Now, this may sound strange to some, but the meetings I have been involved in have been NOTHING like I have expected. Generally, when I think of meetings, I think of someone in the front of a conference room with a computer, projector, and laser pointer directing everyone in the room to look at some statistics and fancy graphs. However, I have seen NONE of this...and it is fantastic.
The meetings I have been fortunate to be involved in have consisted of very accomplished individuals engaging in lots of discussion in a round-table format. While I consider myself to be there only to be "seen and not heard" and just observe, I have had the opportunity to listen to some great points and learn about things that I have very little knowledge or background in. Some of the meetings are a bit above my head in context; however, the demeanor and actions of those in the meetings are something that I can always address and learn from regardless of the context of the meeting. I have appreciated learning how people interact and challenge the thinking of their peers in very formal and business-like environment.
Devinn that is awesome! I remember having a conversation about this with you! You're in some pretty high level meetings and honestly those are the best ones to be a part of! Who knows maybe one of these days we'll end up in one of these meetings together since I am processing the graduate applications for the EMHS master's program.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way when I attended the first meeting with my department! It was interesting just to sit there and listen to what they were talking about and how they interacted with each other. I tried so hard to look like I knew what they were talking about haha
ReplyDeleteIt made me excited, though, to one day be in that position. I'm sure I'll be sitting in a meeting one day and have a flashback of the first "real" meeting I attended as an intern and laugh at how much I didn't know then and the position I am in now.
work in a small office, so the first time I was part of a meeting, I was pleasantly surprised in the same way! I also take the role of observer and note taker for the most part, but I really love the idea of everyone having an equal say in a conversation, rather than a lecture. The stereotypical meeting format implies one persona has more power, and is telling you things that will affect your day to day life. In the round table style, everyone has an equal say in things that will directly involve them and people feel more empowered to participate- and thus are more satisfied with the result (whether or not it went their way).
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you are enjoying your internship. Yes, I have been shocked at some of the formats of the meetings I have had at the Department of Child Services. Its neat to see the different processes for completing set objectives. It's good you got a chance to experience that.
ReplyDelete