Small Business Office Dynamic

Living in NYC, the country’s epicenter of COVID-19, I was relieved to have secured an internship with Mahony Dagman Book and Art Advisory, Inc. The opportunity presented itself rather last minute amidst everything that was happening in the city, so I had very minimal idea of what to expect.

As the city is slowly opening up, I have been going into the office to work with Mohammad, the owner and manager of the book-selling component of the business. Due to the very small nature of the company (full-time are the owners, Mohammad and Maureen), I will go into the office and learn my tasks for the day. Mohammad and I will discuss the goals of the day as well as the week in an informal conversation. I appreciate the professional yet relaxed atmosphere of the organization’s operations, allowing me to feel comfortable when adjusting to the work and new environment.

The office is a shared space with an architect company that consists of a small team as well. One employee comes in and we effectively share the space. From time to time we will all engage in conversation, creating a friendly atmosphere. Due to the limited number of employees within the office, I was given a set of keys in order to gain entry if I need to go into the office when no one else is there to let me in. I believe immediately building trust in the beginning builds a strong foundation to creating a professional yet friendly leader-follower relationship.

While working in the office, Mohammad and I will often talk about what is currently happening in the city. I appreciate talking about the looting, protests, and pandemic and it is interesting to hear his perspectives and experiences. I believe this creates an amicable environment that does not allow for a toxic leader-follower separation.

While instructions are direct when delivered in person, there have been some miscommunications about timing. Since I won’t start at the same time every day, we check in with each other in the morning to plan when to meet in the office and what work  I should complete at home. But, since he has a 7-year-old son, and we are still figuring out when I will work with Maureen, sometimes I will not hear from him until later in the day. I am sure we will find a rhythm that works for both of us, and I will be more adamant on checking in if I do not hear from them at a certain time.