How hard do you push interns? An intern told me that a task took 4 solid hours, which seemed very high for the output provided. I checked the file version history, and there are a few 30-60 min breaks, and 80% of the task was obviously done in the hour before a check-in deadline. How, and how harshly should I push them on this discrepancy?

Before you ask, this was a data transformation task that happens 100% in the same file, with no need to Google, use other files, ask for help, etc.

likefunnyhelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

Have you ever heard of Parkinson’s law? It’s the maxim that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” It sounds like you gave the intern four hours to complete a one hour task. So it became a four hour task.

Sure, some people are naturally very motivated over-achievers, and have the smarts to do your task, without errors, in less than an hour, and turn it in as soon as they know it is complete, ready for the next task. But most people are going to work according to Parkinson’s law.

If the intern had turned in the assignment faster, would you have rewarded them for it? Would they get a better review? Pay? Free lunch? A pat on the back?

Or would you give them more work? If there are no consequences for lazing away the day, nor benefits for grinding on a given task, why rush?

likesmarthelpfulfunny

Five years of consulting work have taught me this exactly. There's never a benefit for pushing to get things done earlier...in fact, the "reward" for wrapping up earlier is usually more review cycles that lead to flip/flopping changes anyway. So much of consulting is changing things according to someone's opinion, and then changing that back to someone else's opinion. Too many managers think everyone else should be motivated by the gain on the budget, when seniors/associates couldn't care less.

like

I usually have my interns screen share on my tertiary screen while they complete any assigned work. I screen record their process and attach it with comments to my performance feedback. Used to also have them install an eye tracker but HR got involved.

funnylikesmartuplifting

Sarcasm at its level best! 😂 ( I hope)

likefunny
Recent IconRecent

"Hey, [intern name] thanks for knocking this out. Any areas along the way that tripped you up? Can you walk me through your process for tackling this?"

I have full-time analysts who take "longer than usual" because they review their work multiple times and usually hand me mistake-free products.

Would rather they take the additional time to send over a good version instead of having to iterate after the fact.

Follow-up question: was the product riddled with mistakes or otherwise error-free?

likehelpfulsmart

Dear consultant, exactly.

Wow, you checked the file history? :O
That seems quite excessive esp for a manager!

Interns have a learning curve, think what you used to do as an intern. I'll suggest perhaps coaching them on how much time it is expected for a task to be completed, how they can avoid spinning wheels etc. Need to draw a balance as they are interns so we can't expect them to perform as experienced hires but also not as externs.

likefunny

For real. Internships are also two-way streets. They're interviewing you as much as you are them. If you treat them like shit they're gonna go somewhere else.

likesmart

Do you time their bathroom breaks too?

likefunny

Just awful

like

I'd tell them, while 4 hours to deliver the task is fine, but make sure the break time is not charged to the client code.

likefunny

Wow… you can audit every minute of a deliverable now? Thank goodness I’m not an associate anymore. OP is a little intense for going to those lengths but OP has a valid point. Intern was likely being lazy or just as likely, a personal matter popped up. It’s hard staying focused working from home. If it’s habitual, maybe worth addressing but I’d take it easy on one occasion. Not everyone is a rockstar. Principle means well but doesn’t remember how intense project delivery can be. They answer the mail and kiss babies most of the day 😂 “I’m a people person, I deal with people!!!” 😂

like

OP - I can tell you , u r A New manager and not a leader …

likefunny

People just keep trying to outsmart each other on FB!

Had to double check I wasn't an intern anymore

likefunny

They’re interns…they don’t even get paid much to begin with. Cest la vie

likefunny

Lol just the phrasing of your first sentence is hilarious. A firm spanking should do it.

likefunnyhelpful

D9 ... here's the code x6nho

Part of being an intern is also learning how to work efficiently and the value of time management. Let this one slide. If it continues to happen or becomes a problem, then pull them aside and use it as a teaching opportunity. But for the love of god, don’t be like “so I checked the version history and I know it took you x hours to do this”…because you’ll sound like a psycho.

likefunnyhelpful

Breaks allow people to be productive. This is micromanaging.

like

Just curious about the 2.5 hour break.

Look, I've been a manager for 3 years at Big4 as well. Like everyone said it's about coaching them and enabling them. Micromanaging and seeing how many autosaves they did doesn't help anyone.

Maybe have expectations conversations before their next task where you tell them the expected time and if they can't finish help them. That will help you and them formulate the SI/BI or whatever they called it formula where you can informally coach them to do better.

like

Absolutely psychotic, who cares as long as the work got done with minimal error and before the deadline?

like

Post with your name so we know to avoid you 😭

likefunnysmarthelpful

Just ask anyone at the firm who they don’t want to work with. I guarantee their name comes up.

like

I would suggest giving them deadline and check in to see the progress. New hires require coaching not micromanaging . Don’t be the annoying manager no one wants to work with

likefunny

Likely too late

like

Fire the individual and then give them a swirlie and say they’re blackballed from working in corporate America

likefunnyhelpful

This is the way

like

Its highkey deranged if you're even checking file edit history, let alone taking this to an anonymous forum to plot some grand strategy.

like

Imagine working at a company where a normal thing to do is to check time stamps on files to see how many breaks someone took

likefunny

If you feel this strongly about it and about coaching, use this as a teachable moment, and couch it as such and not as a scolding or criticism. Sit down with intern and say, " I know you said it took 4 hours...it should have only taken X time and that's what I'm planning to discount the time to for the client ... You're an intern so no harm, no foul ... here's what some people (potentially client) might do when they look at your file and keep in mind that some asinine folks internally might even do this to judge your work product later" .... And discuss with them about ethics and motivations for the possibly inflated time estimate. BUT, if someone under me was doing what you are doing (especially to an intern) without very good reason, I'd be coaching you to improve your toxic micromanagement tendencies. Please fix.

likesmart

Well said M3! I think it is important to coach interns now as they are new to the industry and usually the working world. This is when they will be building the foundation of their working ways so they should be aware that their efforts can be monitored.
Breaks are fine but if they are saying something actually took 4 hours and it obviously did not (and not even close), then they should know how easily what they say can be validated.

like

You are a terrible manager. How did you become one when you don’t know how to coach or people manage? Sad 😢

like

Related Posts

I have a client looking to have a bookkeeper come into his office 4 hours a day and do very basic entry level quickbooks, open mail, print checks, prepare bank deposits in the north hills of pittsburgh. Would anyone be interested??

Client: “We are doing a joint marketing effort with some sales partners. Can you please get back to me with a calculation on the impact of investing $10K in New York City and Tokyo”
Me: 🙄🔫

likefunnysmart

Anyone from the account - 'Godrej Consumer Products Ltd' in IBM ?

Is going to office mandatory? And how is pressure in the project?

I’m from the Account side but I’m looking to switch things up in my career and move over to Project Management. At my current agency the role I have been holding doesn’t seem to have that type of transition opportunity. Due to that lack of flexibility I have been searching for hybrid or remote options. The idea presented itself a few months ago when I was recruited by an agency slightly larger than my own. I made to the top three but was not selected for the position. Any leads advice welcomed!

like

Been asked to support an MM PE part-time doing a market assessment and target identification in a niche sector I am an expert in. Any ballpark hourly or project rates? For reference 15 YOE in consulting (including DD) and industry with M7 MBA.

like

I recently join ps. Can anyone referred the project. Net core with azure developer.

How much time does Quantiphi take in giving feedback after 1st round of interview - client solution partner role

like

I’ve applied to over 30 jobs in the past month, and have not received a call. Some of the places say they’re “urgently hiring”. Some only seek a BA; I hold a Masters degree and still I do not seem like a “good fit” for some of these places. I am interested I branching into public health research and all that encompasses, especially in tech. Yet am limited with experience on that aspect. Prior to graduate school I held positions as project coordinator and manager for 8+years. Advice?

like

What is a good ratio of billable hours to total hours?

Obviously the "ideal" is 100%, but as the junior attorney at a small firm, I'm do the guy taking all the prospective client cold calls, and it can seriously cut into my day.

My goal has been to spend at least 75% of my time on billable work. Reasonable?

like

I’m constantly switching between the client laptop and firm’s laptop .And every time i have to unplug and plug monitors keyboard and what not. I was thinking of getting a hub for ease. Any recommendations?

like

When searching for a job, do I take into account my internship period? 1y in total. E.g. The company requires 2 years of experience, but I have 1 year + 1 year of internship. Does that count?

like

Tata Consultancy
HCL Technologies
Cognizant

I am in a confusion,
I work for tcs and for retention, tcs is offering Canada onsite and they need 4 to 5 months to process the visa
I have 2 offers in hand one is CTS (16.3+ 70000) and HCL (19+3)
Hcl is pakka support project (operations) no chance of development. I am having 10 YOE and completely in development.
CTS not sure about project.

Fishes, can you please help me understand which is a better option that I have.

like

Hey fishes, how is the project allotment done in coforge..
It's been a month since I have joined still no tasks allocated not even induction is it a common in coforge?

Any advance public GitHub project having class based django as well as DRF?
I want to learn by example.

Salary for an Associate Project Manager in Detroit.

Hello All,

I joined TCS 6 months ago. I'm put in a different domain, thinking to switch organization but hopefull about on-site opportunities.what are the chances of getting on site..does it depend on project or duration..!!?

like

Hello fishes,

I am an Test Automation architect and got an offer as Senior Staff Engineer in Nagarro. Kindly let me know how the onboarding process would be, the role of an SSE and client interview process.

like

Is anyone at FCB who could answer some questions about their Integrated Production Internship? Thank you in advance!

like

Hi guys,

I submitted my resume in Accenture portal 3 months back and now I got shortlisted for interview.

My yoe is 3.6, but the interview is scheduled role "Application lead project". Is this normal?

Are there any chances they might reject me as the interview is for lead role while my YOE fall in senior analyst / analyst role.

Thanks,

like
like

More Posts

Any recommendations for a good dry shampoo, for dry- fizzy hair in NYC climate?

like

Think I've got to move soon, considering getting a 2 bdrm apartment so I can use one of the rooms as an office.

Anyone know any good buildings close ish to downtown but still on the west side?

like

Let's say you work remotely full time in private/group practice. Mental health or Wellness.
What's your maximum client load for a week? 20? 30? ... 10?

like

Whats your yoe , tech stack and cctc ?

like

Partner: Puts comments into a table.
Also Partner: Complains that the rows of the table no longer align and that the work product was sloppy.

likefunny

Hi All,

Can someone refer me for one job in Accenture?
Let me know, i will share the job id & my resume.

Thanks in advance.

like

Please give me some like and support. New to this Fish Bowl app. Stay blessed.

like

Folks in KPMG IT M&A strategy group, what do the typical projects look like? I know you are involved in pre-deal DD, PMI and SMO, but do only a select few get on DD projects while most do PMO type work? I am trying to avoid a PwC DDV experience. Also, where do people typically exit to?

like

Big 4 is about a popularity contest. I have new hires getting better snapshot than me because they kiss ass to SM/ director and Im like I literally am hated here let me leave

like
like

Chicago-based Account Sups!

Tom, Dick and Harry is looking for you. We’re a full service independent agency celebrating our 20th anniversary this summer - need your skills to help us get the next 20. Curious? DM for more info.

like

Hello folks. Does ZS allows relocation to UK in SD? Not heard many people working from EU region in SD.

like

Have you ever compare yourself to another peer on a team and also feel you are being compared to by the project boss? How to feel confident?

like

Why would anyone want to be a dental assistant when they're paid so little...?

like

Hi, which companies are offering PWFH as of now and which are the ones opting for 100% and hybrid WFO model? I am really looking to go back to office and looking for a switch. Please genuine suggestions needed and referrals too.
Thanks in advance!

like

Anyone do employment contract law in Florida? My girlfriend urgently needs a consult on on enforceability / potential damages for breach of a clause in her employment agreement that requires her to give 30 days notice.
Main question regarding damages is whether company could tax her the cost of replacing her with an hourly consultant since she would be leaving during a critical business time (corporate tax filing season).

like

Hi!

I work as a Sr. Training Coordinator in the L&D team of a company and draw 7.5L per year. My YOE is 8. I don't see many posts about L&D in this bowl or any other bowls for that matter and would like to know if this is apt for the position I'm in currently.

I feel like I'm being paid less. Any input would be appreciated.

like

How many times do you consider it ok to show the same house to the SAME prospect until he decides to buy it or not?
It's been 4 times so far.

like

I might finally be done with this industry and New York. I can’t do the fight anymore .

like

Hi Miami 🐠 Can you please share your thoughts on what would be good walkable neighborhoods that are within 30-45 minutes away from the airport, either Miami or Ft. Lauderdale? We are a married couple no kids in our mid-20s, and prefer relaxed lifestyle brunch spots / coffee shops over bars and clubs. We plan to rent a 1 bed 1 bath apartment with all basic amenities, e.g., in-unit washer/dryer, dishwasher, gym, etc.

likesmart

Additional Posts in Consulting

I heard Accenture pays more than McKinsey

funnylikehelpful

My firm has a mentor scheme whereby you meet monthly with a senior person at the firm to speak informally about work, career, etc. How to make the most out of it?

like

What are the discounts codes for hotels at Deloitte? I am starting next week but would like to book for an upcoming trip in October before rates go up.

funny

what difference does 109% vs. 100% utilization make at Year End? Latter basically means you took your PTO, former means you worked every minute of the year (Consulting, S&O)

What are Director and VP positions at BAH? Talking to their recruiter, not familiar with their ladder. Thanks for any info!

like

Anyone at Deloitte know how to view utilization?

like

The rental shuttle line at SMF 🤦‍♂️

Post Photo
like

Experiencing significantly more back pain since the last month. The work setup hasn’t changed. It’s a generic desk, footrest and ergonomic chair. Suggestions welcome on what I can add to my setup to make it more comfortable. I do take breaks and stretch once in two hours.

like

Holy smokes, girl behind me in first class on AA just got carded for a glass of wine. I mean, tons of underage kids sneaking into first class on AA flights to get turnt on free booze?

like

McKinsey & Company McKinsey & Company been working here one year and received pretty positive feedback. Given the expectation for people of my tenure to transition to EM in a year or so, I can’t see myself staying due to the WLB as an EM. I’m 35 and have 2 young kids. Can it even be realistically done? Would love to stay but I don’t see a balance which would keep my family happy. What options do I have from there?

likefunny

It is my first year in consulting. I started as a PMO and at the moment I am a scrum master for an international project. I am very ambitious and would like to grow in the consulting world. Any tips or advices? It will be much appreciated.

like

Tips on pushing back on an over bearing and micro-managing senior manager?

like

What safety nets are in place to prevent economic collapse in the event we experience a natural disaster that wiped governmental servers that stored things like property records, medical records, arrest data and other important info? Would we all defer back to paper? What if I misplaced my deed? Is someone gonna march me out of my house because someone else claimed ownership?

like

Is there anyone who’s experienced helping their parents get health insurance? Specifically, they aren’t eligible for Medicare, make too little to qualify for ACA subsidies, and cannot get employer-provided insurance. Only option is to pay standard premiums - and if that ultimately is the case, fine. Not trying to find loopholes, but given their low-income, would be nice to know if there are programs I’m not finding in my rsch.

like

I can’t be the only straight C Math student that snuck into Tech Consulting and now have no idea what I’m doing. I think I’m going to run away to law school.

likefunny

I'm so jaded 😬

Post Photo
likefunnyuplifting

cloud ☁️ fish 🐟: i am interested in learning more about the cloud space although i haven’t worked on any cloud projects. would getting newbie certs like AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals be a good starting point? does anyone even care about these certs? thanks!!

like

I can't stand my Dir. His low EQ & poor leadership led to decisions that made my projects suck & directly affected my career. I gave feedback and he fixed some. He keeps requesting me for projects...

like

Do you ever wonder why you work so hard and what the point of it all is?

like

That feel when when you've got exit options

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal