Alex Dehaven wrote:
>The computer course explains why I have joined this discussion, but it is
>the speech and strategy classes that I need more experience with.  Next
>fall, I will begin work with Arthur Andersen in Denver, Colorado.
>Success will then be determined by my ability to be an effective manager.
 
Alex, I'm an old hand with a little experience to share.  Pull up a chair and ha
ve a listen:
 
I would suggest you decide what you mean by "success."  At one time I defined my
 success as to the number of "stripes on my sleeve," or my
position in the company  (when I went to work for Hallmark Cards, my goal was to
 be president of the company...unfortunately, I figured out
my last name was not Hall).  After several positions and situations I felt, even
 though I was higher in the organization and held quite a
bit of responsibility, I wasn't REALLY making a difference...I felt I was nothin
g more than a prostitute.
 
I took some time to critically examine what I did well and what was truely impor
tant to me.  I finally figured out that "making a positive
difference in peoples' lives" (my current mission) was what I really wanted to d
o.  And I can do that best by developing and delivering
training and education.
 
With that decision came the realization that I wouldn't make the "big bucks," or
 in some folks eyes be a success.  But for me, there is
nothing sweeter than to have a former student come to me 3 years after a class a
nd thank me for the success THEY are having because of my
classes.  Because of this, I am having an impact on not only my students, but al
so on the people THEY impact....and so on, and so on, etc.
 Am I a manager...not in the classical sense.  Am I a leader?  I guess so...peop
le say I am.  But I'm not trying to lead.  I'm trying to
make a difference following a vision and set of values that are important to me.
  Am I successful?  As far as I'm concerned, very.
 
You say your success will be determined on your ability to be an effective manag
er....so what is success to you?  The size of the office,
the number of perks, the amount of the bonus, the title on your business cards?
 Or the impact you might have on people (some say
"organization," but an organization is PEOPLE).  What do you mean by "effective
manager"?  Being a Boss? A greater number of people
reporting to you?  Or do you mean people buy into your vision and share your val
ues for a greater cause than just this month's goals or
what your boss wants?  What's first and formost in your mind?  What your next pr
omotional opportunity might be?  Or how to help the people
that report to you  be successful?
 
What are YOU, and everyone else who might be reading my 2 cents worth, doing to
make a difference?
 
 
********************************************************************************
***
George Ferguson                                 Hoechst Marion Roussel, Inc.
Senior Consultant                               PO Box 9627 (J1-M1640)
Leadership Education & Development      Kansas City, MO 64134-0627
Voice:  816-966-3028
Fax::  816-966-2750                             [log in to unmask]
********************************************************************************
***