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.