Leadership in My Internship

How does leadership play a role in your internship?

Leadership does play a role in my internship.  While I do not have anyone that reports to me, I do drive my projects to places where I am expected to be the leader.  The public, the jurisdictions, my boss, as well as Verizon ask me as to what is happening at any given moment and I am expected to give them answers. 

Are you able to demonstrate any leadership skills?

I do.  I am able to give information in a way that is extremely processional, at times when it can be tough to do so. For example, I have a site that has some intricacies that are out of the ordinary and this particular job is top of the list in terms of priority.  I have asked my designer for changes about 2 months ago.  He has not yet finished these changes, even with some reminding from me periodically.  It is my job that this project get completed within a specific time frame so I have diplomatically spoke to, helped as well as gone out of my way to ensure the project gets done.  We are in the last leg of the project and the designer (who works for someone else) is always thanking me for being so professional and expecting nothing but the best from him. 

Along with being professional, I am organized and making sure that all my ducks are in a row is what makes me a great manager.  I am able to talk to people in a way that makes them feel comfortable and I do not ever want to come off in a condescending way.  That will not make anyone feel excited about his or her job.

How do your co-workers or supervisor display leadership capabilities?

My manager is very lax about direction.  He gives me a start and because he knows I can figure things out in ways that work best for me, he lets me go and figure out the best way to get things done.  He is very overwhelmed with work and at times, this way of managing can be frustrating but he is always available to take questions from me if I do not understand something.  And he has graciously accepted that I am a “question-asker” but hey, I want to know everything and anything that I have pop up in my brain. 

I find that the most important skill in managing is communication.  Without it, you are going to be lost and life is not fun.  I am grateful for the job I have and the open communication I have with my supervisor.  He can ask anything and I can ask him anything.  It makes for a great working relationship.