Haha... U think that's bad?
I last time interned in a local SME. But I dun deny i'm from a
well-off family. N at times when my dad goes overseas for work,
i'll drive the car to office.
It's not that of a great car, only a Lexus SUV. But it's same brand
as my CEO, only 1 model lower. My CEO was driving the GS300. Just
cos I drive such a car, my direct colleagues started looking at me
differently! :O
I got on well with the CEO, in fact, I get along very well with
upper management coz I can understand their issues and challenges
and they appreciate and can understand my inputs and contributions.
But my colleagues in my department didn't like me after 2-3 weeks.
Stuck-up & show-off? I dun think so, coz I get along very well
with other departments. My department is so quiet, i feel painful
inside coz I'm a very outgoing and gregarious type of person. I
have to constantly find the other departments to chit chat,
de-stress and keep my sanity.
Maybe because I met the CEO at some conference and we discussed the
possibility of internship at his company during my uni hols. And I
was placed in this particular department to identify areas to
improve, to streamline, to change etc. N my direct manager saw me
as a threat (even though I'm only an intern? HELLO!). Needless to
say, my work experience wasn't optimum but I made the best out of
it and still delivered my recommendations and changes to be made to
the CEO.
Bro Chrysalis, focus on what you were brought there for. Highlight
your intentions to all your surbodinates and keep things focused.
Demonstrate to them your willingness to learn but yet at the end of
the day, they have to perform. You are not working for your
colleagues.. you are working for your boss who is in-turn working
for your customers. Do remember that always. Some pple will see
that you are rich and just want a reason to spite you.. or maybe
just being a uni-graduate. I guess you have to take all this in
stride.
Be professional yet nice n caring in all your dealings. I suppose
be firm in your actions. Seek more feedback from your surbodinates.
I would recommend personal interviews and increased empowerment of
subordinates. This was what I have been asking myself when I was in
a sucky department - 'what would I do if iwere the manager to make
this department shine more?'.
I suppose in my eg, i could have done more, but i'm only an intern
n it's not my position to rock the boat too much. I can recommend
and propose, but it's ultimately up to my manager to want to listen
to me. Well at least, my CEO listens. If i was a full time stuff..
I would definitely be more aggressive and dare to step on pple's
toes coz my ultimate loyalty is still to the company as a whole and
not to any particular person. Do remember that! 
There will always be a diff in thinking between staff and
management. Exhibiting your ability to not only think and act like
management but also to bridge the constant divide and diff betw
these 2 segments will not only move your career ahead fast but also
earn much respect!
Godspeed!
