T Manager

In a recent issue of SHRM, the magazine of the Society for Human Resource Management, one article described the current and future need for "T-shaped managers". According to Morten Hansen, T-shaped managers deliver impressive results within their unit (vertical part of the T) and also contribute across departments (the horizontal aspect of the T).

To be a great T manager, Hansen says that one must be able to:

1) view work from your perspective and others'

2) know your area

3) know other areas

4) develop networks with colleagues, collaborate and influence without power/rank/finances

Hansen also states that the current times demand our attention be on shared results and not just our own performance. And, while we already have enough pop management terms bombarding us on the bestseller lists, I enjoyed pondering this one with its vertical and horizontal integration of results, individualism and collectivism.

For more information, google "Morten T Hansen University of California Berkeley". Yes, his middle name just happens to begin with "T" :)

To return to Studio22:

http://www.studio22azwa.com/

To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com

Want to think?

In psychology classes, we often talk about critical thinking. Today after teaching one my sections at Estrella Mountain Community College, I walked to the campus cafe for a cold drink and glanced at a poster decorated with this quote:

"If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you. But if you really make them think, they'll hate you."

~ Don Marquis

I believe there is truth in what Don Marquis suggests. We may find fault with those who challenge our thinking because we blame them for the discomfort we are feeling. What if we embrace that discomfort as an opportunity for growth? What if we allow our thinking to expand and become more complex/sophisticated thanks to the person who challenges us?

Want to think?

photo: the gray matter of a skate park

To return to Studio22:

http://www.studio22azwa.com/

To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com

... a time to learn!

Based on on a recent poll published through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 55% of human resource professionals agree that workers entering the job market over the next 10 years will lack competencies needed to make them successful in the dynamic workplace. This may be an ideal time for all of us to learn new skills and prepare for successful economic futures.

Some of the skills we should consider building include: adaptability & flexibility, critical thinking & problem solving, professionalism & work ethic, teamwork & collaboration, maximizing cultural competence & identifying opportunities of diversity and applying technology. These skills can be gained through formal and informal learning opportunities.

Would any of these topics of learning be of interest to you as you prepare for your ideal future? Is it ... a time to learn?


photo: remember when you first learned to ride a bike? At first, it was a challenge but the reward was great! And, once you learned to ride the bike, you were ready to take on even more growth opportunities ~


To return to Studio22:

www.studio22azwa.com

To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com

This post is based, in part, on information published on http://www.shrm.org/