A Path Leading to Harmony: My Journey with Illuminate: Business Etiquette & Relationship Management

Written by: Areeba Imran

Earlier this year, I embarked on my first professional adventure, working as an assistant for an established senior. The role seemed quite straightforward to me: assist them with their work, manage their schedules, and support their research. While I believed the experience went smoothly overall, I was met with unexpected feedback that highlighted areas for improvement, specifically in maintaining professionalism and effective communication.

Initially, the feedback took me aback. I had always prided myself on my work ethic and dedication, so hearing that my performance wasn't entirely up to par felt like a blow. There was a bit of miscommunication and an overall lack of clear guidance in my role, which I hadn't fully realized at the time. This feedback, however, became a turning point, prompting me to reflect deeply on my ability to effectively communicate with those around me.

This reflection encouraged me to enroll in the Illuminate x Crius: Business Etiquette and Relationship Management work-integrated learning experience. Through this leadership journey, I discovered the true essence of business etiquette and how it can transform chaotic workplace interactions into harmonious and efficient collaborations. Here’s a review of my learning journey and the essential insights I’ve gained:

1. The Power of Positive Interpersonal Relationships

Before the learning experience, I viewed workplace relationships as secondary to task completion. My interactions were polite but were short and lacked depth. The work-integrated experience emphasized the importance of creating and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships. It taught me that the foundation of a productive work environment is built on mutual respect and understanding. Positive relationships foster trust, which in turn enhances collaboration and efficiency. I realized that by nurturing these relationships, I could create a more supportive and cohesive job environment. I want to add that a lot of the time, people are waiting and hoping for someone else to come and create that environment for them, I do believe this is where a proactive mindset comes into play, as you have to remind yourself that you are in charge of your atmosphere, and you decide how you want to be treated and how you treat others.

2. Emotional Management and Growth Mindset

Receiving feedback that isn’t wholly positive can be tough. It requires setting your ego aside and genuinely listening to understand the perspective of the person providing the feedback. The experience highlighted the significance of emotional intelligence in these situations. I learned that emotional intelligence involves recognizing your shortcomings and being open to improvement. When my professor pointed out areas where I needed to improve, after sitting with it for a few hours, I realized it was an opportunity for growth, not a personal attack. Embracing this mindset allowed me to reflect on my experiences, learn from them, and emerge stronger and more capable of my abilities.

3. Effective Communication; The Heart of Professionalism

One of the primary lessons from the learning experience was the crucial role of communication in maintaining professionalism. Miscommunication had been a significant issue in my initial role, leading to misunderstandings and inefficiencies. The virtual experience provided me with tools and strategies to enhance my communication skills, ensuring clarity and precision in my delivery. This skill is not just about conveying information but also about actively listening and responding appropriately, which fosters better collaboration and prevents conflicts.

4. Continuous Improvement and Professional Growth

I noticed the concept of continuous improvement was a recurring theme throughout the learning experience. As someone who deeply resonates with growth and expansion, it reinforced the idea that professional development is an ongoing journey. Each piece of feedback, each interaction, and each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. By adopting this mindset, I transformed my approach to my work. Instead of viewing feedback as criticism, I began to see it as a life hack in which I could enhance my skills and performance.

5. Job Satisfaction Through Positive Relationships

Lately, you’ll hear the term “job satisfaction” being thrown around quite a bit. In this scenario, maintaining positive relationships and practicing good business etiquette genuinely improves job satisfaction. When you create an environment where respect, clear communication, and mutual support are prioritized, it not only enhances productivity but also makes the process of going to work that much more enjoyable. The satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to a positive and effective work environment is greatly rewarding.

My journey from chaos to harmony in the workplace was profoundly influenced by my understanding of what business etiquette and relationship management truly mean. The feedback I received, though initially challenging to accept, became a catalyst for my professional growth. By focusing and applying what I learned through the Illuminate x Crius: Business Etiquette and Relationship Management work-integrated experience, I was able to build positive relationships, learn the importance of managing emotions, continuously improve my skills, and transform my approach to work.