profleader-blog

[profleader-blog]

Creative Problem Solving -2

This was another session of creativity and innovation class and we were full of energy, but some were nervous as we had mid term test in the afternoon. The lecturer drew our attention and engaged us by assigning the classwork which seemed challenging and had to be completed in 90 minutes.  We started with assigning specific role to each member and the big assignment was broken into small tasks and it felt like we manage it now. Each member was clear about their roles. The issue was identified and clearly stated on the board. The team discussed and suggested five criteria to assess and accept the ideas. Each member participated but the progress was at slow pace but gradually the involvement level increased and we all were in the flow zone. This is when we felt excited and started contributed in the best way we can. It is important to engage the team in this process as it demands for divergent, wild as many ideas as possible. It requires to build on each others’ ideas. The cps process is detailed and organized, divided into steps which makes it easy to follow. As a team, we ensured that all the steps as described were followed and at the end we came up with unbelievable solution and action plan- “Dogos” an interactive app to take care of dogs.

The cps template is used as a tool to solve issues, but its effectiveness depends upon how it is used, how it is interpreted by the user and how experienced is the user. With the help of the lecture we got a better understing of this process and followed his direction. I think the role of the facilitator is important in this process as the clues helped to generate ideas in abundance and kept the team involved and motivated. We switched the role of facilitator for different steps so that kept the energy moving in the process. Using the template and coming up with successful solution requires great effort and preparation time. We could have divided the tasks more equally among the team members, so we did not have to rush towards the end and could have prepared more for the presentation.

I think, this process enhanced my problem-solving ability as it involved identifying various ideas and then use specific criteria, reasoning to choose the best fit solution that resolved the issue. I will be using this process to make quick decisions using right brain to flow with ideas and then logically converge the ideas to create right opportunity

[profleader-blog]

Creative Problem-Solving Session

The step by step creative problem-solving template helps to generate ideas, associate it with random word, converge the ideas and power it up to come with final solution. It underlines the process involved in identifying the roles of the group members, the issues and come up with top five assessment criteria that will be used to assess the idea. The second step focusses on analysing and resolving the situation by generating ideas as many as possible through brainstorming. The guidelines for ideate involves defer judgement, build on others ideas, wild ideas and go for quantity. The aim is to generate as many as 50 ideas. The next step is to get a random word and build associations and attributes from the random word, followed by generating 10 to 15 new and interesting ideas. The third step involves converging the ideas using votes from each member to rate the ideas and come up with the top four ideas. Finally based on the criteria choose the best idea was selected and values were added following which the strengths and concerns were identified. Also, steps on how to resolve the weakness was suggested. Lastly an action plan was developed to make the solution real.

The template was beneficial to find great solutions for the given case in the class as team generated many ideas without judging or using logical thinking, there was a flow of ideas with right brain in action. The process was so detailed and systematic that there were less chances of missing any important point. Using the creating problem-solving model was time taking as the process required to track and work on various steps to analyse situation for a solution. In the beginning it was challenging to generate ideas as left brain interrupted and there were breaks in the flow but gradually the concept got clearer.

In the class, an issue was given to be solved and we worked in groups and came up with amazing solutions. The case was to help Tim Horton to launch new product and using the creative problem-solving model, we gave unbelievable solution of introducing hazel muffin with stuffed chocolate brigadeiro. The other groups also came up with very creative ideas. It was very entertaining to watch other groups’ presentation and how they came up with ideas and action plan in just 30 minutes. The template helped to build a powerful solution for the identified issues by using the criteria-based assessment.

[profleader-blog]

Solve It

The topic of discussion for this week was creative solving process which involved five steps using the whole brain to think in the process. The five steps are

·        Determine the issue, challenge or opportunity and bring creative solution

·        Write a clear problem statement using critical and analytical thinking

·        Generate ideas using flow

·        Identify the best idea using flow as well as critical thinking

·        Write your vision using your imagination

It has been almost six months since I enrolled in the Project Management course, two months left for the course to be completed. Now, I have started job hunting seriously. It has been over three weeks that I am looking for job and worried as when will I get a relevant job. So, I used the Solve It template to work through it, following the steps outlined in the template

Step One: Issue- Finding a relevant job after graduating from Post Graduate Program in Project Management

Challenges

I have no Canadian work experience in Project Management field

I have no reference from recognized organization

There is not much job opportunity available in Ontario in the Project Management field

There is high competition in Project Management field

I do not have work experience in Project Management field

I do not have much time to apply for jobs due to school work and assignments

I am not aware of the system as how to apply for jobs other than the online portal

I do not know how to market myself

I do not know how to create brand

I am afraid of facing interviews

I do not have international certifications in Project Management field

I do not have social networking in Canada

I am not professional in writing effective resumes

I face challenge tailoring the resume to fit specific job

 Challenges - Converge

I have no Canadian work experience in Project Management field

 Step Two: Problem Statement- To get Canadian work experience in Project Management field

 Step Three: Generate Ideas- What are some ideas on how I could get Canadian experience in Project Management field

What if I get a volunteer job

What if I get the PMP certification

What if I get a Project Coordinator job and move on later

What if I get reference from someone for the job

What if I get to build my social network and get recommendation for job

What if I get job placement through coop program

What if I get selected to one of the jobs I applied for

What if I get job assistance from consultant

What if I get reference from capstone client

What if I get a job at capstone client’s office

What if I get a job through LinkedIn networking

What if I get part time job at Sheridan College

What if I get recommendation through college professor for a job

 Step Four: Get the Best Ideas

What if I get the PMP certification

 Step Five: Capture Your Vision

I have joined the PMP blogs and have become an active member, researching, contributing to discussion forum and collecting information on how to get PMP certification.

Once the relevant information is gathered, it is time to set the stage for preparation.

 Finally, it is the exam day, I am nervous and confident at the same time, a mixed feeling and guess what I did it, yes I did it , I passed the certification exam.

[profleader-blog]

Mind Mapping

This week, the focus of discussion was on concept mapping using mind mapping and idea mapping tools. There was a video presented in class and the part that emphasized to create mind map instead of taking textual notes attracted me, as it is easier for brain to remember image rather than text. As a student, you are busy focusing on notes taking, worried what is important and what is not so, it is difficult to write with the same speed as someone is talking. Using mind map tool resolves this issue, now you are thinking in the same pattern as your brain works, you are trying to associate important items together and create a mind map with things that are relevant to you. After watching this I started to deeply think over this tool and identify the advantages of using mind map. Now, that I am aware of this tool, I will apply it accordingly to achieve the goal conveniently as it will enhance the flow of work.

Project managers are required to effectively coordinate project management activities, resources and information in fast-paced, time-critical environments. The other roles involved are micromanaging series of project related task as well as maintain the master schedule and update the requested changes. They are also involved in creating and maintaining, comprehensive project documentation, plans and reports. Mind map focuses on the main task   so it is placed in the center and all other activities associated with it branches out and then is further broken into small sub deliverable represent as smaller branches. This map uses color and one word is used to represent each branch. By using mind map, project manager can accomplish the overwhelming task with ease and efficiency.

 The experience of walking and seeing for the first-time activity was very different. It made me realize that in our busy life we forget to pause and observe things around us. I sat on a bench in the walk way and observed that the trees have shed all the leaves and was still standing firm with its root and branches with no leaf. I wondered as how the trees would have been generating energy to survive in this cold weather without leaves. I know trees cannot migrate like some of the animals do. I researched and was amazed to learn new facts as how trees go through dormancy; their metabolism rate is slowed down to conserve the stored food to meet the essential functions. I loved this activity as it allowed me to appreciate the beautiful nature and environment around me.  

[profleader-blog]

Creative Attitudes

Over the period, I have realized that I am very complacent with what I have and where I am, which is good in a way, but life will become dull with no desire to explore new things and achieve new goals. After attending this session of developing your potential creativity, I started looking deep into myself, spent some time doing self-reflection, trying to find what is blocking me from being more creative. Some common blockers were mentioned in the class. I started analyzing each one of the blockers discussed in the class and found that one of the blockers was fear of failure, fear of making a mistake, fear of looking foolish, fear of not having a fresh idea. I feel that I before starting anything new, I question myself a lot what if I fail, what if the plan does not work as it should be, so the fear of failure stops me from exploring new ideas, being creative and innovative. I also identified that I doubt my potential, do not have self-confidence and under estimate myself. As well as I feel that I do not want to face uncertainties where I have to face unsolved problems. I want to stay away from chaos. All these are obstructing me from being creative.

 These points were also discussed in the class, so I think that these blockers are common, I am not an exception and if tried honestly, I can overcome these blockers. I have planned to get out of my comfort zone and try something new every week being fearless of the result. I need to trust myself, listen to my inner self and do it, I may fail couple of time. Since I have started trying new stuff like new food, I have become more versatile and adventurous. Earlier I was very picky in term of what I eat that limited me from visiting many different places. Now with little change in me, I see things differently, feel the creativity in me is up-and-coming and will soon bloom.

 After attending the creative classes, I learnt that it is not always about being successful, we should follow our imaginations. Sometimes we have to create the environment that allows you to flow with your imagination as all the great inventions were made because those people imagined of something new, something that did not exist and followed their intuition and did wonders. Give time to yourself to develop the creative attitudes; passion, awareness, curiosity and courage. Once you possess these traits, you will find a new self who can do miracles.

[profleader-blog]

Creativity and Innovation -1

My creative inclination is for cooking. I have the passion to learn about different cultures and food is an important part of it. I do research, learn and try new cooking experience. The Indian cuisine consists of wide variety of menu, different parts of India have different traditional dishes using their own spices and recipe, which is unique to that region. The background where I come from, cooking is an integral part of that culture. I generate new ideas to blend different spices and ingredients to cook something new and the aroma, the rich color and the taste of the new dish gives a feel of satisfaction and motivation. I try to pass the cooking tradition which I inherited from my mother to my kids.

“Creativity is to bring something new, to you, into being”, according to this definition, creating / cooking new dishes with new recipe or a mix of existing ones is bringing something new into being that did not exist before. Sometimes I allow free flow to generate ideas and narrow down the ideas by picking the best ones. The four steps involved in the creative processes are clarify, ideate, develop and implement.

This week I wanted to cook something new, a mix of Indian and Mexican food but was not sure what to cook. I researched different menus and came up with idea to blend Indian, Mexican and Italian dishes. I checked for the ingredients available in my kitchen, wheat flour, egg, salsa sauce, oregano powder, pasta, nachos, hot pepper sauce (Indian red chily sauce). Put the egg over half cooked roti and then when it was completely cooked stuffed it with boiled pasta, seasoned it with sauces and the oregano. Finally, an innovative, creative, brand new, delicious dish was created. I felt confident about it. I learnt that once you have the passion to do something, you can overcome the issues and bring in or create the new something that you dream or imagine.

[profleader-blog]

Leadership Adventure Trail#1

The first Leadership Adventure Trail was an exciting experience. It exposed me to deal with a real-world situation. It helped to think out of box, apply the knowledge gained academically to existing business condition. The given case scenario was interesting and as a team, we had to brainstorm and read the case multiple times to analyze the situation. It was difficult to identify the leadership goals as the suggested tasks should effectively resolve the leadership issues and operational issues. Another interesting activity was interviewing a Director of Executive Education of a renowned university to get insight of the situation. This gave us an opportunity to interact directly with an experienced business personnel.

 I learnt that as a leader, you must work hard to analyse and understand the situation as it assists getting divergent ideas to find innovative ways to overcome the challenges and achieve the goal. Once, people have detailed knowledge of the situation, they feel confident and I believe that confidence is the seed from which leadership grows. I will exude confidence to inspire people to find their inner strengths and use it to conquer any obstacles in the path of success.

 I think, this process enhanced my decision-making ability as it involved identifying various ideas and then use specific criteria, reasoning to choose the best fit solution that resolved the issue. I will be using my judgement to make quick decisions and guide the team to trust in their abilities to create the right opportunities to meet the vision effectively.

 I feel that I need to improve my written and verbal communication skill. As leader, it is important, to be able to communicate the ideas and facts to people clearly to get their support. Effective communication is a key skill for leaders to develop relationship with people in both personal and professional environment. Leaders with effective communication skill are better able to handle the situational issues as they can share the information efficiently with multitude audience. The rapid flow of information makes people feel informed and engaged in the process which encourages them to share ideas and solutions. So, I believe that improving my communication skill will equip me better to deal with leadership issues and challenges.

The class was divided into five groups for the Leadership Trail #1 presentation and the groups came up with different leadership ideas and solution for the given case. The same situation was analyzed differently as people have different perspectives. Each group had twenty minutes to communicate the ideas, vision and plan that they think was most appropriate to resolve the situation. This exercise emphasized that effective communication skill is essential tool for leaders to engage the audience by sharing their ideas and views efficiently and in an interesting manner. As an effective communicator, you must be organized and prepared, you sound confident when you have the detailed knowledge of the situation which draw people’s attention even in short span of time. Effective leadership and effective communication skills are closely linked together. Leaders with excellent communication skill have the potential to attract people and leave a long lasting positive impact.

It is important to have a clear understanding of the mission, vision, structure and culture of the organization as it will lay a strong foundation which will help in resolving the issues. I read the Leadership Challenge 2018 case repeatedly to identify the given facts and issues. I am prepared with specific, clear open-ended questions that covers the different aspects of the given scenario to assist me better understand the leadership challenge faced in that complex organizational environment. Listed below are some of the interview questions:

 Interview Questions

1.     In 2017, when the company decided to launch its B2C platform, what team building challenges were faced initially by the company to support its marketing efforts?

2.     Who used fill in for Michael (CMO) when he was on vacation leave?

3.     Will Michael be able to extend support online, until a new CMO is appointed?

4.     How is the working relationship among the marketing team members?

5.     How comfortable is the Marketing team communicating to COO?

6.     What is the role of the CTO?

7.     How is the workload of the CTO?

8.     How comfortable is the Marketing team communicating to CTO?

9.     List some of the important risks that will affect the business profitability?

10.  What are the opportunities for the marketing team to pick up the work that the CMO started.

[profleader-blog]

Using Problem Solving Template to Resolve Issues

The problem-solving template helps the leader to organize and resolve leadership and operational issues. It underlines the process involved in clarifying the core leadership issue. It entails detailed steps to analyse the situation by listing the key facts related to both people and non-people issues. In this process, first all the facts are listed and out of which the leadership issues are identified and then the core leadership issue which needs to be addressed in this case is identified. This precise template assists to set the leadership goal in response to all the risks identified in this case. The goal, the vision is set after careful analysis of the situation targeting to resolve both the core leadership issue and the operational issue. The template is used as a tool to solve the problem, but its effectiveness depends upon how it is used, how it is interpreted by the user and how experienced is the user. Using the template and coming up with successful solution requires great effort and preparation time.

The template was beneficial to find a solution for the given case as all the given facts were listed and then it was reviewed to identify all the leadership options that will be helpful in solving the issue. Then, the top three leadership ideas were identified and evaluated to resolve case issue. The step -wise process assisted in setting the leadership goal to resolve operational and leadership issues. The process was so detailed and systematic that there were less chances of missing any important point. Using the problem-solving model was time taking as the process required to track and work on various steps to analyse situation for a solution. In the beginning it was challenging to identify the leadership and operational issued as it seemed to be overlapping but gradually the concept got clearer.

The template helped to build a powerful solution for the identified issues by using the criteria-based assessment. Five basic criteria were determined and each of the three ideas were assessed to check how well it meets each criterion and the idea that best fits for given situation was selected. This process clearly outlines and explains as how the selected leadership idea will resolve all the issues. The team will feel confident as the solution is based on a theory that is already researched and tested, reducing the risk factors.

After reviewing the 14 Leadership topics outlined in the Problem-Solving Template, I think that team development is critical leadership requirement. It highlights on selecting, building and inspiring a high-performance team. Leadership is all about people, how to work with people, engage people and inspire them to achieve the vision. There are many traits of a good leader, but an important one is earning the trust of the people better lead them, work together, make a real change and achieve the common vision. I believe that once, a leader builds the trust of their team, they can overcome any problem in any situation and achieve success.

[profleader-blog]

Leadership Areas

The leadership areas that I am naturally drawn to is team development which highlights on selecting, building and inspiring a high-performance team. I believe that leadership is all about people, a true leader knows how to work with people, engage people and inspire them to achieve the vision.  I understand the demands of leadership, one of which is that you must earn the trust of the people to better lead them. Once, a leader builds the trust of their team, they can overcome any problem in any situation and achieve success.

As a leader I have various strengths. These strengths are arrows that will pierce through any obstacles in my path. I believe that confidence is the seed from which leadership grows. I will exude confidence to encourage people when they are in despair. I will confidently motivate people to use their inner strengths to find hope in the bleakest of situations. l will guide them through the darkness acting as a beacon, illuminating the path to our goal. Confidence, this word is synonymous with strength. Confidence is an essential part of leadership. It is the foundation of leadership. The stronger the foundation, the higher you can build upon it. I will use my confidence to inspire those around me and motivate them to climb to unimaginable heights, soaring over any obstacles in the path and achieving our common goal.

The leadership area that I am having challenge with is the virtual leadership where technology is used to build distant relationship. It is obvious that technology is embedded into our daily lifestyle, but how will the leader share the view and influence people located distantly to achieve a common vision. How will the leader manage the communication barriers and cultural diversity to keep team’s spirits high?  

The online research assisted me to understand how a leader can develop strong virtual presence to overcome the challenges faced by virtual leader. Using the 3C model, referenced from www.netspeedlearning.com, the leader can calibrate to define the specific goal, collaborate to work together and celebrate to praise people publicly. The virtual leader engages the team to set the goal and ensures that the virtual team has developed perspective in team norms, historical background, vision of the future and shared cultural values. The leader focuses on developing shared perspective for the success of virtual team. Using this concept, the virtual leader with the help of technology can build distant relationship to earn trust and influence the team to achieving common goal.

[profleader-blog]

Build Trust and Lead Teams

When I was working as a lecturer in training department at HCIT, the members of the department trusted in each other and had good synergy. We knew each others’ strengths and weaknesses. Each of us had a designated task that was assigned to us based on our strengths. We always completed the tasks to the best of our abilities. Any problems were always solved through collaboration and there were very few conflicts among us as we had built a good relationship. We always used to help each other to complete our tasks as efficiently as possible. This is how we functioned as a high performing team.

I was the leader and assigned each of the team members their tasks based on their competencies. I ensured that the lecturer had the skill to teach that topic. Based on requirements, I planned for staff training. I also did my best to assist each of them with their tasks. If anyone was struggling with their assignments I would assign someone to help them.

I would work on my communication skills and encourage open communication among team members so that we are able to fully express our ideas, our feelings, ask questions for clarifications as well as reflecting on our past events and how we could have done better.  At one instance, the team had to develop a program proposal for the under served youth of the western region of Jamaica, after meeting and discussion, the skill area was decided. The team did not clearly specify the duration of the program and the coordinator planned for a full 30 weeks program, but later it was found to be a short program of 15 weeks. The team had to work extra hours to adjust the proposal and meet the submission deadline. I learnt that communication is crucial between all team members irrespective of their roles and responsibilities and also, we should confirm the task objectives among the team members consistently.

I resolve conflicts peacefully through open dialogue between the concerned parties. Resolving the conflict without issue strengthens the bonds among the team and allows them to work together more effectively. I will try to settle the arising issues and concerns immediately and find a quick middle ground solution.

I would lead with more confidence, so the team members will believe and trust in me. I will acknowledge the team members’ contribution, this will help them to build their self confidence. I believe that a confident team can accomplish the goal quickly and effectively.

[profleader-blog]

Authentic Leadership

This week, the focus of discussion was on identifying leadership strengths and values. There was a video presented in class and the part that emphasized to concentrate on your strengths rather than the weakness really inspired me. In the past, I believed that you needed to work on your weaknesses, but after watching this video, my view was changed, and I started to deeply identify my strengths. Knowing one’s strengths is essential to be a good leader and applying them accordingly to achieve the mission.

I took a long hard look at myself and I saw my strengths, weaknesses and values within me. I realized that I value integrity as well as having close relationships with people. Integrity is one of the core aspects of becoming an effective leader. Leadership is entirely dependent on integrity as it is built upon honesty and truthfulness.

A leader must always be truthful, whether the truth is hurtful or not. I will try to be honest with my group members while working on the project even if any of them may be offended. Over the period, they will realize that it was for their betterment which will develop the trust among the group members. Trust is the glue that holds together the relationship between a leader and his followers. With trust, loyalty develops and earning the loyalty of people is vital for success.

I believe a good leader must earn the loyalty of people. When people have an issue, I will reassure them and take measures to solve the problem. I will support and respect others. I will strive for perfection even if it is unattainable so that I will set a good example for people to follow. I will work hard and never take the easy way out. There are no shortcuts in life. I will lead by example and show others not to take the short and easy path but teach them how to navigate the long and rugged path.

[profleader-blog]

Leadership-Strengths & Skills

When I was working as a Program Coordinator at CIT, preparations were made to start new semester for the year 2016 and the applications for the various offered programs were being accepted. It was realized during the registration process that the accreditation status to offer level 4 Events Planning and Management course had expired. It was a serious issue as the offering for the level 4 program was published and 24 students had already applied for the program. A meeting was conducted with the members of the registry department and it was decided to drop the course for this semester. I, being the program coordinator was not very pleased with the decision and started to ponder other opportunities. I contacted the other institutes of the same organization and came up with a solution, to partner with one of the accredited institute and offer the course at my location. This was discussed with the training and registry staff and the Head of Department, trusted my decision and gave the permission to offer the course. It was much more work for me, but I was passionate and dedicated to achieving the goal. Finally, the course ended successfully.

 It would have been easy for me to drop the course, but I thought out of box and came up with new idea to accomplish the task. I appreciated that my supervisor trusted me and believed in my competency and hence gave the permission to offer the course. I held myself accountable for the decision taken. While working with the team members of the partner institute, I learnt that to meet the goal, you must effectively work with different personalities and be able to convince people.

In my opinion, the most important trait of a leader is to develop relationship with people and inspire trust, which will assist to achieve the common goal effectively. I think, I possess these leadership skills. When I was working as a lecturer at CIT, I had to interact with students of different socio-economic background. Over the period, I comprehended that for learning and teaching to be successful you must understand students’ problem and build their trust. It takes time to earn people’s trust, to develop trust people should believe in your competency, commitment and compassion. Every year, I worked hard with new group of students but gradually achieved the desired result.

 I must improve my communication skill as it is important for a leader to clearly communicate the ideas, thoughts and vision to people. A leader should communicate well to motivate others and achieve better results.