MHRM 6100 Week 8

I updated my Linkedin and Twitter accounts and when I had time, explored both sites. I updated my resume because one of my goals for 2012, is to get back into managing and/or HR.  I have been at my company for six years and even though I don’t like the “culture,” this position has temporally met my needs both emotionally and intellectually.  It is time to update my resume and begin the process of revamping myself. I will look at my wardrobe and shoes; get my hair cut and just look more professional, which is good for my self-confidence.  (Side note here.)

Also, both websites are educational in and of themselves and for those of us that are not used to social networking, opening up accounts and navigating inside he sites is good practice for updating our computer skills and a step at beginning to social network. 

Over the last eight weeks, we have been team building and comparing our progress against Tuckman’s model for team development.

I knew this week was coming....and I feel emotional as I write this. For me, I am in Tuckman’s last stage, which is the adjourning stage. (Chapman, 1995) states that this stage was added by Tuckman in approximately 1975. He added this stage as an “adjourning or mourning” stage.  It is a final stage where the team has completed its collective goal and is ending its bond; a bond  created since the beginning of the class. Team bonding will start fresh with the next course; however, if the same students that are in this course are in the next, we will have a very short forming phase. Based on what I have seen so far in my classmates discussion responses, most if not all students, including me, are very excited with our program at Walden.   

I was able to apply Tuckman’s model for team development to our virtual team, but it was, a somewhat, hazy exercise for me to do. I assumed our class was in a particular phase because this virtual experience is not based on actually meeting and talking with people, and I never asked any of my teammates what they thought about our team.

I was thinking the following and wanted to write this down: what if I could not speak or hear, but had the written word as my only communication? I would have words that I could read and understand and reply to, like e-mails, discussion posts or blogs.  I could communicate with some of my senses, but not my sense of hearing. This form of learning could work for someone with a disability verses sitting in a class if a person cannot hear or has lost sight. This virtual learning environment is the future for those that cannot be in a regular classroom.

Continuing with Tuckman’s team building; the forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning are all needed for a team to form, bond, produce and resolve.  If one aspect of the team is not there, then it is possible that the team will not perform at its best and may fail.  I think that our team continues to be built and this class was the first building block for all of our classes to come.    

With that being said, I feel sad as I write this because in some ways I do not want this class to end because I have enjoyed it very much.

 Love Paulina Beautovia

What stage of the Tuckman are we in?

In examining my virtual learning environment, when compared against the Tuckman Team Stage Development model, I believe that we are in various phases of development. To be more specific, some of us are in the forming phase, where we continue to be focused on our professor, still learning the "rules" of being a student at Walden University.  Chapman (2001-2009)  Some of us are working at establishing ourselves, focusing of the goal of completing each week's discussion board (DB), writing the application assignments  and getting good grades (p. 2). There are a few of us who see these assignments as fun and enjoy sharing with others on the DB, in this being the norming phase of Tuckman's team development. (p. 2) Lastly, Tuckman's stage 4 is all about performance. As we learn, we understand and grow. We are working toward a goal of competing this course at the end of week 8, yet are enjoying the journey along the way.

I must say that I can see myself in all of the phases that I have described above. I look to the professor for direction and approval; I am still learning the rules and have challenged them too. I answer my assignments on the DB and then fear that someone else has done a better job then I have and besides all of that emotional up and down, I really enjoy what I am learning. 

Reference

Chapman, A. (2001-2009) tuckman forming storming norming performing model. Retrieved from  http://www.businessballs.com/tuckmanformingstormingnormingperforming.htm.

Always, Paulina Beautovia.

My thoughts for this day, 12-8-11

Hi Blog... I am looking forward to Christmas and relaxing some. I hope to go to church with my mom on Christmas eve.  My husband is in good humor and our son is growing up to be a really interesting and intelligent man.  We have 2 dogs as well and my husband will take them to the doggie barbershop next week. 
There are many things I wish for but what I have is enough for me.  I am enjoying my first master's class in HR and I am excited about what is next. 
I have a blog assignment this week and will do this tonight.  What stage is my group in using Tuckman's phases.   Got to go, Love Paulina Beautovia.

Blog Post #4

I updated my resume and personal data on Linkedin.com. I also did a search for fictitious employment positions on this site to see what types of responses I would get.  I would use Linkedin for employment opportunities. I also have a Facebook account for my social relationships, but I do not believe that I will find employment opportunities on this site. This may be a negative assumption on my part, as I have not tried it for employment purposes.  I  have just begun instant messaging at work. I think that I have touched on what is available to me as far as networking opportunities.

To answer the last part of the blog question about Tuckman’s Team Stage Development, Tuckman describes the stages that teams go through, and states there are four stages for team development. Those stages are forming; storming; norming and performing. (Chapman 1999)

The “forming” stage focuses on the leader as teacher, director and mentor; as one who will give the goals for the team and who acts as a liaison to those in positions superior to the leader. The second stage is called “storming,” where there is conflict between the team members who try and vie for the leadership position in the team.  One or more want to dominate the group. The leader will be challenged by team members. It is a time for power struggles. Stage three is a time of “norming,” where the team works together and there is less of a power struggle. Stage four has a “shared vision,” where group goals are being achieved. Tuckman added a fifth stage in the 1970s, called the “adjourning” phase, where group members resolve any residual issues; where goals have been met and the team partnership ends. (p. 1-8)

What stage is my virtual learning team in now?   I think that we are in the first phase or forming stage.  This is our first virtual class on our journey to obtain a Master’s in Human Resources at Walden University. Our Professor, as leader, gives direction, and acts as mentor, teacher and leader of the team.  Since this is our first class, or at least my first class, our leader sets the norms for all of our studies at Walden University. She teaches us how to take our courses and format our papers using APA guidelines for many courses yet to come.  I do not know if there is time for the second or third phase in this eight week course. There will be some form of Tuckman’s fifth phase, as we meet our goals at the end this eight week class.

 Reference

 Chapman, A. (1999-2011) Bruce Tuckman’s 1965 Forming Storming Norming Performing team-development model. Retrieved from http://www.businessballs.com

Tuesday, November 22nd

Hi all.  We are in week four of our class and I am learning about companies that use force ranking, which is a way to determine who the top, middle and bottom performers are in a company.  Employee evaluations are necessary and part of  best practices and those that are not performing should be identified and counseled and if there in little or no improvement in performance, let go. However, ranking people against each other and  using this strategy to manipulate and eliminate the selected bottom 10% of performers, is just wrong.  As a manager, I could have played favorites and manipulated my figures, but I didn't.  What I really disliked from my last company was the political maneuvering that took place and the lies and manipulation. If my manager didn't like someone, they were doomed at that company. If I worked in HR for a company that did force ranking, I would either support it or not.  If I didn't, what would I do? Could I work for a company that goes against my values? 

Amost Friday

Hi All:  I am tired tonight, but thought I would write on my blog to document what I think and feel.  I am feeling a little pressure because of the upcoming holiday, but tomorrow I will write out my list for what to buy for Turkey Day. Every year it all comes into place and all is done and the food is great and we all celebrate the season. I bought a red dress for the holiday and hope it fits. I put it in the closet and will try it on when I have the time and when I am alone. I enjoy my moments of privacy.  Getting back to what I was saying...I enjoy the holidays and yet feel emotional at the same time. Today I was remembering when I was 17yo and had my first real young adult relationship. He was volunteering at a local hospital and I went to visit him.  I was so glad to see him and when he was off work, he took me up to the top floor in a conference room (if I remember), and we looked out at the entire city at night.  It was so beautiful and we were really in love.  Many years have passed and I still remember him and that time we shared.  We were best friends too.  So, when this time of year comes around, I think of him. more than usual. We are both married other people and have grown kids and he has grand kids, but we had a special time together and I am glad of this. 
I also like this time of year, for how it feels. I can't explain it other than it is a special warm feeling that smells like cloves and cinnamon and garlic and onions and love.

Sunday, another day closer to Thanksgiving

Hi All my  most devoted fans.  I am enjoying my studies at Walden and I am very grateful to be here in this environment, in this HR program. I realize that this is the first of many courses but already I am learning and growing. I have new words that describe how I view my work environment and my understanding of HR. I am learning more about the dynamics of corporate structure and the strengths and weaknesses of our leaders and cultures are created.  One of my most puzzling questions is if a culture is oppressive, how there be such longevity with employee retention within a company? I don't have answers for this yet, but will.  If I was in a HR department of a company and could get approval, I would like to develop an employee survey to assess culture.  What a great tool this would be to help HR understand the culture, while also working with management to improve performance/productivity and of course the bottom line. Could I be brave enough to discuss problems with a negative culture with "the top guy"?

Paulina Beautiovia: Bravo Paulina

Paulina Beautiovia: Bravo Paulina

Bravo Paulina

Hi All:  This week I have had an epiphany about HR.  I always viewed HR as a separate department and not as a member of a community or even part of the business strategy department.  I just didn't know.  I was a manager of two legal offices and had a relationship with HR, but this class is opening my eyes and I must say I am impressed. I like the idea of learning what my business goals are and being a credible activist for both the business and its employees.  As a manager I gave my opinion and one of my strong points was my ability to assess employee needs and to help them  succeed.  I hope that I can obtain a position in HR in 2012 and this is one of my goals.  Bravo Paulina 

My frustration

Hi All: I am frustrated as I read about human capital.  At first I was offended by the term, but of course I had an assumption about what it meant.  I now understand that the investment in an employee is a form of capital or time and money invested growing a person in the company. Investing in education and training, etc.  For the past few years I have grown uneasy with how employees are treated at my company. Some say that the secretary at my work has a status that is a little higher then the binders because both the employee and the supplies are a cost to the company. Attorneys are an income/money maker for the company.  I suggested during a meeting with the head (when he asked what the company could do to "make it better), that an investment in education for the secretary is needed. Some form of tuition reimbursement would be great.  He said to me "why would we want to do this, when all you will do is get educated and leave?"  I didn't know what to say to such an ignorant statement.  Investing in human capital encourages loyalty and having an educated workforce is paramount in today's society.  I now have a name to what I want...investment in human capital.  I want to work for a company that invests in its people and I want to help make that happen.

MHRM 6100 Week 2

I love podcasting. I have not recorded one myself, but listen to them all the time on my IPod. I can listen to the news or a social commentator or the “other” political party and listen to their views on the latest political issue. Or, I can listen to a book or an old fashioned radio series. I find all of this entertaining, relaxing and just plain fun. As far as the use of podcasts for learning, I think that this is a great format to impart information and I am open to this format for learning. I can put on my ear buds and listen/learn anywhere or at any time of the day. I also think that the use of podcasts can supplement text learning or enhance it especially if the person is an audio learner versus a visual learner. Some of us need both to be able to retain information. I find that if I hear a lecture, take notes, re-write the notes, listen to a supplement on the lecture, I internalize the information. The use of our discussion boards, blogs, written assignments and feedback all increase our understanding of the material taught.

I also have a Facebook account and post to it occasionally. I find that it is just too time consuming and even though this form of communication is easy, I just don’t find it a satisfying form of entertainment.

Sunday, one day closer to Thanksgiving

Hi All:  Today is one day closer to Thanksgiving. This year, my mom, sister and my niece are coming for dinner, to relax, enjoy and have a good time.  I will be cooking for 6 total and 2 dogs and one cat, who likes leftovers.   My mother taught me to love the holidays and to cook a great bird. When I was a kid, it was such a festive time, with my parents,  godmother and her husband.  I couldn't wait to eat the stuffing....
My mother-in-law, who passed away a few years ago,  was a great cook and taught me to make a Puerto Rican turkey.  The seasonings she used would fill the street with flavor that was out of this world.  I combine my mother's and my mother-in-law's cooking and it is heaven in my house (at least in my heart).  Since I really like to eat during the holidays and then my party clothes don't fit, I am on Weight Watchers and have been off and on the program for several years.  I like my skinny jeans and pencil skirts and so, I go to WW meetings and control my portions so that I stay healthy and this program gives me eating right discipline.  Then on Thanksgiving and Christmas week, I eat and enjoy not caring how many calories that extra helping of whatever is costing me.
Lastly, I am finishing up  my assignment regarding my chosen company and Prof. Coase. UGH. Does this guy speak English?  Pauline

11-4-11

Hi All: Today is Friday and payday. It doesn't get much better than that unless I am in Vegas for the weekend. 
I have a paper to write about a public company and I don't know where to start, but once I begin, it will be a good paper. As I sit in front of my computer and as I write this, I think about not continuing with law school and I realize it was, for me, like nails on a chalkboard.  Bad.  I ready know that even if my program at Walden becomes really hard, it doesn't make me hate my life. I read the articles, write on the discussion board and I know that I am is where I need and want to be.  love always Paulina

11-3-11

Hi My most marvelous fans.  I had a busy day at work. Tried to fit some class reading, posting during my lunch hour and at breaks.  My boss knows that I am in school and supports my efforts to get educated.   I think that my education is more then "getting educated". It is about achieving the best for myself and for those I care about.  It is also a tremendous focus for me and to tell you the truth, I would rather write a paper than watch endless TV.  All of my adult life I wanted to get a bachelor's degree and when I did, I said to myself that now the doors will open.  Maybe this opening is an internal thing that I have the same amount of education/experience as those I respect or maybe it is something else. I am sure that this arrival is about many things.  Regardless, I am here, I am in my master's program and this is good.  Love Paulina

What a great class this is going to be.

Hi: I am looking forward to entering my thoughts on this blog. So far, I am reading the article on the Nature of the Firm by R.H. Coase. OMG it is difficult and I feel like a 4th grader trying to understand it. One day at a time.... Paulina

Walden Univ.

Hi All. I haven't posted since 2009. I am now in a Master's program at Walden and so I renew this Blog and invite you in.