Halfway through my first ever internship in advertising during college, I learned one of the most valuable lessons that I will take with me throughout life above any other skill. My direct supervisor, who was only an Assistant Account Executive when I started, was surprised with a promotion announcement during a client dinner. Everyone clapped, everyone congratulated him, and the clients were all pleased to share in the celebration. And nobody even thought twice about whether or not I, as an intern, should be included that night--I was for all intents and purposes, a temporary family member and of course I should be there.
When I finally left that summer, I did my typical rounds (for anyone who knows me, I have a habit of giving everyone handwritten cards and all the women roses) around the office. One of my final stops was at the office of my Director, David, who was warm and welcoming from the beginning, and one of the few people in my life who I immediately respected and admired. I knew from the first handshake. He said to me, "Do you know why Dan was promoted?" I obviously offered up the textbook answer: Because he does a good job. David said, "No. It's because people like working with him. Everyone in this agency wants to work with him. Be the person people want to work with. There is no other secret to this industry."
In recent struggles in the workplace I always remember this, as I encounter the people I don't want to work with, but have to. For some of my friends who I know are having parallel problems of their own at work, I am quick to remind them that they are anything but failures. It's not always about doing everything right or everything perfect, it's about how to figure out how to become the person people want to work with, despite the hiccups.
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