Networking and Business Etiquette

"Networking is the process or practice of building up or maintaining informal relationships, especially with people whose friendship could bring advantages such as job or business opportunities."-  World English Dictionary

Although I am clearly aware of my purpose for networking, crafting my personal 30 second commercial has proven really difficult to do. I plan to remedy this by discussing with close friends who are either students or professionals on how to effectively gain this vital networking skill. Additionally, I plan to use the internet as a resource to eloquently and professionally create my personal pitch.

I just had my mission call to serve in the Illinois Chicago mission. Networking would be an invaluable tool in my role as a missionary. I believe my ability to connect with the members and investigators there would be a strong indicator of how successful I become on the mission field.

I am a religious person. As such the first step I intend taking to overcome my fears is to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy ghost and ask for strength from Heavenly Father. I would then follow this by studying how others have overcome these fears from books as well as from the real life experiences of the leaders I come in contact with. I would then strive to put what I've learnt to practice. I am confident this three step plan would enable me emerge as someone awesome at networking.

Ethical Leadership

MY PERSONAL CODE OF ETHICS

1. To be spiritually mature and receptive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
2. To gain as much knowledge and understanding about the meaning of life and success and thus be guided through my life's journey.
3. To make as much money as possible.
4. To gain wisdom.
5. To complete tasks before set deadlines.
6. To be a trustworthy person.
7. To gain mastery over my weaknesses.
8. To explore the wonders of the world through travel.

LEADING CHANGE

How I have implemented change or would implement change in my role as a TA.


Honestly, I have not had much exposure to methods for leading change. After the last lecture  however, I am convinced that if I'm to succeed in leading change, I need to incorporate the DR. GRAC model to my leadership role. DR. GRAC, which is an acronym for
DR.- desired results
G- guidelines
R- resources
A- accountability
C- consequences
is a structured approach to being an effective leader who channels change constructively.

Applying the DR. GRAC model to my role as a teaching assistant,  I intend reviewing the aims and objectives of necessary topics in signals and systems. This would help me know exactly where I'm headed with my students. The next thing to do is to discuss how the professor I'm working with would like events with regards to the course in question be directed. This would serve as a guideline for me. I have tonnes of resources to use to be effective in my role as a TA. These include textbooks, the internet, the course professor and the experience of other TAs. I intend to maximize the use of these resources. Apart from being accountable to the professor I work with, I believe the most important person I'm accountable to is myself. I plan to challenge myself to be the best I can possibly be in my role. I  believe the consequences of all this would be shared by my students and me. In general, as I assess student performance through grading, my efforts would also be evaluated by students through the evaluations they submit each semester. Consistently applying this model to my role is sure to make me a champion of change.

Public Speaking

1.       Where have you implemented public speaking within your role?

2.       What aspect of public speaking are you going to improve on?

3.       What did you like best or was surprised to learn in Diona’s presentation?

 My role as a TA requires that I introduce signals and systems labs each week to a class of approximately 24 students. I often review the theory behind the labs before we begin work in Matlab. Although initially it was nerve racking standing in front  of a class that large, taking the Student Leadership development course has enhanced my presentation skills. 

I need to improve on the use of professional visual aids in my presentations because most students I work with easily pick up the coding procedures in Matlab when the examples I use to illustrate theoretical concepts are clear and meaningful. Good visual aids could enhance this process.

I loved Diona's exuberance. Her enthusiasm filled the class with a vibrant positive energy that gave more power and meaning to her presentation. I guess we have the TAs and the professor to thank for their inspired selection of speakers for this class.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

My initial reaction to conflict is either to avoid the issue at hand or to stay and fight or argue my point out. These reactions are often accompanied with my heart racing, sometimes a knot in my stomach and perhaps some muscle contractions. I have learned from sad experience that this approach incapacitates my ability to effectively channel my energies to employ some tried and tested techniques for conflict resolution.

Over the years, I've come to understand the need to momentarily pause and assess assess the root of the conflict and ponder how best I can work with all parties involved to resolve the problem. I normally jump into one of the five modes of conflict resolution depending on the issue at hand. These modes are:

• Competition
• Collaboration
• Negotiation or compromize
• Avoidance
• Accommodating

A recent assessment revealed my tendency to employ 'Collaboration' than the other conflict resolution techniques. Since all these methods of conflict resolution require a person to have control over his or her thoughts and emotions, I often strive to :

• place myself in the shoes of those I have conflict with- trying to think what they may be thinking, feeling and the perceived fears they may be having. This helps me not to focus too much on myself in a way that obscures my ability to evaluate both sides of the issue clearly and coherently.
• accept the possibility that I might be wrong in my assessment of the issue and thus not hold too tenaciously to my point of view and seek the best possible solution to the problem at hand. This often frees me from  any rigid attachments to my viewpoint and thus enables me to have control of my emotions.
•  leave and take a walk to clear my head and free myself from negative emotions when necessary.
• offer a prayer to calm my nerves and also gain assistance from the heavens to solve the problem in question.

HUMAN MOTIVATION

I played the role of Nelson Mandela last Wednesday. After interacting with Winston Churchill (Cameron) for some time, I was truly impressed with his level of honesty and openness. He did not hide the fact that there were certain issues he was ignorant of. Neither was he shy or hesitant for his lack of knowledge but showed a desire to improve himself when necessary. He was extremely confident and firm in his belief of what Great Britain stood for- a country that upheld the values of democracy,peace and true civilization. That form of honesty and complete loyalty to the people he served meant a great deal to me.

Nelson Mandela often motivated his followers through example. He strove to live the ideals of tolerance, justice, equality and unity. He encouraged his followers to seek redress through peaceful means and till the day he died, vehemently denounced violence. I deeply respect him for this.

I think the main element of motivation I'll emphasize in my role is the element of vision and reward. If the students I TA realize the need to keep working hard to perfect their computational skills using MATLAB, enjoy working in the labs and also see the opportunities and satisfaction that such knowledge provides, I'm positive they'll work better and contribute more to the progress of Signals and Systems. 

DECISION MAKING

The six Cs of decision making were applied in my role as follows:

• Construct- I had a clear idea of why I chose to be a TA for the signals and systems class( ECEn 380 class). I knew that signals and systems was key to my research in scheduling algorithms for 4G networks. 
• Compile- I was fully aware at the time of my decision that I had the requisite MATLAB skills to work in the labs. I also reviewed signals and systems the first semester I arrived in the department. I was therefore familiar with the theory of that class. Putting all these down on paper helped me make my decision without  hesitation.
• Collect- I gathered the main tools I needed to succeed as a TA ( signals and systems textbook and lab book) and often discussed with the professor ways I could be more effective in my role. Armed with these tools, I only needed to be committed to succeed.
• Compare- I often interacted with the graduate students who have worked as ECEn 380 TAs . These TAs have  taught me quite a number of approaches to being effective in my role. 
• Consider what might go wrong- From the moment I chose to be work as TA, I was aware of the possibility of not communicating effectively with my students as I come from a totally different country with an entirely different accent and vocabulary. I was also keenly aware that lack of preparation for each lab session could prove problematic for me. I have striven to mitigate these two challenges as much as possible by learning some American vocabulary and preparing ahead of each lab.
• Commit to a decision- I have made a decision to be an ECEn 380 TA without any regrets. Its been fun for me.

The RACE model does indeed help activities or events run faster since its a structured approach to problem solving. RACE, which stands for 'research and training','action','carry out','evaluation and report' ensures that attention is paid to the smallest detail in the planning and execution of events. It truly is an effective model that helps to break activities into clear modules that can be independently analyzed and implemented.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Based on the lecture and the lab session, I've resolved to listen more and observe myself while I do this. I'm more determined now after Tamara's lecture to be intentional and accountable to myself with all tasks I undertake. By carefully achieving these two goals, I am confident I'd be more in control of the events around me than letting events control my life. Listening more would enhance my communication and learning skills. Being more conscious and accountable would make me more responsible in my dealings.

Balance is the art of being in equilibrium with the events in one's life. It is the mastery of events in such a way that one is always in control regardless of what is happening. I implement balance in my role as a TA by prioritizing and doing that which is most important and then progressing to less important stuff. As I do this, I strive not to be too engrossed in my work that I do not have a healthy relationship with my students. I complete tasks on schedule so I could work on my research and other academic and social activities.

The most pronounced example I can give where I've been an excellent time manager would be how I handle the signals and systems labs with the students I TA. I go around finding out their challenges with the labs and helping them solve those problems so they could complete the labs on time. So far, we have not had any students behind schedule except for two students who have had to miss some labs because of family and health issues. We are working so these students can also catch up with the rest of the class. All in all, I feel good about the pace things are going and I'll continue to put in my best to ensure that we are on top of things.

Utilizing our strengths and weaknesses

Example of when I've utilized my strength/weakness:
I used to be really shy when I spoke in public because of a huge birthmark I have on my face. I later realized that wherever I spoke I had the complete attention of nearly all my audience primarily because most people tend to stare at my birthmark and wonder. I have utilized this a lot when I speak in church or when I offer a lesson in the lab. As long as I have the attention of my audience, I'm happy sharing what needs to be shared.


Our group project is aimed at meeting the special needs of some physically challenged persons. I think the major strength of this project is the intense enthusiasm  my team mates and I have towards sharing our time with these folks. Being thus motivated, we plan on opening booths with various activities for the special needs children. We are yet to decide on the specific activities.

TEAM WORK

I would like to describe in detail how norming and  performing has affected my team.


I believe the norming stage begun about two weeks ago with the team of students I TA. I now know most of them and call them by their respective names. The students do likewise to me. Interactions between me and the ECEn 380 students has improved considerably. This enhanced communication has enabled me realize and appreciate the true meaning of norming- a teamwork stage where things have become normal and where shyness, hesitation and lack of effective communication is rather minimal.


With regards to performing, I am surprised at the fast pace at which we have successfully completed four labs already without much problem. Most of the students appear to understand what is going on and are willing to work as hard as they can to link signal theory to MATLAB exercises. I personally have gained added understanding to systems concepts as I do all labs ahead of time before working with my students. I guess I could sum up the meaning of performing as being self motivated to accomplish group tasks within scheduled time.


The dysfunction I've noticed with my team is fear of conflict. I guess this is chiefly because my students  and I come from totally different backgrounds. Although we treat each other with respect, you could sense the subtle presence of fear of conflict. I realized that learning more about american culture is helping me be more open  and sensitive but nevertheless frank in sharing my opinion about issues that crop up. I also think my approach is being reciprocated by most of the students and I really appreciate that.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Do you think you are effective at communicating and how can you improve?
What are some new or different ways you learned to communicate that you will apply to your leadership role?
Realistically, what kind of listener are you? What can you do to become a better listener?
 
I have over the years developed certain communication skills which have proven quite useful. I however believe  there is still a lot I can do to communicate powerfully and prolifically- particularly in the the area of taking initiatives and having a positive optimism when communicating. My current role is of  a technical nature. Because of this I need to hone my analytical skills to the point where I establish trust in the students I TA.

All in all, I'm more of an attentive listener- especially with regards to subjects or issues that interest me. I intend to work on being more of an empathetic listener as this creates a more friendly and comfortable environment for effective communication. I hope to achieve this by trying to understand and showing a genuine concern for the welfare of the  people I listen to.

VISION.

My vision is to assist students taking ECEn 380 (Signals and Systems) to understand and appreciate the various ways of applying linear time invariant systems analyses to solving real world systems problems.

My goal is to review each week's lab on Tuesdays (9:00am-10:00am) before the actual lab hours which is Wednesdays and Thursdays 3:00pm-6:00pm. So far,this approach has been effective in enabling me better execute my role.

What does being a “servant leader” mean to you?

Like I said in class, the word 'sacrifice' encapsulates the meaning of being a servant leader for me. I think one other interesting meaning I derive from servant leadership is the fact that servant leaders care less about what their followers think of them(the servant leaders) and more about how their followers think of themselves.


What drives a servant leader I believe, is the sincere and genuine desire to cause positive change in the lives of their followers with no ulterior motives. We can therefore say servant leadership is righteous leadership with no strings attached.

How I will apply the principles of Divine Centered Leadership to my role?

Ben has agreed to meet with me every Saturday and during some weekdays to study and solve home works together. I intend not to only focus on my understanding of key technical concepts as we do this but also assist Ben with areas he is struggling with as much as possible. 

I think what's really important is that my motive for working with Ben is to build a friendship that has trust as its foundation.

Who I met:

I met a young man called Ben Arnold. He is a double E major (purely electrical engineering major). He has 2 brothers and a sister and he lives about 30 blocks from campus. He loves to play basketball and ultimate Frisbee. Above all he loves technology, especially hands-on creation of code and hardware that can really do cool stuff. He is currently working for a company called Wavetronics.

The thing I love about this young man is that he is very motivated and intelligent but extremely humble and patient. You could sense it in the way he communicates and relates with people around him. I guess the most valuable part of meeting Ben is discovering this aspect of his character. The beauty of this is that I do not only have the opportunity to relate to Ben using experiences from this class but also I have the chance to learn from Ben's life as well.

Aims continued:

I figured I'd be happier and effective if I developed skills that would aid me assist the students I TA to progress. This would motivate me to develop the character and mindset I need to succeed in my career. I'm really thankful that BYU offers such an opportunity for students to grow into responsible leaders.

My ultimate goal is to climb the corporate ladder in the big telecom companies back in Africa. The surest way for me to accomplish this is mastering the concepts in this class and consistently applying those concepts in my current leadership role.

Leadership Development - Blog1

What leadership roles I have: Signals and Systems TA

Leadership qualities I possess: Empathy and dedication to quality service