GRAD 702 - Reflections on Module 5 Concepts

What did you learn about yourself by completing the PDP?

As I wrote in my PDP, throughout my professional life, I have taken numerous profile assessments. The interesting thing of the PDP is that I have never taken so many at the same time and then summarized those results. I don’t know that there was any surprise to the results of my assessments. My creative side came through and my lack of organizational skills also showed. The PDP helped me to focus on a plan to improve these areas of my life.

What was most significant to you about the external environmental segment researched by your team?

First off, it was an area that I had no knowledge about going into this project. The regulatory environment is very confusing. It shouldn’t be surprising that companies spend large amount of money to hire teams specifically focused on understanding the government rules and regulations that are applied to the company. There is also a very powerful, often negative, effect on smaller businesses that have to maintain the same standards of larger corporations.

How could you use what you have learned about yourself by completing the PDP on your job?

The biggest area that I hope to use is to be utilized more in the creative process of product development and marketing. I do not get the opportunity to pursue my creative side much in my current setting, but I do have the ability to branch out, but I have to take the initiative to do so.

How do you define ‘wisdom’?

Wisdom is putting knowledge into practice. Many people have knowledge, but those who I consider wise are those who have taken their knowledge and used it to grow. A person can know what to do but would be considered unwise if they chose not to use that knowledge.

March 18, 2007 | Filed Under GRAD 702 | Leave a Comment 

GRAD 702 - Reflections on Module 4 Concepts

Would you consider yourself a manager or a leader at this stage in your career? Explain your reasoning.

That’s a tough call.  I would like to say leader, but I know I have a lot of skills that need to be better developed.  In my current work position, I do not have direct reports, so I can’t apply the question so much there.  In my personal life, I do lead a couple of groups.  I think the key area I need to address in all my leadership training is how to better delegate and use others’ time.  I do a poor job of asking others to help complete a project.  I end up taking on too many tasks and lose focus on getting the final project completed.

How did your meeting go with your coach? Summarize your coach meeting here.

Due to scheduling difficulties, I will not be meeting with my coach until next week.  I’m sure it will be a good meeting and I anticipate what he has to say.

What other information related to Week 4 assignments did you consider to be of value?

I think one of the fun parts about this weeks learning was doing the vision (or backfit) scenario.  It was very interesting to try and draw out a day in my life one year from now.  It will be beneficial as I complete my professional development plan, in order to know the areas where I need the most work.

March 11, 2007 | Filed Under GRAD 702 | Leave a Comment 

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 | Leave a Comment 

GRAD 702 – Reflections on Module 1 Concepts

The first question I will address is where I see myself in terms of professonal effectiveness today.  I would rate myself at a medium level.  I know that I am not nearly as effective in my current role, mainly because there are areas that could use better defining.  I sometimes feel that because the position I work in is a relatively new one, areas of job responsibility are not well defined.  As time goes on, I hope to better define my role in the organization and become a more effective asset to my department.

One of my big take-aways from this week’s work is a better understanding of brain dominance.  I’ve taken countless personality tests in the past and have come back with similar findings about my own personality.  Our reading this week included a review of the Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument.  This tool really gives a good perspective on how the four quadrants of the brain interact.  It’s very beneficial when working in team settings to understand the way your members think.

Finally, we are reviewing Stephen Covey’s The 8th Habit in the class. Part of the reading deals with leadership roles.  I probably best relate to pathfinding.  I tend to think outside the norm and consider myself fairly creative.  I often have lots of great ideas, but sometimes struggle getting those ideas to completion.  I’m hoping to become a better leader that can effectively share my vision and set direction for my team.

February 18, 2007 | Filed Under GRAD 702 | Leave a Comment