Wednesday, October 20, 2010
GlobeSmart
My GlobeSmart assessment threw me for a little bit of a loop. There was no real noticeable correlation compared to my country's average. Basically, my results were all over the map. The more I look at it though, I think the most interesting aspect is where I am furthest from my country's average: Risk / Restraint. My score indicates I am geared much more towards restraint. If you had asked me, I would have guessed I was more risk-oriented. Maybe this is a function of my current job, where there is a lot of certainty and risk-avoidance is encouraged whenever possible. But this will definitely be something that I keep my eye on, making sure I'm taking the right amount of risk!
CPQ
My CPQ scores revealed some interesting information. I just want to discuss those areas that are exceptionally low or high compared to the group average and my birth country (USA).
- Nature of humans = low score (this means I believe that inherently the basic nature of people is bad)
I know I do agree with this, so I have to reflect and say to myself "why am I choosing to believe this?" Have I been burned too many times, is there a lack of integrity in my workplace, I'm I honestly just having a string of bad days?
- Individual = high score (meaning I believe that our main responsibility is to ourselves and our immediate family)
Now, I know why I believe this. My dad who's from Panama has always extended his responsibilities to a larger mass, he's just got a big heart. But with that has come great contention between him and my mother. I guess I sometimes agree that our responsibility is to our immediate family. Everything I do is for my significant other. I do think of myself, and then him, because I honestly believe that if I'm happy he'll be happy.
- · Harmony = low score (I don't necessarily believe our purpose and natural role is to maintain a balance among the elements of the environment, including ourselves.)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
New lesson
Well, today my boss ordered pizzas for everybody at lunch. But in stead of ordering anything else, she ordered only pepperoni pizzas. We have a vegetarian and person who is a muslim. I believe she made a honest mistake, but this is cultural insensitivity. They seem not to care since they said this happens all the time. I am more aware of and more sensitive about this kind of situation after taking the class.
GCI: nowhere to go but up.
Overall, my global competency index is pretty low when compared to the other survey takers. It may be safe to assume that part of this is due to the types of people who take the survey--global leaders or potential leaders--who indeed have a considerably higher propensity to be globally functional. As a novice to the whole concept who answered the survey questions completely candidly, I would expect nothing else.
I can see that the rather small experience diameter of my general and global reach indicates that it would take much more training, reflection and practice to improve my skills as both a leader and a global leader. Nowhere to go but up from here, right?
The things that I scored highest for build a good base from which I can grow. I'm optimistic, nonjudgmental and emotionally resilient, which to me seems like there's hope yet.
Monday, October 18, 2010
GCI results
I was pleased when I received my GCI results because it showed that I had some strengths but I also had areas to improve on, some of them I was already familiar with. One of my strengths is my passion for work and the enthusiasm with which I go after results. While this is one of my better qualities, it also carries over to my "emotional resilience" score in a negative manner. There are times when I have a difficult time letting go or moving on and I know that I need to work on that.
This same mentality effects my "interest flexibility" score in a negative manner. Both of these dimensions are things that I know I thought I needed to work on, and this assessment gives me confirmation that I do.
However, the assessment does confirm some of my strong points, which include self-confidence and stress management.
Personal Leadership Plan
Introduction
Bus 297D has been an eye opener to me in assessing my own strengths and weaknesses in various walks of life through well-established and thoroughly-researched instruments. Even though I initially questioned the veracity and application of these instruments in practical issues, after analyzing my own traits and leadership styles through my own assessments and also through my peers’ assessments, it has now come home to me regarding the vital information these instruments provide for the improvement of one’s own developments in various walks of life. Notwithstanding the fact that some of the instruments may provide inconsistent results unlike others, I have taken each of these inconsistencies into account to find out the deeper meaning with an open mind. Prior to taking these instruments, I had always thought of myself as a perfectionist with extraordinary people-skills. Despite my initial skepticism for finding any holes in my own style through any of these instruments, I was startled when I lighted upon the fact that I too had several inconsistencies and hence needed improvement in my style.
Contrary to my opinion about me that I was very theory-Y oriented and a very dynamic adventurous leader, I was intrigued when I found that I was in fact as task oriented as I was people oriented. From these instruments -to my consternation -, I found that I was averse to taking risks and also that I loathed adventure and dynamism. The GCI instrument further corroborated the fact that I was really very process oriented, thereby implying my tilt towards hierarchy and structure. From these results, I was duly reminded of the fact that everyone’s foot is made of clay, and hence I have set about making changes to both my personality and in my leadership style. Although I know that I cannot change overnight, I am planning to change in a phased manner so that I can align myself with theory-Y orientation, empathy, and at the same time being a dynamic leader by being divergent and influential, as required in my line of field.
1. Based on this review and class activities, summarize what you have learned in the course about intercultural competence and global leadership.
This course has taught me several valuable details—both minor and major—we often fail to pay attention to while handling our colleagues and customers at work. Hailing from India, and having lived in the US for the past 12 years, I have always believed that I have become more adept in cultural aspects when it comes to building relationships with people. I feel that the basic quality a global leader should have is open-mindedness. If the leader suffers from ethnocentrism, at best, he or she can be a leader of the group. Global leadership is more complex, and handling people from various walks of life on a daily basis requires the global leader to be on his/her toes all the time.
Every moment in global leadership is precious, and hence there cannot be any loose ends when it comes to management, however short they may be. Jiving with the diverse group to successfully managing and leading the group requires plenty of intercultural competence, respect for other cultures, sharp mind, and abundance of patience and listening skills. For all these, the basic quality is the Global knowledge, after all, in today’s global environment, every business has operations or sales or design overseas!
2. What are your personal strengths in the skill areas we have studied? Use the feedback from your assessments, simulations, and peer evaluations to support your analysis.
These simulations provided me the much-needed feedback for my self-development. CPQ for instance provided me feedback that I believe that people are good in general. So, I am glad that I am an optimist in life. I also believe in mastery of the environment with a firm belief on the present. This gels with my deep-rooted belief that “time is short, and hence we need to take the bull by the horns to outwit any challenge.” I believe in constantly working on my duties like an eager-beaver, bearing out with my true nature quite accurately.
Globesmart assessment indicated me how much I have changed after I came to the country 12 years ago. I now believe in risk taking (although not to the level of my friends born here), open-mindedness, and on achievement. It needs to be noted that India is a bit particularistic and ascription based when it comes to cultural dimensions.
GCI hit the nail on the head by accurately describing me very well! From the perception side, I am non-judgmental, have a low risk tolerance(quite sadly), but very cosmopolitan. I am deeply inquisitive, perform very well in interpersonal engagements due to my open-mindedness, and am constantly aware of myself. My stress management, emotional resilience, self identity, and optimism are very high and are of a step with my very nature.
My peer evaluations have been mostly positive—analytical, thorough in my research side, open, understanding, culturally competent, etc.
Although my engineering profession gives me a bit of scope for my personality development, I somehow feel that it is also a stifler to my energy levels. I sometimes feel like a bird in a cage since I love talking to people and making friends the most! I should have become a doctor since I believe in sharing others’ problems and making others happy. Now that it is too late, I am planning for a switch to politics, and I expect my fellow team members along with our Professor to vote for meJ Please!
3. What are your personal weaknesses in these skill areas? Use the feedback from your assessments, simulations, and peer evaluations to support your analysis.
I feel that I could at times be gullible, hasty in jumping to conclusions, and too much concerned on external focus of control. This stems from the fact that people in Asia in general believe in Karma, and not a day goes by when I don’t think of that. It helps me in some respects, since it lets me with positive energy with a mantra, “Live ! Let others live!,” but at times when I need to take harsh decisions in business and work, I am often caught in the horns of a dilemma.
I am too trustworthy and of the conviction that people are mutable! I should be more practical of course. I can improve my communication skills to say the least, for good measure. When it comes to handling troubled relationship with my superiors, I could be either too passive or have a tendency to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I should be more phlegmatic and handle issues with aplomb.
4. Write a thorough action plan to improve one of your major weaknesses. What specifically will you do to develop this weakness and by when will you do it? Action plans should be specific and measurable.
I am glad to have every opportunity at my workplace to improve on my weaknesses on a daily basis. Since I handle our high volume customers on a daily basis, I am going to do a lot of homework on the cultural aspects of each of our customers so as to strike a friendship and camaraderie immediately. I will try to monitor myself whenever I get fidgety, slow down, and try to pull myself together instead of cracking up then and there.
I will also try to slow down at home, since I know that my son is going to follow me, and I try everyday to get better at least to be a good role model for my cute 3 ½ year old son.
As with the case in which a manager goes to Panama to meet a head there, I will try to select a good mentor, who is aware of the local customs and traditions, before embarking on expatriation and business trips. I am going to be more open-minded and strive to contribute to the unfortunate ones as our Professor’s friend is doing in Uganda. This incident has made an impact in me, and I—with a belief that Service to man is Service to God—am planning to visit these places during my vacation times and hope to my bit for the enrichment of mankind!
Regarding my relationships, I am going to be more open to folks I manage and will seek feedback from them regarding my managerial skills on a periodic basis. I will also be proactive in getting feedback from my manager, and will also pay attention on the career development plans of my subordinates.
5. When you find yourself in intercultural settings in the future, how are you planning to behave differently as a result of this course? In other words, what are your biggest practical take-aways about intercultural competence and global leadership?
Since I need to travel regularly, I will approach other cultures and strangers with warmth and affection. Being non-judgmental and giving time to people who need time are the main takeaways. I believe that haste makes waste! So, I will certainly try to look for gestures, cues, etc in getting the opinions while handling people from high context communication! I will also try to give in a bit rather than put my foot down in stakeholder discussions, since long term relationship is very often the key in business dealings!
In a nutshell, with a firm desire to become a global leader, I will try my best to be confident in dealing with others, build trust with others by my cheerfulness and open-mindedness, and make an impact by my intercultural competence!
Thanks very much Professor for teaching the course! I will miss the program as much as I miss my home relatives! It has been a fabulous program, and I am immensely thankful to the program for the amount of stuff I have learnt in these 2 ½ years!
Bus 297D has been an eye opener to me in assessing my own strengths and weaknesses in various walks of life through well-established and thoroughly-researched instruments. Even though I initially questioned the veracity and application of these instruments in practical issues, after analyzing my own traits and leadership styles through my own assessments and also through my peers’ assessments, it has now come home to me regarding the vital information these instruments provide for the improvement of one’s own developments in various walks of life. Notwithstanding the fact that some of the instruments may provide inconsistent results unlike others, I have taken each of these inconsistencies into account to find out the deeper meaning with an open mind. Prior to taking these instruments, I had always thought of myself as a perfectionist with extraordinary people-skills. Despite my initial skepticism for finding any holes in my own style through any of these instruments, I was startled when I lighted upon the fact that I too had several inconsistencies and hence needed improvement in my style.
Contrary to my opinion about me that I was very theory-Y oriented and a very dynamic adventurous leader, I was intrigued when I found that I was in fact as task oriented as I was people oriented. From these instruments -to my consternation -, I found that I was averse to taking risks and also that I loathed adventure and dynamism. The GCI instrument further corroborated the fact that I was really very process oriented, thereby implying my tilt towards hierarchy and structure. From these results, I was duly reminded of the fact that everyone’s foot is made of clay, and hence I have set about making changes to both my personality and in my leadership style. Although I know that I cannot change overnight, I am planning to change in a phased manner so that I can align myself with theory-Y orientation, empathy, and at the same time being a dynamic leader by being divergent and influential, as required in my line of field.
1. Based on this review and class activities, summarize what you have learned in the course about intercultural competence and global leadership.
This course has taught me several valuable details—both minor and major—we often fail to pay attention to while handling our colleagues and customers at work. Hailing from India, and having lived in the US for the past 12 years, I have always believed that I have become more adept in cultural aspects when it comes to building relationships with people. I feel that the basic quality a global leader should have is open-mindedness. If the leader suffers from ethnocentrism, at best, he or she can be a leader of the group. Global leadership is more complex, and handling people from various walks of life on a daily basis requires the global leader to be on his/her toes all the time.
Every moment in global leadership is precious, and hence there cannot be any loose ends when it comes to management, however short they may be. Jiving with the diverse group to successfully managing and leading the group requires plenty of intercultural competence, respect for other cultures, sharp mind, and abundance of patience and listening skills. For all these, the basic quality is the Global knowledge, after all, in today’s global environment, every business has operations or sales or design overseas!
2. What are your personal strengths in the skill areas we have studied? Use the feedback from your assessments, simulations, and peer evaluations to support your analysis.
These simulations provided me the much-needed feedback for my self-development. CPQ for instance provided me feedback that I believe that people are good in general. So, I am glad that I am an optimist in life. I also believe in mastery of the environment with a firm belief on the present. This gels with my deep-rooted belief that “time is short, and hence we need to take the bull by the horns to outwit any challenge.” I believe in constantly working on my duties like an eager-beaver, bearing out with my true nature quite accurately.
Globesmart assessment indicated me how much I have changed after I came to the country 12 years ago. I now believe in risk taking (although not to the level of my friends born here), open-mindedness, and on achievement. It needs to be noted that India is a bit particularistic and ascription based when it comes to cultural dimensions.
GCI hit the nail on the head by accurately describing me very well! From the perception side, I am non-judgmental, have a low risk tolerance(quite sadly), but very cosmopolitan. I am deeply inquisitive, perform very well in interpersonal engagements due to my open-mindedness, and am constantly aware of myself. My stress management, emotional resilience, self identity, and optimism are very high and are of a step with my very nature.
My peer evaluations have been mostly positive—analytical, thorough in my research side, open, understanding, culturally competent, etc.
Although my engineering profession gives me a bit of scope for my personality development, I somehow feel that it is also a stifler to my energy levels. I sometimes feel like a bird in a cage since I love talking to people and making friends the most! I should have become a doctor since I believe in sharing others’ problems and making others happy. Now that it is too late, I am planning for a switch to politics, and I expect my fellow team members along with our Professor to vote for meJ Please!
3. What are your personal weaknesses in these skill areas? Use the feedback from your assessments, simulations, and peer evaluations to support your analysis.
I feel that I could at times be gullible, hasty in jumping to conclusions, and too much concerned on external focus of control. This stems from the fact that people in Asia in general believe in Karma, and not a day goes by when I don’t think of that. It helps me in some respects, since it lets me with positive energy with a mantra, “Live ! Let others live!,” but at times when I need to take harsh decisions in business and work, I am often caught in the horns of a dilemma.
I am too trustworthy and of the conviction that people are mutable! I should be more practical of course. I can improve my communication skills to say the least, for good measure. When it comes to handling troubled relationship with my superiors, I could be either too passive or have a tendency to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I should be more phlegmatic and handle issues with aplomb.
4. Write a thorough action plan to improve one of your major weaknesses. What specifically will you do to develop this weakness and by when will you do it? Action plans should be specific and measurable.
I am glad to have every opportunity at my workplace to improve on my weaknesses on a daily basis. Since I handle our high volume customers on a daily basis, I am going to do a lot of homework on the cultural aspects of each of our customers so as to strike a friendship and camaraderie immediately. I will try to monitor myself whenever I get fidgety, slow down, and try to pull myself together instead of cracking up then and there.
I will also try to slow down at home, since I know that my son is going to follow me, and I try everyday to get better at least to be a good role model for my cute 3 ½ year old son.
As with the case in which a manager goes to Panama to meet a head there, I will try to select a good mentor, who is aware of the local customs and traditions, before embarking on expatriation and business trips. I am going to be more open-minded and strive to contribute to the unfortunate ones as our Professor’s friend is doing in Uganda. This incident has made an impact in me, and I—with a belief that Service to man is Service to God—am planning to visit these places during my vacation times and hope to my bit for the enrichment of mankind!
Regarding my relationships, I am going to be more open to folks I manage and will seek feedback from them regarding my managerial skills on a periodic basis. I will also be proactive in getting feedback from my manager, and will also pay attention on the career development plans of my subordinates.
5. When you find yourself in intercultural settings in the future, how are you planning to behave differently as a result of this course? In other words, what are your biggest practical take-aways about intercultural competence and global leadership?
Since I need to travel regularly, I will approach other cultures and strangers with warmth and affection. Being non-judgmental and giving time to people who need time are the main takeaways. I believe that haste makes waste! So, I will certainly try to look for gestures, cues, etc in getting the opinions while handling people from high context communication! I will also try to give in a bit rather than put my foot down in stakeholder discussions, since long term relationship is very often the key in business dealings!
In a nutshell, with a firm desire to become a global leader, I will try my best to be confident in dealing with others, build trust with others by my cheerfulness and open-mindedness, and make an impact by my intercultural competence!
Thanks very much Professor for teaching the course! I will miss the program as much as I miss my home relatives! It has been a fabulous program, and I am immensely thankful to the program for the amount of stuff I have learnt in these 2 ½ years!
Excellent Course
Dear friends and Professor,
Thanks so much for making this course so memorable! The team activities (rope ones and the one in which we had to turn over the mat) were just fabulous!
I wish all of you the very best personally and professionally!
Please keep in touch!
A problem shared is a problem halved, while happiness shared is in fact happiness doubled!
Thanks so much for making this course so memorable! The team activities (rope ones and the one in which we had to turn over the mat) were just fabulous!
I wish all of you the very best personally and professionally!
Please keep in touch!
A problem shared is a problem halved, while happiness shared is in fact happiness doubled!
The beauty of good job.
I'd like to thank everyone in my team for the innovative project.
Michael: Thanks for putting the video together!
Nikhil: Your technical expertise brought the huge insight!
Lynnette: You were a great actor!
Ganka: Thanks for putting everything together, you are great!
And I'd like to say everyone in the class "Good Job!!"
Sunday, October 17, 2010
This is a great class
I have to confess that taking a class after work has always been a little dreadful - even I am motivated to learn. After a whole day of work, I have to sit through another 4 hrs of lectures and falling asleep is not all too uncommon. Despite the fact that this class is on a Friday when we should all be kicking back at home or at friendly gatherings, I don't think I have felt any tiring moments during classes. The class size, the materials, and the class dynamic are just amazing. Most of our time were not spent on reviewing text book materials that we could read offline but on reflecting and experimenting. I personally feel that this is the best way to learn in a graduate/MBA class.
I have also taken management classes at work. They were all too uptight - I think the fact that it's happening in a work environment and the participants are co-workers suppressed the openness required to fully benefit from a class such as this global leadership class.
My final comment - I have never experienced Star Trek as a formal learning tool ... talking about innovative here :)
Top notch course and wonderful classmates
Ending of Bus297 class yesterday is bitter sweet for me. It was sweet because I completed all the courses required for ESMBA from SJSU, bitter because I will be missing unconditional debates and information sharing I was enjoying for the last two years. I had wonderful class and outside class experiences going through 14 course from wide variety of subjects. This MBA awakened my learning curiosity and made me more competitive. I really enjoyed BUS297 as the last course because it really expanded my horizons in terms of a what a global leader of tomorrow has to possess. Thanks to Prof. Joyce Osland and her aides for putting together such an interactive class, lastly but not least I felt I was in the middle of very talented and determined future leaders in the class. I wish SJSU makes every class this interactive.
Hope we will cross paths and be in touch in our endeavors...
Hope we will cross paths and be in touch in our endeavors...
Friday, October 15, 2010
Don't be Such a Hater!
My GCI scores have had me dreading this blog for weeks. My scores in perception management and self management were high. But being the over achiever I am, I was a bit miffed when I came across my relationship management scores. Which I'll have you know were low! My relationship interest was high, but interpersonal engagement, emotional sensitivity, self awareness were all low, (and I mean low).
I'm not going to lie, when someone cries at work I'm like "really? Don't be all sensitive here." So I guess the assessment is accurate.
I had to coach myself and reflect on why I think being emotional is such a negative thing. I've explored my own fears of being emotional and am learning that everything is okay in moderation, even emotion. This isn't an easy thing for me to do though, and it's going to take practice. My entire way of working is based around logic, around thinking, not around feeling. However, the ironic part is that I work in HR! People are emotional around me all of the time.
This definitely calls for an improvement in my empathy and emotional sensitivity skills, and again, I'm going to have to practice. To make sure I don't cheat, I've told several colleagues as well as my significant other. So every-time I go "ew look at that cry baby over there," I get the swift kick in the butt to change my frame of mind.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Global Competencies Inventory
I believe that this was an eye-opening survey. The idea of this questionnaire is to measure my disposition and traits for global leadership across different cultures. A lot of the results were as expected, but two of the results seem to stand out most: stress management and cosmopolitanism.
For the most part, I knew that I had some issues with stress management. I procrastinate. I worry a lot about how people portray me. I want to perfect things in a small limited amount of time. When all the necessities add up, I end up panicking and become flustered. So even though I was surprised of this result, I realize that the survey gave an accurate portrayal of my stress management. (Scored a 0!) Fortunately, Joyce says that this feature are one of the easiest things to actively change. Let's hope this is right.
The second surprise to me was my result on cosmopolitanism: my interest in and curisoity of foreign countries. I always that I was one to enjoy trying new foods, meeting new people, having the desire to travel and see new sights. However, based on the results, I scored low because I am not up to date with my current world and international events. This is very true. Whenever I browse the internet, I tend to avoid reading the news or any current events, even related to the US. Knowing this flaw, I definitely will try to improve myself in this area.
In general, the GCI was a very interesting survey to take. It widen my understanding about myself, especially the weaknesses that I need to work on. Hopefully this will be able to help me in my career settings in the future. Thanks for offering this resourceful tool, Joyce!
For the most part, I knew that I had some issues with stress management. I procrastinate. I worry a lot about how people portray me. I want to perfect things in a small limited amount of time. When all the necessities add up, I end up panicking and become flustered. So even though I was surprised of this result, I realize that the survey gave an accurate portrayal of my stress management. (Scored a 0!) Fortunately, Joyce says that this feature are one of the easiest things to actively change. Let's hope this is right.
The second surprise to me was my result on cosmopolitanism: my interest in and curisoity of foreign countries. I always that I was one to enjoy trying new foods, meeting new people, having the desire to travel and see new sights. However, based on the results, I scored low because I am not up to date with my current world and international events. This is very true. Whenever I browse the internet, I tend to avoid reading the news or any current events, even related to the US. Knowing this flaw, I definitely will try to improve myself in this area.
In general, the GCI was a very interesting survey to take. It widen my understanding about myself, especially the weaknesses that I need to work on. Hopefully this will be able to help me in my career settings in the future. Thanks for offering this resourceful tool, Joyce!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Aracruz
I was a representative of the international NGO, and responsible for social justice. In this role, I was responsible for improving benefits and salaries of the workers, and also reducing the impact on the environemnt. This simulation for very informative, and helped me to look at the issues from different perspectives, with concerns of indigenous people and Aracruz corporation.
Our group was involved in constructive debate, where each stakeholder would listen to the proposal on the table, build upon the ideas to match its needs and propose solutions. Different stakeholders were involved in healthy discussion to put forth their view points which helped us to put several short-term and long-term solutions to the issue.
The group could have been more effective if all stake-holders were given some-time to understand the plan out and convolve the key concerns of different stakeholders that had similar interests. For example, I would have planned a seperate meeting between community and international NGO before the meeting with all stakeholders. Both groups had similar interests, such as improving the life of the workers and locals.
These groups could have presented the list to agreed ideas in the meeting with Aracruz.
I have been in similar situations in my work. The research divisions have conflicting interests with the factories. The factories are focussed on maximizing the product yield, while the research or product groups are concerned with performance and reliability. Since the product specifications define such yield losses, I have had several discussions with the factories to have an agreement. We have improved this process significantly over years by performing several tests to demonstrate the perfromance and reliability losses to the factories.
Our group was involved in constructive debate, where each stakeholder would listen to the proposal on the table, build upon the ideas to match its needs and propose solutions. Different stakeholders were involved in healthy discussion to put forth their view points which helped us to put several short-term and long-term solutions to the issue.
The group could have been more effective if all stake-holders were given some-time to understand the plan out and convolve the key concerns of different stakeholders that had similar interests. For example, I would have planned a seperate meeting between community and international NGO before the meeting with all stakeholders. Both groups had similar interests, such as improving the life of the workers and locals.
These groups could have presented the list to agreed ideas in the meeting with Aracruz.
I have been in similar situations in my work. The research divisions have conflicting interests with the factories. The factories are focussed on maximizing the product yield, while the research or product groups are concerned with performance and reliability. Since the product specifications define such yield losses, I have had several discussions with the factories to have an agreement. We have improved this process significantly over years by performing several tests to demonstrate the perfromance and reliability losses to the factories.
Globesmart assessment
The scores are valid in most areas. I like working in interdependent environment, believe in equality for all, risk-taker and task-oriented. With engineering background and part of R&D mindset, I like to take calculated risks with different ideas. This tool has also rated me as long-term focussed (similar to other assessments) which I believe varies depending on situations.
The 2nd question is quite interesting; if my profile matches with my grandparents profile. I would tend to agree I have inherited these traits from my grandmother. My grand parents moved from village to New Delhi for better living and schooling for my father. My grandfather even stayed in a different town for several years alone since they didnt want to affect the schooling. These actions demonstrate risk-taking behavior and long-term planning, similar to my traits.
My GCI, My thoughts
GCI has provided varied results over different factors. I scored moderate for Perception management and Self-Management, which seems valid. I scored low for the relationship management bucket.
My scores seem valid over most dimensions; with my multi-cultural background, I have been able to percieve several issues even when they are not stated explicitly. For example, after my trips to our factories overseas, I have improved on understanding the queues if there are any potential issues with the project.
The most significant take-away from this tool is to improve on my relationship interest. I have been working on that for a while and still a long way to go.
My scores seem valid over most dimensions; with my multi-cultural background, I have been able to percieve several issues even when they are not stated explicitly. For example, after my trips to our factories overseas, I have improved on understanding the queues if there are any potential issues with the project.
The most significant take-away from this tool is to improve on my relationship interest. I have been working on that for a while and still a long way to go.
CPQ Survey Results
My survey results have been predictive of my behavior in some areas and have surprised in other areas. I like to work in conjuction of multi-functional teams and to build upon others ideas. So the score and average to above average for relation to environment and interpersonal relationships seem accurate. I have approached new relationships, professional or personal with some basic level of trust and I beleive that has helped me in developing long-term relations.
The orientation for time surprised me with low score on the Present diemsnion. This assessment is consistent with other surveys that show that I am oriented towards long-term planning while not focussing on short term needs.
I would like to site the example of my communication with our factories in Thailand. I have noticed a significant cultural shift between my company's division in US and overseas. On top of that, I have noticed a difference with the organizational culture. Our company's culture is very aggressive and direct and it sometimes gets difficult for Thailand teams to raise concerns in the meetings. Eventually, this has sometimes caused delays in the results. I have tried to overcome these cultural differences by having more 1-1 phone meeting with my counterparts in Thailand.
The orientation for time surprised me with low score on the Present diemsnion. This assessment is consistent with other surveys that show that I am oriented towards long-term planning while not focussing on short term needs.
I would like to site the example of my communication with our factories in Thailand. I have noticed a significant cultural shift between my company's division in US and overseas. On top of that, I have noticed a difference with the organizational culture. Our company's culture is very aggressive and direct and it sometimes gets difficult for Thailand teams to raise concerns in the meetings. Eventually, this has sometimes caused delays in the results. I have tried to overcome these cultural differences by having more 1-1 phone meeting with my counterparts in Thailand.
GCI Feedback
This assessment tool seems very thorough. I thought that some of the questions did not belong there but as it turns out they provided information on some dimensions such as category inclusiveness. I should start by saying that I am overall very satisfied with my results, it's good to know that I am moving in the right direction.
Most of the results did not surprise me. I consciously work on being non judgemental. I enjoy traveling and I am very curious about other cultures which shows in my high cosmopolitanism and interpersonal engagement scores. Because I have lived in two different parts of the world, I have the ability to maintain my own values while being appreciative of those of others. That being said, I am a little surprised by my low score on social flexibility. The more I think of this result, the more I relate it to the fact that I have strong opinions on certain social and political issues which might lead to lack of flexibility. I am certainly open to a discussion but more often than not, it won't be easy to change my point of view. This is one area I definitely need to improve on.
Most of the results did not surprise me. I consciously work on being non judgemental. I enjoy traveling and I am very curious about other cultures which shows in my high cosmopolitanism and interpersonal engagement scores. Because I have lived in two different parts of the world, I have the ability to maintain my own values while being appreciative of those of others. That being said, I am a little surprised by my low score on social flexibility. The more I think of this result, the more I relate it to the fact that I have strong opinions on certain social and political issues which might lead to lack of flexibility. I am certainly open to a discussion but more often than not, it won't be easy to change my point of view. This is one area I definitely need to improve on.
Who am I?
While my GCI scores were optimistic about my foundation for global leadership, but in the true spirit of analysis, I'd like to discuss my two lowest scores--self-awareness and self-identity. I'm a little surprised by these results, but I have a good idea of where this is coming from. I'm always interested in other people's opinions and perspectives. I often find myself searching for opposing views to editorials I read in the newspaper. I really want to be presented with solid, influencing opinions from all sides of an issue. While this might be considered a strength, this assessment has made me realize that this can be a weakness as well. If I am always ready and willing to be influenced, then maybe I should take more time to build my own opinions before seeking all of the facts and opinions I can before making a decision. But maybe I'm wrong.... what do you think? :D
Monday, October 11, 2010
Ti-i-i-ime is on my side....
After studying my CPQ results, the most interesting results to me are in the time orientation section. I am a little surprised to find that my results are very different from both the group average and the average for my country of birth.
I would be very curious to take this again with either a past job or some other part of my life in mind.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Innovation project
The innovation project has been putting the skills we've learnt in the class in practice. Our team of four brainstormed, spent plenty of time identifying possible topics, and more importantly selected the topic to go for. I think the whole team goes through team forming, mindful communications, stakeholder dialogue, and leadership skill perpetually. If the project (e.g., wide open topic, time pressure, first-time teammates) is designed to force us to exercise leadership skill sets (global or not), I think it's working.
Now, it's time to go back to the innovation project.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Cultural Perspective Questionaire
It took me a while to absorb my results of the Cultural Perspective Questionnaire. There are many points of measure, and multiple points of comparison for each of them. I decided to start at what I considered the inner most point, the group average, before moving on to the group extremes, and the average for my country of birth(USA).
For the most part my results overlapped those from the rest of the group. My first major deviation from the group was in the harmony dimension. This didn't surprise me very much, as I've been known to disrupt the status quo in order to drive teams towards goals and achieving results. The other dimension that I was in the opposite direction as the group was the hierarchal dimension. I've never really thought this one through before, but my answers speak for themselves, that I'm currently alright with a power structure in the work place. This is a dimension that I will pay more attention to going forward in my day to day experiences.
For the rest of the dimensions I was very close to or equal to the group average. Three dimensions that I differed from my country's average were Mastery, Thinking, and Good/Evil. Apparently, I don't believe that we are destined to control nature as many Americans do, but I do think that we should consider all things carefully and rationally before taking action. These are not surprising to me, since I specialize in data analysis work, it makes sense that I naturally want to consider all pieces of information before making a decision and acting on it.
Lastly, I believe that people are inherently good, at least I do more than most other Americans do. This doesn't surprise me as I've continuously met and interacted with people that have shown their good nature, and I continue to think that most people have this good nature in their hearts.
CPQ Results
All of the assessments we have been assigned in this course have proven to be helpful in understanding our values, cultural awareness and flexibility. The same is true for the Cultural Perspective Questionnaire. The feedback we received not only shows our personal results but also those of the class respondents and our country of birth which only enriches the feedback.
When it comes to relation to the environment, my highest score on the mastery dimension seems valid. I do believe that people are the ones controlling our environment. Having said that I also want to emphasize that this power should be used wisely and with great caution. Our world is constantly changing and we should be aware of the consequences of our own actions.
As far as relationship among people, my scores on the collective and individual dimensions are very similar. This result is also not surprising. There is a positive correlation between the idea that our main responsibility is to and for a larger group of people and the efforts to understand and reach out to a diverse group of people. I am very interested and curious about different people from different cultures (their specific cultural characteristics, values, traditions, communication patterns etc.). My inquisitiveness is also supported by the fact that my score on the good nature of people is quite high. Being open-minded and trusting is an important step in successfully communicating across cultures. I have been a volunteer for the past 6-7 years with two organizations that work with children in need and refugees. I believe that people are generally good-natured and deserve all the support they can get from others who are a little more fortunate.
What I find interesting about this questionnaire is the fact that results on different dimensions from the same category could be very similar which completely makes sense. My scores on being and thinking in the activity orientation are almost the same, and they both seem valid.
When comparing my results with the average for Bulgaria, the largest gap is in the orientation towards the past. My score is almost 2.0 lower than the one for Bulgaria. I also have the lowest score on that dimension from the entire group. This result is not surprising to me since I usually focus on the present and near future.
When it comes to relation to the environment, my highest score on the mastery dimension seems valid. I do believe that people are the ones controlling our environment. Having said that I also want to emphasize that this power should be used wisely and with great caution. Our world is constantly changing and we should be aware of the consequences of our own actions.
As far as relationship among people, my scores on the collective and individual dimensions are very similar. This result is also not surprising. There is a positive correlation between the idea that our main responsibility is to and for a larger group of people and the efforts to understand and reach out to a diverse group of people. I am very interested and curious about different people from different cultures (their specific cultural characteristics, values, traditions, communication patterns etc.). My inquisitiveness is also supported by the fact that my score on the good nature of people is quite high. Being open-minded and trusting is an important step in successfully communicating across cultures. I have been a volunteer for the past 6-7 years with two organizations that work with children in need and refugees. I believe that people are generally good-natured and deserve all the support they can get from others who are a little more fortunate.
What I find interesting about this questionnaire is the fact that results on different dimensions from the same category could be very similar which completely makes sense. My scores on being and thinking in the activity orientation are almost the same, and they both seem valid.
When comparing my results with the average for Bulgaria, the largest gap is in the orientation towards the past. My score is almost 2.0 lower than the one for Bulgaria. I also have the lowest score on that dimension from the entire group. This result is not surprising to me since I usually focus on the present and near future.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Na la na la naaa laaa
I love the simulations in class. Consciously, I feel like I'm actually applying all the things we learn in class. Learn to step back and observe. Take the time to assess your environment. Understand people's interactions. Be objective, not subjective. Follow the D.I.E. model (be descriptive, not interpreting or evaluating).
One thing I anticipate about these simulations is the process of cracking a code. I was relieved that I ended up in the Bafa world since that already in itself was difficult to decipher. But then, when it was time to learn about the other culture...
"So? What are they like?"
"They're...oddly...jovial. Crazy!"
Serious? It couldn't be THAT bad. One by one, as each pair of Bafa's visited the other world, the description of that world became more perplexing. Soon, I was itching to check out what could possibly be so different about this culture. Hahaha. I was in for the same shock.
The first few words that came up in my mind was "eerie" and "surreal" and...was everyone high? o_0; As we started interacting with the people in the group, I started noticing cliques. Separate guy groups. Separate girl groups. It came to a point where I was exasperated and a bit annoyed. I stood there, watching everyone inquire about their grandfathers, dads, sons, whatever male descendents exist...until Lynette welcomed me into the group. Whoa. Revelation.
I'd like to say that this simulation is an exaggeration to the real world. But lately, I've noticed that as I have been meeting new people, I feel like I'm being put back in the simulations. These things seem to be very similar to real life scenarios. A new set of people means a new set of rules to follow -- new codes to crack, new languages to decipher, hand motions, eye contact, what to say, what not to say... Real life almost seems more confusing than these simulations.
As of lately, I try not to evaluate why people act the way they are now. Instead, I consciously try to observe first and objectively understand people's reactions. And when I get into the "in" group, it's like I've completed a new simulation. These interactive class activities definitely have been very beneficial to my communication techniques so far...
One thing I anticipate about these simulations is the process of cracking a code. I was relieved that I ended up in the Bafa world since that already in itself was difficult to decipher. But then, when it was time to learn about the other culture...
"So? What are they like?"
"They're...oddly...jovial. Crazy!"
Serious? It couldn't be THAT bad. One by one, as each pair of Bafa's visited the other world, the description of that world became more perplexing. Soon, I was itching to check out what could possibly be so different about this culture. Hahaha. I was in for the same shock.
The first few words that came up in my mind was "eerie" and "surreal" and...was everyone high? o_0; As we started interacting with the people in the group, I started noticing cliques. Separate guy groups. Separate girl groups. It came to a point where I was exasperated and a bit annoyed. I stood there, watching everyone inquire about their grandfathers, dads, sons, whatever male descendents exist...until Lynette welcomed me into the group. Whoa. Revelation.
I'd like to say that this simulation is an exaggeration to the real world. But lately, I've noticed that as I have been meeting new people, I feel like I'm being put back in the simulations. These things seem to be very similar to real life scenarios. A new set of people means a new set of rules to follow -- new codes to crack, new languages to decipher, hand motions, eye contact, what to say, what not to say... Real life almost seems more confusing than these simulations.
As of lately, I try not to evaluate why people act the way they are now. Instead, I consciously try to observe first and objectively understand people's reactions. And when I get into the "in" group, it's like I've completed a new simulation. These interactive class activities definitely have been very beneficial to my communication techniques so far...
Monday, October 4, 2010
Globesmart
1. My globesmart assessment results came as no surprise to me since I am known to be very independent, relationship oriented, risk averse in general. Coming from an Asian background, I generally believe in "better safe than sorry." However, my risk taking ability has increased over the past few years ever since I moved to the US. I am confident and achievement oriented, rather than ascription oriented.
2. My grandparents certainly have a much more conservative profile than that of mine. They would be the ideal definition of the ones with 0% risk tolerance:)
3.Although I matched with my countrymen in many traits, I still consider myself as an outlier, having adopted the values of the US style, and adapted to the place where I work and live. My son, 3 years old, seems to be having a much more liberal profile than me, and I would say that his and my grandparents' profiles would be poles apart:)
2. My grandparents certainly have a much more conservative profile than that of mine. They would be the ideal definition of the ones with 0% risk tolerance:)
3.Although I matched with my countrymen in many traits, I still consider myself as an outlier, having adopted the values of the US style, and adapted to the place where I work and live. My son, 3 years old, seems to be having a much more liberal profile than me, and I would say that his and my grandparents' profiles would be poles apart:)
GCI
1. My GCI scores appear to be a spot on match of my nature.
I am low on nonjudgementalness, highly inquisitive, have low tolerance of ambiguity, and highly cosmopolitan! I am highly emotional, selfaware, scoially flexible, and someone very interested in understanding people from other cultures. I am optimistic, confident, proud, quite good in stress management, and have a lot of interest in diverse topics. My overall GCI index score is 6.
2. I learnt about my low tolerance of ambiguity! In introspection, I feel that I practice the art of prophylaxis quite a bit too much since I believe that "prevention is better than cure."
3. Strengths: Confidence and open-minded. Weaknesses: Low tolerance of ambiguity and low nonjudgementalness
4. I will try to be a bit relaxed when it comes to handling situations with uncertainities. I believe that life in itself is the most uncertain and we should be prepared to face it, come what may.
I am low on nonjudgementalness, highly inquisitive, have low tolerance of ambiguity, and highly cosmopolitan! I am highly emotional, selfaware, scoially flexible, and someone very interested in understanding people from other cultures. I am optimistic, confident, proud, quite good in stress management, and have a lot of interest in diverse topics. My overall GCI index score is 6.
2. I learnt about my low tolerance of ambiguity! In introspection, I feel that I practice the art of prophylaxis quite a bit too much since I believe that "prevention is better than cure."
3. Strengths: Confidence and open-minded. Weaknesses: Low tolerance of ambiguity and low nonjudgementalness
4. I will try to be a bit relaxed when it comes to handling situations with uncertainities. I believe that life in itself is the most uncertain and we should be prepared to face it, come what may.
Cultural Perspective Questionnaire
1. I should say that the CPQ results somehow mysteriously reflect the person I am quite well. Being an engineer, I am a stickler to details, often known on straining every nerve to marshall my ideas and husband the available resources. I pay attention to all details and have a somewhat undesirable reputation for being a stickler. Well! That is my job, and I have been changed over the years from a jovial romantic to a person very serious about even inconsequential issues, since in my line of job, prophylaxis is often the answer to avoid future problems as we realize that changing horses in the midstream in hardware is futile and disastrous:)
From the above buildup, I wasn't a tad surprised about having scored highly in Harmony, Mastery, Collective, Thinking, and Present. Having been raised in India, I believe in the proverb, " Live! Let Live" Hence, I believe in Good/Evil principle too.
I scored low on "future" and this is a surprise since I focus too often on Long term strategies.
2. The scores are like a mirror and are out there for our own improvement. I try to be practical in business dealings since I can't be applying the fact that everyone out there is good:) I need to be more objective. Also, I should think about long term relationships.
3. I am sometimes too compassionate that I have often carried the burdens of others in my team by doing a lion's share of their work too. My nature has also been impractical by not having claimed any credit for these works too. I should be more practical and although I still believe in helping others, I should be careful in not getting left behind holding the bag due to others' mistakes.
From the above buildup, I wasn't a tad surprised about having scored highly in Harmony, Mastery, Collective, Thinking, and Present. Having been raised in India, I believe in the proverb, " Live! Let Live" Hence, I believe in Good/Evil principle too.
I scored low on "future" and this is a surprise since I focus too often on Long term strategies.
2. The scores are like a mirror and are out there for our own improvement. I try to be practical in business dealings since I can't be applying the fact that everyone out there is good:) I need to be more objective. Also, I should think about long term relationships.
3. I am sometimes too compassionate that I have often carried the burdens of others in my team by doing a lion's share of their work too. My nature has also been impractical by not having claimed any credit for these works too. I should be more practical and although I still believe in helping others, I should be careful in not getting left behind holding the bag due to others' mistakes.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Usefull assessments
Today I want to analyze my GCI assessment and share with all of you...These kind of assessments helped me in recent times in crafting my resume with my strengths and be cocncious about area of weaknesses in chosing examples for Job interviews. 2010 being an year of assessments for me.
Coming to GCI I took as part of the class requirement, I tend to agree with most of the assessment results. I am rated overall Moderate on "Perception Management" with high on non-judgementalness and low on inquisitiveness. I am also low on tolerance for ambiguity. I agree with these as I myself realized that I need to improve on the inquisitiveness, and tolerance for ambiguity. These two traits are very useful in going deep in to problem solving areas of any job.
In relatiuonship management, overall I scored low moderate, one surprise was I scored really low on social flexibilty, I do not entirely agree that I deserve low score as my social adaptibility is some where should be in the middle. I also learned a good lesson in terms of being aware that my emotional sensitivity on low side as well. I would like to improve upon my empathy factor in dealing with situations, by actively listening and showing that I care about others feelings.
I scored moderate(high) overall in Self Management. My strengths are optimism, and non-stress tendency. I need to improve upon Self Confidence/Self identity aspects. I also feel that self confidence questions may be answered differently on a day when you are in positive spirits vs on a bad day.
Thanks to Professor Joyce for providing us with these tools and reflect upon via this blog. In my view Perception Mnagement is a key dimension I want to put focus to be more effective in my job.
I am happy that I am finishing my MBA with such a wonderful course and true leadership material.
Coming to GCI I took as part of the class requirement, I tend to agree with most of the assessment results. I am rated overall Moderate on "Perception Management" with high on non-judgementalness and low on inquisitiveness. I am also low on tolerance for ambiguity. I agree with these as I myself realized that I need to improve on the inquisitiveness, and tolerance for ambiguity. These two traits are very useful in going deep in to problem solving areas of any job.
In relatiuonship management, overall I scored low moderate, one surprise was I scored really low on social flexibilty, I do not entirely agree that I deserve low score as my social adaptibility is some where should be in the middle. I also learned a good lesson in terms of being aware that my emotional sensitivity on low side as well. I would like to improve upon my empathy factor in dealing with situations, by actively listening and showing that I care about others feelings.
I scored moderate(high) overall in Self Management. My strengths are optimism, and non-stress tendency. I need to improve upon Self Confidence/Self identity aspects. I also feel that self confidence questions may be answered differently on a day when you are in positive spirits vs on a bad day.
Thanks to Professor Joyce for providing us with these tools and reflect upon via this blog. In my view Perception Mnagement is a key dimension I want to put focus to be more effective in my job.
I am happy that I am finishing my MBA with such a wonderful course and true leadership material.
GCI
This is about my GCI report. It's very interesting to see that I am judgmental though I don't feel like one. This is definitely an eye-opener for me. Remembering from Bafa fa baba fafa... I guess I tend to interpret rather than taking in description. Along this line, I scored 1 in self-identity... so I though oh man, I have no identity. But it tells me that I tend to compromise in order to fit in or avoid conflict. I think this is right on. Considering where I came from, the description fits me.
On other hand, I scored high on stress management. I think this is because I do Karaoke... Kidding aside, I believe I engage in stress reduction techniques such as being active and doing Yoga. I always feel much better after those activities. It's like kicking my demons out.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Beer party in 2 weeks
Got your attention :-) but I don't intend to steal the thunders from Lynnette and Dai ...
This blog is about a more personal subject - my GCI feedback report. Every time I take a personality survey or assessment, I feel that I have to restrain myself from answering from the perspective of what I want to see myself as. It's not different this time and I think I did fairly well to stay truth with what I really am in this assessment.
The GCI report indicates that I am good at perception management. It says I am not judgmental and inquisitive, which I agree very much. I am interested in different cultures, which reflects my own multi-cultural background and the cultural diversity at work. It may come as a surprise as first that I have a reasonable tolerance of ambiguity as engineering is usually linked to numbers and facts (I have been in engineering R&D for my whole career.) But I think the tolerance generally grows as one ages and matures. It's interesting to hear from Joyce's experience with the undergraduate class on BaFa BaFa. I can't say that I am surprised by the results - younger adults with none to small amount of work experience are probably more impatient with our group of working adults in this class here.
I also seem to manage myself pretty well. I am optimistic. I handle emotional setbacks and stress well. The assessment may be different if I took the same test 10 years ago. I think the challenges at workplace in the last 10 years (e.g., Internet bust, globalization, difficult superiors) have polished by EQ reasonably well. I am surprised by the low levels in self confidence, self identity, and interest flexibility. I consider myself a moderate without a big ego but not timid either. The evaluation is relative to others who have taken the assessment so I can only hypothesize that my benchmark on these three categories are different from others.
Last but not least, I am moderate on relationship management. I shouldn't be surprised as I consider myself an introvert so relationship building (particularly outside the workplace) is not my strength. Since interpersonal relationship in the workplace is essential, I think I am generally able to keep up with it.
Overall, the GCI indicates that I am strong in knowing myself and listening to others but weak in reaching out to people in building relationship. Getting myself into situations of getting to know strangers may help enhancing my relationship management skill. It's an essential leadership skill - whether it's in Internet age or social networking age.
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