I thought I'd go out on a limb and be the first to post some reflective thinking.
First I'd like to share my answer to yesterday's Crown bag question of what am I most apprehensive about in the IE. Answer: the Emotional Intelligence part. I am an emotional person and emotions definitely play a part in what I do and how I perform my job. The positive aspect of that is I can be quite passionate about the work I am doing, it contributes to my tenacity and drive, and helps (I think) in fostering the great working relationships I have with so many. The negatives however are that I do take things to heart to much, and at times strong emotions are entwined in my actions or responses to situations. So while I believe the Emotional Intelligence tasks will absolutely be informative and beneficial, I fear the challenge and what will be learned.
And to further test opening myself up to the group :) I wanted to ask your thoughts on something. Last evening I was reflecting upon the fairly significant difference in my reaction to Dr. Lefton's talk and those of many others. I wonder if my having worked 27 years in public institutions, the last 22 of which have been here at KSU, contributes to the difference of opinions. How long I've worked here, and where I am in my career at KSU (i.e. fairly advanced vs starting out) seems like it might lend itself to the differing viewpoints.
Just some thoughts ...
Sounds like you already have some great insights into your EI already Michelee. That is a good thing. Regarding Dr. Lefton, I think your years of experience certainly has something to do with your perspective. How could it not? Not sure how much though and that is important. If you found yourself disagreeing with everything he said or if you were unable to stay open to what he was saying (even if you disagreed with it), then I think that is something you need to explore as that may not be working for you.
ReplyDeleteI greatly appreciate you not only initiating the first reflective post, but also your speaking up first after President Lefton's visit. I was one of the people who disagreed with your perspective on some of his comments. However, your reactions have helped me to reflect more deeply. I look forward to more in-depth conversations on these issues in the future.
ReplyDeletePresident Leftons talk with us reminded me that everyone views the world through a filter, that frames our world view. We all share unique perspectives as individuals, that intersect in areas of class, sex, cultural, etc. I found I could relate to Dr. Leftons story about the author who wrote about him as an individual without ever speaking to him in person. In IT from time to time we recieve strongly worded emails from university constituents detailing the utter incompetence with which we run and/or maintain the network. How might we defend or turn back such unqualified commentary? It's toothpaste out of the tube, never to go back in.
ReplyDeleteDave - that's an interesting point. I don't think you have to "defend" unqualified commentary at all. In my experience, the more you try to convince people they are wrong the more they'll dig their heels in. People have a right to their opinions, even if they are unqualified. You'll never win and they'll never convert. To use Maxwell language, you won't make many connections with this approach. I try to look at it as an opportunity to hear them out and ask a lot of questions. Not questions that start with "why did you" etc. But questions that will help you learn about what happend and what could have been done differently. This shouldn't be done over email either. Pick up the phone or go see them. If they just want to bitch you'll quickly figure that out. Let them bitch and move on as it's probably not worth your time. If they want to have a conversation then you have a great connection opportunity.
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