Finding Connection

In my first week as a fellow, it is difficult to elaborate on how well I fit in, as I have only interacted with one coworker, Tony, who conducts research on the meaning of organizing and approaches to organizing that would be beneficial to Right to the City. Using Zoom hinders the ‘bonding’ and connection that we can normally develop more easily. Having said that, I believe that the work I have been doing recently, attempting to articulate the meaning-finding project and best approaches in the United States, aligns well with my research interests. I will have another meeting with Robbie, a coworker with different responsibilities and perspectives at Right to the City later this week. Although Tony and his works currently align well with my research interests, I cannot determine which place best suits me until I speak with Robbie and determine where my skills can be best utilized to assist Right to the City.

 Since I have only dealt with Anamika and Tony thus far, it is extremely difficult to determine how they perceive me, especially given that we have only communicated via Zoom. However, I would say that so far we have had productive conversations, and I can tell that they are eager to work with me. This excitement is mutual; I feel the same way about them. My perception of my coworkers is fairly straightforward; I believe that they are very approachable whenever I need assistance or have questions, and I perceive an egalitarian sense of teamwork. And I’ve acknowledged that I have much to learn from them. Our relationship is still in its nascent stage, so I’m not aware of any specific details that might surprise my coworkers.  Yet, if they got to know me better, they would recognize that I am a committed person who takes assignments and tasks seriously because I do not wish to let down those who place their trust in me.

Although my relationship with my coworkers is still relatively new, it has been immensely helpful. I am typically anxious around a person who assigns tasks in a rigid manner due to the fact that I occasionally have questions about the tasks. I am grateful that Tony assigned me tasks to describe his project – what I understand so far – and he is always available via email for further questions. U unclear tasks make me anxious, and I do not want to deliver the wrong deliverables or work that may irritate my coworkers because I genuinely want to help. Therefore, having an accessible coworker is very helpful for me. Also, clear tasks/assignments inspire confidence in me, particularly if what I’m doing can assist my partner organization.

I believe that the next step is to strengthen my relationships with my coworkers, as this is vital to the success of my summer research project. I would like this project to be viewed as a collaborative effort from which both the organization and I benefit. Obviously, I will respect organizational boundaries.  I would not cross any ethical lines that are incompatible with the values of the organization. As the summer progresses, I am confident that we will have a stronger partnership because we will get to know each other better, collaborate more, and assist each other, which will make it easier for this partnership to be impactful. My hope (or goal) is that  I am able to contribute to Right to the City’s current needs while simultaneously using this contribution to help me write my research report and MA thesis. Ultimately, this first week is about finding the right connection with my coworkers, and it also serves as a reminder of how important it is to develop good connections with your coworkers.