Learning Journal #5
What did you learn about yourself by completing the PDP?
I put thought into this assignment as I reflected on the past and present. I recognized where I have been and how I grew from those experiences to make me into what I am today. I am using past experiences to enhance present skills/positions and currents relationships that make up my social capital network (both personal and professional). I understand the need to strengthen my networks so I have joined company organizations and I continue to volunteer. I recently accepted a leadership role in the volunteer organization, SVTC (Single volunteers of the Twin Cities). This role is hosting and picking locations for happy and social hours. I will also be responsible for the annual August fundraiser. Also, to be a successful leader (someday) I will continue participating in Toastmasters and keep up with my education so within 2-3 years I will graduate with my MBA.
This paper was the most time consuming and most important assignment that I’ve done so far, I did not take this assignment light. While composing my thoughts and reviewing my past and where I go in the future I have seen positive changes. Maybe it has been due to my education, my drive to climb the corporate ladder or maybe I’m truly seeing myself as an adult for the first time in the tough business world My PDP seemed to put everything into perspective.
What was most significant to you about the external environmental segment researched by your team?
I am apart of team 3, The Grads. Our environmental segment was the regulatory one. The most important aspect of this segment was information pertaining to security since our great nation is not as strong as we thought at one point. We discussed the change and urgency to secure our airports, borders and other extreme measures since 9/11/01. Also, we identified that security also covered how we use/hide our private information (like social security numbers). In years past we used them on varies forms…from government down to employment applications. Today most individuals will eliminate their social security numbers on forms unless absolutely necessary. I am just starting to realize this.
Personal example: when ordering checks I use to always put my home phone, driver’s license number, full name and address. Not anymore, now days I may only put a T. Yates and my full address. If they need any other information I’ll give it to them verbally. I am much more cautious on personal security, where I log on to, where and how I use personal security numbers and making sure to log out of websites that contain personal information (like my banks).
How could you use what you have learned about yourself by completing the PDP on your job?
I am in the beginning stages of applying my knowledge and recognizing where I want to go with SUPERVALU. First steps I have taken are volunteering at SUPERVALU sponsored events and within the community, taking on the Social Chair position through SVTC and taking the time to participate in company organizations and Toastmasters. All these acts will make me a stronger individual, I will be recognized in my community and work, and I will build my experiences for my resume to hold great positions.
The HBDI, LPI and EI assessments confirm that I am quadrant B and C as I prefer to keep things and people organized, I pay attention to details and deadlines and I like working with people and paying attention to feelings. Since I now fully understand the meaning and roles that other quadrants may possess I will use that to strengthen groups and activities/problems I work on. Also, I now know which jobs compliment my quadrants, having passion for my job should help guarantee success and happiness. Sure I love working with my present co-workers and managers, but I dislike the job. As I move into a more demanding job I should find something that compliments both quadrants (B and C).
How do you define wisdom?
Being talented and using one’s skills and resources correctly to benefit a project or team. This person would share this information with others so as a team everyone would get something out of it.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 9, 2007
GRAD 702: Reflections on Module 4 Concepts
1. Would you consider yourself a manager or a leader at this stage in your career? Explain your reasoning.
I feel that I make a better manager since I will lead when I’m needed and I can take direction with know problem. I would prefer to work on an element of the project; I would not like to assume responsibility of the total project.
In my opinion I feel that leaders are more involved with tasks that may require him or her to focus on a task that will take them out of the loop with tasks and with their group. Leadership requires a broad scope and the ability to multitask on multiple tasks simultaneity.
Managers on the other hand (at least in my opinion) are people who assume responsibility for a task; this task may only be a portion of the entire project. A manager may be able to work closer to group members which is very much like myself and my preference. I like focusing on specific tasks, not worrying about the entire picture.
2. Imagine that you are attending your graduation party. Think through what you see, say, hear, etc.
I did not go to Franklin University to accept my undergrad diploma. It would have been nice to meet classmates, but I didn’t feel like needed or felt like I wanted to do this. This time I will attend Franklin to gladly accept my Masters. This accomplish is 2-3 years away but I am feeling excited about this day. Not only to have this advanced degree but also to meet faculty and classmates.
I say thank you to those I know, to those who have helped me along my journey and those who have pushed me because they knew what I was capable of doing with encouragement and hard work.
I hear words of appreciation, encouragement, and praises of accomplishment. These words are not only from the graduation ceremony, nor my family but also co-workers, managers and friends.
Finally, I feel gratitude and appreciation when I walk across the stage, shake hands with Franklin’s finest leaders. Not only do I have these feelings when I accept my Masters degree, but I also have these feelings when I finally get my dream job. This job will be something I am truly passionate about and where I am able to apply course concepts and knowledge learned throughout life and while working.
3. How did your meeting go with your coach? Summarize your coach meeting here.
My coach, Suzette has been apart of my life since I was a young child. I have great respect for her and I immediately thought of Suzette when I first learned I needed a coach during my pursuit of my MBA. My meeting was great. Suzette is very supportive of my decision, offers encouragement and gave me input on how to progress in my assignments.
Our time together is rather short due to distance (live 1 hr. away) and because we got together early evening. Going into our meeting I wasn’t sure what would happen…this mentor/mentee relationship is new for both of us. Having gotten together now moving forward I may suggest we try for a Friday night or weekend so time doesn’t restrict us.
Another thing, I will have to utilize email frequently in order to keep her connected of my home assignments and how I’m progressing. I am looking forward to Suzette’s opinion as I continue working on my PDP and future assignments/projects.
4. What other information related to Week 4 assignments did you consider to be of value?
Deep thought about my views and feelings of leadership is great…it’s something I don’t normally do (unless required for school anyhow). I know leadership is important and should think about it more often since I desire some type of leadership/management role within the next three to five years.
This week I didn’t learn too much versus what I’ve learned at the beginning of this course. It’s great to think about my progress.
VISIONING EXERCISE
PART ONE: RECORD WHAT YOU REMEMBER
In 3 months I see: progress in classwork and skills learned.
In 6 months I see: I can start connecting concepts and apply in work/life.
AT GRADUATION I see: Happiness, putting names/faces to those I meet while taking courses. Hopefully a job that I love/passionate about.
In 3 months I hear: Praise
In 6 months I hear: Continual praise/support
At graduation I hear: Praise, address that speaks of hard work/dedication/life lessons
In 3 months I feel: Pride in work and grades
In 6 months I feel: Accomplishment and pride at job, successful balance of work and school commitments.
At graduation I feel: I did it!! I graduated in my Masters!
In 3 months I touched: helping fellow classmates succeed.
In 6 months I touched: I continue to work well with others.
At graduation I touched: Successfully worked with groups and possibly made life long networks or a friend?
At graduation I tasted/smelled: Victory...I will finally my my Master's degree.
PART TWO: ANALYSIS OF YOUR VISION
1. What are the major forces driving you toward accomplishing your vision (Driving forces).
I want to grow with my company is a job I am passionate for, wanting to work on projects with others where my opinion matters, I want to apply knowledge and course concepts and I want my Masters degree since the business world is very competitive.
2. What are the major forces blocking achievement of your vision (Restraining forces)?
I struggle at times where talking about leadership since I’ve never held a management/leadership role. Since I’ve only been told what to do/how to handle situations I find it hard to explain myself in papers.
In the work place something that may block me is my quiet demeanor and not being too Creative. I need to be more of a visionary and take risks.
I feel that I make a better manager since I will lead when I’m needed and I can take direction with know problem. I would prefer to work on an element of the project; I would not like to assume responsibility of the total project.
In my opinion I feel that leaders are more involved with tasks that may require him or her to focus on a task that will take them out of the loop with tasks and with their group. Leadership requires a broad scope and the ability to multitask on multiple tasks simultaneity.
Managers on the other hand (at least in my opinion) are people who assume responsibility for a task; this task may only be a portion of the entire project. A manager may be able to work closer to group members which is very much like myself and my preference. I like focusing on specific tasks, not worrying about the entire picture.
2. Imagine that you are attending your graduation party. Think through what you see, say, hear, etc.
I did not go to Franklin University to accept my undergrad diploma. It would have been nice to meet classmates, but I didn’t feel like needed or felt like I wanted to do this. This time I will attend Franklin to gladly accept my Masters. This accomplish is 2-3 years away but I am feeling excited about this day. Not only to have this advanced degree but also to meet faculty and classmates.
I say thank you to those I know, to those who have helped me along my journey and those who have pushed me because they knew what I was capable of doing with encouragement and hard work.
I hear words of appreciation, encouragement, and praises of accomplishment. These words are not only from the graduation ceremony, nor my family but also co-workers, managers and friends.
Finally, I feel gratitude and appreciation when I walk across the stage, shake hands with Franklin’s finest leaders. Not only do I have these feelings when I accept my Masters degree, but I also have these feelings when I finally get my dream job. This job will be something I am truly passionate about and where I am able to apply course concepts and knowledge learned throughout life and while working.
3. How did your meeting go with your coach? Summarize your coach meeting here.
My coach, Suzette has been apart of my life since I was a young child. I have great respect for her and I immediately thought of Suzette when I first learned I needed a coach during my pursuit of my MBA. My meeting was great. Suzette is very supportive of my decision, offers encouragement and gave me input on how to progress in my assignments.
Our time together is rather short due to distance (live 1 hr. away) and because we got together early evening. Going into our meeting I wasn’t sure what would happen…this mentor/mentee relationship is new for both of us. Having gotten together now moving forward I may suggest we try for a Friday night or weekend so time doesn’t restrict us.
Another thing, I will have to utilize email frequently in order to keep her connected of my home assignments and how I’m progressing. I am looking forward to Suzette’s opinion as I continue working on my PDP and future assignments/projects.
4. What other information related to Week 4 assignments did you consider to be of value?
Deep thought about my views and feelings of leadership is great…it’s something I don’t normally do (unless required for school anyhow). I know leadership is important and should think about it more often since I desire some type of leadership/management role within the next three to five years.
This week I didn’t learn too much versus what I’ve learned at the beginning of this course. It’s great to think about my progress.
VISIONING EXERCISE
PART ONE: RECORD WHAT YOU REMEMBER
In 3 months I see: progress in classwork and skills learned.
In 6 months I see: I can start connecting concepts and apply in work/life.
AT GRADUATION I see: Happiness, putting names/faces to those I meet while taking courses. Hopefully a job that I love/passionate about.
In 3 months I hear: Praise
In 6 months I hear: Continual praise/support
At graduation I hear: Praise, address that speaks of hard work/dedication/life lessons
In 3 months I feel: Pride in work and grades
In 6 months I feel: Accomplishment and pride at job, successful balance of work and school commitments.
At graduation I feel: I did it!! I graduated in my Masters!
In 3 months I touched: helping fellow classmates succeed.
In 6 months I touched: I continue to work well with others.
At graduation I touched: Successfully worked with groups and possibly made life long networks or a friend?
At graduation I tasted/smelled: Victory...I will finally my my Master's degree.
PART TWO: ANALYSIS OF YOUR VISION
1. What are the major forces driving you toward accomplishing your vision (Driving forces).
I want to grow with my company is a job I am passionate for, wanting to work on projects with others where my opinion matters, I want to apply knowledge and course concepts and I want my Masters degree since the business world is very competitive.
2. What are the major forces blocking achievement of your vision (Restraining forces)?
I struggle at times where talking about leadership since I’ve never held a management/leadership role. Since I’ve only been told what to do/how to handle situations I find it hard to explain myself in papers.
In the work place something that may block me is my quiet demeanor and not being too Creative. I need to be more of a visionary and take risks.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
GRAD 702 - Reflections on Module 3 Concepts
Tammy Yates
Assignment 3-5: Learning Journal
Which of the four perspectives of the 4 lens model feels most comfortable to you?
My HBDI confirms that I easily relate to people and enjoy making others happy in decision making. Anyway that I can please others so others like me I will take into consideration…however I always stick to the system lens since I make the best decision. If my decision is not what others thought I may feel bad.
This week we dealt with a real business problem and made suggestions for each lens. The easiest lens for me was the collaborative. I did struggle with the systems because I didn’t know enough about Airbus to start suggesting things they need to implement and improve.
Which feels least comfortable?
The least comfortable was the strategic as I am not creative, I do not take risks and it is hard for me to envision ending results. When I was problem solving for Airbus I only came up with one suggestion for the strategic lens. I honestly could not think of anything else, this may be because I am not familiar with aviation, the company and Airbus has multiple problems.
I understand the concept and meaning behind strategic. This lens plays an important role in groups and when problem solving since some problems can be solved by various solution. It is quite possible that someone who is willing to take risks by trying something new may find the solution that was not obvious or mentioned by other group members.
What does this suggest to you as a professional leading in the next change wage?
So far this class has opened my eyes by taking a further view of the problem solving process. It is not only charts, graphs and reports, it takes into account various views people have…there is not only one way to solve a problem – there can be many possible solutions. As a future leader I will understand the importance multiple view points and suggestions, I will let my group think outside the box and be creative as I see how important it is. Things I will not change are the importance of meeting deadlines, organization and communication.
What do you personal competency sort results mean to you?
My real strengths revolved around me, my skills, my ability to learn quickly and having the ability to make effective and correct decisions that are best for the company/situation. I feel my strengths correlate to my B and C quadrant thinking.
I am capable of influencing others...however I am not so good at making the sale of having others come to my side of thinking since I probably give in to easily. When I do have stories to share I’m pretty good at helping others visualize from my description/gestures. These skills do need to be sharpened since I have to work on my detail and speaking skills. I can easily work with people across generations and those of diverse backgrounds. I feel as comfortable with diversity since I’ve been exposed to multiple subjects from my association with my company’s diversity committee. Finally, I need to form and then utilize my social network. I do have some contacts that I receive help from, but my network needs to expand and now involve outside the work place.
My weaknesses are technology since I am not current with the latest and greatest. Many times I do not know about the newest gadgets. I am content with what I have. I struggle converting technical information, especially math! If I do not enjoy a topic/subject I find the information non-relevant and will forget about it. I am not innovative since change can be hard for me. Lastly, I’ve never been in a project manager/leadership role due to my position within my company. My only leadership role is my position on the diversity committee…I depend on my committees feed back though.
What do your competency sort results suggest to you as they relate to leading in your current and future change waves?
As a future leader I will be great with people and I will keep my team on task so the project remains organized and in line with deadlines. I feel confident about my team work and personal skills since my HBDI and now the competency sort cards confirm who and what my strengths are. Since my leadership skills are week and because I have no experience I will rely on others for their creativity, innovation, and experience.
Describe a situation in which you demonstrated emotional intelligence.
I can not think of an example.
As a graduate student and professional who will climb the corporate ladder into an entry level management position (I hope soon!) I realize the importance of becoming confident at public speaking. I will join our companies Toastmasters group hopefully this week.
I know I am a strong communicator, I am able to work well with others and I normally utilize resources and my social networks when possible.
What other information related to week 3 assignment did you consider to be of value?
Assignment 3-3 was excellent; I enjoyed catching up on current events in business while I was trying to find a problem that a company currently faces. I did find several problems but did not choose them since I thought they may be too simple. Well, I found a problem at Airbus…perhaps too complex for me. I enjoyed reading about the company and apply the 4 lens model. As talked about in the above questions some lenses were easier than others, but I enjoyed the challenge of thinking up possible solutions.
Covey’s book continues to be great! This author is very personable and an easy read since his (tremendous) experiences fit into concepts.
Describe a situation in which it would have been helpful to seek the “third alternative” as defined by Covey.
When there is a conflict and I want to do something and the person I’m working with wants to do something different I normally give in an let the other person do what they want (yes, it’s my quadrant C coming out!). I need to be stronger and express my opinion, especially if I feel strongly about it.
The third alternative would allow both of us to focus in on what is import…something we can’t live without. The other factors could then be eliminated or revised so both parties get what they want. Covey states that the third alternative is not a mutual consensus…it requires creativity. I guessing that the third alternative takes a bit more time when problem solving since individuals may have to review their facts and others who are creative may try different solutions or ask the group to reach outside there comfort zone by doing things that they are not use to doing in order to solve a problem.
Assignment 3-5: Learning Journal
Which of the four perspectives of the 4 lens model feels most comfortable to you?
My HBDI confirms that I easily relate to people and enjoy making others happy in decision making. Anyway that I can please others so others like me I will take into consideration…however I always stick to the system lens since I make the best decision. If my decision is not what others thought I may feel bad.
This week we dealt with a real business problem and made suggestions for each lens. The easiest lens for me was the collaborative. I did struggle with the systems because I didn’t know enough about Airbus to start suggesting things they need to implement and improve.
Which feels least comfortable?
The least comfortable was the strategic as I am not creative, I do not take risks and it is hard for me to envision ending results. When I was problem solving for Airbus I only came up with one suggestion for the strategic lens. I honestly could not think of anything else, this may be because I am not familiar with aviation, the company and Airbus has multiple problems.
I understand the concept and meaning behind strategic. This lens plays an important role in groups and when problem solving since some problems can be solved by various solution. It is quite possible that someone who is willing to take risks by trying something new may find the solution that was not obvious or mentioned by other group members.
What does this suggest to you as a professional leading in the next change wage?
So far this class has opened my eyes by taking a further view of the problem solving process. It is not only charts, graphs and reports, it takes into account various views people have…there is not only one way to solve a problem – there can be many possible solutions. As a future leader I will understand the importance multiple view points and suggestions, I will let my group think outside the box and be creative as I see how important it is. Things I will not change are the importance of meeting deadlines, organization and communication.
What do you personal competency sort results mean to you?
My real strengths revolved around me, my skills, my ability to learn quickly and having the ability to make effective and correct decisions that are best for the company/situation. I feel my strengths correlate to my B and C quadrant thinking.
I am capable of influencing others...however I am not so good at making the sale of having others come to my side of thinking since I probably give in to easily. When I do have stories to share I’m pretty good at helping others visualize from my description/gestures. These skills do need to be sharpened since I have to work on my detail and speaking skills. I can easily work with people across generations and those of diverse backgrounds. I feel as comfortable with diversity since I’ve been exposed to multiple subjects from my association with my company’s diversity committee. Finally, I need to form and then utilize my social network. I do have some contacts that I receive help from, but my network needs to expand and now involve outside the work place.
My weaknesses are technology since I am not current with the latest and greatest. Many times I do not know about the newest gadgets. I am content with what I have. I struggle converting technical information, especially math! If I do not enjoy a topic/subject I find the information non-relevant and will forget about it. I am not innovative since change can be hard for me. Lastly, I’ve never been in a project manager/leadership role due to my position within my company. My only leadership role is my position on the diversity committee…I depend on my committees feed back though.
What do your competency sort results suggest to you as they relate to leading in your current and future change waves?
As a future leader I will be great with people and I will keep my team on task so the project remains organized and in line with deadlines. I feel confident about my team work and personal skills since my HBDI and now the competency sort cards confirm who and what my strengths are. Since my leadership skills are week and because I have no experience I will rely on others for their creativity, innovation, and experience.
Describe a situation in which you demonstrated emotional intelligence.
I can not think of an example.
As a graduate student and professional who will climb the corporate ladder into an entry level management position (I hope soon!) I realize the importance of becoming confident at public speaking. I will join our companies Toastmasters group hopefully this week.
I know I am a strong communicator, I am able to work well with others and I normally utilize resources and my social networks when possible.
What other information related to week 3 assignment did you consider to be of value?
Assignment 3-3 was excellent; I enjoyed catching up on current events in business while I was trying to find a problem that a company currently faces. I did find several problems but did not choose them since I thought they may be too simple. Well, I found a problem at Airbus…perhaps too complex for me. I enjoyed reading about the company and apply the 4 lens model. As talked about in the above questions some lenses were easier than others, but I enjoyed the challenge of thinking up possible solutions.
Covey’s book continues to be great! This author is very personable and an easy read since his (tremendous) experiences fit into concepts.
Describe a situation in which it would have been helpful to seek the “third alternative” as defined by Covey.
When there is a conflict and I want to do something and the person I’m working with wants to do something different I normally give in an let the other person do what they want (yes, it’s my quadrant C coming out!). I need to be stronger and express my opinion, especially if I feel strongly about it.
The third alternative would allow both of us to focus in on what is import…something we can’t live without. The other factors could then be eliminated or revised so both parties get what they want. Covey states that the third alternative is not a mutual consensus…it requires creativity. I guessing that the third alternative takes a bit more time when problem solving since individuals may have to review their facts and others who are creative may try different solutions or ask the group to reach outside there comfort zone by doing things that they are not use to doing in order to solve a problem.
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