Gang
I wanted to share some experience from my elective course regarding modeling behavior. Initially I was very frustrated by the change from the nice peaceful group dynamic of 17D to a more traditional Army staff group in my new course. For the first few days, this caused me to be quiet and not contribute much orally to the group. But then I decided to put what I have learned to the test and tried modeling behavior I thought might be beneficial to the group. I decided to model the following behavior: Use of proper names vice pronouns, use of "yes, and" active listening, asking about personal reactions, and volunteering several excercises. I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of just modeling the behavior. I actually had people coming to me to ask me more in-depth questions on the actions I was modeling, it was appearant to the ones listening.
I would highly encourage you to try this and test its effectiveness in other groups.
Thanks
Mike
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Complex Problems...of the Human Variety
Critical thinking, design, human networking...all things that would seemingly contribute to solving complex problems. Many times they actually are key tools to working through the famed "ill-structured" problem but how do they apply to inherently human problems? Not even big situations like rebuilding a country or conducting military operations, what about just plain old day to day relationships?
I know that for me personally the skills and tools that I have developed over the last few months help me recognize problems and the relative level of complexity and particularly in the area of relationships. So far, my ability to better recognizing the problems hasn't really translated into an ability to effectively arrive a positive solutions. I think that I'll eventually get to the point where I can actually positively affect things in a more substantial way...sometimes it would be nice to speed this process up.
I know that I understand myself infinitely better than I used to. I can see other's perspectives better and maybe more importantly actually "hear" them much better. Those things alone let me know that whatever the final outcome of the "Starfish" program is for the Army, it's been very beneficial for me. It has made me a better leader and from that I know the Army will benefit...even if it doesn't understand it.
- Jay Wisham
I know that for me personally the skills and tools that I have developed over the last few months help me recognize problems and the relative level of complexity and particularly in the area of relationships. So far, my ability to better recognizing the problems hasn't really translated into an ability to effectively arrive a positive solutions. I think that I'll eventually get to the point where I can actually positively affect things in a more substantial way...sometimes it would be nice to speed this process up.
I know that I understand myself infinitely better than I used to. I can see other's perspectives better and maybe more importantly actually "hear" them much better. Those things alone let me know that whatever the final outcome of the "Starfish" program is for the Army, it's been very beneficial for me. It has made me a better leader and from that I know the Army will benefit...even if it doesn't understand it.
- Jay Wisham
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Museum visit
Just got back from the Nelson-Atkins museum in KC. It was a moving visit, and I'll be going back again next weekend.
One gallery in particular made me reflect on our leadership lesson that involved the concept of solitary leadership. While I overwhelmingly support the points the Yale professor made during his speech at West Point, I think it's important to recognize there must be a balance. "All things in moderation," my mother used to say. The exhibit framed solitude in this way.
According to some of the explanations on the wall, after the industrial revolution, the urbanization of society broke the bonds to family, community and the shared hardships and rewards characteristic of an agrarian lifestyle. Without this common ground to serve as a centerpiece for communities, individuals increasingly withdrew within themselves looking for deeper meaning, alienating themselves from each other in the process.
Advancements in technology and significant scientific discovery further drove a wedge between people and their faith as these discoveries were viewed as "enlightening" and a direct challenge to religious beliefs as opposed to inspirational evidence of His divine power.
Sigmund Freud popularized the benefits of a lifestyle focused inward, analyzing the distinctly separate components of id, rational ego, and irrational ego to work in harmony for the purposes of increasing personal happiness, unintentionally neglecting the importance of human relations in society.
All of these factors coupled with two world wars that not only brought unprecedented death and destruction, but illustrated a complete failure of both reason and perceived enlightenment, plummeted our society into a depression. The concept of a faith based community had long since withered for want of a more cerebral existence based on science, technology and reason alone, which of course failed them in the darkest hour.
The art produced during this interwar period is haunting. I very much suggest going, but you need to prepare yourself first, especially if your "core self" is especially vulnerable from the last few months of introspection.
One gallery in particular made me reflect on our leadership lesson that involved the concept of solitary leadership. While I overwhelmingly support the points the Yale professor made during his speech at West Point, I think it's important to recognize there must be a balance. "All things in moderation," my mother used to say. The exhibit framed solitude in this way.
According to some of the explanations on the wall, after the industrial revolution, the urbanization of society broke the bonds to family, community and the shared hardships and rewards characteristic of an agrarian lifestyle. Without this common ground to serve as a centerpiece for communities, individuals increasingly withdrew within themselves looking for deeper meaning, alienating themselves from each other in the process.
Advancements in technology and significant scientific discovery further drove a wedge between people and their faith as these discoveries were viewed as "enlightening" and a direct challenge to religious beliefs as opposed to inspirational evidence of His divine power.
Sigmund Freud popularized the benefits of a lifestyle focused inward, analyzing the distinctly separate components of id, rational ego, and irrational ego to work in harmony for the purposes of increasing personal happiness, unintentionally neglecting the importance of human relations in society.
All of these factors coupled with two world wars that not only brought unprecedented death and destruction, but illustrated a complete failure of both reason and perceived enlightenment, plummeted our society into a depression. The concept of a faith based community had long since withered for want of a more cerebral existence based on science, technology and reason alone, which of course failed them in the darkest hour.
The art produced during this interwar period is haunting. I very much suggest going, but you need to prepare yourself first, especially if your "core self" is especially vulnerable from the last few months of introspection.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Does Starfish Training Equal Better Staff Group?
Hello Everyone,
So I've really been doing some thinking about our last meeting. It seems to me everyone wants to evaluate this Starfish Program based on group dynamics and how well we perform as a group. What happens if this is not the case? What happens if this is more about making us better people and therefore better leaders as individuals and may or may not have much impact on group dynamics?
I remember back to Baldwin City when one of our VIPs that came said something about appreciating the fact that we were all saying we were better people for our families and those around us, but what he needed to know was if this provided the Army anything. Well, to answer that I wonder if Damon had the right message all along. I just think about his comments about dealing with his future in the Army and I wonder just how his subordinate staff will benefit because of his personal changes.
So I still believe that none of us can really evaluate this program from a this Staff Group is better or worse because of Starfish, I am convinced that I am a better leader because I'm a better person. The way I view the world is forever changed because of my experiences in Baldwin City and because of everything we've learned in ILE. I know that my future subordinates, peers and superiors will benefit from that change and oh by the way, so will my family. Pretty much a win - win in my book.
So that is my thoughts,
David Price
So I've really been doing some thinking about our last meeting. It seems to me everyone wants to evaluate this Starfish Program based on group dynamics and how well we perform as a group. What happens if this is not the case? What happens if this is more about making us better people and therefore better leaders as individuals and may or may not have much impact on group dynamics?
I remember back to Baldwin City when one of our VIPs that came said something about appreciating the fact that we were all saying we were better people for our families and those around us, but what he needed to know was if this provided the Army anything. Well, to answer that I wonder if Damon had the right message all along. I just think about his comments about dealing with his future in the Army and I wonder just how his subordinate staff will benefit because of his personal changes.
So I still believe that none of us can really evaluate this program from a this Staff Group is better or worse because of Starfish, I am convinced that I am a better leader because I'm a better person. The way I view the world is forever changed because of my experiences in Baldwin City and because of everything we've learned in ILE. I know that my future subordinates, peers and superiors will benefit from that change and oh by the way, so will my family. Pretty much a win - win in my book.
So that is my thoughts,
David Price
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Bloggers norms
Well, I am by far the furthest thing from blog-savvy. However, this blog is set up in the name of starfish17d, so I'm pretty sure anyone can sign in and post something for others to comment on.
Bottom line: This is not my blog
Bottom line: This is not my blog
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
I call first post on the blog!
Hi. Anya-Tay thought this would be a good forum for idea sharing. Ideas can be about the ILE pilot program, The Starfish and the Spider, training challenges, tuning up, or tuning out. You decide. Great thing is, there's no mailbox limit. Blog your Starfish brains out! **
**Starfish do not physically have brains, this was for emphasis and in no is the opinion of this staff group, ILE, CGSC, TRADOC, or the United States Army.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)