

1. When finding contrary views, ask with the intention to understand

The instinctive response of full-blown self-justification for your argument, is a behaviour that I would recommend, to abandon. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be

prepared with sound rationale to justify your position, what I’m saying is that it shouldn’t be the first reaction, without first genuinely seeking to understand the other point of view.

While students are exposed to the latest literature and research, it’s also worthy to note that many working professionals, out of school as they may be, do not cease to upgrade their skills and knowledge.

When finding contrary views, it would be a great opportunity to learn what you might not know yet or realised some un-thought of perspectives. I find that if one dons this attitude as one’s primary coat, it will help shield against narrow-mindedness, as well as unwanted arrogance. It is only with an open mind that one can be creative, and learn much quicker.

2. Own it

Easier said than done. Ownership is more than responsibility. It's difficult to fake, no matter how many books you’ve read. It is not a part-time task. Ownership comes with genuine care for outcomes and pride in your work. It is invisible, yet your boss can sense it or for lack of it, at your most unsuspecting times.

The rewards? An impeccable reputation, that precedes you.

3. Are you here with the problem or are you part of the solution?

This is one that should literally hang at the door of every team leader that works with newbies.

This is a biggie. Too often I feel that it is not for lack of intelligence or experience, as it is for lack of will to first exercise problem solving when heading to the supervisor’s office for a discussion.

Many of the things I mention may seem common sense to some, or even things that you would’ve learned at home or at school if you are lucky enough to grow up in a conducive-learning environment, but rest assured we’ve seen too much of these or lack of it for that matter, that it is fair to mention that this is an essential attitude to have if you want to succeed.

4. Being pesky is better than being passive

This is a note to my younger self too.

In the buzzing fast-paced corporate life, as teams frantically hurry to meet deadlines, fix unexpected problems or race to ride on new opportunities, it would be easy to forget the temporary intern.

Interns who do not find themselves either inundated with tasks, may find themselves plain idle and unsure on how not to be in the way of busy seniors or risk facing their wrath. But, let me encourage interns to take that risk – your internship time is limited and valuable, so make the best of this learning opportunity. In addition, though it’s true that interns are often less help than hindrance, I feel that many employees have been in the same boat and can appreciate this phase of one’s career. Supervisors too will appreciate intern’s initiatives for picking up more responsibility.

5. Make friends. Build bridges

Lastly, as in any environment, be a friend and you will find that many things can work better, with light hands ready to point you in the right direction. Remember, that the bridges that you build, may transcend culture, language and generations.