What went well?
I have completed my orientation and onboarding, and I've had the chance to meet most of the office and sit in on meetings with each section of the Bureau. Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming, allowing me to observe what each section does in order to figure out what different projects I might want to attach myself to.
What could have been done differently?
The first few days of orientation were fairly unproductive, and because I started in-person on Thursday and Friday, most of the office was working online. My supervisor also happened to be on leave, so I had to delay some of my onboarding until the last few days.
What did I learn about myself when working with others?
I learned that I thrive in an in-person environment where teamwork and camaraderie are more easily stimulated. I also learned that getting to meet in-person, even if there are financial or logistical constraints, is an important part of building and nurturing professional relationships in the initial stage for me, as my colleagues have done with various stakeholders and interest groups in the region.
What did I learn about leadership?
I learned that leadership is about remaining flexible and being able to navigate constantly changing and dynamic conditions. The teams that I'm on have dealt with a swell of new employees as the situation in Ukraine progresses, while also constantly having people come in and out of the Bureau due to the pace of hiring. Dynamic leadership means ensuring the structures/practices you construct are adaptable to these circumstances. Meanwhile, it also means empowering those I oversee in order for them to feel meaningfully engaged. My supervisors do an excellent job of doing so, not just in delegating tasks but also ensuring that everyone has the chance to take a leadership role and speak out about an issue they have a stake in.
What do I want to develop/focus on next?
I want to deepen my knowledge about the contemporary political situation in Eastern Europe and Eurasia, particularly after recent parliamentary elections in Europe as well as the general trend of democratic backsliding. I also with to connect with some of the more technical/functional sections of the Bureau to ensure that I have a better understanding of their jobs and the work that they do.