In the Week 5 session, held on July 18, 2023, the Brighthouse Financial team introduced the WSE interns to the broad topic of social dynamics in the workplace. The contexts were shifting your mindset, navigating a new environment effectively, communicating appropriately, and intentionally building good relationships. Jackie Royce, Learning & Development Specialist, moderated the session with panelists Emma Carlson, Recruiting Vendor Manager Program; Mia Koo, Portfolio Manager; and Anthony Naturale, Talent Acquisition Manager.
The session kicked off with a mentimeter exercise where the interns answered a series of questions related to their mindset, such as whether they had ever experienced imposter syndrome. Feelings of being unsure are normal and valid, as expressed by the panelists, and being confident is not a measure of competence. The panelists highlighted the differences between a growth and a fixed mindset citing growth as freedom and fixed as limiting.
In the first breakout, small groups discussed the most important aspects of navigating a new environment: culture, relationships, communication and decision-making. The teams reviewed the aspects that resonated the most with them and select teams shared their findings with the larger group.
One statistic that relates to the third aspect of social dynamics, communication and relationship management, is astounding: 86% of employees and executives cite the lack of effective collaboration and communication as the main causes of workplace failures.
The panel discussed how to build, develop and strengthen relationships and credibility, and how to maintain consistency. They cited some differences between hot and cold conflicts and how to manage both. The final breakout allowed the smaller teams to discuss the need for crucial conversations and their experiences when they have been faced with one. The session ended with some key takeaways and recommendations from the panelists.
The Co-Chairs extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the panelists and the company sponsor, Brighthouse Financial, for their continuing support and generosity to the interns and the Wall Street Exchange Program.
