Solving Problems/Improving Leadership at MSKCC
Some days at MSKCC make me feel really in the dark about the leadership structure that exists. I often feel as if the chain of command is very blurred and the roles of each person is unclear. I find that feeds into leadership problems at MSKCC. When there is a bit of down time during my internship I would like to know what tasks I can complete to help increase efficiency. By this point both the programs director and child life specialists have been supervising me intermittently even though the programs director is above all of the CLS. I would feel most comfortable talking to the CLS about what tasks to complete however I do not want to step on the toes of the program director.
For a while this predicament was stressful for me because there was sometimes unscheduled free time. Finally, my bosses have got into a rhythm and decided to work hard to manage us a bit better. They have improved their management by communicating amongst themselves better. The CLS consult their boss to see if she has any tasks for us and then after that if she does not they prescribe tasks for us.
I have also been involved in creating these changes in leadership structure. Rather then sitting and waiting for what to do I have taken initiative to work hard. In the mornings (because we rotate roles each day) I let my supervisor of the day know that I a working under them for the day and if they need anything aside from the pre-determined tasks that I will be there. Finally, when I do come upon free time I have decided to work on creating programming supplies for pediatric events that need to get done. Our supervisors have not provided a time to accomplish that so I decide to work on it when I can so it will be ready when it is needed. Overall the leadership structure continues to be good and also problematic. Both my supervisors and I have worked hard to improve the structure.
First, congratulations that you’ve taken the initiative to solicit responsibilities, work on necessary tasks for which there is not designated time, etc. That’s excellent; I’m sure it will not go unnoticed. It sounds as though you’ve identified a communication and work-flow issue. Though there appears to be a centralized leader (the program director), it sounds as though the child life specialists (CLS) work somewhat autonomously (as they have been supervising you). Seems you’ve identified an effective way in which to engage the supervisor each day so as to secure tasks/opportunities for yourself.