TECHNICAL

This week's module is TECHNICAL - meaning "having special skills or knowledge about how something works". Let’s discuss three strategies to approach applications, practices, and techniques.

STRATEGY #1: Use Your Expertise

If you have special knowledge of a subject beyond that of the average person and others rely upon your opinion on that topic, then people view you as an expert on that topic. So, let’s take a moment to think…on what topics do people most often come to you for help? This can be how great you are with spreadsheets, it can be researching information, it can be putting together a social media strategy. So, for the topics that people seek your advice on, you want to share your expertise effectively. You want to talk about the topic in ways that others see the value in learning about the topic.

This means sharing your knowledge in a way that resonates with the listener–in a way that answers “why am I taking time to listen to this person?” So, this can be "geeking out" over technical terms with peers who share your interest or helping your supervisor tie your knowledge to the project you’re working on. Your knowledge is most powerful when you share it in ways that help the listener.

This strategy isn’t about using jargon to show off. And it’s not about assuming everyone understands things the way you do.

This strategy positions you to become a valuable resource and a critical part of your team’s success. This is a way to build stronger relationships and to make sure your insights are relevant and useful.

This way, your supervisor and team members see you as a collaborative, effective, and indispensable team member who not only possesses skills but knows how to leverage them for everyone’s benefit. They'll recognize your ability to ensure everyone understands a specific topic and contribute relevant solutions.

It's understandable to feel that being the only one with certain knowledge is your power and you should keep it to yourself, or that explaining things in your own way is good enough.

But, let’s think about what pays off. It pays off to readily and freely share knowledge, to keep the listener in mind as you communicate, use clear and practical language, tie what you’re saying to the big picture, and actively engage others in learning what you already know.

Based on this strategy, here's a challenge to take on this week: Identify a technical concept or process related to your internship that you understand well. Choose someone on your team who might benefit from a clearer understanding of this concept. Before you explain it to them, prepare yourself by practicing your explanation. Remember, the explanation can be "geeking out" (if the person shares interest in this knowledge area) or "big picture" explanations (if they’re unfamiliar with this area). Your goal is to ensure they understand, not just that you delivered information. So, be ready to answer their questions and check for their comprehension.

This is you having special skills or knowledge about how something works and using both your analytical and communication skills to present information to others.

STRATEGY #2: Offer and Uncover 

I encourage you to be confident in the knowledge and abilities you offer. You'll need that same confidence when your expertise reveals issues and exposes the need for change. Use that confidence to constructively address these issues and offer solutions.

This means trusting your ability to analyze situations, and vocalize your insights–even when they reveal problems or show a need for change. This means going beyond being an observer of what needs to change to sharing your observations and being a driver of positive change.

This strategy isn’t about complaining without offering solutions, avoiding conflict, or passively observing. And it's not about staying quiet when your expertise could shed light on a critical issue.

This strategy positions you to be seen as a proactive problem-solver and an advocate for improvement. You'll gain credibility for constructively addressing challenges and contributing to meaningful solutions.

This way, your supervisor and team members value your confidence, your courage to speak up, and your solution-oriented mindset. They'll recognize you as someone who can not only pinpoint issues but also help bring about positive change within the organization.

It's understandable to feel self-doubt, fear of "rocking the boat," or that identifying a problem is someone else's responsibility to fix.

But it pays off. It pays off to be vocal about your insights, solution-oriented, bravely have critical conversations about issues, and advocate for necessary changes and improvements.

Based on this strategy, here's a challenge to take on this week: Identify a small, recurring inefficiency or a potential improvement within your team's workflow or in one of your projects. Use your technical understanding to analyze the issue and propose at least one concrete, actionable solution. Prepare to present this problem and solution to your supervisor or a team member. Focus on the positive impact of your proposed solution.

This is you having special skills or knowledge about how something works and using both your analytical and communication skills to share issues and suggest solutions.

STRATEGY #3: Be Upfront 

Be upfront about your expertise level. While you bring valuable skills, you may still be learning complex things. Regularly update your supervisor on your work progress and any roadblocks. This keeps you open to receiving feedback and helps you willingly adapt your approach when necessary.

This is having special skills or knowledge about how something works because being upfront about how much you know and can do allows you to build trust and receive the support to grow and excel–even when dealing with complex or unfamiliar parts of your work.

This means being honest and transparent about your current level of knowledge and understanding–especially when you're still learning.

This strategy is not about pretending to know everything to avoid looking silly, it’s not about struggling in isolation, it’s not about being defensive about your approach. And it’s not about viewing vulnerability as a weakness.

This strategy positions you to foster a relationship of trust and open communication with your supervisor and team. As you’re transparent about how much you know and can do, you'll be seen as self-aware, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.

This way, your supervisor and team members will appreciate your honesty, your willingness to learn, and your proactive communication. They'll be better equipped to provide you with useful support and opportunities to grow, knowing they can rely on your transparent updates.

It's understandable to feel the need to conceal what you don't know, to struggle silently, or to feel defensive when you receive feedback.

But it pays off. It pays off to be honest and transparent about your current level of knowledge and understanding, to be proactive in your communication about your work progress and roadblocks, to be open and adaptable to feedback, to value vulnerability as a strength, and to adopt an ongoing practice of improving.

Based on this strategy, here's a challenge to take on this week: For a task or project you're currently working on, identify one specific area where you feel your knowledge and understanding is lacking, or where you've encountered a challenge. Prepare a brief update for your supervisor that describes what you’re working on, explains the roadblock (if any), and includes one or two ways you plan to address it. For example, you can say, "I'm still learning my way around X, and I've researched it and plan to try this approach. Would you have any insights on this?"). The challenge shows that you’re proactive, honest in your communication, and not just asking for help.

This is you having special skills or knowledge about how something works. You’re using self-awareness to accept areas in which you’re stuck and communication skills to seek feedback and guidance. 

So, there you have it. Three strategies to approach applications, practices, and techniques.

• Use your expertise.

• Offer and uncover.

• Be upfront.

Remember to choose a challenge to take on this week and have a discussion about it with your supervisor. At the end of the week, you’ll have the opportunity to enter your reflections in your TRACK Record Log.

Have a great week!

• At the beginning of each week, you’ll get a new soft skill challenge to work on. Share it with your supervisor.

• At the end of each week, you’re supervisor will send you a link to add notes to your TRACK Record log.

• For questions and issues that arise, your supervisor is available to provide a listening ear and help to find solutions.

Where are the sessions held?
Program lessons are digital—no login, no class time. 

• Soft skill challenges are delivered to interns via a weekly SMS/text message sent to your mobile phone. (Save 216-294-0444 in your contacts as “Careerlog”.)

• Supervisor support strategies are delivered via a weekly email message sent to your inbox. (Save info@careerlog.co in your contacts as "Careerlog".)

This allows participants to complete the program while working.

Do the lessons involve tests or quizzes? How do I successfully complete the program?
Interns receive no tests or quizzes. To receive a certificate of completion, interns must complete a weekly TRACK Record Log entry.

Are there program materials?
No. There are no program materials to download. A copy of the TRACK Record Log entries will be sent to interns and their supervisors.