Wednesday, October 29, 2008

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!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

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!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

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.

Monday, October 13, 2008

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.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

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.