Final Postings - Part Two

I just wanted to briefly say that I enjoyed the class.  I feel like I was able to take a lot away from this class and whether or not I go into a management role again....I will at least have the knowledge to help me be more successful in that role.  Thanks for a great semester!  Have a lovely summer!  :D

Final Postings - Part One

I found this article interesting as I was browsing through the Wall Street Journal online....I really enjoy that publication.  It has well written articles that cover a variety of subjects.  I do find it fascinating to read when I get some free time during the day.

Anyway, the article that caught my eye today was this:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303630404577392321560456012.html?mod=WSJ_mgmt_LeftTopNews

With a new graduating batch of college kids who will be on the prowl for jobs during this season of large unemployment rates, it is interesting to see how picky they would be based on different criteria.  Some kids would turn down a job if their employer would not let them take personal calls, or check their personal emails.  I will admit that it would be difficult for me to swallow at first; however, if I had just gotten out of college with 4 years of debt under my belt...I wouldn't be too quick to not take a job based on that.  I would try and make it work.

It was interesting to see the percentage of graduates who would only stay at a job for a short period of time.....just because they got bored.  It is funny b/c I heard many years ago that people end up with about 8 or 9 different career paths in their journey through adulthood.  I had a hard time understanding that, since I tend to stay at places for long periods of time.  My first real job, I was employed for over 8 years before I left to pursue something different.  This current job that I am at right now, I have been employed for almost 5 years.  It may be my difficulty with change that makes me stay; although, currently, I can say that I am happily employed and could see myself here for a while longer....barring any unforseen life changes.

Anyway, interesting article in light of graduations all over!  :)

Micky D's

http://online.wsj.com/video/next-generation-takes-over-at-mcdonald/F2D4506F-F796-4108-8F86-99CF18B549FB.html

This was a cool video about how the children of the franchise owners of McDonalds are stepping up and taking the leadership roles of their parents.   It will be interesting to see the new spins that these children will take on an already lucrative and very relevant business.  

Woman Power

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303990604577368344256435440.html?mod=WSJ_mgmt_LeadStoryCollection

Definitely a great article about up and coming women who are pitted to be taking over CEO roles in the upcoming near future.  Not that I have any desire to be a CEO of a company; however, I am always intrigued when women are.  I think I am a fairly strong woman...but I have no desire to be strong (typically a man buster) in that role.  I do appreciate women who can be, and are that way, in the workplace.  Not to say that I am passive and let everyone walk all over me; not the case.  However, I do not have the personality as such to be so demanding and up in your face that seems to be required of these positions.  

Week 10 Blog

OK, so I think I've posted on it before, but my friend has a blog (http://knowbsblog.com).  The post that caught my attention was entitled, "Is There A Shark In Your Boat?"  This post was about "sharks" that potentially could be in your boat.....even though they may not be obvious.  Some "shark-like" behaviors include lots of unproductive activity, trying to break up different relational dynamics, always waiting to be told what to do, or believing that they are irreplaceable.  


This is funny because when I read it, I immediately thought of one person at my job that is definitely a shark.  He is on his own program, he makes mistakes but blames them on others, he truly believes he is indispensable, and that honestly believes he is the most valuable player on the team.  The article suggests that the shark should be let go immediately; however, our company just tolerates his insolent behavior.  One must wonder why management tolerates it.

Week 7 Blog Post

Here is a great article forwarded to me from a VP of company in Waltham.  It is entitled "12 Most Convincing Actions that Get Senior Management to Listen".  It is pretty interesting, as I have been more in the management spotlight in our company recently (in a positive way) due to my new responsibilities.  As discussed this week in the audio clip, the addition of responsibility was a motivator for me to work harder.  Since I will now have more face time with senior management, it was beneficial for me to see and understand.  The most impactful one for me was #11.  I had never thought of it before...but it says to speak a shorter amount of time, rather than the allotted time.  I would never have thought that....I would have imagined it would look rude or unprepared if you didn't fill the time; however, this article seemed to negate that.  Here is the link for this article, in case you want to read it:   http://12most.com/2012/03/08/getting-senior-management-to-listen/

Who Moved My Cheese

I had read this book several years ago when I was involved in a church plant.  Our Pastor wanted us to read this book, as we were about to embark in a big change.  I picked it up again this past weekend and was reminded why I liked it so much.  The author did a great job of dumbing down the whole change process through the use of his fictional characters.  The basic premise of the book is showing the different character's responses to change (or in their case - the moving of the cheese).  Briefly, it shows that change is inevitable.  We just need to have a positive reaction to it....and not try to stifle it.  Anyway, it is a really quick read....but definitely powerful!