Scholarship / My responsibilities as a leader. 2017 Chevening Essay - Leadership and Influence Question [3]

Hi everyone, I'm Indah from Indonesia. I have drafted below statements to answer the leadership and influence question. I would highly appreciate your comments on the draft. Thank you!

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go-to person for corporate communication matters

I started my first year with Chevron with a bang. Under my leadership as a project manager for the company's participation in 2015 Indonesia International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition, the most prominent event for geothermal industry executives and professional in the region, Chevron won the best booth award for the first time since its initial participation in 2013.

My key responsibility was to demonstrate Chevron's reputation as the world's largest geothermal energy producer through its exhibition booth. Thus, I had to ensure that every design and activity in our booth reflected the company image. In order to do so, I worked with a cross-functional team consisted of employees from various levels. As a new hire, leading people who were older than me and/or far more experienced than I was made me nervous. Although I was well prepared, I stuttered several times during the execution plan presentation in the first committee meeting.

Knowing myself well, I realized I needed to get familiar with the team members, especially the key persons, by learning more about them and their expertise that could contribute to the project. I made time to reach out to them and ask them to share their experience in previous similar events. Occasionally, I sought advice from them too; specifically on things they were really good at, to help me make important decisions regarding the project. Sometimes we even talked about something else which was not work-related. Knowing them better not only boosted my confidence to navigate the project, but also improved my learning curve and our working relationship.

When it comes to influencing skills, I have been able to widen my sphere of influence by building my credibility. At work, a post-acquisition integration is ongoing. My newly appointed supervisor who plays a critical role in the transition team asked me to support him as a subject matter expert for corporate communication.

Being the only incumbent in the communication team with exposure to different kinds of communication projects for more than 6 years, I take the opportunity to "lead the leaders" by showing my technical expertise to the project team, which comprises of people from various departments and levels. I share with them how things were previously done, what worked and what did not, and proposing ideas supported by logical and rational reasons.

My job is to make sure every communication product is error-free and able to convey the company's message. Every time my colleagues ask me to review a draft, I clarify what they actually want to communicate before share with them my edits and insights on, for instance, particular word usage. This is how I advocate my position and connect with them at once. There are times when people disagree with me; those are when I learn to see from different perspective, identify my gaps and consider different approach to be more effective. I remain the go-to person for corporate communication matters.