Snow, more snow, and more snow, last class, and Christmas break.

Hello,

Sorry for the delay since my last post but our Dec. 9th class was cancelled due to a snow storm and I haven't had a chance to post since our Dec. 16th class due to the fact that I've been removing snow or going to work pretty much every day this past week. I hate winter.

Anyway, we did wrap up our Supervision class last Tuesday with the final chapters and powerpoint presentations on process improvement ideas. Our team got a 95% on our presentation, although Andy did say he would start docking us for "um's" in our next presentation. I don't even realize I do it while I'm talking but I'll take his word for it. I'll get my final grade for the course early this week, I'll keep you updated.

I would also like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. May we all remember the true meaning of Christmas, the day God sent his Son to earth to save us.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!

Jon

Where will my journey take me after LTC

Hello all,

During a recent conversation with my new boss, he stated how marketable I will be when I'm done with school and can use that with the experience I'll have gained being a supervisor in applying for jobs.

I was stunned that he expects me to look elsewhere eventually. To be honest with you, I hadn't thought of it like that at all. I was so appreciative that he gave me a chance, I guess I planned on being there for awhile.

Then last night, I got the chance to talk with Andy about furthering my education (should I decide to do so) after I get my associates.

He highly recommends Silver Lake College in Manitowoc. I value his opinion so much already, it's immediately in my top 3.

It's a little further away than I'd like but oh well. It seems like there is so much ahead of me, I'm excited for the coming years.

We covered 4 more chapters last night, the last one being on unions. It was very interesting for me as I now deal with the teamsters on a daily basis. We just did a brief overview, as we cover it in depth in a later class.

Hope this finds you all well.

Take it easy.

Equal Opportunity and the True Meaning

This week we covered things like staffing, counselling, and equal opportunity employment. Just brief overviews as we cover them more specifically in some of the other classes.

There sure are alot of laws as to who you can hire/fire and how it's handled.

It seems to me that our contract with the union supersedes alot of the things that other companies face.

I don't know how all of you feel about unions but it sure seems to me the last thing on their mind is how to help EVERYONE!

Oh well.

Also, I posted earlier about Andy having us envision our graduation day. Well, this past Sunday, Pastor asked us to envision the day that God comes to take us home.

A good reminder that none of the things that seem so pressing on earth don't really matter.

I look forward to the day when I can be with God and all loved ones that have left this earth.

What a wonderful day that will be.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Till next time!

Week Three

Me again,

This week we talked about organization, time management, and planning.

We talked about all the things that a supervisor must do, and the need for delegating when appropriate.

Also got our team formed for our powerpoint presentation on process improvement for the last week of class. Should be fun.

This was also my first week on my new schedule. So I had to work during the Packer game, but I had Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday off. It was great being able to take the kids to school and pick them up. McKenna has off of school on Wednesday so we spent the day together. It was alot of fun.

Anyway, I have to be in to work at 1 so I'll be going now.

Happy hunting and talk to you next week.

More of supervision

Hi again,

Week 2 of the 7 week supervision class over and done.

We talked about a bunch of things including ethics in the workplace, business politics, and how to apply them in our supervisory role.

I find our discussions much more applicable and interesting since I see them in practice in my job. It's neat to see the other supervisor's styles as I form my own.

We also discussed our team project for this course, which will be a powerpoint on an improvement process for the workplace. Should be fun.

As far as my job goes, this is my last official training week. Thown to the wolves starting Sunday.

Also found out that Fresh Brands will contribute $1500/yr. for my schooling. AWESOME!

Have a great week!

A week of firsts

Hello again,

What a week.

As you all know, I started my first week at my new job. It has been interesting to say the least. So much information to take in, I feel like I'm on brain fry 24/7.

I've been following and learning from the other supervisors, who have been great to me which has made it easier.

The hardest part so far has been learning their computer system. So many different menus, and menus off the menus, etc. etc.

A couple of other things is the fact that I don't have to clock in or clock out in any way, shape, or form for the first time in my working life. And I think it will take me some time to get used to not being one of the people who is doing the physical part of the operation. It's just plain weird.

And then their is the small matter of supervising people who are 30 years your senior and have been working with the company for the short span of 40+ years.

Oh yes, and Tuesday we started another new class, "Supervision". Chapters 1-4 were the flavor of the day, discussing supervising a diverse workplace, making sound decisions, and improving communication skills.

It's very interesting to study supervision on a Tuesday night, and then to practice it on Wednesday morning.

Also, another "A" on the transcript for the previous class.

All in all, I think my new job and the college training I'm getting will turn out to be a good fit. I truly enjoy being around people (even if they are teamsters) and I like all of my fellow supervisors.

I do already miss my friends from Expedition, especially the daily back and forth with Chris and my lunches at Craig's desk.

Hopefully, we can remain in touch.

One more thing, I encourage any bicycling enthusiasts to buy a Fat Cyclist jersey from www.twinsix.com. They are helping www.fatcyclist.com out with his wife's battle with cancer.

Hope this finds you all well.

Speak at you later.

POTLUCK!

Greetings,



Last night was the final night of Personal Skills for Supervisors. We all did group presentations on a different course competency. My fellow classmates Paul, Kevin, and I did a 15 minute powerpoint on time management. Andy said he really liked it, and we got a 95%.

We also enjoyed a potluck, which is a tradition of Andy's on the last night of each course. Lots of food and drink for all.

We also turned in our final assignments and will receive the final grade next week.

More proof on how caring Andy is: One of the women that is in my class is on her third go-around on the classes. She informed us last night that due to an upcoming surgery, she'll have to take some time off again. She was very upset about the prospect of not finishing again, fighting back tears as she spoke.

Andy assured her that should she want to continue, he would meet with her individually if that's what it took to help her continue. How many "professors" do you think would do that. And this is a guy that has almost no spare time to begin with. He is truly interested in his "fellow colleagues" as he calls us.

I sure find his methods conducive to my learning style, and enjoy his classes immensely.

Until I get my first lower than A of course, then all bets are off.

Till next time!

Chapter 10

Hello All.

Last night we discussed chapter 10 which was appropriately on change. We talked about how to introduce and implement change and how much resistance to expect in trying to do so.

Andy asked for examples of change in our lives and I talked about the change that I was committed to making when I began school. And how it scared me that I would go through school and not like my new "career" any better than before I started.

He said that it is so much better to "get in the game" and try something new than to sit and wonder "what if" your whole life. And I couldn't agree more.

I feel like I'm finally throwing my hat in the ring and it seems like there are alot of possibilities ahead of me.

I know, I'm drinking the college punch right now but I'm excited so bear with me.

By the by, I got my final grades for Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word last night. Both A's!

Talk to you all later and go Rays!

Changes

I recently had the opportunity to interview for a supervisory position for a local business.

I used alot of the things I've already taken away from class in my interview and with God's blessings, they offered me the job.

Pending a successful drug screen, I'll start at my new position in the beginning of November.

When I started going back to school I hoped that this day would come, but I did not expect it so quickly.

While I'm excited to begin my new "career," it is bittersweet as I have to say good-bye to the many friends I've gained in my time at Expedition Log Homes.

I hope to remain in contact with them and maybe catch an occasional bike ride or two.

I'll keep you posted.

We Continue

Hello All,

This week we talked about power and influence and how to use them wisely.

We talked about how just having power does not make you a good leader if a leader at all. It is only by treating people with respect and valuing what everyone has to offer do you attain "power".

I must say, I've worked for more people that think they have power and influence than ones that they actually do.

We also talked about Steven Covey and his book the 8th habit. We watched some pretty cool videos that he's done as well. Anyone interested, check it out at http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=Ygh3DHQS1hMC&dq=steven+covey&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=T8VhoclrUr&sig=O0s5WXu0W2Gddtd3Weokdl8pe74&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=6&ct=result

Andy also said something that has stuck with me. He said, "Accept me for who I am, and realize the potential within me.

I really think if you use that as a guideline, you will make a good leader. Everyone has something to offer, and I think people will respect you for realizing that.

On a side note, I buckled down and got my Excel done this weekend. Thanks goes out to my wife who took the kids to her parents for an overnight stay on Friday night. It allowed me 8 hours of uninterrupted homework time.

Now I just have to take the final tests for Word and Excel this week.

Till next time.

Motivation

Well, we discussed a few topics last night in class, but alot of it centered around motivation. How to best motivate not only yourself, but the others around you.

Andy told us that one day he woke up in the hospital. His wife was there, but when he asked her why he was there, all she would say was that the doctor would be there in a minute. After a few times of his asking, she began to cry. He then realized he lacked the ability to speak well or move anything.

The doctor informed them that Andy would be a vegetable for the rest of his life and he needed to be put in a facility.

Needless to say, he did not feel sorry for himself, he didn't give up, and look where he is now. I wish you all could meet him, he is an excellent teacher and an even better person.

Very inspiring!

On another note, after a 4 hour date with my Microsoft Word book tonight, I've completed that class minus the final test which I have to take at school.

That leaves me with 2 whole weeks to get Excel done.

I know, I shouldn't get things done so early, but what can I say?

See you on the flip side.

Communication

Hi again

Week 3 of personal skills for supervisors saw us discussing communication and problem solving. It's very interesting to learn new things in areas I thought I was pretty good at like communicating. My high level of communication can be confirmed by my beautiful wife who you see with me in the picture. Don't mind the wierd guy next to me, you should see him in bicycle shorts.

Back to the subject at hand, it amazes me how Andy has been able to find books that so closely resembles what he teaches. The books seem to hold to the thought that what you are learning, and how to apply it, is so much more important than the "grade" you get from memorizing text.

I am very happy to be in a class with an instructor that believes in teaching us how to be good supervisors and how to use the stuff we learn in our jobs. I think we'll all be better for it.

On another note, I finally started my Word classes last night. I got through 3 of the 13 assignments so I got a good start. However, I did find out that my Excel classes are also due at the same time as Word, so I have 2 1/2 weeks to complete them both. Yikes!

Anyway, gotta go.

Talk atcha later.

Go Brewers.

The "meat" of the program

Hello once again,

Week 2 of the new class is in the books. We seem to be getting in what I imagine is the "meat and potatoes" of it all. Reading a couple chapters, doing chapter quizzes, and discussing what we've learned in the following class.

I think it's finally hitting me that I'm in college, and will be for quite some time. I am finding it difficult to set aside the time required to do homework and prepare (as evidenced by the fact that I still haven't started my Microsoft classes yet.

I'm working on getting down to one job in order to concentrate on school and the wife and kids more. I'm not sure if it will work, but I'm lucky to have the support of my wife, no matter what.

Anywho, I'll keep you posted.

Hope this finds you all well.

Bye now.

Grading Day

Hello again,

Well, this past Tuesday night was the night we got our grades for Intro to Portfolio. It was my first graded effort in over 10 years, so it was wierd to sit there and wait for my name to be called. I knew I had given good effort and was confident in my work, but still..............you never know.

Andy reviewed my papers with me and said my writing and thinking were excellent. He said my learning journal (one of the ongoing projects for the entire program) was one of the best he has ever gotten. He then said if he believed in extra credit, he'd give me an A+, but he doesn't, so I'd have to settle for an A. Wow!

I can't tell you how proud I was to hear that. It totally reassured me that I had made the right descion. I know it's only a one credit course, but I'm really happy with the results.

After everyone received their papers and grades, we started our first "course specific" class, Personal Skills for Supervisors. It's an 8 weeker. Have to read Chapter 1 and take some quizzes for next week's class. I'll keep you posted.

On a side note, I'd like to encourage all to remember those lost 7 years ago today, September 11, 2001. What a terrible day it was.

Seeya.

LAST CLASS!

Hi Everyone,

Well, last night was the last night of Into to Portfolio.

We all had to prepare a powerpoint (or is power point two words?) on what we learned in the class.

I'm usually pretty good about speaking in front of people, but I have to admit, I was pretty nervous. The fact that I had never created a powerpoint before didn't help. But after figuring out how to save my presentation to a jump drive (thanks Dad) and checking it on three different computers to make sure it was on there, it went pretty well.

Andy seemed to enjoy it and so did the class. I just highlighted some key points in my presentation and then shot from the hip on my explanations. That always worked best for me 10 long years ago in high school and it seemed to work well last night.

I then turned in my 8 reflection papers for grading. I find out next week on my grades, so I'll let you know. One of the papers was a learning journal that we are to keep up throughout the program. I figured this blog kinda fit the bill, so I took highlights out to start my journal. Worked out well.

One thing about the class, Andy said at the beginning that he takes pride in the fact that his classes tend to form a good camaraderie. I was skeptical at first, but let me tell you, after three weeks I already notice it. They say the proof is in the pudding and one guy was fighting back tears doing his presentation talking about his wife's liver cancer. Not easy to do after only 12 hours together.

I'm very excited about my program, my Instructor (Andy), and the possibilities that lie ahead.

I also look forward to sharing it with you and getting feedback as well. Thank you for keeping up and posting your comments. I enjoy reading them.

Hope this finds you well.

Jon

Hello again,

Well, class #2 of Intro to Portfolio is in the books. Another interesting round of discussions on the different types of people in our class using 3 or 4 different self-assessments.

I think Andy (Instructor) is hoping to help us see that in order to be good supervisors, we must understand the differences in people that we might see. I enjoy the classroom time much more than I expected. The 4 hour classes go by quickly.

I still need to work on my self-discipline as to getting homework done. Knock the 10 year rust off and what not.

And quickly because next Tuesday is our final class for Intro to Portfolio, and 8 reflection papers are due. After that, credit #1 will be in the books.

Hope this finds you all well and we'll speak at you later.

Jonny K.

Scary

Hello All,

As part of my homework for my Intro to Portfolio class, I took some self-assessments.

You answer a series of questions and then use the results to put you into certain classes of people. Meyers-Briggs was one of the assessments, I'm sure some of you have heard of them.

When I read the explanation of the class that I fell in, I was amazed. It was like someone had written a book on the way I am and feel.

It's almost scary. I can't wait to get to class tomorrow and discuss it with the others.

I also picked up my materials for my Microsoft Word and Excel I classes. Self directed, work at home and then take to school for grading. Hopefully it's not too hard.

I'll let you know how it goes.

First Class

Well, by 5:15 I was ready to puke with nervousness but I managed to make it into my seat.



There was two of the twenty students who were late, which I was surprised to see to say the least.

After about 15 minutes, my nervousness was gone and I was feeling pretty comfortable.

The instructor and my fellow classmates seem very nice. The instructor's name is Andy Glaza. He has a double master's degree. He does not allow people to call him "sir" or "mister", only Andy. He says that he does not shine any brighter than any of his students and while he appreciates the respect, he does not require it.

We went through a little on building portfolio's of our accomplishments and experiences. We did a little exercise where we needed to learn about a fellow classmate and then introduce them to the rest of the class.

All in all, a very good first day. I'm still very nervous about the time I will need to come up with to put the work in, but I'm sure I'll find it somewhere.

Oh yeah, 4 hours of homework for next Tuesday's class.

Back to LTC tonight to pick up my materials for my Microsoft Word classes. Talk to you all later.

Day One

Well folks, it's lunchtime here at work. I'm anxiously awaiting my first day at school in over 10 years.

I'm pursuing a Associate's Degree of Applied Science in the field of Supervisory Management. (Sounds official, I know.)

Anyway, I'll be adding to this blog periodically to let you know how I'm doing and maybe get a laugh or two along the way.

Wish me luck!