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.