Elete Physiques Week #5 Assignment 7: Growing Leaders

Tim Elmore’s article speaks on a friend’s lackluster experience with interns in his area of influence on his blog- Growing Leaders. The friend had expressed to Elmore that the high hopes he wished were not provided in the college interns due to the fact that they did not treat the internship as though it was a potential job position. It seems as though the students took the position for granted, and this resulted in their mentor being displeased with their performance. In addition, the fact that the employer was pleased with their departure from the program demonstrated that approach and effort made by the students was nothing of quality. This is a disappointing event because of the potential that truly can come from interns in the workplace. College students are at a point in their life where being able to experiment with different positions in the workplace in a necessity in order to find their desired niche in terms of a desired job. In order for the students to maximize their opportunity in the system, one needs to treat the job as if they are working for that organization. This is essential for an intern in order to grow in a craft as well as being able to potentially have an opportunity there in the future. If an intern is able to make a positive impact in an organization, the mentor will have a desire to employee the worker for a potential position. Elmore’s response to his friend’s situation was to look for high energy, teachable, initiative, and responsible students to intern. He has stated that these four traits stand out more as a valuable intern rather than a student that is gifted that lacks these qualities. What Elmore looks for is a student with these qualities because he feels that those who posses qualities such as this have a higher chance at making an impact in their workplace.

In terms of myself, understanding that my internship has the potential to turn into a legitimate position due to the fact that in essence it is a elongated job interview I wish to apply the four valuable qualities that Tim Elmore speaks on to my own experiences. I imagine being able to do this effectively by showing up everyday to my internship focused with a quality attitude, ready to interact with everybody to provide a positive energy to the environment I emerge myself in. Different activities and jobs that I can do that will separate myself as an average subpar intern is doing jobs like vacuuming or organizing the gym when I am not told to. Being able to do a task such as this will show that I am willing to take initiative with positive energy. Also, the action of walking up and shaking the hands with new parents and young athletes with an introduction and conversation shows that I am responsible and outgoing, Employers and or mentors are pleased with his because they feel that their brand is being looked at in a positive way due to the high quality that is being presented to the customers.

What came across most relevant in the article was that all four of the qualities spoken on by Tim Elmore were based on the attitude that the intern is willing to supply to the mentor. If the intern wishes to put forth maximum effort without a true understanding of the craft prior to the internship, they are still accepted and have the opportunity to grow in that environment under the wing of the mentor. This is crucial when applying for a job, because it demonstrates that you don’t have to be the smartest, or most seasoned to obtain a specific position. Despite the fact that this is important when applying for a job, what the employer wishes to find is a quality worker who is willing to put in the time and effort in order to become the most well rounded, strongest individual they can be for the company.

Tim Elmore's Blog: http://growingleaders.com/