March 27, 2009

Generations Collide

As you said in your post the generations colliding in our workplaces is similar in discussion to personalities colliding. I think we have to look at the generational differences just like we look at personality differences. Each generation has strengths and weaknesses. If we can take the time to learn about these differences we can find ways to work together and support each other. Each generation has particular giftings that can contribute to the overall success of the team. The challenge for those in each generation is to realize that for them to be at their best is to realize that they (we) cannot do it alone. We have to be willing to work for and with all generations for the overall success of the team. As a GenXer I grew up working, from the time I was 12, in a family business that my grandparents owned so I learned the work ethic from those in the WWII generation that has benefited me all my life. This is just one of many instances where the strengths of another generation have been passed on to me. We should all be open and excited for any opportunity to learn from others who are strong in our weaknesses.

March 25, 2009

Individual Diversity & Conflict Management

The dynamics of individual diversity within the design of a team working together are both a blessing and a curse to the team. In the make-up of a team having a diverse group of personalities and giftings can be a benefit if the team realizes the diversity they have and use it to their advantage. If a team can take the time to realize that where one person is weak another on the team may be stronger then the team can develop a strategy whereupon in a given situation they will know who on the team is most gifted to lead. The curse of diversity will come if the team members do not recognize and appreciate the various personalities but rather see them as obstacles that they are unable to overcome.

In any group or team there is going to be conflict that arises. The challenging is not in how to keep it from happening but how to address it when it does. For any team to be successful they must have a system of conflict management in place that is diverse enough to be effective but yet simple enough to be efficiently done. Conflict resolution that the team all supports and agrees to can be a great benefit to the team if it is seen as tool for effective teamwork and not a threat to the team members.

Communication Methods

Communication methods are dynamic and different depending on the relationship of those communicating, the content of the communication and the personalities of those in communication. Within the work environment the communication methods can differ greatly from a boss to coworkers. Depending on the size of a company the boss may not be easily accessible to have face-to-face meetings but rather it would be a better use of time to communicate through email or inter-office communications. With co-workers the dynamic will be different and face-to-face meetings could be more effective depending on the efficiency of time needed within the work environment. Communication with instructors will differ depending on the school environment you are working in. Within the format of UofP for online students it will be much easier to communicate through the online forum discussion threads. In a traditional class setting and depending on the topic of the class a face-to-face meeting could be the best option. With family and friends the dynamics are changing with the technology of how we communicate. Many people today are keeping touch with family and friends through text messages and online communities such as Myspace or Facebook. I still believe if a face-to-face conversation is not possible then I prefer to pick up the phone and call them directly.

Within any of the above mentioned relationship the communication methods can be affected depending on the tone of the conversation and/or if there is any conflict being discussed. The tone of a conversation can make a phone call more appropriate than an email with any of audiences. The tone can also make an email or written communication necessary depending on the intensity or volatility of the topic. In my experience I have found that to resolve conflict the best way to communicate, whenever possible, is to discuss it face-to-face. In an email or written communication the tone and intent of a message can be misread or misrepresented to the point of making the conflict worse than it originally was.

March 22, 2009

Goals

I have been out of full-time work since May of last year. I was with the company for over 9 years and have moved up within the sales division but when the economy took a downturn last spring a couple of our major clients cut back and in turn the company had to cut back. I believe I have the experience and knowledge to take on a position of management and/or leadership within a organization but I do not have the degree that confirms that. My goal for this degree is to further my understanding and grasp of management styles and teamwork within an organization to make myself more marketable within my job. I currently work in a non-profit organization on a part-time basis and would like the opportunity to possible do more within the organization and I believe a Bachelors of Science in Management would give me more to contribute to the overall success of the organization. This degree and class format also gives me the ability to analyze some viewpoints I have on how a team interacts and the benefits and drawbacks to the team of that interaction.