Assignment #6 -- Leadership V Management

Is a leader a manager and a manager a leader?

The art of leadership and the art of management are quite similar, but there is a line that divides the two. 

Leadership is a characteristic that can exist without holding a position over people, without delegating tasks, etc.  This trait is not always visible nor does it need to be.  A true leader always has teh capability to rise to ever occasion and whenever there is a lack of, but does not necessarly radiate power.  A leader is not always be in the position to manage others, however they have all the necessary requisites to handle the duties leadership entails with poise and prestige. 

A manager already holds the leadership position, regardless of business acumen and the development of their competencies, hopefully already fully developed.  Many managers face the tough realities that the position entails and succeed because  of teh fact that they are able to not only function but excel in their other roles.  There are some managers however, that cannot do this. 

In conclusion, I believe that a leader doesn't necessarily have to be a manager, but a manager should exhibit all the aspects of a leader.

Assignment #5 - (Discrimination in the Future Workplace)

When picturing the future workplace, one cannot help but to consider that it will be a location that is a direct result of the trends already sweeping through today's modern office.  

One trend that is already well established is people’s attitudes towards discrimination, which have evolved over time.  Upon analysis of the generations in America, one can easily see striking differences between their lifestyles, which has greatly influenced their attitudes towards discrimination.  Baby boomers, and the silent generation before them, had minimal access to hundreds of cultures known to the world.  This lack of knowledge is one of the biggest reasons why discrimination was more present in those generations.

This is in direct contrast to the Millennials, because we have technologic advances that make virtually the entire world’s population available at our fingertips.  This access will only grow over the next 20 years, and beyond, and because of that discrimination will continue to shrink because the population will become more and more aware of the various lifestyles and cultures.  This knowledge will spill directly over to the workplace, which will have much more diversity, another result of this.  Diversity will become a cornerstone in the foundation of the minimal discrimination that will happen in the workplace in 2033, 2053, 3000 and even further.

Assignment #4 - (First Friday November)

The November first Friday came at a particularly peculiar time. The event was feel at the end of a week that encompassed not only the Halloween Day events, but also the notorious Nov. 1st deadline that for many seniors was the deadline for getting in college applications. As usual, Project XIII took the events in stride. The November 1st Friday was another success as we made a seemless transition into the fall season. The theme was proven as every table was well coordinated with the rest. The music kept spits  high as the crowds slowly made there way through the festivities. This first Friday was well planned out and coordinated, which largely contributed to its success. Personally I think the extra touch of thank you leaves was very unique. It's the little things that make the big things and truly 1st Fridays are a prime example of this. 

Assignment #3 - (Halloween Day Events)

The Haunted House was perhaps the most notable success of Project XIII. This project needed complete coordination of the entire class and everyone was quick to lend their services. Decorations of both rooms were superb and this was largely do to the group that stayed late on several different occasions to set-up. Although I didn't personally see the morning events of the Halloween project, I know it was a success. 

Everyone, and I do me everyone, already knows how widely popular the haunted house was. Not only due to the fact that all the class assisted in Whatever they were asked to do, but when you have a line wrapped around the hall...it's speaks for itself. The Haunted House is just another example of what happens when Project XIII efficiently works together to get the job done.  Finally, it is of the upmost importance to have a competent leader to rally around and we all found that in Derrick Williams.

Assignment #2 - (First Friday October)

Townview has witnessed...

On Friday, October 5th, Townivew witnessed another successful BMC hosted First Friday.
This past First Friday was, in my opinion, a smashing success. Using an informal S.W.O.T the class analyzed our strengths and weaknesses from the last event and made the proper corrections to this one. We also capitalized on the opportunity in able to maximize the event.  The people who came and witnessed the First Friday were very impressed, although they shouldn't have been because we were more than capable; this was quite clear from the looks of awe on their faces. The success was due, in part, to the fact that the class as a whole planned together and did so in ample enough time to have everything ready to go.  There was an excellent infusion of professionalism with fun.  I believe that this will always equal success when it comes to school functions like these.  There was also a certain appeal present   Special thanks should go to Geryn and Corey for selflessly providing everyone with any assistance and guidance they could. 

Breast Cancer Awarness

My specific role in this First Friday was one that I enjoy, a role player. I had my specific function, to head and man the second Breast Cancer Awareness table, which mostly dealt with merchandising.  Distribution also fell to me as I was tasked with the giveaway.   However I was able to also assist with a variety of other tasks. Setting up some of the tables, hanging up signs, giving directions and assisting with clean-up were all tasks that I found myself taking part of in the October First Friday. I personally enjoy this because I was kept busy, something I like, and was able to have a breadth of duties, while not neglecting my main assignment. I hope in the future showcases I will be able to play a similar role as this one.  Not only that, I know that as long as we continue to use the formula we used in October, all our First Friday’s will be successful.  The only problem that may arise is how to out due ourselves each month. 

Assignment #1 - Chapter 1 -- The Administrative Professional

In what ways has chapter 1 caused you to think about the importance of developing skills for the workplace?

Chapter 1 has laid out a solid foundation for what one is expected to know about entering the workforce.  One underlying principle is that one must be highly skilled and developed if they want to successfully make the transition from the classroom to the workforce.  Some of the facts I learned from Chapter 1 were:

• Positions as an Administrative Assistant are in abundance 
• In 2008 there were a total of  4.3 million positions as an administrative assistant
•  By 2018, around 471,600 new jobs are expected to open 
• A high school diploma is no longer the bare-minimum that employers will look for.
• In fact, more and more employers are looking for college degrees. 
• Some organizations even offer an International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
• One growing trend in Administrative Assistance is a Virtually Assistant:
• Self-Employed 
• Work from home offices
• Off-Site help
• Administrative Assistants find work in almost every industry, including:
• Medical and legal services
• Hospitality and tourism
• Government
• Education
• Administrative Assistants are expected to effectively preform a plethora of tasks and are given a multitude of responsibilities.  These could include:
• Coordinate work flow
• Conduct internet research
• Maintain and distribute staff weekly schedules
• Manage projects
• Recruit, hire, train and supervise other staff as required
• Employers look for workers with a combination of skills, knowledge, attitudes and personal traits, including:
• Technical Skills
• Ability to apply specialized knowledge and procedure
• Interpersonal Skills
• Ability to get along with others
• Communication Skills
• Effective speaking, listening, writing and presentation skills
• Teamwork/Collaboration Skills
• Understanding how teams work and how to be a role player
• Customer Focus
• Commitment to serving customers
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Anticipate problems and how they can be prevented
• Professionalism
• Good judgment, initiative, discretion, organizational ability, ability to work 
• Productivity 
• Setting proprieties, always meeting deadlines, refocusing a task