Embracing Progress (Intern Edition)
We live and work in a technology-driven, progress-seeking world. So, how does one define progress for themselves every day? And how does this affect our workdays and personal lives?
Progress Flows
As an intern who stepped into the world of business consulting with Agile Rainmakers this summer, I was ever present to the idea of progress as we created value for our clients. I’ve learned that as a business consultant, you have to get really comfortable with starting from zero and learning about different clients and industries in a short period of time. So, being confronted with so much to learn and do, I asked myself: what does it mean to make progress?
Progress is as water flows down a waterfall. Though progress requires freedom and agency to move forward, it is affected by the environment. Just as a driven individual is sure to make progress, gravity ensures water will continue to fall. I realized this summer that progress is not uniform or constant as it might be in college. Progress can flow freely and quickly, or it can be slowed by the terrain. I’ve learned that it is important to pursue and embrace progress in all forms.
While interning with Agile Rainmakers, I experienced our daily progress with our clients taking many forms and came to appreciate the importance of acknowledging the different stages of our progress. Often, our work translated directly to the deliverable we hoped to provide. This kind of tangible progress was like water flowing freely on a clear path. Other times however, progress was slow as we took time to learn, review, communicate, and plan. This kind of progress wasn’t as tangible or dynamic, but it was just as important, especially when we kept the long view in mind. Some of the most powerful and fulfilling progress is available by allowing yourself to be patient with your environment and its challenges. Embrace the seemingly still pools of water - those moments of reflection that you encounter in pursuit of your goals.
Reframing Progress
As the other interns and I began our work, I found myself hyper focused on what was being done for the deliverable every day, and if we didn’t make tangible progress, it was difficult for me to see the value at first. We were immediately challenged by knowing little to nothing about our various clients and their industries, and there I began to understand the first steps to take.
As a college student immersed in assignments, quizzes, and tests, a deliverable has always been my measure of progress. The interns and leadership at Agile Rainmakers took a refreshingly different approach. This summer, the emphasis was on informed patient work. We made tangible progress while embracing the intangible measures of success, pausing periodically to reflect and stay grounded in the scope of the project. This approach fostered a culture of integrity.
Downstream Deliverables
It is easy to get lost in the tangible aspect of making progress (i.e. what you deliver). What I have found to be just as important is measuring and acknowledging the progress that occurs in the intangible realm: learning, establishing clarity, and planning. By acknowledging the steps along the way, I was more empowered doing the work and more confident that the work would be meaningful, useful, and fulfilling.
Progress is like a waterfall. It flows and it pauses. Embracing it all leads to downstream deliverables one can be proud of. I thank Agile Rainmakers for the opportunity. - J.N.
Here's to you and your awesome future.
Until then, keep your feet on the board and keep riding your wave!
Robert J. Khoury
CEO Agile Rainmakers