We hear it a lot; attention to detail is crucial.
It speaks volumes about patience, perseverance and thoroughness, and in my three weeks to date at PPR, it is something I have had to adjust to VERY quickly.
As interns and university students, a lot of us strive for efficiency. Tasks are completed quickly, without fuss and to a standard that keeps the engaged parties chugging along free of obstruction. But what happens when the goalposts are shifted? How are we to know Gentle Geoff expects more, when similar jobs for Simple Steve, Hyper Harriet and Chilled Charlie* have been received with positive feedback? I have been battling with this question since I got here, and I think I am onto an answer. But first, a bit of context.
Last week, I undertook a simple task for colleague which involved editing, printing, binding and compiling a heap of crisis communication documents. I went about my business fighting with the printer and learning how to use a binder - technology and I have had a few differences in the past - before neatly placing everything in their file of choice. All was rosy until my work was received with a relatively stale response: "God, you can't buy good help anymore". It turns out that in my haste, I accidentally left a small tear in the plastic film on the spine of the file where I'd placed a label.
Last week, I undertook a simple task for colleague which involved editing, printing, binding and compiling a heap of crisis communication documents. I went about my business fighting with the printer and learning how to use a binder - technology and I have had a few differences in the past - before neatly placing everything in their file of choice. All was rosy until my work was received with a relatively stale response: "God, you can't buy good help anymore". It turns out that in my haste, I accidentally left a small tear in the plastic film on the spine of the file where I'd placed a label.
Initially, I was miffed. More than miffed. I had done their dirty work for them, in good time - ahead of a number of other assignments - to what I thought was a high standard.
Upon reflection, I am beginning to understand my naivety.
Our studies have indicated different fields of PR require different skillsets, and a benefit of a high-paced consultancy environment is that we're exposed to them all. Where some colleagues might prioritise timeliness, others require absolute perfection.
In undertaking work since, I have been sure to clarify exactly what my colleagues expect of me; timeliness, detail or both. My communication skills have improved markedly and my relationships with the proverbial Gentle Geoff's of the office are benefitting.
In undertaking work since, I have been sure to clarify exactly what my colleagues expect of me; timeliness, detail or both. My communication skills have improved markedly and my relationships with the proverbial Gentle Geoff's of the office are benefitting.
I am interested in hearing how everybody else is approaching their assignments. Have you had to make the same adjustment, or are you finding it a natural transition?
*Gentle Geoff, Simple Steve, Hyper Harriet and Chilled Charlie are NOT real people, though I'm sure they'd be a blast if they were.
*Gentle Geoff, Simple Steve, Hyper Harriet and Chilled Charlie are NOT real people, though I'm sure they'd be a blast if they were.
1 comment:
Hi there,
Good to see your post. Yes, attention to detail is a must in everything you do, especially when you are interning.
Like you, I learned it the hard way too.
But when you do get the idea of what and how the 'real-world' works, you actually start to take the learning experience positively.
In my case, I was doing the internship unit as a sole unit during the semester, so I could concentrate entirely on one unit. So I did not have to tackle with other assignments.
Hope your rest of the internship was well.
Cheers,
Saket.
Post a Comment