GRAD 702 - Reflections on Module 2 Concepts

1. Were there any surprises in your HBDI results? If so, what were they?
While reading through required material I knew I would fall into quadrant B or C since I am an organizer, I enjoy working with and try to please and involve others in decisions I may make and so far in my career I’ve only had administrative type jobs.

I was a little surprised that my quadrant A score was low (57). I enjoy analyzing sales movement since this is apart of my job. However, this score does reflect my dislike for finances and problem solving (I dislike math a lot!).

My quadrant C store (45) clearly represents my lack of original ideas. If anything I feed off what others suggest during brainstorming activity. Sometimes I think I come up with fun and unique ways of presenting material but that doesn’t require much logical thought…it’s just fun work. Lastly, I knew it was hard for me to envision final results. I tell others to take the lead on this since I do not always understand what they think or want. I hate disappointing others or disrupting visions for their task.

2. Given your HBDI results, what will you do differently?
I know I need to be more creative when brainstorming. I feel it’s a good thing to feed off someone’s ideas, but I should be thinking of ways to improve the idea (if necessary) by simplifying or expanding on their thought. It is always good to think outside the box and take risks, something I don’t do. I love playing it safe, by taking risks I will leave my comfort zone.
I will join Toastmasters at work in improve my public speaking ability. I know I can make speeches, I think I just need to make presentations flow smooth and increase my comfort level. I hope to move into entry level management, speaking skills are necessary in these positions. The better I prepare myself now the better off I will be during graduate school and in life.

3. What personal legacy do you desire to leave to your family? Your country? The world?
I will continue to volunteer within my community, follow through on commitments I make with family and being an active participant in organizations I belong to within my community and at work.

4. Recall the most creative thing you have done or been a part of. What made it creative? How did it make you feel?
As a member of the diversity committee I am in charge of pulling together information (monthly) that is topic specific for our display case. At first I loved the research and seeing my final Power Point presentation on display for others to read. After doing it for two years I am now bored and wish to expand diverse topics.

Next month the Diversity Committee (work organization) will be meeting to establish goals for the upcoming year and possibly re-elect directors of our four sub-committees. I am currently the chairperson and director of Education (I research and create the bulletin boards). The committee feels we need to connect and promote our effort on a wider level. This upcoming fiscal year I will make it a priority to promote and expose diversity events by taking pictures and displaying them on a bulletin board, I will try to have HR send my Power Point presentations to a HR contact at other regions, and moving forward we will try to seek information from associates. I am excited again since we will be stepping up our mission and goals to promote diversity.

5. How do you typically deal with conflict? Is this your desired way of dealing with conflict? Why or why not?
I have always expressed my views whether or not they coincide with what others feel. Input and communicating is valued and necessary. However, I do not push my feelings and as a way to keep the team in unison I will typical go with the flow of whatever the team wants. I feel this is my desired way since I do not want to cause problems or harsh feelings within the team. It may be best for me to go with the flow since the end result typically turns out just fine. Perhaps if I was better able to see the end result I would think like other team members.

6. What other information related to Week 2 assignments did you consider to be of value?
It’s been great to read detailed information about teams and the roles that comprise successful teamwork. The teams I’ve been involved with normally work together just fine, but understanding the necessary roles for each team may be useful for me someday incase I’m apart of team that does not function as smooth.

7. Which concept(s) from the Covey readings for this week had a personal relevance for you?
The more trusting we are of individuals the better off we’ll be as a team and as the project progresses since we feel comfortable in sharing ideas and not being afraid of making mistakes. Covey mentions “do it” and reporting back at various times. Depending up the task communication should come as frequently as necessary and that also means to include all correspondences to all members of the team. Covey also reiterates planning as a necessary element.

I did not necessarily agree with Covey when he discussed waiting to do something until told. I do not wait to work on something since I want to allow plenty of time in case something comes up last minute. If we procrastinate we are tight in meeting deadlines and bad things can occur. I always want to get something down on paper. However, there are circumstances when it is necessary to wait on something until the go ahead is given. Waiting to start something when you have all your facts also saves time, money and frustration.

GRAD 702 – Reflections on Module 1 Concepts.

Assignment 1-6: Learning Journal

How would you rate your level of professional effectiveness today? Why did you assign this rating, and what does it suggest about you?

At this point I consider myself medium since I rely on others to help me along my journey weather it is in my department or with diversity committee events. I am not a natural leader…I classify myself as a follower who enjoys working with or without people. Whatever task I am assigned to I will always get done with little supervision, in fact my supervisor (Kathy) knows that when I’m given a task she can count on me to finish it on time and in a professional manner.


I could not classify myself as low since I always communicate, follow deadlines, give/receive direction and I am willing to work alone or with others just fine. Having an entry level job and minimal experience keeps me from the rating of high. In hopes of climbing the corporate ladder and utilizing school I hope this changes.

When it comes to the diversity committee I make sure to communicate, ask for and accept the help from members, engage non active members with tasks and I expect members to follow due dates. So far I’m lucky to have outstanding committee members who are willing to help, have passion for what they are working on and we all feed off each other’s brainstorming thought.

What other information related to week 1 assignments did you consider to be of value?

The HBDI and the thorough information about the brain! There is so much to the brain and information that is stored inside that makes us who we are and why we do and think the way we do. I am excited to work with my group and compare/contract my experiences since we have all quadrants in my present group. Past groups we were paried together with non rime or reason....the next six weeks will be great!

Fun information from the Whole Brain Business Book was tasks and tips we can do at home and work to strengthen our brain. (Page 36-37)

With which of Covey’s four roles of leadership do you most identify? Why?

1. Empowering/Passion. When I tranfered to my current position 3 years ago I had no idea what was in store for me. I thought I was going to be another person who did my 40 hours and went home with a paycheck. My director (Tim) told me about the Diversity Committee so I joined and over time I accepted different responsibilities. Now, I am chairperson of the committee and I help put on various events that promote diversity. Not only have I learned from others but I've also been able to network with outside organizations and other associates and I have a real passion for this committee. Lastly, due to an increase of membership and sharing ideas we will start new and innovative things that i'm glad to be apart of! It is a real honor to be apart of something that means a lot and knowing that I stand out (in HR and management's eyes).

2. Aligning/Discipline. It takes a combination of time managment and discipline to work a full time job and attend school. Sure, i'd rather be doing something different than writing papers and researching but I'm enjoying my education thus far and enjoy the learning experiences due to group participation, combination of movie/book reports and interaction professors/Franklin staff. It helps knowing that family/friends support me and my education since I miss out on timely personal visits.