GRAD 702 – Reflections on Module 2 Concepts

I’ve reached the end of week 2 in GRAD 702. It’s an interesting class, as I’m learning skills for understanding both my thinking and team thinking. The objective is that by the end of this class, I’ll have laid out a plan for my personal development and also developed a good approach to teamwork.One of the tests we took for this class is known as the Hermann Brain Dominance Index. Like many tests I’ve taken in the past, this one was not surprising in it’s results. I most strongly utilize the creative portions of my brain. This supports my desire even more to be in positions where I am allowed to create, develop, and present. Marketing, product development, and education all fit my profile.

Having reviewed my results, will I do anything different? Only to ask my boss for more opportunities to be involved in product development areas. I’m currently on one team which is planning the use of experimental technology in our business process and I really enjoy the opportunity it’s presented.

I’m also developing my personal mission statement as part of the class. One question to ask is what legacy I’d like to leave. I’d like to feel that I’ve made a difference in people’s lives. Education is a key area for me. I want people to learn and be changed for the better. As the old saying goes… “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” I would like to know that by improving just one person’s life, I made a difference for future generations.

My next question to address is to define a creative moment in my life and the feelings associated with it. There’ve been lots of them. I’m creative person by nature.  One that I recall the most was when I was on a planning and development team putting together a “year in review” event for a large corporate group.  It took weeks to pull together all the pieces and coordinate all the various aspects of the show.  When it came to “show time”, the event went off smoothly and the employees were extremely pleased.  It was a very fulfilling experience.

Next thought to address… conflict resolution.  How do I deal with conflict?  I currently try to avoid it at all costs.  I am not comfortable with conflict because I like being a people person.  I want to preserve friendships and relationships whenever possible.  As I move forward in my business career, I will need to learn to better manage conflict.  Conflict will happen, but learning to address the issue and move on is the best possible solution.

Anything else I’ve learned in this week?  Microsoft Project is a difficult tool to learn! :)  I acquired a copy of MS Project and MS Visio in order to become better at project management.  I realized that I have a LOT to learn in using these tools.  I am currently reviewing a copy of Project for Dummies.  I realize these are powerful tools and hope to get better with them as time goes on.

February 25, 2007 | Filed Under GRAD 702 

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