Significant Career Lesson From a Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson
Teresa's most significant career lesson was learning that "not everyone thinks the way that I do," requiring a shift from a self-focused approach to one prioritizing organizational mission and colleague relationships. This change fostered stronger collaborations and ultimately led to greater success than a solely self-serving approach would have.
Executive/Leadership, Teamwork, Communication, Relationship Building, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Teresa Djedjro
Chief of Staff
UCLA Anderson School of Management
American University and Antioch University (2019)
currently at UCLA Law, MLS program
International Relations & Affairs
Education
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Teresa's significant career lesson: Not everyone thinks, works, or prioritizes the same way. This was a hard lesson learned, particularly after leaving undergraduate education. It required shifting from a self-centered approach to one that focuses on the organization's mission and collaborative relationships.
2. Adaptability and relationship-building are key to career success. Teresa emphasizes the importance of moving beyond a self-focused approach to one that values collaboration and the organization's goals. By building strong relationships based on kindness and understanding, she's been able to achieve success and advance in her career.
3. The importance of building strong relationships for career advancement. Teresa notes that strong relationships often lead to understanding and forgiveness when challenges arise. Prioritizing the mission of the organization and collaboration, instead of self-advancement, fosters stronger working relationships and overall success within the workplace.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you've learned that's proven significant for your career? Only one lesson.
I think the biggest lesson I've learned is that not everyone thinks, works, or prioritizes the same way I do. It's significant because I've realized I'm not the center of everyone's universe, and people won't automatically agree with my methods.
This was a difficult lesson, especially transitioning from undergrad to higher education. I attended a good school and held leadership positions, so I thought I knew what I was doing. I was the director of a club, but it turned out that sometimes people didn't really care about that.
They were supportive, but I had to learn different skills and change my thinking to be successful. Learning that it's not always about me and my advancement has been significant for my career. I've certainly paid my dues, but it has become more about the organization, our mission, and what we can all do together.
We all have parts to play in advancing the school's mission. In my case, it's the business school. If I had continued to be selfish in my thinking, I might have still advanced, but I don't think I would have developed the relationships I have with my colleagues.
I also don't think I would have been as successful. My experience has shown that people generally help and respond to you more readily if you are gracious and kind, and if you focus on the relationship.
There have been times when I was late with something, but because of the relationship I had with that colleague, they were understanding. I always try not to make last-minute requests unless absolutely necessary.
Being able to build those relationships where it's not just about me, but about the other person and the mission, has been very significant for my career.
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