An internship experience is more than just the work an intern has to do.

It also includes learning how to relate with your colleagues and superiors in the workplace, where disagreements come with the territory — especially in industries where working collaboratively is essential.

As a fresh intern, however, navigating through such workplace disagreements may be nerve-racking. 

That’s why we started to look at this issue by sitting down with 24-year-old Jin Wei, an IT student who shared about the difficulties he faced speaking up in the workplace as an intern. 

JIN WEI: I had a poly internship where I had three supervisors, on top of higher-ups and bosses to report to.

It was a local firm so there was quite a strong hierarchy. My direct manager was young but I admired her leadership and management skills. 

When I noticed conflicts arising, usually the boss would get all the parties out and have a mature talk about it to mitigate the issue.

I saw how open communication is the key to a healthy working culture.

But as an intern, communication may be a bit hard. 

So my question is: if an intern has disagreements or concerns regarding their boss or supervisor, or about the workplace in general, how would you advise an intern to approach their boss or supervisor about it?

To answer Jin Wei’s question, we roped in our friend Clarence Chan, founder of Bandwagon, who laid out some very helpful handles through his reflections.

Now, Clarence’s easygoing nature may tempt you to think that disagreements don’t happen in his workplace.

But having managed a team in the creative industry for over a decade, Clarence told us the disagreements do happen — and that bosses can find conflict difficult too! 

CLARENCE: Interpersonal relationships can be simple and yet also the hardest to navigate.

You can take comfort that it’s not always easy for your boss, no matter how experienced he or she might be.

I have functioned as a boss for 10 years and I still fret over certain issues before talking with my team. It’s important to ascertain what we’re dealing with to tackle it appropriately.

If an intern has disagreements or concerns regarding their boss, supervisor or workplace in general, how should he approach his boss or supervisor about it?

Issues come in different forms. There are issues that are straightforward and a matter of black or white.

There are issues where the matter is in a grey area and dependent on perspective. There are also issues that are rooted in people having different values. 

Is someone truly to blame? Could someone else have contributed to the issue?

There are many ifs and what-ifs. As you can see, it can get complicated quickly. 

Thus as an intern, if you were to be caught up in a complex issue or form of disagreement at work, here are three handles you can use.

3 PRACTICAL HANDLES

1. Understand your boss

First, recognise that it’s equally challenging for your boss.

That should help ease some of your nerves and allow you to be bolder in approaching him or her and speak more freely.

In this day and age where information flows so freely, society is so interconnected digitally and labour mobility is high, companies don’t just rate employees — employees rate companies too.

Any foul play can get called out whether on social media or by internal whistleblowing processes that are increasingly becoming commonplace.

Bosses know that, and it is not in their interest to make it hard for you.

2. Ask the why questions

Second, if the disagreement or concern isn’t over trivial matters, there usually is a deeper reason behind why your boss or supervisor has shown his or her concern.

Maybe your supervisor was tough on you because he had just been told his department is underperforming.

Maybe COVID-19 has affected the business and what used to work before no longer does.

As an intern, try to dig deeper to understand reasons like these, which you can do by asking “why”.

3. Communicate well

Thirdly, get a sense of how your boss or supervisor receives information best.

From what I have learnt, there are four types of people.

1. Analytical
2. Conceptual
3. Social
4. Structural

You can roughly tell what kind of person your boss is based on how they give you work and how they communicate with your colleagues.

For example, if you know your supervisor is an analytical person, then when you deliver your feedback that you think they may disagree with — prepare the data to back up your feedback.

Now lastly, and most importantly, are there also responses we should make in faith as believers?

Yes, I believe there are. Here are three ways we can respond to conflicts and disagreements in our workplace as believers.

3 FAITH RESPONSES

1. Seek wisdom

Proverbs 4:7 says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

That same verse in the Good News Translation (GNT) tells us that getting wisdom is “the most important thing you can do”!

As believers in Jesus Christ, we can gain wisdom through our relationship with Him.

Looking to Jesus for wisdom should be our first call.

1 Corinthians 1:30 tells us: “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”

Going back to the workplace, looking to Jesus for wisdom to deal with disagreements should be our first call. Not relying on our own wits.

2. Pray

We can also get wisdom through prayer by asking God for it.

Read His word and let it fill your heart and mind before you engage!

James 1:5 also tells us to ask God for wisdom — He gives generously.

3. Receive grace

Lastly, we need to know that we can receive grace from God.

Galatians 3:26-29 assures us of our position as sons and daughters of God through faith in Jesus.

So, you can receive comfort from these verses today even as you face disagreements and interpersonal issues with your boss and supervisors.

Seek God’s favour. Then, continue to believe in God daily as your prepare for meetings and even as you continue relating with your boss on a daily basis!