All entries for February 2012

Follow–up on Understanding Your Personality Type

Follow-up to Follow–up on Understanding your personality type from Natalia's blog

Hi Mary,

Thank you for your respond to my last follow-up.

This is just a quick note where I want to reflect on how I’m getting on with my action points.

As the business project mentioned is progressing, we as a group were working hard so as to get the most of our presentation. We had two main ideas to consider and we had to choose only one. I saw a huge potential in one but my colleague advocated more the second. The only thing that mattered when choosing the idea was the amount of work that comes with creating a presentation and a follow-up business case.

When it comes to planning and creating a structure, I usually have in my mind a clear, effective plan. Well, it has to be said, that even if it is clear to me, not everyone can always spot the advantages that easily. They usually come up with different approaches that suit them more. And so it was in this case too. I had the whole step-by-step plan in my head. The only thing that needed to be done was dividing the work among the team and to check on the progress. Obviously, what I would do as usual, I would try to improve every little part of the presentation. I would take on more work than other members or delegate the work in such way which would provide me with a better control over the work. Basically, I would overwhelm myself with work and responsibility for the overall result and dig myself deeply into stressful situation.

However, I have decided not to push my idea forward and let him to pitch his. Long story short, we divided the work equally where everyone was responsible for their parts and in the end, we merged it together and started to rehearse.

In your last comment, you asked me if this new approach felt right for me. Well, I have to admit that it was a bit unusual to me. I normally work on +100%, but in this case, I wasn’t responsible for the entire project, or I should say, I didn’t take the responsibility for it as whole. As for the 1st action point, I let other people to have an equal part of the work that had to be done. And as for the 2nd action point – being judgemental, or perfectionist – I tried not to compare what they prepared with what I would do/improve in their place.

And how did I feel? Definitely better, more relaxed, with more time to spend on other things. I might have not improved the project by 3%, but it has definitely added 30% to my overall comfort and relax.

So, I have one more action point to pursue. I guess the hardest to crack though.

Thank you Mary for reading this and I will blog more on the 3rd action point soon.

Have a nice day!
Natalia

: 28 Feb 2012 15:32 |  Tags: Actions Follow-Up Mary P10 Portfolio Sage Wspa |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Follow–up on Emotional Inteligence

Follow-up to Follow–up on Emotional Inteligence from Natalia's blog

Dear Samantha

Thank you for your comment on my last follow-up.

Your question about how running (or exercising in general) affects/helps the emotional intelligence made me think a lot. In overall, there is not such tangible influence on the EI. However, I do think that running helps me to calm down, relax and provides me with the time for clearing my head and organize my thoughts and ideas. After the run, I feel better, literally charged with positive energy which also helps me to, let’s say, see problems and challenges from the brighter sight. I am not saying that mindfulness and meditation don’t work. This term, I had a chance to attend the mindfulness workshop. Interestingly, after 2 hours of meditation, I felt tired, unable to think clearly and went straight to bed. I felt even more stressed out than I was before and I can’t explain why. What I think – or observed on myself – is that not everyone can find the benefit that comes with meditation. In my case, it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable.

When I was searching the Internet for some more information on EI, I came across on 7 habits of highly effective people. One of the habits – habit 5 says: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Because we so often listen autobiographically, we tend to respond in one of four ways:

Evaluating: we judge and then either agree or disagree.

Probing: we ask questions from your own frame of reference.

Advising: we give counsel, advice, and solutions to problems.

Interpreting: we analyse others' motives and behaviours based on your own experiences.

(Adopted from: https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits-habit5.php)

After reading this, it reminds me of an experience from coaching training I attended in last December – especially the feeling of being listened without being given any advice or solution. Questions that coaches usually ask are aimed to let you think, direct you towards your own solution and provide you with the feeling that the person on the other side has a genuine interest in you and your problems. A right question, which helps you to move towards the solution, can be asked only if the person listens to you without referring to their experience, opinions or suggestions. Moreover, I also remembered how you always highlighted the importance of not being judgemental.

Adopting such approach might help me to improve one of the interpersonal skills - Emotional Coaching. According to the Boston EI Questionnaire, which we have done on the workshop, my scope is 13 – definitely a room for improvement. In next 2 weeks, in one module, we will be given a chance to have a personal coach. As for my new action point, I will try to observe and learn some of the techniques that can be implemented for improving my active listening.

As far as the workshop on time-management is concerned, I have found out that I won’t be able to attend it this term. However, I have decided to put some time-management tools into my lifestyle. I don’t know if you are familiar with GTD (Getting Things Done Model) created by David Allen. I have read the book and changed some of my habits: I started to use To-Do Lists and replaced paper calendar with e-calendar, every day. I also found useful so called “eat the frog” and 2-minute rule. I have to admit that those little things somehow contributed to reducing every-day stress and I feel I have better control over the day.

I hope I covered all the things I want. Thank you for reading and I look forward to your reply.

Have a nice day,

Natalia

: 27 Feb 2012 22:54 |  Tags: Follow-Up Intelifence P6 Emotional Samantha Tarren |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Follow–up on Delivering effective presentations

Workshop Tutor: Bev Walshe

Heres a summary of how I've been getting on with my action points

Hello Bev!

Thank you for your reply on my last blog.

Earlier this week, our group from Business Planning module had a presentation on our product. We were a group of 6 students, but we decided to have 2 presenters only. When preparing the presentation, I suggested creating a prezi presentation. Well, I wasn’t presenting, but at least I want to help them to create the whole concept so as to make the presentation more interesting and catchy. Interestingly, a colleague of mine who was presenting decided not to use prezi. He told me that it is easier for him to use the “conventional” PowerPoint presentation.

It reminded me of your last question regarding the drawbacks of prezi and I did some research on the internet on what people actually think about prezi. 

I personally prefer prezi over PowerPoint because I think it is user-friendly tool which helps you to make the audience engaged with your topic.

However, there certainly are some disadvantages: 

1.     There are different types of audience – especially when it comes to serious topics, or if there are more conservative listeners who might expect you to deliver a presentation in PPT.

2.     Prezi does not suit to everyone. The situation that happened in our group clearly demonstrates that not everyone is familiar or comfortable with prezi. Admittedly, people who have a problem with creating a structure of the presentation might find it difficult to use prezi. In such case, PPT presentation provides them with a clear and uniform structure in the form of slides. 

3.     PPT is also more user-friendly in terms of the cooperation with other softwares, such as Word or Excel.

4.     The quality of the presentation can undermine the value of the content. Or even worse, people can try to cover the lack of content with the beauty of prezi. – In such case, it is up to people to realize that prezi is only a tool – first aid kit for presenters.

To sum up, undoubtedly, there are more shortcomings to mention. What I have observed so far is that prezi offers a new, unconventional way of presenting. Also, it might look like people are dividing into two camps – Prezi vs. PPT. I think, it is practical to know how to use both and to learn, which tool is more suitable for which type of presentation.

Well, at the end, it is not about what is on the screen behind your back, but the content and delivery of the presentation is what matters. 

Dear Bev, I hope that I have covered all the things and action points from the beginning. Thank you very much for your valuable input and questions.

Kind regards
Natalia

: 22 Feb 2012 11:51 |  Tags: Actions Follow-Up P4 Portfolio Wspa |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

P9_Career Planning

Dear Fiona and Chris

First of all, I would like to thank both of you for creating such a beneficial workshop (was held on Friday, February 17). I found it very helpful and motivational.

Well, since I’m progressing towards Warwick Skills Portfolio Award, I have decided to include P9 into my blogging.

In the following post, I would like to set the action points I want to pursue in the next 4 weeks:

1. Get my CV checked in the C&S Centre. I have already attended effective CV workshop, but it seems I was too bussy to take it further. It will be useful to do for my job and internship applications.
   
2. Since November, I have been focusing too much on internships for the forthcoming summer. As a research tool, I used mainly myAdvantage website, Targetjobs, milkround, ratemyplacement, etc. So far, I have sent 17 applications – 6 of them already unsuccessful. In the slide regarding exploring, there were mentioned other websites, especially www.prospects.ac.uk and also the focus on sector pages. I am mainly interested in management consultancy, so I will do more research on smaller firms within that area. After the research, I will prepare the CV, adjust the current covering letter and approach them with my interest in internships.

These are the two goals I decided to set during the workshop. However I’m not sure about the mock interview. Should I make an appointment before sending the emails to potential consultancy firms, or it is better to wait for their replies?

Thank you very much for reading the blog and I’m looking forward to receiving your comments.

Kind regards
Natalia

: 18 Feb 2012 14:12 |  Tags: Career Chris Fiona Kent Manley P9 Planning Portfolio Skills Warwick |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Follow–up on Working in a Group

Follow-up to Follow–up on Working in a team from Natalia's blog

Dear Trudy,

I know that I should wait for your reply to my last follow-up post. Well, I only would like to write down some of my thoughts on my progress that I have made so far since the start of the second term.

As mentioned in the last post, I’m currently involved in a business planning project which basically consists of a group of 6 people who have to come up with a new product/service or innovation. When establishing the group and dividing the responsibilities among the members, I have decided not to go for the leader position.

As advised in my Belbin feedback (referring to the citation in my previous blog), I stepped back and took on another position with different responsibilities. Basically I hold the position of a group consultant. Not a leader, not a manager, just covering behind-the-scene tasks and support.

Well, I have to admit that I found it quite interesting not to manage the group and set the goals, action plans, etc. Now I have the opportunity observe the behaviour of other people (which as usual you are not able to see due to being too engaged in step-by-step problems).

I actually caught myself thinking about what I would have done being on the leading position. Would I behave as he (the current leader) behaves? Is his style right or he did a mistake? Honestly, I have learnt far more than I would have if competing with him over the position.

As promised, I managed to find the roles within our group. I googled more information about Belbin system and its understanding of the roles within groups. As far as I can say, our 5 members and I, we definitely cover these roles:

1. Our leader: co-ordinator, shaper and specialist (in the field we have chosen for our business to operate in) – usually the one who brings the group together, set and clarify goals. However, when it comes to setting goals, he usually uses some kind of persuasive power in order to win over the others… a bit aggressive style.

2. Resource Investigator – talkative person who seems to be outside of our group, at least his mind always is.

3,4. 2X Teamworker – create positive environment during the meetings + implementers.

5. Monitor Evaluator – always has the right numbers to either support or reject the ideas.

6. and MIE: I would say Completer Finisher – usually get things done or at least show them the possible way.

Our group definitely lacks PLANT – which we felt during the early stage of planning, we were struggling to come up with ideas. It was really frustrating. But non of us was able to somehow adapt that role. I would say the whole group had to adapt it.

So, I hope I have covered all three action points, enjoy the reading and I look forward to your feedback so as to move to the final blog.

Kind regards

Natalia

: 18 Feb 2012 00:30 |  Tags: Actions Follow-Up Hillier P3 Portfolio Trudy Wspa |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Follow–up on Emotional Inteligence

Writing about web page /ndobiasova/entry/p6_introduction_to/

Writing about an entry you don't have permission to view

Hi Samantha,

Thank you for your post, to be honest, I have completely forgotten to write an update.

As far as my progress is concerned, well, let’s say the end of the term does not really help me with my goal – get work-life balance. However, I must say I started to run, I have run more than 40 km since our session. Even if I don’t have any particular schedule, I usually go for a run when I feel that I need a break, to reset my brain and clean my head out. Just me, my ipod, (cold weather), and 30 minutes of nothing :)

Regarding the podcasts, I have listened to one of the podcasts. Well, I think it is not for me, I found myself a bit impatient, I had a problem to calm down and actually relax. I know myself well, and I know how my mind work. And I think this won't help me.

Oh, and I will set the second action point:

2. to attend the workshop on time-management during this second term! Will be definitely useful for getting the balance!

What do you think Samantha? Do you have any other ideas which might help me with it?

Thanks for reading and all the best,
Natalia

: 10 Feb 2012 20:28 |  Tags: Inteligence P6 Emotional |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Follow–up on Working in a team

Heres a summary of how I've been getting on with my action points

Dear Trudy,

Apologies for not responding for such a long time. Since my last respond the time has flown so fast that I did not even realize the time gap between my posts.

Well, I was thinking about the action points. Interestingly, in the second term of the 1st year at wbs, we undertake a module called: Business Planning – Integrative Project. 400 students are divided into group of 6. Each group has to come up with a business idea, prepare business plan, blue print, presentation,etc.

I was thinking that I can use this module for my action points. To be more concrete:

1. I will read more about Belbin’s analysis of teams.

2. In our group sessions, I will make my own list of observations, I will try to categorize other people’s preferences so I will be able to identify the gaps which I can fill.

3. Our group has to choose a leader. I have noticed that in our group, there is another person – very dominant and proactive in terms of leadership. Due to the fact that I like to have control over the things (and I am usually the initiative one who motivates people), I will let him to take the leadership, so I can act as recommended in the Belbin’s profile summary which we were given during your workshop.

... “Remember there will be times when you cannot take the lead or take on a high profile role. So here you will need to discipline yourself. If you succeed in doing so, you will become more generally acceptable and will encounter fewer enemies.”

How does it sound to you? I think, it might be a useful excercise.

Thank you for reading Trudy and I will keep you posted with my progress!

Regards,
Natalia

: 10 Feb 2012 20:22 |  Tags: Actions Follow-Up P3 Portfolio Wspa |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Follow–up on Understanding your personality type

Heres a summary of how I've been getting on with my action points

: 10 Feb 2012 20:21 |  Tags: Actions Follow-Up P10 Portfolio Wspa |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Follow–up on Delivering effective presentations

Heres a summary of how I've been getting on with my action points

Dear Bev

Thank you for your entry, we finally managed to have it worked, somehow :)
Today, I would like to reflect a bit on my first entry. The presentation I was writing about was held on Monday.

When I was deciding how to prepare and structure the presentation and how to make it more interactive and enjoyable, I came across Prezi. I don’t know if you are familiar with prezi, but basically it is an interactive presentation with moving effects. I decided to use this type of presentation because I wanted to allow myself a bit more time between the slides and also I found it much more easier to have such presentation as an aid.

It really kept me more fluid with my thoughts. Interestingly, I actually new the steps and slides of the presentation better because I needed to prepare it, I actually played with the presentation. It is completely different from PowerPoint.

Here is the link if you are interested in:

http://prezi.com/o8jgvxaa1qim/from-good-to-great/

So what I have done so far, and what I have learnt:

1. prezi definitely as a great tool for becoming more connected with the topic of the presentation

2. I started to work on the presentation 2 weeks ahead, so I had more time for thinking and being more creative.

3. I prepared the core text – outline, but I didn’t prepare any full sentences. And the text and thoughts I wanted to have said were just coming when I was making the prezi.

4. When the prezi was finished, I went through the presentation several times which helped me to remember the main points.

5. Also as you can see in the presentation, I did one interesting thing. The presentation is divided into three parts. Before each part, there is one slide with the overall picture, where you can actually switch from one topic to another. And also, great for thinking and keeping up with the outline.

As far as feedback is concerned, I received very positive reaction from the audience, there were also some questions regarding the event, but when I knew that the presentation went well, I was relaxed and actually enjoyed the interest from the audience. Also it was quite interesting to have questions from another presenters who were online – which was also a challenge because you never know what such an expert can ask you :)

Hope I haven’t forgotten any though I wanted to mention!

Thank you Bev for reading it and look forward to your respond.

Best wishes

Natalia

: 10 Feb 2012 20:00 |  Tags: Actions Follow-Up P4 Portfolio Wspa |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem