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.