One semester down, how do I reflect appropriately on one semester of awesome? I could have titled my blog with a recognition of how far we (as a cohort) have come, but I thought I would look to the future instead. Why? I don't want to get caught up in the accomplishment of 1/6 of the way done any longer than I did on Monday.
After the test in Econ, a third of the class went to the cafeteria for a free breakfast, I think it was a called something like midnight cram session (umm, yeah I know it was from 9pm-11pm but that's ok). What I found awesome about the buffet was that the Provost Alan Runge was there serving food to students. This school has amazing values. That is servant leadership - every job is equally important, and the leaders are willing to do any job that needs to be done. Concordia, the students heard you loud and clear. That was awesome.
That evening, I got hung up with my pride again. I felt like I deserved a break, and kind of checked out all of Tuesday evening. That was a real problem, because I still had a Manifesto paper due, even though the class sessions are complete. Take note future cohorts - the Manifesto is not as easy as it leads you to believe. My paper felt forced and I still am wrestling with final edits because it can be hard to make a declaration about what you stand for when you are still learning about yourself. I think I should have waited to celebrate until that was complete. I need more patience.
I also have another hint for Cohort 3 - Consider being an overachiever and doing the Strengths Finder test before you start the program. If you understand your team's strengths you will get a 10 week head start. Also, do not wait a minute to start your econ and marketing projects. They will likely be due around the same time and you will panic. Start brainstorming as fast as possible and aim to have a rough draft three weeks before it is due if possible. That is my $0.02.
Final thoughts on Econ class:
Started out really exciting because of the math. The last 5 weeks were not as enjoyable, but that might be due to the level of thought I started to put into Leadership.
Final thoughts on Leadership:
Unfortunately, Cohort 3 will not get to have Dr. Ford teach the leadership course, but I am certain that Dean Christian will find a suitable successor. Dr. Ford had gained my respect very early on in the program and she encouraged me to dig very deep into my thoughts about leadership. Thank you Dr. Ford for the life changing experience.
Today has been a struggle trying to get the words out to express my leadership manifesto. All that and working from home today has been intense.
No time to slow down, the next rest stop is quite a ways away. We can do it.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Difference between a Stumbling Block and a Stepping Stone
I chose this title today based on a footer of an email I read today. It just reminds me of the week in class. Again I will try to be concise today.
The assignment for the week was titled "Journey". Using a movie or television show, we were to compare our life story to a leader from a more widely known story. This assignment meant just as much as the passionography assignment, because it required me to reflect on a work that someone else has done. Additionally, we were required to talk with our group about our journey and listen to feedback. This was a great bonding experience for the team, as we found how closely our stories are related. The nicest feeling for me came when I had a heartfelt conversation with Matt from my group about his vulnerability. I've seen him changing in the last weeks, but more so on Sunday. He completely changed his story after we all talked to him. I won't get into the personal side as they will tell their story where it is appropriate. Matt did tell me that I can expect a more opened up Matt in the future. I think he is now "All In". Previously, I would have told you he was "Reserved".
In class, we took a look back at all of our readings from the semester and were challenged with a question to discuss about how we lead with our faith, values, and ethics. The main thought I had about that was that we need to extend grace. I say this, because I am seeing God more as a leader in my life and he is most successful getting through to me by his grace. Undeserved, by nature of the term, and I feel so so enabled as a result. I see that grace may be the answer to some personnel issues I have seen at work that get me so angry. I'm not perfect, so it will surely need refining. Humans are not naturally inclined to extend grace (except for our children, makes sense to me).
Economics actually had a similar feeling to me last night, because we were asked to critique a paper and were offered a chance to respond to a critique from another group. I think I speak for the whole class when I say that it is more difficult to receive criticism (even if positive) from our peers than from our teacher. When I read the critique given to our group, I was discouraged and felt that the criticism wasn't done in a positive manner. I had to turn the thought in my head and put it in perspective. The group that critiqued our paper was, in effect, required to critique our paper. This causes a tension in their mind that forces them to try to prove they are worthy of a good grade, but also try to respect the team. This wrestling in the mind is actually a value and a desired output of the MBA program. I know that Team II was professional in their presentation, and I respected their thoughts. Team III appeared calm when dealing with our critique, but one student appeared very defensive in my opinion. This is to be expected and I don't see that as a fault. It may be a learning opportunity. This is why the stepping stone can appear as a stumbling block sometimes.
Most of you reading this know that I am very vocal and am rarely quiet, especially if I am critiqued. However, I intentionally held my tongue the entire evening. I am taking the feedback I have heard and attempting to listen instead of just waiting for my turn to speak.
Last thought, I allowed my team to show their expertise in the critique and response this week, and only opened up and closed the presentation this week. I wanted to show the other team that we were really concerned that the critique may not have been received as friendly. I am babbling here, but I thought the only real criticism we had was that they tried to cover so much. I mean they tried to show all aspects of the Texas Public School System. What a daunting task. I would have asked that they didn't take the critique so personally.
I'm out of stuff to say, but I leave this blog frustrated, because I feel like I am missing something important about the week. I'll update if I think of something.
The assignment for the week was titled "Journey". Using a movie or television show, we were to compare our life story to a leader from a more widely known story. This assignment meant just as much as the passionography assignment, because it required me to reflect on a work that someone else has done. Additionally, we were required to talk with our group about our journey and listen to feedback. This was a great bonding experience for the team, as we found how closely our stories are related. The nicest feeling for me came when I had a heartfelt conversation with Matt from my group about his vulnerability. I've seen him changing in the last weeks, but more so on Sunday. He completely changed his story after we all talked to him. I won't get into the personal side as they will tell their story where it is appropriate. Matt did tell me that I can expect a more opened up Matt in the future. I think he is now "All In". Previously, I would have told you he was "Reserved".
In class, we took a look back at all of our readings from the semester and were challenged with a question to discuss about how we lead with our faith, values, and ethics. The main thought I had about that was that we need to extend grace. I say this, because I am seeing God more as a leader in my life and he is most successful getting through to me by his grace. Undeserved, by nature of the term, and I feel so so enabled as a result. I see that grace may be the answer to some personnel issues I have seen at work that get me so angry. I'm not perfect, so it will surely need refining. Humans are not naturally inclined to extend grace (except for our children, makes sense to me).
Economics actually had a similar feeling to me last night, because we were asked to critique a paper and were offered a chance to respond to a critique from another group. I think I speak for the whole class when I say that it is more difficult to receive criticism (even if positive) from our peers than from our teacher. When I read the critique given to our group, I was discouraged and felt that the criticism wasn't done in a positive manner. I had to turn the thought in my head and put it in perspective. The group that critiqued our paper was, in effect, required to critique our paper. This causes a tension in their mind that forces them to try to prove they are worthy of a good grade, but also try to respect the team. This wrestling in the mind is actually a value and a desired output of the MBA program. I know that Team II was professional in their presentation, and I respected their thoughts. Team III appeared calm when dealing with our critique, but one student appeared very defensive in my opinion. This is to be expected and I don't see that as a fault. It may be a learning opportunity. This is why the stepping stone can appear as a stumbling block sometimes.
Most of you reading this know that I am very vocal and am rarely quiet, especially if I am critiqued. However, I intentionally held my tongue the entire evening. I am taking the feedback I have heard and attempting to listen instead of just waiting for my turn to speak.
Last thought, I allowed my team to show their expertise in the critique and response this week, and only opened up and closed the presentation this week. I wanted to show the other team that we were really concerned that the critique may not have been received as friendly. I am babbling here, but I thought the only real criticism we had was that they tried to cover so much. I mean they tried to show all aspects of the Texas Public School System. What a daunting task. I would have asked that they didn't take the critique so personally.
I'm out of stuff to say, but I leave this blog frustrated, because I feel like I am missing something important about the week. I'll update if I think of something.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Deep End of the Pool
I'll keep it short today, I hope.
I don't really want to talk about what happened in class this week (John Griffin probably wrote about how class went, if you are interested). We turned in our Passionographies this week and I was so thankful to get such diverse feedback. Thanks to those that helped with this project.
On Monday, I had a great conversation with a classmate and it left me pondering my behavior over the last two days. I think I have resolved the issue in my mind, but really it came down to my attitude. I probably appeared a little cocky in this program when I spoke up about being challenged on our first econ test. I came off as abrasive, but I was actually stating my desire to be challenged, and the fact that I want this to be the best Master's program. I can't single-handedly change the prestige of the program, but I was trying to ask my peers to step up to the challenge.
I named this post "Deep End of the Pool", because today I totally engaged myself in the experience of growing with a classmate. John Griffin and I met for lunch today, and we pretty much could have held the table until dinner as well. We talked for three hours over a nice Thai cuisine lunch. Thanks again John. I honestly feel I am in the deep end where life isn't easy because you can always "touch". I like the freedom of this deep end. John and I were able to roll out our stories and peel back the outer shell to see what we are truly made of. My consensus was that we are alike in many ways, and its probably evident by how similar our posts are. We both agreed to the rule that we don't read any Concordia blogs from the week until we write our own. That's how it has been in the past any way, but there is a running joke about John and I getting to the same stuff each week. I look forward to more of these meetings with my cohort. In fact I have scheduled a lunch with Travis next week already. By the way, Travis and I both like to talk, I imagine that lunch could be just as long as today, but I love that. I wouldn't go to lunch if I didn't want to do this.
By the way, I feel like I have done a better job of listening lately. Reflection and Listening are two areas I was aiming to improve on, and I feel like the growth has been happening.
See ya next week, hopefully I'll be able to focus on the class discussions.
I don't really want to talk about what happened in class this week (John Griffin probably wrote about how class went, if you are interested). We turned in our Passionographies this week and I was so thankful to get such diverse feedback. Thanks to those that helped with this project.
On Monday, I had a great conversation with a classmate and it left me pondering my behavior over the last two days. I think I have resolved the issue in my mind, but really it came down to my attitude. I probably appeared a little cocky in this program when I spoke up about being challenged on our first econ test. I came off as abrasive, but I was actually stating my desire to be challenged, and the fact that I want this to be the best Master's program. I can't single-handedly change the prestige of the program, but I was trying to ask my peers to step up to the challenge.
I named this post "Deep End of the Pool", because today I totally engaged myself in the experience of growing with a classmate. John Griffin and I met for lunch today, and we pretty much could have held the table until dinner as well. We talked for three hours over a nice Thai cuisine lunch. Thanks again John. I honestly feel I am in the deep end where life isn't easy because you can always "touch". I like the freedom of this deep end. John and I were able to roll out our stories and peel back the outer shell to see what we are truly made of. My consensus was that we are alike in many ways, and its probably evident by how similar our posts are. We both agreed to the rule that we don't read any Concordia blogs from the week until we write our own. That's how it has been in the past any way, but there is a running joke about John and I getting to the same stuff each week. I look forward to more of these meetings with my cohort. In fact I have scheduled a lunch with Travis next week already. By the way, Travis and I both like to talk, I imagine that lunch could be just as long as today, but I love that. I wouldn't go to lunch if I didn't want to do this.
By the way, I feel like I have done a better job of listening lately. Reflection and Listening are two areas I was aiming to improve on, and I feel like the growth has been happening.
See ya next week, hopefully I'll be able to focus on the class discussions.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Last Week of my 20s
The end of this week brings with it the sadness of reaching my 30s. I shall bask in the glory of my youth for two more days. At which point, I will then be required to carry my "OLD" card with me at all times. I have felt my youth slipping in the past months. In fact, I missed the beginning of the Super Bowl and both the NCAA Football and Basketball national championships. This is a major change in my behavior. Last year I could honestly tell you there was no way in the world I would not watch those games. This year, I will tell you it was an easy choice to make. I also have noticed that sports are taking a toll on my body and have had to cut back. This seems like enough evidence to prove I am getting older, but I think the physical is just scratching the surface.
I believe I am maturing rapidly in my work, spiritual and home life. I feel that I have been embracing my gifts and continue to build on them. Patience is now a word that doesn't have the negative connotation it had when I was such an anxious young engineer. Patience used to be an excuse for lazy in my mind. There would be times that I would get so excited even with speaking that I made a fool of myself. I will hopefully continue growing throughout the next ten decade of my life, at which point I believe I will be in a very pleasant state of mind (with a red mustang convertible, maybe a lamborghini, yea right not me).
With all joking aside, I wanted to talk about 2 great songs that spoke to me today. I heard them in succession today during the KLove pledge drive. J.J. Heller's "Love Me" and Casting Crowns "Who I Am". If you haven't heard these songs they are both beautiful songs about God's Love, and I recommend you have a listen on YouTube. There is a theme that relates back to my education and a quote that Dr. Ford (Leadership-Self) posted on the whiteboard this week from the Talmud. It stated God will not judge Akiba for not being Moses. God will judge Akiba for not being Akiba. What this means is that we must not worry about being great people or not having the gifts that are so deeply admired and left to permeate the history books. Instead, we must use our gifts to the best of our ability and not worry about the gifts we don't have. So Heller's song begs the question "Who will Love me for me? Not for what I have done or what I will become?" At the end of the song a criminal cries out the question, and hears the voice of God. The response is, "I know you've murdered, and I know you've lied. I have watched you suffer all of your life. But now that you're listening. I'll tell you that I will love you for you, not for what you have done or what you have become". That's a real father. The other song by Casting Crowns (my favorite band) has a chors that says "Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done, but because of who You are." This song flipped everything I was feeling about having to perform at the highest level to please God. I was so motivated about my strengths that I lost sight of that fact that I will be loved not by my accomplishments, but instead because He is God, and He is Love. This shook me today.
So, I am a learner, achiever, strategic, all those things so I had to do really well on the Economics test, but why? Because those are my strengths? Well, as I mentioned earlier in my blog, I try so hard as a sign of respect to my wife. There may be a hint of trying to prove myself to myself, since I didn't focus on high marks in my undergraduate studies. That said, My preparation paid off once again. After the last test, Dr. Estrada stated he was happy with my effort but reminded me that this is a cohort system and I need to focus on helping others achieve high marks as well. Well this time (as well as last time) I met with my group for a 4 hour study session. I believe everyone did better on this test than last test from my group.
There is still one more test and maybe we can all ACE that one together. Additionally, I am going to start ask each group to host a study session on a different day before our next test, so that there will be 4 options for sessions to attend. Also, each group doesn't necessarily have to go to the session they host. I have to see how receptive everyone is to the idea, but I like it for the most part. There may be some details that end up making it on 3 days or whatever, but the point is to try a little harder to reach out for those finding the material to be more challenging. This is a team effort and I want to treat it as such.
I believe I am maturing rapidly in my work, spiritual and home life. I feel that I have been embracing my gifts and continue to build on them. Patience is now a word that doesn't have the negative connotation it had when I was such an anxious young engineer. Patience used to be an excuse for lazy in my mind. There would be times that I would get so excited even with speaking that I made a fool of myself. I will hopefully continue growing throughout the next ten decade of my life, at which point I believe I will be in a very pleasant state of mind (with a red mustang convertible, maybe a lamborghini, yea right not me).
With all joking aside, I wanted to talk about 2 great songs that spoke to me today. I heard them in succession today during the KLove pledge drive. J.J. Heller's "Love Me" and Casting Crowns "Who I Am". If you haven't heard these songs they are both beautiful songs about God's Love, and I recommend you have a listen on YouTube. There is a theme that relates back to my education and a quote that Dr. Ford (Leadership-Self) posted on the whiteboard this week from the Talmud. It stated God will not judge Akiba for not being Moses. God will judge Akiba for not being Akiba. What this means is that we must not worry about being great people or not having the gifts that are so deeply admired and left to permeate the history books. Instead, we must use our gifts to the best of our ability and not worry about the gifts we don't have. So Heller's song begs the question "Who will Love me for me? Not for what I have done or what I will become?" At the end of the song a criminal cries out the question, and hears the voice of God. The response is, "I know you've murdered, and I know you've lied. I have watched you suffer all of your life. But now that you're listening. I'll tell you that I will love you for you, not for what you have done or what you have become". That's a real father. The other song by Casting Crowns (my favorite band) has a chors that says "Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done, but because of who You are." This song flipped everything I was feeling about having to perform at the highest level to please God. I was so motivated about my strengths that I lost sight of that fact that I will be loved not by my accomplishments, but instead because He is God, and He is Love. This shook me today.
So, I am a learner, achiever, strategic, all those things so I had to do really well on the Economics test, but why? Because those are my strengths? Well, as I mentioned earlier in my blog, I try so hard as a sign of respect to my wife. There may be a hint of trying to prove myself to myself, since I didn't focus on high marks in my undergraduate studies. That said, My preparation paid off once again. After the last test, Dr. Estrada stated he was happy with my effort but reminded me that this is a cohort system and I need to focus on helping others achieve high marks as well. Well this time (as well as last time) I met with my group for a 4 hour study session. I believe everyone did better on this test than last test from my group.
There is still one more test and maybe we can all ACE that one together. Additionally, I am going to start ask each group to host a study session on a different day before our next test, so that there will be 4 options for sessions to attend. Also, each group doesn't necessarily have to go to the session they host. I have to see how receptive everyone is to the idea, but I like it for the most part. There may be some details that end up making it on 3 days or whatever, but the point is to try a little harder to reach out for those finding the material to be more challenging. This is a team effort and I want to treat it as such.
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