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.