Significant Career Lesson From a Director of Operations at Linqia
Melanie, a Director of Operations, discovered that "there are only a specific number of challenges in this world, and they can all be solved in relatively the same way," emphasizing the importance of objectivity. By taking a step back to understand the core issue, such as "misaligned expectations," and focusing on problem-solving rather than emotional reactions, Melanie has successfully navigated career challenges.
Problem-Solving, Communication, Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Stress Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Melanie Archer
Director of Operations
Linqia
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
N/A
English, Writing & Education, English
Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Taking a step back from challenges to understand the core issue helps remove the emotional element and allows for objective problem-solving.
2. Many career challenges are variations of the same core problems; understanding this allows for efficient solutions.
3. Focusing on problem-solving rather than emotional responses is key to navigating workplace challenges and achieving career success.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you've learned that has proven significant in your career?
The most valuable lesson I've learned is that there are a specific number of challenges in the world, and they can all be solved in a similar way. This is once you understand the challenges you're working with.
I frequently encounter the challenge of misaligned expectations. A client thought they were getting one thing but didn't receive it. This could be their perception, or they might not have actually received it.
They might have any number of reactions to this: they're bummed, disappointed, or upset. So much of being able to move through challenges like that is taking a step back.
This means understanding what you're dealing with. If someone comes to me saying, "This client is upset, they're really mad at me. What do I do?" I guide them to take a step back.
We explore what the client was expecting. Can we understand where there might have been an opportunity for miscommunication? This distancing yourself from the challenge, boiling it down to its essence, helps a lot.
It removes the emotional element. We have to carry this emotional burden of being in the workforce and working with other humans. Things go wrong all the time, and it can be overwhelming.
An opportunity to take a step back and be more objective about challenges has been such a valuable lesson. It's allowed me to be less beholden to the emotional winds that come through in my work life. I can focus more on being a problem solver and knowing what to do when something goes wrong.