Debbie added an update regarding Tyler, which you can view here. The Iraqis will be holding their elections next week, and I bet Tyler will be pretty busy in the mean time. I sure hope all goes well, and this whole process moves forward quickly. I read in today’s IBD, that many clerics – both Sunni and Shiite – have recommended their people vote. I think that’s a good sign.
I had a somewhat interesing week. I attened a two day leadership training session with all of our leadership. That was the first time all of us were together in that type of setting and it was pretty fun. We learned how to identify which developement level our people are in on a task by task basis, and which leadership style best matches that development level. For example, a person may be an “ethusiastic beginner” in a particular task, while they may be a “self-reliant achiever” in another. In the first instance, they should be directed more, and in the latter case they should be delegated to more. This is pretty much common sense, but it was the first training I’ve received at Cox where we were told it’s OK to direct people. All previous training said we needed to coach them and let them figure things out for themselves.
I think the class gave me the tools to help me better classify people’s development level, which should help me be a better manager. The trainer also made it very clear that we need to make such distinctions on a task by task basis. That made me think of a couple of things I need to change. First, I have new people who aren’t ready to be self directed, and they want and need more direction from me. I also have more experienced people who need to be challenged by being a beginner in some areas while they continue to be experts in others. I need to make sure I keep people challenged but not overwhelmed. I think that will help everyone develop and stay interested without being over stressed.
The class definitely got everyone thinking. I’ve had several conversations with other people, and we all thought of ways we could change to better meet our people’s needs. We also had a lot of fun with each other during the class. We joked and laughed a lot. I very much enjoyed getting to spend time with my fellow leaders, and having the chance to get to know them better. It was fun to see how much this group acted like my group does.
I had “one on ones” with several of my people yesterday, and they all said how much they like their work environment. They like each other and they like laughing with each other. They said that’s hard to put a price tag on, and that’s why they are unsure about moving to another group; even if it means more money and a promotion. I’m obviously happy to hear that they enjoy coming to work, but I don’t want them to miss out on opportunities either. Still, I don’t think I’ll make things less fun so they want to leave.
Well, that was the highlight of the week. The low light for me was having to go back for a follow-up mammogram and ultra sound. I seem to be pretty lumpy, but all the lumps I saw on the ultrasound were black, which I think means they’re water filled. A tumor should be more gray in color (I’m told). I’ll hear the results next week, but I don’t think there’s any cause for alarm yet. It does get one thinking though, and while I was waiting for the technician to come back from seeing the radiologist, I did consider my immenit demise. I thought about what I’d want to do if I did only have a short while to live, and decided I’d do what I’m doing now. I may visit and spend more time with family, but otherwise I’d do pretty much what I’m doing now. That got me thinking that maybe I don’t want enough or that I lack immagination. Both may be true, but I am doing what I enjoy doing. I guess that means I’m living the life I want to for now. I don’t see how that can be a bad thing, and I’m not going to feel as if I should want more. Never the less, I have no desire to check out just yet. I have a lot I’d like to do before then, and I very much look forward to doing the things I enjoy.
One last thing. Cisco took our group out to dinner at Triple George Grill on 3rd and Odgen. The food was very good, the service was very good and the atmosphere was also very good. Chris and I got there early so we sat in the lounge and listened to the piano player. They were setting up a carving station for happy hour and we met a lawyer who stops by there every day on his way home from work. He said he has a glass of port, some food and a cigar while he waits for the traffic to die down. That sounds much better than sitting in traffic doesn’t it? If you’re in town, you should check it out.
