On my international placement I was confronted with a difficult situation that taught me to control my feelings of frustration and stress in order to remain professional. I learnt that authoritative figures often are not open to compromise and will only do things their way. If challenged they may exert their authority to our detriment. As students, or new graduates, we can only accept their decisions because attempting to change their point of view is impossible.
This is applicable when facing an employer as one single mistake may taint their opinion of you, which may not be reconciled for a long time.
I made the mistake of requesting to compromise leave for a mountain climb. My supervisor thought this very unprofessional. After telling me how she felt, I was taken a back. I continued to defend my action, saying that I thought it was quite professional of me to approach her to make a compromise. She did not agree. Throughout my mid and final placement assessments, this situation haunted me. I left my international placement, not having won her respect back.
It is important for us to make careful calculations of our employers. Even if we don’t agree with them, or think they are too harsh in their judgements. They hold the key to our employment, thus livelihood!
In the future I will ensure I will judge my employer correctly. Then decide what requests are appropriate. I will take much consideration prior to making any form of request that may potentially upset them.
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1 comment:
Hey sarah!
I'm sorry that you did not have a very pleasant experience with your supervisor. Just wondering if your supervisor was Asian? Because that would be quite common in Asian countries. We are taught respect from young and in your view it would probably be too much respect beccause to us whatever the boss says is right. Challenging authority is something unheard of.
To put it into context, I remember in my first few placements. I was surprised that my peers were so forthcoming with their opinions because it is not in our cultural to do so. This might shed some light if you do not already know why some students from asian countries are quiet and soft spoken. Then again, you cannot stereotype a country. So there will always be some who do not fit into this docile category.
But I certainly agree with you that personal relations and EQ are so importatnt to get the best outcome from any working relationship, Asian or not. It was also very professional of you to approach your supervisor to negotiate but i would not do that in my home country unless for an urgent matter, even over here I will have to go through a little of an emotional struggle before I would even attempt negotiating for leave with my supervisor. Weak Asian you would say.. =p
General cultural norms can only serve as a guide but as with everything and everyone, there are always exceptions. =)
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