This post is part of a series of reflecting on the weekly chapters of my LiA experience in Singapore. 

What went well?

I really enjoyed getting to meet my team, observe how they worked and start to get to know why they joined the non-profit sector. I was amazed by how small my team was, because I would never have guessed that such high volumes of high-quality work could come from such few people. I was proud to have been able to complete all the tasks I’d intended to complete by the end of my first week.

What could have been done differently?

I could have clarified with my team what their processes and procedures were like in connection with the tasks I wanted to do. For example, one thing I wanted to accomplish was make blog posts. However, I didn’t account for the layers of editing and revision the post would have to go through to be posted. Having clarified things like this would have allowed me to create a more realistic timeline for myself. 

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

I learned that I have a very particular working style, and I can’t expect to have a smooth experience working with others if I don’t communicate my working style to others. 

What did I learn about leadership?

My team was incredibly familial, whereas I was expecting a rigid strict work environment with expectations from Day One. I learned that leaders can be familial and kind, but also strict and professional.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

I want to develop the ability to be less rigid or “stuck in my ways”. Right now, I feel I’m trying to act solely as a productive workhorse and not a team member. In my ambition to make “lasting” and “revolutionary” contributions to UWS, I have an urge to impose my plans on the team. However, I feel really insensitive doing this. It feels like I’m entering a space where I’m a guest and am trying to act as a prescriptive ringleader. My zest to contribute to UWS comes from my years of professional experience in women’s empowerment work, but this week I’m seeing that I need to temper this enthusiasm because I’m risking being overly zealous. Though I want to be more adaptable to the work style and culture of this office rather than remain a visitor, this means working at the directive of the organization I’ve joined.

I also hope to lighten up while I’m at the office. In those moments where I’m resisting the urge to relax or start chatting with colleagues, I think about how institutionalized I’ve become by being a student. Because as a student, I feel I’m incentivised to leave all my non-student identities at the lecture hall door. But the work environment at my internship is both productive and interpersonal and I’m now realising that this makes me uncomfortable. I aim to let more of my other identities into the office these next five weeks.