In the Wall Street Journal article 'How to Manage an Introvert,' Jennifer Kahnweiler shares tips on how to manage the introverts on your project management team.
I was surprised to read that I have many of the personality attributes of an introvert, and recognized a few of my friends as introverts as well. I enjoy time alone, and prefer to think things through before responding. I also prefer communicating via email or text chat versus in person.
I liked Kahnweiler's tip about balancing the level of interaction in meetings. Her trick is to give each member ten tokens at the beginning of each meeting, and collect one token for each comment they contribute.
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
How to use collective intelligence in your project manager workplace social network - Nicholas Christakis TED speech
Harvard Professor of Medicine, Health Care Policy, and Sociology, Nicholas Christakis provides insight on social networks in this TED speech. Christakis authored the book 'Connected,' which famously garnered headlines for proving that a person is more likely to become obese if his/her friends are obese.
Christakis explains how social networks operate and speaks about the idea of a social network as a 'superorganism.' Project Managers can take advantage of the positive qualities of their team 'superorganism.' In nature, animals form groups, and through collective intelligence, birds can decide how to migrate, wild dogs can hunt as a pack and human social networks can spread ideas.
Those are the positive aspects of social networking, but I have seen one depressed or angry member of a group lower the whole group's productivity and affect the attitudes of every member of their team.
By treating groups as interconnected social networks and utilizing the collective intelligence of the 'superorganism,' project managers can increase productivity and innovation in their teams.
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Christakis explains how social networks operate and speaks about the idea of a social network as a 'superorganism.' Project Managers can take advantage of the positive qualities of their team 'superorganism.' In nature, animals form groups, and through collective intelligence, birds can decide how to migrate, wild dogs can hunt as a pack and human social networks can spread ideas.
Those are the positive aspects of social networking, but I have seen one depressed or angry member of a group lower the whole group's productivity and affect the attitudes of every member of their team.
By treating groups as interconnected social networks and utilizing the collective intelligence of the 'superorganism,' project managers can increase productivity and innovation in their teams.
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Friday, May 21, 2010
Simon Sinek speaks on leadership and the Golden Circle
In an inspirational TED speech, leadership consultant Simon Sinek explains the thought process that great leaders use to effectively lead. He calls it the Golden Circle. The core question is: why does your organization exist?
The takeaway for me is that, in Sinek's words, "people don't buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it."
Those who lead share their dream of what the goal looks like, and their followers work to achieve it because they believe the same thing.
As a project manager, do I share my vision, or do I share my plan? Which would inspire team members more?
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
The takeaway for me is that, in Sinek's words, "people don't buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it."
Those who lead share their dream of what the goal looks like, and their followers work to achieve it because they believe the same thing.
As a project manager, do I share my vision, or do I share my plan? Which would inspire team members more?
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
How to study for an eCornell Project Leadership class - study tip from student
It is the first day of my third class, and I am trying out a new technique for keeping track of my progress in the eCornell Project Leadership course - Dealing With Difference.
In my last class, there were several multiple multimedia learning segments. I learn really well from these presentations, but it is hard to quickly virtually "leaf" through the class material to pick up where I left off in my studying. The beginning of each multimedia presentation looks the same!
For this class, I am printing out the list found in the 'Course Navigation' section of Module 1 and crossing off the learning segments as I finish them. Hopefully this will keep me on track.
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
In my last class, there were several multiple multimedia learning segments. I learn really well from these presentations, but it is hard to quickly virtually "leaf" through the class material to pick up where I left off in my studying. The beginning of each multimedia presentation looks the same!
For this class, I am printing out the list found in the 'Course Navigation' section of Module 1 and crossing off the learning segments as I finish them. Hopefully this will keep me on track.
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Monday, May 17, 2010
Final Thoughts on eCornell class CEPL552 Project Teams: Mining Collective Intelligence
The final writing assignment for eCornell Project Leadership class Project Teams: Mining Collective Intelligence was to write about the experience with the group assignment.
Here is my answer:
---
Based on lessons learned about project teams and group projects,I would have negotiated with my superiors in the Stranded! project for more commitment from team members and sought out information, including a list of team members and their contact information.
I will utilize more team forming activities when future groups enter the initial Storming process. I am now more aware of the importance of getting every group off on the right foot and establishing a team culture with rules of conduct.
I am in the process of continuing to develop group leader competencies by reading books on the subject. I have learned a lot of lessons from the book 'Team Building Tool Kit' so far, especially rules for running effective meetings.
---
We were given almost no guidance for the project and management (our instructor) expected us to organize ourselves and for all employees (students) to provide their own motivation to check into the class frequently enough to effectively contribute to the assignment. TALK ABOUT A REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE! I learned through frustration to not expect automatic productivity from a group of strangers. I would suggest to future students to step up and take the leadership role in your group.
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Here is my answer:
---
Based on lessons learned about project teams and group projects,I would have negotiated with my superiors in the Stranded! project for more commitment from team members and sought out information, including a list of team members and their contact information.
I will utilize more team forming activities when future groups enter the initial Storming process. I am now more aware of the importance of getting every group off on the right foot and establishing a team culture with rules of conduct.
I am in the process of continuing to develop group leader competencies by reading books on the subject. I have learned a lot of lessons from the book 'Team Building Tool Kit' so far, especially rules for running effective meetings.
---
We were given almost no guidance for the project and management (our instructor) expected us to organize ourselves and for all employees (students) to provide their own motivation to check into the class frequently enough to effectively contribute to the assignment. TALK ABOUT A REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE! I learned through frustration to not expect automatic productivity from a group of strangers. I would suggest to future students to step up and take the leadership role in your group.
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
How to use LinkedIn to improve your resume - Lisa Rangel, Chameleon Resume interview
I recently spoke with @lisarangel on Twitter. She is the talent behind Chameleon Resumes, an expert resume writer & job search coach as well as a former recruiter who "Knows What Companies Want."
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel is leading eCornell's webinar "How to Build Your Network for Maximum Career Growth" on 5/26
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel I've had requests to recommend connections on LinkedIn. What should I write? What are employers looking for?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson first, I want to thank you for having me on as a job search resource this morning :) happy to help!
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Employers r looking 4 genuine & sincere reco's. No reciprocal ones. Mention specific skills & results. No platitudes
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel Does recommending several people on LinkedIn have a downside for me?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Absolutely not. As long as the reco’s are genuine and specific and not solely reciprocal and vague, they will have value.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Making reco's show you have relationships and are happy to promote others achievements, as well...
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel Is having LinkedIn recommendations important for people not currently in market for a job? Is it worth it to ask for recos?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Yes & Yes. Recruiters sort results by those w/ or w/o reco’s. Get them!! Asking is also an excuse to chat with ur network.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson When job searching, seize any opportunity for meaningful dialogue...it keeps your name out there and top of mind.
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel OK, but what about when you are NOT job searching? How important is LinkedIn?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Best time to grow ur network is when u don't need it! U will b perceived as interested in ppl vs. needing something.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson growing ur linkedin network is growing ur own database of contacts that's 2 more degrees out from ppl u know...so valuable!
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel Is there downside to having LinkedIn connection to person I don't know well? Can I have too many 'weak' connections?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Having more connections expands your reach. You need many meaningful connections and ‘meaningful’ can have many definitions.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson 'weak' is relative ...
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson I am one of those nutty optimists that can aim to see potential opportunity in everything. :)
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel my fear is that a link of a link will call our link in common and ask about me. If answer is "don't know her that well," I lose.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson I don't think u lose.maybe u just don't win as much :) I have qualified to links the length to which I know someone-no prob
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel If I haven't updated my resume in 5+ years, are there any new techniques I should learn? How has the game changed?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Content should be achievement driven and not a list of tasks. Ensure it's searchable & digestible to resume databases.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson when writing resumes, use top 1/3 wisely-it's prime resume real estate!
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel Is ongoing education on a resume relevant / important to employers? My education portion hasn't changed in 10 yrs.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Employers are looking for commitment 2 ur field & lifelong learning thru ongoing education and professional associations
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson take classses or engage associations that can help keep your skills and network fresh--grow your brain and contacts at once!
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel Thanks so much for answering my ?'s.
Follow me on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/kathleenlisson
Sign up for Lisa Rangel's FREE eCornell webinar on:
How to Build Your Network for Maximum Career Growth
May 26, 2010 @ 1:00pm EDT
Register & info:
http://www.ecornell.com/lisa
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel is leading eCornell's webinar "How to Build Your Network for Maximum Career Growth" on 5/26
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel I've had requests to recommend connections on LinkedIn. What should I write? What are employers looking for?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson first, I want to thank you for having me on as a job search resource this morning :) happy to help!
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Employers r looking 4 genuine & sincere reco's. No reciprocal ones. Mention specific skills & results. No platitudes
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel Does recommending several people on LinkedIn have a downside for me?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Absolutely not. As long as the reco’s are genuine and specific and not solely reciprocal and vague, they will have value.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Making reco's show you have relationships and are happy to promote others achievements, as well...
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel Is having LinkedIn recommendations important for people not currently in market for a job? Is it worth it to ask for recos?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Yes & Yes. Recruiters sort results by those w/ or w/o reco’s. Get them!! Asking is also an excuse to chat with ur network.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson When job searching, seize any opportunity for meaningful dialogue...it keeps your name out there and top of mind.
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel OK, but what about when you are NOT job searching? How important is LinkedIn?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Best time to grow ur network is when u don't need it! U will b perceived as interested in ppl vs. needing something.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson growing ur linkedin network is growing ur own database of contacts that's 2 more degrees out from ppl u know...so valuable!
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel Is there downside to having LinkedIn connection to person I don't know well? Can I have too many 'weak' connections?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Having more connections expands your reach. You need many meaningful connections and ‘meaningful’ can have many definitions.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson 'weak' is relative ...
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson I am one of those nutty optimists that can aim to see potential opportunity in everything. :)
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel my fear is that a link of a link will call our link in common and ask about me. If answer is "don't know her that well," I lose.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson I don't think u lose.maybe u just don't win as much :) I have qualified to links the length to which I know someone-no prob
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel If I haven't updated my resume in 5+ years, are there any new techniques I should learn? How has the game changed?
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Content should be achievement driven and not a list of tasks. Ensure it's searchable & digestible to resume databases.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson when writing resumes, use top 1/3 wisely-it's prime resume real estate!
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel Is ongoing education on a resume relevant / important to employers? My education portion hasn't changed in 10 yrs.
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson Employers are looking for commitment 2 ur field & lifelong learning thru ongoing education and professional associations
LisaRangel @kathleenlisson take classses or engage associations that can help keep your skills and network fresh--grow your brain and contacts at once!
Kathleenlisson @lisarangel Thanks so much for answering my ?'s.
Follow me on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/kathleenlisson
Sign up for Lisa Rangel's FREE eCornell webinar on:
How to Build Your Network for Maximum Career Growth
May 26, 2010 @ 1:00pm EDT
Register & info:
http://www.ecornell.com/lisa
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Monday, May 10, 2010
Resources used to develop eCornell's Project Teams: Mining Collective Intelligence class
We are interacting in small groups and learning techniques to lead and facilitate groups in my Project Teams: Mining Collective Intelligence class at eCornell. Some resources we are utilizing include:
Tuckman’s Life Cycle model
Managing in the New Team Environment: Skills, Tools and Methods by Larry Hirschhorn
Team Building: A Structured Learning Approach by Peter Mears and Frank Voehl
The Wisdom of Teams: Creating the High-Performance Organization by Jon R. Katzenbach, and Douglas K. Smith
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Tuckman’s Life Cycle model
Managing in the New Team Environment: Skills, Tools and Methods by Larry Hirschhorn
Team Building: A Structured Learning Approach by Peter Mears and Frank Voehl
The Wisdom of Teams: Creating the High-Performance Organization by Jon R. Katzenbach, and Douglas K. Smith
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Friday, May 7, 2010
Free Classes on Commitment Based Management, Networking and Managing Global Virtual Teams from eCornell!
I saw on the eCornell blog that eCornell will be hosting three interesting business-related webinars in May and June.
Sessions are free and last about an hour.
Learning in a New World of Business:
Unleashing Your Potential with Commitment-Based Management
May 19, 2010 @ 2:00pm EDT
Register & info:
http://www.ecornell.com/hp2
How to Build Your Network for Maximum Career Growth
May 26, 2010 @ 1:00pm EDT
Register & info:
http://www.ecornell.com/lisa
How to Manage Global Virtual Teams
June 16, 2010 @ 2:00pm EDT
Register & info:
http://www.ecornell.com/bell
I wish I could take the Managing Global Virtual Teams seminar today, as I am in a global virtual team for my Project Teams: Mining Collective Intelligence class at eCornell for the next two weeks.
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Sessions are free and last about an hour.
Learning in a New World of Business:
Unleashing Your Potential with Commitment-Based Management
May 19, 2010 @ 2:00pm EDT
Register & info:
http://www.ecornell.com/hp2
How to Build Your Network for Maximum Career Growth
May 26, 2010 @ 1:00pm EDT
Register & info:
http://www.ecornell.com/lisa
How to Manage Global Virtual Teams
June 16, 2010 @ 2:00pm EDT
Register & info:
http://www.ecornell.com/bell
I wish I could take the Managing Global Virtual Teams seminar today, as I am in a global virtual team for my Project Teams: Mining Collective Intelligence class at eCornell for the next two weeks.
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
First Impressions: eCornell class on Project Teams: Mining Collective Intelligence
Today is the first day of my eCornell class, CEPL552, Project Teams: Mining Collective Intelligence.
Jan Roberson is my instructor. Dr. Roberson has a doctorate degree in Human and Organizational Systems form Fielding Graduate University and has worked as a Systems Engineer and a Program Manager for Lockheed Martin. She lives in California. I love the fact that, by utilizing an online learning environment, eCornell can use the best instructors from around the world.
The online description of the course promises that students will learn how to motivate their teams as well as use the collective intelligence of the team to enable the project to succeed.
The full description of the course is here: http://www.ecornell.com/community-course-list/project-leadership-and-systems-design-courses/project-teams-mining-collective-intelligence/crs/CEPL552
The Wikipedia definition of collective intelligence is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_intelligence
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Jan Roberson is my instructor. Dr. Roberson has a doctorate degree in Human and Organizational Systems form Fielding Graduate University and has worked as a Systems Engineer and a Program Manager for Lockheed Martin. She lives in California. I love the fact that, by utilizing an online learning environment, eCornell can use the best instructors from around the world.
The online description of the course promises that students will learn how to motivate their teams as well as use the collective intelligence of the team to enable the project to succeed.
The full description of the course is here: http://www.ecornell.com/community-course-list/project-leadership-and-systems-design-courses/project-teams-mining-collective-intelligence/crs/CEPL552
The Wikipedia definition of collective intelligence is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective_intelligence
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Review of eCornell Class 'Introduction to Project Leadership'
I have finished Introduction to Project Leadership, my first class at eCornell. When I complete all six courses I will receive a Certificate in Project Leadership from Cornell University’s College of Engineering.
The first class featured a lot of quality leadership and management information broken down into manageable chunks. The pace of the course and the way the information was presented helped me to fit learning into my workday. Within each module the concepts are presented in several different ways, including an audiovisual presentation, a story, and supplemental articles.
Different resources I used in the course include the following:
McBer Competency Map
“Lessons for an Accidental Profession,” Jeffrey Pinto and Om Kharbanda
“Leadership as the Legitimation of Doubt,” organizational theorist Karl Weick's chapter to the Bennis, Spreitzer, and Cummings text, The Future of Leadership: Today’s Top Thinkers on Leadership Speak to the Next Generation.
Stakeholder-management planning resources at mindtools.com
Managing project uncertainty: From variation to chaos by De Meyer, Loch and Pich.
The hardest part of the class for me was completing the test on how to manage tasks and style using the Project Uncertainty Profile.
I found great benefit in attending both of the instructor's "office hours" in the online chat forum. Last Sunday I had an enlightening conversation with a few of my fellow students from around the world on the ideas presented in the class as well as how best to communicate concerns to a project manager without the conversation resulting in irritation or defensiveness.
I look forward to starting my second class on Wednesday!
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
The first class featured a lot of quality leadership and management information broken down into manageable chunks. The pace of the course and the way the information was presented helped me to fit learning into my workday. Within each module the concepts are presented in several different ways, including an audiovisual presentation, a story, and supplemental articles.
Different resources I used in the course include the following:
McBer Competency Map
“Lessons for an Accidental Profession,” Jeffrey Pinto and Om Kharbanda
“Leadership as the Legitimation of Doubt,” organizational theorist Karl Weick's chapter to the Bennis, Spreitzer, and Cummings text, The Future of Leadership: Today’s Top Thinkers on Leadership Speak to the Next Generation.
Stakeholder-management planning resources at mindtools.com
Managing project uncertainty: From variation to chaos by De Meyer, Loch and Pich.
The hardest part of the class for me was completing the test on how to manage tasks and style using the Project Uncertainty Profile.
I found great benefit in attending both of the instructor's "office hours" in the online chat forum. Last Sunday I had an enlightening conversation with a few of my fellow students from around the world on the ideas presented in the class as well as how best to communicate concerns to a project manager without the conversation resulting in irritation or defensiveness.
I look forward to starting my second class on Wednesday!
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
Monday, May 3, 2010
Napoleon Hill Newsletter
In addition to my ongoing education at eCornell, I also try to improve my mind by reading books on leadership, management and business.
I have really benefitted from reading the inspirational articles in the free Napoleon Hill Yesterday and Today Newsletter.
Hill's book, Think and Grow Rich, is the all time bestseller. He believed at the source of all great accomplishment is a "state of mind".
A recent newsletter explained how to apply Hill's famous saying, "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve."
If you are in a place in your life where you are looking to improve yourself professionally, I recommend reading the Napoleon Hill newsletter.
Sign up for the newsletter here:
http://mailer.napoleon-hill-news.com/common/SignMeUp.html?customerId=3
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
I have really benefitted from reading the inspirational articles in the free Napoleon Hill Yesterday and Today Newsletter.
Hill's book, Think and Grow Rich, is the all time bestseller. He believed at the source of all great accomplishment is a "state of mind".
A recent newsletter explained how to apply Hill's famous saying, "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve."
If you are in a place in your life where you are looking to improve yourself professionally, I recommend reading the Napoleon Hill newsletter.
Sign up for the newsletter here:
http://mailer.napoleon-hill-news.com/common/SignMeUp.html?customerId=3
Thank you for your time! If you have any questions about my experience with the eCornell Project Leadership classes, please email me at lisson@gmail.com
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