Leadership & Change
Leadership has always been something that I have struggled with, or struggled to navigate. I tend to either take charge in groups or get pushed to the side. I am incredibly susceptible to group dynamics and I adapt to the group. I personally think adaptability with my dynamic is a positive. However, when someone is already taking charge I tend to fall to the background. This is a downside that I did not really see entirely. However, once I noticed it I realized I need to work on it.
Now that I have worked here and gotten used to the work dynamic, I have reflected a lot. Getting to know my coworkers has been an amazing time, and I have learned a lot about what I do not want. One of the other interns in the program tends to take the lead most of the time with emails. He and I work closely together, but he does most of the big picture communicating. At first this was really helpful because I would be busy with calculations and data. Now that things have slowed, and we are remote, I am not the biggest fan. I have discovered that I want to take the lead more, and be more assertive. I did take that role when the other inter was out. I noticed that I like to be more in the leadership role, but can sometimes fall out of that role.
My leadership style is also more balanced and delegating based. I tend to assign roles or tasks and allow for independence. Even though the other intern takes a more obvious lead, I would assign our tasks. I do enjoy delegation, and I believe that is a big component to my work style. My work style is also what I would consider proactive. I ask lots of questions, and feedback as I complete my tasks.
Helsinki !
This is the second to last weekend here in Stockholm. The Program has organized a final weekend trip to Helsinki. It was a cruise! I had never been on a cruise before so this was something that I was nervous, but excited about. We had to board before 3:30, but we did not leave the dock until around 4.
The first hour my friends and I spent the time exploring, and getting a feel for things. Our room was super tiny. Like you could touch both walls with your hands. The first couple of hours on the boat, all we could think about was dinner. The program included dinner for two nights as well as two breakfasts. The dinner truly hit the spot, although we could feel the boat moving. I had steak, potatoes au gratin, and fries. Truly an amazing buffet dinner. That night my friends and I explored and enjoyed the first night on the boat.
The next morning we had breakfast and got off the cruise. With the program you could choose two options. There was the option spa or the city tour. My friends and I chose the city tour as we only had so much time in Helsinki. I am so glad we chose that, as we got to really explore the city. Helsinki was truly so beautiful, and the markets were so cute. I took lots of photos of Moomin merchandise as my sister was obsessed. The tour itself was so fun, and our tour guide was so funny. He was from Russia but had lived all around, and he raved about Helsinki. I learned that the Finish language is very different from Swedish and closer to Hungarian.
After the tour ended we had free time to further explore the city & shop. My friends and I chose to browse Helsinki’s famous thrift market. Although two of the four of us sat because we were too tired. After they were done looking, we met them in the food market. My friends had gotten pizza, and I got a matcha. The food unfortunately could not be guaranteed gluten or nut free. However the matcha was so amazing. We then headed back to the small market near the cruise. I needed to get souvenirs for myself and some friends. I got myself a postcard and a shot glass. I started gathering a collection of them everywhere I or my friends travel. I also picked up a postcard for my boyfriend and a gift for my friend. The market was so cute and honestly reasonably priced.
The ride home was calm and a cute night. My friends and I watched the sun set, and I fully used my disposable camera. I am very excited for my film pictures to develop when I am back.
This was such an amazing weekend trip and I truly enjoyed it!