CED 565 Week 6

I really enjoyed the simulation game in this class. I liked the fact that there were no easy answers and no "end" to the game. Very reflective of real life. Playing the game has caused me to pause when I'm dealing with change situations at work and try to identify where in the game the current situation would fit in. Whoever designed the game had obviously done a lot of research and was very clever.

I've enjoyed this class and it has definitely made me think about the character traits that make a good leader. My new boss has been with us a year now. During my year end review I told him that I was very happy with how the year had gone. He seems to strike a great balance between being involved and in charge with letting people do what they do best and give them the decision making authority that they need. I was on the interviewing team and we were required to take notes. On the top of my paper for my now boss I wrote the words "Put me in coach." His interview made me think of a coach and not of a boss. I'm happy to say that I have the same feeling today. We work together well.

Contrast that with some former co-workers that my husband has had. One supervisor was so concerned about rules that she had a tendency to be a minute muncher. If you were one minute late or left one minute early, she'd give you a hard time. This applied to everyone, not just her direct reports. She also tended to act like she was spying on people, but it was all under the guise of being efficient. This supervisor doesn't garner much respect. The bottom line is that people work harder for people that respect them. Sometimes you just need to cut people a break.

CED 565 Week 5

I've been pursuing additional leadership opportunities within my district. Luckily, the administration seems to be responsive to this request. I'm hoping to be able to create a long range plan to implement new efficiencies within the district. I know that I'll need to work with departments throughout the organization in order to be successful. I'll focus on building relationships and consensus. I'll solicit the feelings and needs of others. Wish me luck!

CED 565 Week 4

I found the leadership came very interesting. Coming to consensus on how to move forward through the game was challenging in of itself. It'll be interesting to see how we do next week. It was kind of to read the descriptions of the characters. I can see some of them reflected in those at my district. Maybe I'll pick up some pointers from the game!