Last week my ability to take constructive criticism was
really tested. In this job I’ve learnt
pretty quickly you can’t take things personally. Your work will be scrutinised
by a number of high level executives before it even makes it to the Minister’s
office. There are so many things to consider and get right….appropriate use of language,
tone, structure etc. Get any of this wrong and you're back to the drawing board.
Before my work is sent for general manager approval, my line
manager must approve it. More often than not he’ll make a few changes, which is
fairly standard, and from there the approval process begins up the executive chain.
However, last week not one piece of work was making it over the line. Key
messages weren’t concise and clear and I was missing the point completely.
I felt deflated and pretty crappy about the work I was producing.
I instantly started questioning myself – am I a good writer? Am I good enough
to do this job? Should I be in public relations!?!
When I took a step back and really looked at the situation,
I realised what I was feeling was just a lot of pressure and expectation I was
putting on myself. I was really feeling the pressure of finishing up all my uni
assignments, and combined with the pressures of my job, I was starting to lose
the plot!
Fast forward a week late, uni assignments done and dusted,
my work is getting the thumbs up and I’m far less stressed. I know I’m a good writer and I know I can do
this job. Everyone has bad weeks, whether you’re an intern, on secondment or
you’ve been in the same job for five years. For anyone feeling the pressures of
juggling their internship, study, work and family commitments etc., just keep on being
your awesome self – I promise you, you’re doing a great job!
