I'm going to be honest. I'm not a fan of the blogs. I'm certainly not opposed to people expressing their opinions, but you know what they say about opinions...they're like a-holes...everybody has one.
Now before anyone gets the wrong idea, I'm in no way suggesting that anyone in our MGT class is a, well you know. I'm just expressing my opinion (how ironic) about the whole idea.
Regardless of my second thought, I think I just inadvertently called myself an a-hole according to my first thought.
OK, getting back on track, I think blogging is getting out of hand. Call me old-school, but if I want someones thoughts or opinions on something, I'll ask them, or obtain it another way. I think a lot of unqualified people in society are posting blogs about topics they have no business talking about. That's the problem. Anyone can blog about anything. Unless you're credentialed to write about what you're writing about...what's it worth? Not much to me.
Now before I come off too harsh (too late), I'm not bashing the blogging for our MGT class in that same way. None of us (other than Kurpis) are really experts on management, I understand that. I guess my main challenge was trying to write my blog in a way where I myself would want to read it without saying "well who cares what this schmuck thinks!" That's a challenge.
Now if I wrote a blog about baseball, or drumming, or the films of Robert DiNiro, then I could write with some passion, and substance. You still might say "well, just because you're passionate doesn't make you an expert". And you'd be right, but I'm certain it would make for a better read.
So what am I really getting at here? If the MGT blogs were successful in one aspect, it was to have a large class get to know each other a little better, even if it is digitally, and that's never a bad thing. I just didn't really get into writing about topics I felt a little unqualified to write about that's all.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
I'm not a poet...and I know it
As i write my little poem for managment class,
I can't help thinking that my boss is an ass
He believes he's top notch with his big picture flair,
But all I can see is a fat frame and bad hair
According to him, he's wise beyond his years,
The boring tales he tells simply bring me to tears
My views of this place changed on one fateful day,
I no longer know how long I will stay
I used to wake up happy, loving my job,
Now I'm ranting and raving trying to complete this blog
One thing's for sure, I need a change of pace,
If you don't believe me now, take a look at my face
I can't help thinking that my boss is an ass
He believes he's top notch with his big picture flair,
But all I can see is a fat frame and bad hair
According to him, he's wise beyond his years,
The boring tales he tells simply bring me to tears
My views of this place changed on one fateful day,
I no longer know how long I will stay
I used to wake up happy, loving my job,
Now I'm ranting and raving trying to complete this blog
One thing's for sure, I need a change of pace,
If you don't believe me now, take a look at my face
Monday, April 28, 2008
First off, i admit, I totally missed this blog assignment...my bad.
In Any event, I thought the D.I.S.C test was interesting. I took a similar test about 7 years ago for the company I was working for, and the results were about the same. I cam out to be a D,C, which according to the analysis sounds pretty accurate.
Other than being "interesting", I think these sorts of tests are effective to use as a supplement to one's personal file in the work place. I don't however feel they should be the only measure used to analyze a person's inner thought process or makeup.
As far as wishing I was another letter, I don't. I'm relatively happy with the way that I operate. It's a general rule of mine to not wish I was something or somebody else.
I chatted with a few people around me in regards to their outcomes, and for the most part, it sounds like the analysis came out pretty accurate. I think the diversity of the sample set questions helps solidify the final results in the end.
Again, all in all I think this exercise is a good supplement for human resource type files, but should not be used as a sole tool.
In Any event, I thought the D.I.S.C test was interesting. I took a similar test about 7 years ago for the company I was working for, and the results were about the same. I cam out to be a D,C, which according to the analysis sounds pretty accurate.
Other than being "interesting", I think these sorts of tests are effective to use as a supplement to one's personal file in the work place. I don't however feel they should be the only measure used to analyze a person's inner thought process or makeup.
As far as wishing I was another letter, I don't. I'm relatively happy with the way that I operate. It's a general rule of mine to not wish I was something or somebody else.
I chatted with a few people around me in regards to their outcomes, and for the most part, it sounds like the analysis came out pretty accurate. I think the diversity of the sample set questions helps solidify the final results in the end.
Again, all in all I think this exercise is a good supplement for human resource type files, but should not be used as a sole tool.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
20/20 Vision...sort of
I admit this particular blog assignment is somewhat difficult for me. Why? Because I still don't know what the hell I want to do with my life! This is my second go-around in college. I went to school 10 years ago (yes I'm older than probably everyone else in the class) for acting. For the past 5 years I've worked for a mental health/substance abuse network. I need a change. To what exactly, I don't know, but I'm searching. So perhaps my "vision" isn't exactly as pinpointed as others, but I will give it a try.
1) Inner Peace: This sounds very broad I know. But I think it's essential. I have a goal, a "vision" for myself of obtaining happiness with myself, in every sense of the meaning. I'm not sure when this will occur, but I'm willing to keep searching until I find it.
2) A worthy profession where I am actually helping someone: Like millions, I wake up, go to work, sit in a cube, stare at a computer, go home/to school, eat, sleep, wake up and do it again. I'm just going through the motions. I don't feel like I'm really contributing to society at all. It's not a great feeling. I'm looking for something where I can really make a difference. I know that's cliche, but it's true for me.
3) Enjoy what I do: This is a must. I don't need to have a glamorous position, or the corner office, or even an office at all. I just want to actually enjoy what I do.
How will I make these "visions" a reality? I'm going to explore every possible opportunity that's out there until I find the right combination. I will remain resilient and keep focused...that's my only hope!
1) Inner Peace: This sounds very broad I know. But I think it's essential. I have a goal, a "vision" for myself of obtaining happiness with myself, in every sense of the meaning. I'm not sure when this will occur, but I'm willing to keep searching until I find it.
2) A worthy profession where I am actually helping someone: Like millions, I wake up, go to work, sit in a cube, stare at a computer, go home/to school, eat, sleep, wake up and do it again. I'm just going through the motions. I don't feel like I'm really contributing to society at all. It's not a great feeling. I'm looking for something where I can really make a difference. I know that's cliche, but it's true for me.
3) Enjoy what I do: This is a must. I don't need to have a glamorous position, or the corner office, or even an office at all. I just want to actually enjoy what I do.
How will I make these "visions" a reality? I'm going to explore every possible opportunity that's out there until I find the right combination. I will remain resilient and keep focused...that's my only hope!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Decisions Decisions...
So we all came to class wondering how we did on our first management test. I for one, got the grade I was expecting. Not too bad for not really studying I must say.
Within the first few minutes of the class, I had a feeling our professor had something up his sleeve, and sure enough he did.
The group project for the day was to agree unanimously on what type of "gift" we were going to receive from our professor regarding test 1 and a possible future test. It was a daunting task, but I felt like 50 minutes was ample time for 75 people to agree.
We needed 49 minutes and 59 seconds. You've got to be kidding me.
I made the apparent mistake of thinking I could organize the proceedings from the start. Apparently my democratic vision wasn't shared everyone. To be blunt, we have a lot of immature people in our class. I heard a lot of whining when things weren't going their way, and I heard a lot of people simply trying to talk over people. Honestly, it was one of the most stressful classes I have ever attended. I can only hope for their sake, that the immature students we have don't act that way in the business world, because if they do, they won't get far.
Now, back to the assignment...
Ultimately, the group did use collaboration to come to an agreement, although it came at a cost greater than what we should have paid (i.e. stress, raised tempers, etc.) Multiple insights were used, and there was a level of bargaining (if you can call it that) involved.
Interestingly, a mixture of competition, avoidance, compromise, and accommodation were also used.
A few students (in an attempt at a utilitarianism approach) offered to go along with the groups request and not hold the decision back. Many avoided participation all together, and many people clearly "competed" to get their voice heard.
I think collaboration is the best approach. However collaboration is only as good as the collaborators involved. People need to negotiate and discuss in an orderly, professional manner. We're all adults (I think), and I think we could have reached the agreement we did a lot sooner if we simply acted like one.
Within the first few minutes of the class, I had a feeling our professor had something up his sleeve, and sure enough he did.
The group project for the day was to agree unanimously on what type of "gift" we were going to receive from our professor regarding test 1 and a possible future test. It was a daunting task, but I felt like 50 minutes was ample time for 75 people to agree.
We needed 49 minutes and 59 seconds. You've got to be kidding me.
I made the apparent mistake of thinking I could organize the proceedings from the start. Apparently my democratic vision wasn't shared everyone. To be blunt, we have a lot of immature people in our class. I heard a lot of whining when things weren't going their way, and I heard a lot of people simply trying to talk over people. Honestly, it was one of the most stressful classes I have ever attended. I can only hope for their sake, that the immature students we have don't act that way in the business world, because if they do, they won't get far.
Now, back to the assignment...
Ultimately, the group did use collaboration to come to an agreement, although it came at a cost greater than what we should have paid (i.e. stress, raised tempers, etc.) Multiple insights were used, and there was a level of bargaining (if you can call it that) involved.
Interestingly, a mixture of competition, avoidance, compromise, and accommodation were also used.
A few students (in an attempt at a utilitarianism approach) offered to go along with the groups request and not hold the decision back. Many avoided participation all together, and many people clearly "competed" to get their voice heard.
I think collaboration is the best approach. However collaboration is only as good as the collaborators involved. People need to negotiate and discuss in an orderly, professional manner. We're all adults (I think), and I think we could have reached the agreement we did a lot sooner if we simply acted like one.
Monday, March 3, 2008
If you want to make an omelet, you gotta break some eggs...
...that's the phrase anyway, then again, we weren't making omelets!
The egg/planning activity we performed in class last Monday was both fun and challenging. Even though my group wasn't ultimately successful, I feel we had a solid plan and worked well together. In terms of our steps in the planning process; here's my take:
1) Defining goals/objectives: We certainly knew what our goal was, and we clearly understood the deadlines. In fact, one of my main focuses was to keep tabs on the timer and help/urge along members of the team accordingly based on time challenges/tasks at hand.
2) Determining resources: Our group quickly established who would do which tasks, which helped make for a sort of assembly line/Santa's Workshop system!
3) Develop alternative strategies: We planned ahead accordingly if our "fishing pole" system didn't work properly. However, plan B didn't work either!
4) Make tactical plan: This sort of goes along with step 2 in our group's case
5) Implement plan/evaluate results: We implemented the plan alright.....directly into the garbage can!
Again, even though our egg broke, I do feel we worked well as a team in creating strategies and overall production of our concept. The one area I feel that perhaps we could have improved upon is the implementation plan, however in terms of testing. We feverishly worked right up to the final second, and if we had an extra minute or so, perhaps we could have tested our design.
All in all, it was a great experiment!
The egg/planning activity we performed in class last Monday was both fun and challenging. Even though my group wasn't ultimately successful, I feel we had a solid plan and worked well together. In terms of our steps in the planning process; here's my take:
1) Defining goals/objectives: We certainly knew what our goal was, and we clearly understood the deadlines. In fact, one of my main focuses was to keep tabs on the timer and help/urge along members of the team accordingly based on time challenges/tasks at hand.
2) Determining resources: Our group quickly established who would do which tasks, which helped make for a sort of assembly line/Santa's Workshop system!
3) Develop alternative strategies: We planned ahead accordingly if our "fishing pole" system didn't work properly. However, plan B didn't work either!
4) Make tactical plan: This sort of goes along with step 2 in our group's case
5) Implement plan/evaluate results: We implemented the plan alright.....directly into the garbage can!
Again, even though our egg broke, I do feel we worked well as a team in creating strategies and overall production of our concept. The one area I feel that perhaps we could have improved upon is the implementation plan, however in terms of testing. We feverishly worked right up to the final second, and if we had an extra minute or so, perhaps we could have tested our design.
All in all, it was a great experiment!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Matrix Management
One of the many challenges I face in my company today is learning how to effectively manage people who are not my subordinates, and who sometimes don't even work in my department. My boss often refers to this skill as "Matrix Management". When he first mentioned the phrase, I was expecting a discussion featuring Keanu Reeves and the blue pill vs. the red pill scenario...but as it turns out, that is not the case.
Back to the real "matrix" issue; I've learned that many times you need other people's resources and/or expertise to aid in achieving a workplace goal of yours, and you simply can't ask of them: "do this please". There needs to be communication between parties that helps foster a working relationship where party B helps party A without anyone's preverbal toes getting stepped on.
The real challenge is when you're able to effectively manage someone who is several pay grades above you. This person may not ultimately be the one you are getting your necessary information from, but if they have one of their direct reports obtain such information for you, then you have still done your job, matrix management wise. The additional challenge lies in how efficient you can be in your efforts, while still adhering to proper office politics. You also don't want to abuse your connections, therefore carefully choosing your "matrix" opportunities wisely can take considerable time. I'm getting better, but have not yet mastered this skill.
In the meantime, I'll continue to supplement my efforts with my charming wit :-) - Adam
Back to the real "matrix" issue; I've learned that many times you need other people's resources and/or expertise to aid in achieving a workplace goal of yours, and you simply can't ask of them: "do this please". There needs to be communication between parties that helps foster a working relationship where party B helps party A without anyone's preverbal toes getting stepped on.
The real challenge is when you're able to effectively manage someone who is several pay grades above you. This person may not ultimately be the one you are getting your necessary information from, but if they have one of their direct reports obtain such information for you, then you have still done your job, matrix management wise. The additional challenge lies in how efficient you can be in your efforts, while still adhering to proper office politics. You also don't want to abuse your connections, therefore carefully choosing your "matrix" opportunities wisely can take considerable time. I'm getting better, but have not yet mastered this skill.
In the meantime, I'll continue to supplement my efforts with my charming wit :-) - Adam
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Adam Kuzia...the man...the myth.....the...oh forget it...
Here's a quick tour of me:
I moved to NYC 6 years ago from Western NY (Rochester to be exact). I love NYC. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I recently moved into an apartment on the upper West side and suddenly find myself loving NY life even more!
I'm a Yankees fan, a Bills fan, and a Syracuse fan.
I'm a big movie buff too and have been known to passionately defend movies that I love that others seem to hate.
I pretty much like all types of music with the exception of twangy twang country.
I'm sarcastic, so if you can't keep up...well, now you know :-)
More to come...
I moved to NYC 6 years ago from Western NY (Rochester to be exact). I love NYC. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I recently moved into an apartment on the upper West side and suddenly find myself loving NY life even more!
I'm a Yankees fan, a Bills fan, and a Syracuse fan.
I'm a big movie buff too and have been known to passionately defend movies that I love that others seem to hate.
I pretty much like all types of music with the exception of twangy twang country.
I'm sarcastic, so if you can't keep up...well, now you know :-)
More to come...
Welcome to the shallow end...
It seems that many blogs are created these days with the intent to tackle meaningful social issues or discuss political strategies.
This is not one of those blogs.
It will however be used for a management class I am currently taking at CUNY Baruch. But aside from the occasional "corporate buzz phrases" being thrown around, you're likely to simply see my random, slightly jaded view of how things are.
Enjoy, and please, no peeing allowed in the shallow end. :-)
- Adam
This is not one of those blogs.
It will however be used for a management class I am currently taking at CUNY Baruch. But aside from the occasional "corporate buzz phrases" being thrown around, you're likely to simply see my random, slightly jaded view of how things are.
Enjoy, and please, no peeing allowed in the shallow end. :-)
- Adam
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