When I first saw this assignment to write a poem I was, as usual, slightly surprised. It has been many years since I wrote any type of poem and never before on the subject of management. It was a challenge, but I gave it a shot.
"Management"
The subject of Management is wide and vast,
Not always a job that can be a blast.
It entails wearing many hats,
Often frustrating, you can count on that.
You have to be the one to make the tough decisions,
While making sure to stick to the vision.
Make the plans and set the goals,
Always be ready to take on new roles.
Deal with the conflicts and motivate,
Never forgetting to communicate.
A rewarding experience it can be,
When you take your job seriously.
Stick to your ethics and all should be fine,
But never forget to take time to unwind.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Views on Communicating via Blog
I found the Blog to be a unique and helpful aspect to the class. It was not something I was expecting to have to do for a Management class, but did wind up enjoying it. I am not a person who likes to communicate in class so being able to share my thoughts in this forum was helpful.
I did not meet others online through their blogs that I got to know in class, but I did find it beneficial to read others views and gain information from their thoughts.
The blog definitely got me to think about the activities we did in class once they were done and analyze what I took away from them. I think this was a great way to enhance the learning experience.
Prof. Kurpis’ blog provided outside topics which I found interesting when I had the chance to browse even though they were not directly linked to class. Sure after class I will check it out on a regular basis to see what can be found.
The fact that the blog is 20% of the grade did help to ease a bit of the test anxiety especially since I did not do as well on them as I thought I would. I was always good with getting my posts updated on time but in the bustle of things did have mishaps with dates on the replies to others. I guess it is because it was such a unique situation and I was not used to having a responsibility to reply to others work as you are conditioned to always just worry about your own.
Not sure I will continue with blogging to share ideas without the need for the class, but after this experience it is not something I find frightening or would shy away from if I change my mind.
The blog aspect is something I feel should be left as part of the curriculum for the class. It is a great forum for sharing ideas and served as a way to have me further think about what I was doing in class. When I first saw it on the syllabus I did give a sigh because it was something I had never done before, but happy to have had the experience.
I did not meet others online through their blogs that I got to know in class, but I did find it beneficial to read others views and gain information from their thoughts.
The blog definitely got me to think about the activities we did in class once they were done and analyze what I took away from them. I think this was a great way to enhance the learning experience.
Prof. Kurpis’ blog provided outside topics which I found interesting when I had the chance to browse even though they were not directly linked to class. Sure after class I will check it out on a regular basis to see what can be found.
The fact that the blog is 20% of the grade did help to ease a bit of the test anxiety especially since I did not do as well on them as I thought I would. I was always good with getting my posts updated on time but in the bustle of things did have mishaps with dates on the replies to others. I guess it is because it was such a unique situation and I was not used to having a responsibility to reply to others work as you are conditioned to always just worry about your own.
Not sure I will continue with blogging to share ideas without the need for the class, but after this experience it is not something I find frightening or would shy away from if I change my mind.
The blog aspect is something I feel should be left as part of the curriculum for the class. It is a great forum for sharing ideas and served as a way to have me further think about what I was doing in class. When I first saw it on the syllabus I did give a sigh because it was something I had never done before, but happy to have had the experience.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Special Order at McDonald's With Surprising Results
When I saw the directions for this extra credit assignment I was quite surprised by it and had to laugh a bit. I remember years ago knowing people who worked in the fast food industry and had heard their stories about the “wonderful” special order customers. That being said I was a little nervous about what the reaction would be and did not have much confidence in it coming out correct. My first instinct was to place the order in a New Jersey McDonald’s where I feel people tend to have a bit more patience, but I never got around to that so had to bite the bullet and place my order in my neighborhood in Brooklyn and was quite surprised with the results.
I headed into the McDonald’s at 4:20pm to find it more crowded than I expected for that time of day. Since it was a hot day I guess many people were there getting ice cream. I never knew a McDonald’s would be a hot spot for ice cream, but live and learn. After waiting on line I was able to place my order at 4:27pm. I requested a special order of a plain hamburger with four pickles and a small well done fries with no salt. The cashier working did give me a little smirk but repeated my request back to me and I had to reiterate that I wanted exactly four pickles. She typed in my order and also made sure to scream back to the person prepping the food that the burger needed four pickles I assume to be sure it came out properly and also made sure the woman working the fryer behind her knew well done and no salt. The burger came out and was put to side and fries were worked on. I specifically heard the woman who was working on fries say to my cashier these are the well with no salt before handing them to her.
As I was waiting for my complete order I realized that I had not been given a receipt in with my change. I asked the cashier for it and she said it was not working at the moment and I explained that I needed to have a receipt. I could tell she was confused and a little annoyed as to why I would need a receipt for an order of $2.05, but she told the manager it was not printing. The manager was on the phone at the time and I guess was trying to resolve another issue because she told the person on line that now machine one was not printing. As the person on the phone walked the manager through a reset process, I was able to inspect my order which was shockingly exactly correct and it was 4:35pm. I tasted a fry to be sure it was unsalted and tasted well done and not just looked that way and was shocked it was. By that time the manager had fixed the printing issue and was able to print my receipt from back log. I reviewed my receipt and it did not read four pickles or the details on fries and the cashier said they just put in “extra pickles” and that is why she yelled back to specify four earlier and same with fries. I took that as her word as she did get the order correct and since I had waited for receipt to even print did not push it further and left the store at 4:40pm.
The handling of my special order request went very well I felt. The staff did not have to get a manager involved in the order at all other than the issue with the register malfunction of not printing the receipt. The communication among staff flowed nicely and I was happy that the cashier was sure to make sure to tell the burger prepper and the fry prepper exactly what was needed to be sure there was not an issue with them misunderstanding the computer request. After seeing the receipt and computer process I can see why she did this.
If I was brought in as a consultant at McDonald’s I would work on the entering of “special orders” in the system so it is more specific and there is not the need to make sure to have to reiterate it. One other aspect I would work on at least at this particular McDonald’s is the friendliness of the staff during the special order process. While the order was handled well and came out correct, I could have done without the smirk while ordering and could sense a bit of frustration regarding my need for a receipt and then my questioning of the wording on the receipt. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to get exactly what I wanted though….I thought it was only Burger King that allowed you to “Have it your way”.
I headed into the McDonald’s at 4:20pm to find it more crowded than I expected for that time of day. Since it was a hot day I guess many people were there getting ice cream. I never knew a McDonald’s would be a hot spot for ice cream, but live and learn. After waiting on line I was able to place my order at 4:27pm. I requested a special order of a plain hamburger with four pickles and a small well done fries with no salt. The cashier working did give me a little smirk but repeated my request back to me and I had to reiterate that I wanted exactly four pickles. She typed in my order and also made sure to scream back to the person prepping the food that the burger needed four pickles I assume to be sure it came out properly and also made sure the woman working the fryer behind her knew well done and no salt. The burger came out and was put to side and fries were worked on. I specifically heard the woman who was working on fries say to my cashier these are the well with no salt before handing them to her.
As I was waiting for my complete order I realized that I had not been given a receipt in with my change. I asked the cashier for it and she said it was not working at the moment and I explained that I needed to have a receipt. I could tell she was confused and a little annoyed as to why I would need a receipt for an order of $2.05, but she told the manager it was not printing. The manager was on the phone at the time and I guess was trying to resolve another issue because she told the person on line that now machine one was not printing. As the person on the phone walked the manager through a reset process, I was able to inspect my order which was shockingly exactly correct and it was 4:35pm. I tasted a fry to be sure it was unsalted and tasted well done and not just looked that way and was shocked it was. By that time the manager had fixed the printing issue and was able to print my receipt from back log. I reviewed my receipt and it did not read four pickles or the details on fries and the cashier said they just put in “extra pickles” and that is why she yelled back to specify four earlier and same with fries. I took that as her word as she did get the order correct and since I had waited for receipt to even print did not push it further and left the store at 4:40pm.
The handling of my special order request went very well I felt. The staff did not have to get a manager involved in the order at all other than the issue with the register malfunction of not printing the receipt. The communication among staff flowed nicely and I was happy that the cashier was sure to make sure to tell the burger prepper and the fry prepper exactly what was needed to be sure there was not an issue with them misunderstanding the computer request. After seeing the receipt and computer process I can see why she did this.
If I was brought in as a consultant at McDonald’s I would work on the entering of “special orders” in the system so it is more specific and there is not the need to make sure to have to reiterate it. One other aspect I would work on at least at this particular McDonald’s is the friendliness of the staff during the special order process. While the order was handled well and came out correct, I could have done without the smirk while ordering and could sense a bit of frustration regarding my need for a receipt and then my questioning of the wording on the receipt. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to get exactly what I wanted though….I thought it was only Burger King that allowed you to “Have it your way”.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The ABC's of DISC
The diagnostic test determined me to be Primary S, Secondary I. For the most part I think the test did gauge me correctly, but I do feel I have tendencies towards a C as well.
In terms of S and I there are some aspects that were dead on such as patience, developing specialized skills, good listener, calming excited people, showing loyalty and performing in a consistent manner. I do not agree with the aspect of needing validation of self worth or that I lack objectivity in decision making.
In terms of tendency toward C I feel I am an analytical thinker, diplomatic with people, approach conflict subtly or indirectly, checker of accuracy and can be highly critical of my performance.
Guess the choosing of the words made the difference. For the most part I am happy, but think I am not a complete S or I or C, but agree I am not a D.
A test like this could be helpful in other aspects of life, but I would never trust it completely to influence my opinion of someone solely upon it.
In the "Stranded" scenario I think I would like to have someone who was a primary C with a secondary I. An anylitical thinker who could concentrate on key details using a systematic approach to the situation while maintaining optimism.
In terms of S and I there are some aspects that were dead on such as patience, developing specialized skills, good listener, calming excited people, showing loyalty and performing in a consistent manner. I do not agree with the aspect of needing validation of self worth or that I lack objectivity in decision making.
In terms of tendency toward C I feel I am an analytical thinker, diplomatic with people, approach conflict subtly or indirectly, checker of accuracy and can be highly critical of my performance.
Guess the choosing of the words made the difference. For the most part I am happy, but think I am not a complete S or I or C, but agree I am not a D.
A test like this could be helpful in other aspects of life, but I would never trust it completely to influence my opinion of someone solely upon it.
In the "Stranded" scenario I think I would like to have someone who was a primary C with a secondary I. An anylitical thinker who could concentrate on key details using a systematic approach to the situation while maintaining optimism.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Power of Vision
My new found unemployed status has given me a lot of time to think and question what it is I really want in my life and what I want to do. Here are a few visions I have come up with for my future. There is one in particular that I can really envision and hope that is where I wind up.
Vision 1
After working for over ten years in in the business world, I now have a vision of making a career change and becoming a teacher! This is a scary change, but my excitement for it far outweighs my fears and I that is a great feeling.
The action I will take to complete this vision is to concentrate on school full time for Summer and Fall and complete my Bachelors in HR Management by the new year! Upon completion of this degree I will concentrate on obtaining my Masters in Education over the next couple of years while substitute teaching. I feel the substitute teaching will allow me to fully determine that it is the right career change for me.
Vision 2
Completing my Bachelors in HR Management by the new year and obtaining a full time position in the HR Department of a Fortune 500 Company.
The action I will take is to concentrate on school full time for Summer and Fall and complete my Bachelors by the New Year! Upon completion I will send my resume to all HR oriented recruiters as well as utilizing my network of friends and former colleagues for job referrals.
Vision 3
Concentrating on returning to work full time without limiting myself to only positions of great interest, but just getting "back in the game" and continue completing my Bachelors on a part time basis at night only.
The action I will take is to spend my days searching all employment websites for any opportunity that matches my skill set and only register for classes that would coordinate with a full time job.
Vision 1
After working for over ten years in in the business world, I now have a vision of making a career change and becoming a teacher! This is a scary change, but my excitement for it far outweighs my fears and I that is a great feeling.
The action I will take to complete this vision is to concentrate on school full time for Summer and Fall and complete my Bachelors in HR Management by the new year! Upon completion of this degree I will concentrate on obtaining my Masters in Education over the next couple of years while substitute teaching. I feel the substitute teaching will allow me to fully determine that it is the right career change for me.
Vision 2
Completing my Bachelors in HR Management by the new year and obtaining a full time position in the HR Department of a Fortune 500 Company.
The action I will take is to concentrate on school full time for Summer and Fall and complete my Bachelors by the New Year! Upon completion I will send my resume to all HR oriented recruiters as well as utilizing my network of friends and former colleagues for job referrals.
Vision 3
Concentrating on returning to work full time without limiting myself to only positions of great interest, but just getting "back in the game" and continue completing my Bachelors on a part time basis at night only.
The action I will take is to spend my days searching all employment websites for any opportunity that matches my skill set and only register for classes that would coordinate with a full time job.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Decisions, Decisions
Witnessing the decision making process in such a large group was quite interesting! Great to see how leaders emerged and the path which led us to our final outcome.
I used a combination of accommodation and compromise on my end. Accommodation came into play in terms of the elimination of the essay. I often feel that essays can be helpful on exams as they can be a good way to get partial credit and demonstrate some areas you may have strengths in. Others do not often feel this way so in that sense I chose to accommodate to their needs.
Compromise came into play with the true or false aspect. I am not a fan of true or false because they can often be confusing depending upon interpretation. While I would have liked them eliminated, incorporating five was not a big deal for me to agree on.
I was happy with the outcome and think things went quite well considering what an intense fiasco it could have turned out to be with no one agreeing on anything in a group that large. I have seen smaller groups in real life not able to come to any decisions so hats off to us!
I used a combination of accommodation and compromise on my end. Accommodation came into play in terms of the elimination of the essay. I often feel that essays can be helpful on exams as they can be a good way to get partial credit and demonstrate some areas you may have strengths in. Others do not often feel this way so in that sense I chose to accommodate to their needs.
Compromise came into play with the true or false aspect. I am not a fan of true or false because they can often be confusing depending upon interpretation. While I would have liked them eliminated, incorporating five was not a big deal for me to agree on.
I was happy with the outcome and think things went quite well considering what an intense fiasco it could have turned out to be with no one agreeing on anything in a group that large. I have seen smaller groups in real life not able to come to any decisions so hats off to us!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Since I missed the "Egg-citing" project in class, I will be chatting on planning from a different view....
I LOVE parties, whether they be a simple dinner party or a huge event such as a wedding! This is a known fact now amongst my family and friends so when they need help planning something I become the go to gal...which I do take pride in. Even though parties are so much fun there is a lot of planning that has to go into getting to the big party day which many people do not realize!
The last event I planned was a baby shower...probably the first of many I will do in my life!
After reviewing the actual planning guide line steps I am happy to report that I have been going about my past party planning correctly without even realizing it...phew.
Step 1. Define your goals and objectives.
The first thing I did was think about my objective and where I wanted to end up was at a baby shower where everyone was enjoying themselves and the guest of honor was happy to be surrounded with all her loved ones.
Step 2: Determine your resources and current status vi's-รก-vi's objectives.
I set about thinking of the people I had who would help me accomplish my task, the budget we had to work in, the places I would like to hold the event, guest list I had on hand, favor options, invitation options and games to be played and game prizes.
Step 3. Develop several alternative strategies.
After determining the top choice of where to hold the event, I determined two alternatives in case it was not available for our needed date. Also thought of areas we could cut back on if started to go out of budget and determined those would be invites and favors.
Step 4. Make a tactical plan.
I set about breaking up tasks amongst myself and my co-hosts. As a team we would all go to book the place, choose menu, choose invitations and choose favors. Decorations would be picked out and ordered by myself and Rebecca. Ianne and Rebecca would go order the favors. I would print out the invitations and labels and Ianne would help me assemble them and prep for mailing. I would create and print out the games and order half the prizes while Rebecca bought and assembled the other half. Day of party we would all arrive early to decorate and make sure restaurant set up was as we requested.
Step 5. Implement the plan and evaluate results.
We all set about accomplishing our missions and all went smoothly with one little snafu...forgot to put time on invitation, but disaster was averted as I realized after invites were put in mail but luckily was Sunday night so quickly drafted a follow up with a theme that matched invite and dropped them in mail so people received both invite and follow up together. It was a disappointment that I could let that slip but was very happy that I reacted so quickly and corrected to best I could..pat pat on back!
We evaluated our success by the many compliments we received and the happiness of the guest of honor. Mission accomplished...love it when a plan works out!
I LOVE parties, whether they be a simple dinner party or a huge event such as a wedding! This is a known fact now amongst my family and friends so when they need help planning something I become the go to gal...which I do take pride in. Even though parties are so much fun there is a lot of planning that has to go into getting to the big party day which many people do not realize!
The last event I planned was a baby shower...probably the first of many I will do in my life!
After reviewing the actual planning guide line steps I am happy to report that I have been going about my past party planning correctly without even realizing it...phew.
Step 1. Define your goals and objectives.
The first thing I did was think about my objective and where I wanted to end up was at a baby shower where everyone was enjoying themselves and the guest of honor was happy to be surrounded with all her loved ones.
Step 2: Determine your resources and current status vi's-รก-vi's objectives.
I set about thinking of the people I had who would help me accomplish my task, the budget we had to work in, the places I would like to hold the event, guest list I had on hand, favor options, invitation options and games to be played and game prizes.
Step 3. Develop several alternative strategies.
After determining the top choice of where to hold the event, I determined two alternatives in case it was not available for our needed date. Also thought of areas we could cut back on if started to go out of budget and determined those would be invites and favors.
Step 4. Make a tactical plan.
I set about breaking up tasks amongst myself and my co-hosts. As a team we would all go to book the place, choose menu, choose invitations and choose favors. Decorations would be picked out and ordered by myself and Rebecca. Ianne and Rebecca would go order the favors. I would print out the invitations and labels and Ianne would help me assemble them and prep for mailing. I would create and print out the games and order half the prizes while Rebecca bought and assembled the other half. Day of party we would all arrive early to decorate and make sure restaurant set up was as we requested.
Step 5. Implement the plan and evaluate results.
We all set about accomplishing our missions and all went smoothly with one little snafu...forgot to put time on invitation, but disaster was averted as I realized after invites were put in mail but luckily was Sunday night so quickly drafted a follow up with a theme that matched invite and dropped them in mail so people received both invite and follow up together. It was a disappointment that I could let that slip but was very happy that I reacted so quickly and corrected to best I could..pat pat on back!
We evaluated our success by the many compliments we received and the happiness of the guest of honor. Mission accomplished...love it when a plan works out!
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