Musings on Management http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/ Thoughts on organizational and people management resonating from MGMT250 and the world around us en-us Wed, 06 Dec 2006 22:30:38 EST Wed, 06 Dec 2006 22:30:38 EST john.hill@case.edu john.hill@case.edu http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Movable Type v3.121 Reaching the End http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/12/06/reaching_the_end http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/12/06/reaching_the_end MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Wed, 06 Dec 2006 22:30:38 EST The conclusion of the HR simulation has finally come. One of the challenges I have had in recent years is a fear of group work. Looking back upon my experience in MGMT250, however, I have a much more favorable opinion now. I can attribute this success to the individual team members without doubt. Hopefully I can work with such committed individuals in my future endeavors.

]]> A Cynical Look at Tom Mendola http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/12/04/a_cynical_look_at_tom_mendola http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/12/04/a_cynical_look_at_tom_mendola MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:54:36 EST As I was preparing to write a blog entry, I remembered that I needed to read the Tom Mendola case. An overwhelming sense of cynicism came over me as I read the page. Individuals can argue over sympathy and welfare all day, but the fact of the matter is that Tom Mendola is a slacker. While quitting school is usually not a great choice, it might have been necessary in his case. However, if he understood the significance of his family's problem, he would have worked harder regardless of his interest in the job. I think the more interesting perspective on this case (especially if we had more information) would be the pattern of poor choices between parents and children. Having ten children you cannot support is about as respectable as being lazy when your family needs you the most. Yes, I know this sounds heartless, but even I cannot have sympathy for Tom Mendola.

]]> A Method of Discipline http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/30/a_method_of_discipline http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/30/a_method_of_discipline MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:26:42 EST Today we discussed discipline and termination in class. A number of classmates shared their personal stories related to these matters, and upon thinking of an idea for a blog entry I recalled a discipline method used by one of my former employers, a large package distributor. Package handlers who load trucks are required to check the ZIP code of each package as it is placed into a truck. One way managers would test employees would be to take a package and toss it into the chute of a truck where it did not belong. If the package handler did not catch it, he or she would be asked to go home early. This method was used to motivate and discipline employees who earned an hourly wage.

]]> Sold on the Career Center http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/28/sold_on_the_career_center http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/28/sold_on_the_career_center MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Tue, 28 Nov 2006 21:38:44 EST I do not believe Amy Sindelar said anything earth-shattering today in class. Whatever she said, on the contrary, has convinced me to pay a visit to the Career Center. I think a number of factors have accumulated that make me want to utilize the center in the near future. Early this semester I had considered taking the interest inventory. Now that I know the results of that inventory can be analyzed in addition to the MBTI, I am more interested in learning what the results mean for me. Furthermore, all this discussion of internships makes me wonder if I should consider an internship this summer instead of taking classes to meet 150 hours (for the CPA examination) before I graduate in May 2008. I have a feeling a representative from the Career Center might have an opinion about that.

]]> Analyzing Goals http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/27/analyzing_goals http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/27/analyzing_goals MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Mon, 27 Nov 2006 13:52:12 EST I had to decide whether to use SMART or START NOW to analyze one of my goals while working on the second part of my learning plan. The goal I set (in generic terms here) was to be an effective organization leader. Because such a goal (even in the specificity I used in the paper) is not a single, concrete activity, I ruled out SMART. On the other hand, I do not feel START NOW is effective for anything more specific or concrete than developing a habit. After doing a START NOW analysis, however, I feel like I have a better awareness of what I need to do and how I need to act in order to achieve my goal. If nothing else, START NOW has provided me assurance I am moving in the right direction to meet my goal.

]]> The Challenge of Feedback http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/09/the_challenge_of_feedback http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/09/the_challenge_of_feedback MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:08:54 EST The topic of feedback in the workplace (and in other areas of social interaction) was discussed today in class. Professor Piderit placed emphasis on the nature of feedback being very difficult. What I am beginning to ponder, however, is for whom feedback is more difficult: the giver or the receiver. Clearly, the answer depends on the qualities of each party involved. A successful giver of feedback is often outgoing, assertive, and mindful and not passive and careless. On the other hand, I think the best receiver is a listener who can remove emotions from the situation. A receiver who cannot step back and objectively evaluate the delivered feedback will have a more difficult time making use of the feedback. As I move forward in life, I will attempt to take this knowledge and use it to both take feedback in the most useful way possible and to give it as well.

]]> Heavy Temptations for a Dream http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/08/heavy_temptations_for_a_dream http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/08/heavy_temptations_for_a_dream MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:57:38 EST One of the dreams I wrote in class yesterday was to serve in public office. For someone who likes security and certainty in life (as I wrote in my learning plan) the whimsical career of someone earning a job through the ballot box seems quite contrary to my desires. However, serving in public office would only come after I do establish security, particularly financially, in my life which is another dream I wrote. As they always do, watching the election results last night piqued my interest in serving in public office. The day when I have the opportunity to achieve that dream, however, is far off and so now I will focus on my goals in the nearer future as I will write soon in my learning plan.

]]> A Web of Dreams http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/07/a_web_of_dreams http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/07/a_web_of_dreams MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:39:34 EST Today in class we reflected on dreams that we have for ourselves. After writing down fourteen to seventeen or so personal dreams, we organized them into similar groups and discussed some of our dreams. My groupings could be classified into groups of success in power, success in wealth, and success in general life. One of the dreams I did not originally have but wrote down after someone mentioned it was the desire to be an entrepreneur. I have had many wondering moments in the past considering this course in life. While I did not think of it originally, I would like the opportunity to run a business at some point in my life. I can see much satisfaction in controlling one's own course of work.

]]> The Technology Paradox http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/06/the_technology_paradox http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/06/the_technology_paradox MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:04:24 EST The writers of chapter four in The Human Challenge state that a paradox exists in technology. Clearly, telephone calls, e-mail, and the Internet can be significant time savers. However, if we misuse these resources we are bound to lose focus and productivity. I have recently faced this dilemma of distractions from such technologies, particularly e-mail and the Internet. All too often I find myself checking my e-mail, reading the news, and reviewing the latest election polls. On a number of occasions I have had to just close my laptop. While it is certainly a struggle for many college students, knowing that the problem exists for professionals is somewhat relieving. I would say that we act in these manners because we are all human.

]]> Jonah Creighton: Downfall from Anticipation http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/04/jonah_creighton_downfall_from_anticipation http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/11/04/jonah_creighton_downfall_from_anticipation MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Sat, 04 Nov 2006 17:13:58 EST When asked in class why Jonah may not have acted at the times we believed he should have, notably after the telephone call with Dan, I thought of an idea that no one else had stated. I believed that one factor explaining why Jonah did not act sooner was because of his anticipations. As an employee who saw good in the company through his own successes, Jonah would have rightfully believed Coulding-Henson to be making ethical decisions consistent with Jonah's beliefs. The issue of discrimination in the case as it appeared to Jonah was black and white, and for anyone to be confused or disagree with him caused Jonah to be flabbergasted. I believe Jonah continuously expected that a superior would see eye-to-eye with him, and he could achieve a satisfactory outcome. However, this did not occur, much to Jonah's misfortune. Eventually he became ineffective in the eyes of his superiors, and he ultimately had to resign his job.

I can relate to Jonah on this matter. I have known individuals in whom I have placed much faith only for it to be ultimately lost, because my expectations exceeded their realities. Essentially, the idea here is to not constantly hope for improvement when you think it might come. Taking action to achieve the desired results is what is difficult but critically important. Did President Franklin Roosevelt just hope that the Great Depression would end? No, he took actions (such as significant government spending) to get the economy moving.

]]> New Successes in Quarter III http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/10/27/new_successes_in_quarter_iii http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/10/27/new_successes_in_quarter_iii MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:47:19 EST With a large increase in spending, the Doubletree team is finally achieving the results for which we have hoped. Now with four quarters behind us, we are drawing connections and conclusions in the simulation and will carry these with us as we move forward through the second year. Developments in the progress of our team also exist. Meetings are becoming more efficient. That is not to say, however, that our meetings are dull. I think team members, especially when not facing time pressures from other classes, enjoy the weekly opportunity we have to sit down and discuss the simulation in addition to other topics that arise. Personally, I am enjoying our meetings more, especially as a good rapport continues to build among the team members of Doubletree.

]]> Testing of Patience http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/10/11/testing_of_patience http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/10/11/testing_of_patience MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Wed, 11 Oct 2006 18:48:33 EST I would not necessarily consider myself a patient person. Receiving our simulation's first quarter results tests the patience I do have. Having high expectations is easy, and thus letdowns are easily achieved as well. When I see an area or indicator in the simulation that I thought would improve, I immediately consider what should be done to improve that characteristic. However, patience tells me that I must resist these urges and just keep applying our strategies and look for patterns.

]]> Quarter I http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/10/07/quarter_i http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/10/07/quarter_i MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Sat, 07 Oct 2006 11:26:34 EST The Doubletree Hotel team just recently received its quarter I results. I understand that in the simulation we are still awaiting for patterns to develop at this point. Decisions we make now are still shots in the dark. All we have as a team to go by are our goals and strategies. When preparing our decisions for quarter I, one of the biggest costs we faced was the hiring costs of new employees. While we do have fewer vacancies to fill this quarter, I am afraid the number is still high and will thus continue to strain our budget. I am looking forward to increasing our productivity and reducing our turnover to reduce the number of new hires we have to make each quarter.

]]> Natural Pitfalls http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/10/05/natural_pitfalls http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/10/05/natural_pitfalls MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:09:59 EST Lencioni's The Five Dysfunctions of a Team discusses "natural" pitfalls of teamwork. Immediately I wondered how "natural" these pitfalls could be. Would it not be obvious that something wrong is happening in a team? I was surprised to read some of the advice Lencioni offered, but upon reflection of his arguments, I ultimately agreed with him. For example, I try to avoid all unnecessary confrontations by attempting to build a consensus. Now I understand that debate is healthy, so long as it remains on a professional level. Furthermore, I previously thought that taking more time (assuming it is available) to make a decision was better than rushing to a decision with uncertainty. I can now see that in many cases a lack of commitment is worse than making the wrong choice. These points along with others will be valuable to me in my role as a team leader this semester.

]]> High Expectations http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/10/03/high_expectations http://blog.case.edu/john.hill/2006/10/03/high_expectations MGMT250 case cwru Case Western Case Western Reserve University Tue, 03 Oct 2006 18:40:17 EST As much as I do not want to be overly optimistic, only to be disappointed in the end, the Doubletree Hotel team has had a great start. We did well on our team plan, and I feel that bodes well for us as a group as we tackle the obstacles ahead of us. The optimism I have also comes from the interaction I see among the team members. Every member appears to be invested in our work and genuinely interested in the simulation. While I do like to keep meetings focused and efficient, I do not mind the lighthearted banter that does occur. My hope is that keeping such a balance continues to interest the team members and make our meetings enjoyable.

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