I learnt a lot from their experiences - and I will post a series of posts on the whole residency in the next couple of days because I do believe this is probably one of the most rewarding experiences of the whole program...
Monday, June 11, 2012
Robert Kennedy College - Surreal encounters with the earthly kind...
It was truly surreal to meet those you know only online in person. Many of the preconceptions one has about individuals change drastically once you meet them : and this respect, the residency truly ads value to the entire experience. Meeting lecturers whom you see only on videos, and tutors you only know by name and fellow MALICs you only meet in the forums was truly rewarding, and in many ways, inspiring.
I learnt a lot from their experiences - and I will post a series of posts on the whole residency in the next couple of days because I do believe this is probably one of the most rewarding experiences of the whole program...
A few too many ciders to sit and write for too long - and a few personality profiles are to be done as homework - so will write in detail from tomorrow onwards...
I learnt a lot from their experiences - and I will post a series of posts on the whole residency in the next couple of days because I do believe this is probably one of the most rewarding experiences of the whole program...
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Robert Kennedy College - The Lecture Panel
Lecturers make all the difference - specially when doing programs through distance learning. Even when we were in school, you either loving or hating a subject had a lot to do with the teachers you encountered. Needless to say, for older students like me, getting back 'to the groove' is tough going - and with RKC, the fact that the lecturers/tutors were accommodative proved to be a huge plus.
We don't know any of our tutors personally - so my perceptions of each tutor is just that - my perception.
Dr Radu was the first tutor I came into contact with. Out of all the tutors I have had during the program, he proved to be the most easy going, and the most 'chilled out' which was probably the best for the first class I was to take. He was very accommodative - extremely friendly and very very appreciative and empathetic about my plight as a student who had not taken formal studies for nearly 15 years. He was very helpful in finding reading material - and his feedback at the mid point of the session helped me immensely. Even though my transcript was bad (I know it was !) he did not make me feel small, rather, encouraged me to look at things differently, and do what it takes to get a good result.
Prof. Duffil seemed more formal in comparison to Dr. Radu - he was my second tutor. However, even Prof Duffil was friendly and accommodative - but there was no doubt in my mind that he 'meant business'. Prof Duffil was thorough. Uncompromising about the content. Quick to respond to anything that was sent to him, and extremely detailed and pointed in the feedback (which if I had taken to heart a little more, I would have ended with a better score !). He reminded me of my grade 5 math master ! Prof. Duffil's thoroughness about the subject is to be truly appreciated - if one actually reads the transcripts he corrects, there is no reason to ever get anything less that 65+ !
Dr. Benson too was a 'no nonsense' type. He was sharp, to the point, thorough and extremely knowledgable. He reviews were a reflection of his preparedness and breadth. Doing the topic I probably enjoyed the most in the program, Dr. Benson offered it a poignant touch, and an astute critique. I have changed much of the paradigms I held about leadership under his tutelage, and believe students can gain a lot from him if they engage in the forums.
Dr. Damry was probably the tutor I enjoyed the most. His wit and humor - and razor sharp critique, blended with the affability of a loving grand dad was a queer combination. He was a living paradox : tough, yet extremely encouraging at the same time. I loved the comments he made in red on our posts, and basked in the warmth of his glowing tributes when we did well. Again, if you are to make the most of him, you need to truly immerse in the topic - and contribute avidly to the forum.
Overall - I wish I had tutors like this for my Undergraduate Studies too - I hated most of my tutors during my UG studies - and actually skipped some of their classes ! It was refreshing to have tutors who truly knew their work - and was also committed to seeing us through the program - not merely 'lecturing'.
THANK YOU to all 4 of my tutors. You have taught me much - and for all you have done, my gratitude and thanks. If I got low marks, it is a reflection of my poor effort - not their standard of teaching, focus or encouragement.
We don't know any of our tutors personally - so my perceptions of each tutor is just that - my perception.
Dr Radu was the first tutor I came into contact with. Out of all the tutors I have had during the program, he proved to be the most easy going, and the most 'chilled out' which was probably the best for the first class I was to take. He was very accommodative - extremely friendly and very very appreciative and empathetic about my plight as a student who had not taken formal studies for nearly 15 years. He was very helpful in finding reading material - and his feedback at the mid point of the session helped me immensely. Even though my transcript was bad (I know it was !) he did not make me feel small, rather, encouraged me to look at things differently, and do what it takes to get a good result.
Prof. Duffil seemed more formal in comparison to Dr. Radu - he was my second tutor. However, even Prof Duffil was friendly and accommodative - but there was no doubt in my mind that he 'meant business'. Prof Duffil was thorough. Uncompromising about the content. Quick to respond to anything that was sent to him, and extremely detailed and pointed in the feedback (which if I had taken to heart a little more, I would have ended with a better score !). He reminded me of my grade 5 math master ! Prof. Duffil's thoroughness about the subject is to be truly appreciated - if one actually reads the transcripts he corrects, there is no reason to ever get anything less that 65+ !
Dr. Benson too was a 'no nonsense' type. He was sharp, to the point, thorough and extremely knowledgable. He reviews were a reflection of his preparedness and breadth. Doing the topic I probably enjoyed the most in the program, Dr. Benson offered it a poignant touch, and an astute critique. I have changed much of the paradigms I held about leadership under his tutelage, and believe students can gain a lot from him if they engage in the forums.
Dr. Damry was probably the tutor I enjoyed the most. His wit and humor - and razor sharp critique, blended with the affability of a loving grand dad was a queer combination. He was a living paradox : tough, yet extremely encouraging at the same time. I loved the comments he made in red on our posts, and basked in the warmth of his glowing tributes when we did well. Again, if you are to make the most of him, you need to truly immerse in the topic - and contribute avidly to the forum.
Overall - I wish I had tutors like this for my Undergraduate Studies too - I hated most of my tutors during my UG studies - and actually skipped some of their classes ! It was refreshing to have tutors who truly knew their work - and was also committed to seeing us through the program - not merely 'lecturing'.
THANK YOU to all 4 of my tutors. You have taught me much - and for all you have done, my gratitude and thanks. If I got low marks, it is a reflection of my poor effort - not their standard of teaching, focus or encouragement.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Robert Kennedy College - Oh 'Appachchi' - your marks are not good enough !
My daughter was considered as a 'weak' student when she was in grade 3. The teachers were extremely concerned with really low marks (as low as 30 for Math) and summoned my wife for a pow wow ! Roons (my pet name for my wife), as all mothers, was anxious, and had many a sleepless night over it. I glossed over the issue : back in my day, no one really cared for marks in class - and 'learning disorders' were not invented yet - so during my school days, even with rather low grades myself in certain years, I escaped unscathed. However, by the second term of Grade 3 things came to a head : when I too was summoned and 'lectured' about the 'importance of education' and how I should 'take a more active interest in her studies'. I must admit I was rather amused - and assured the teachers she had no learning disorder : even though many believed she had.
Thus started 'Mission Shaakya' - a concerted attempt to make sure she catches up - and is not felt to be a 'loser'. The biggest challenge was to give her the confidence to believe that 'anything was possible'. To this end, I took some bold decisions - and took her rafting, rock climbing and abseiling with me - and also devoted time to sit her down and teach her the basics which I believed she lacked understanding of. True enough, her grades picked up - and now, if she does not get her 9 or 10 out of 10, she comes to me and berates herself for 'careless mistakes'When I took on my studies, Shaakya was thrilled to see me 'studying' too : and she would constantly inquire about my work - and ask me 'when the exams' are... She is a little too young to still discern between assignments and exams - and when I took my first two assignments, watching me work long nights at a stretch, Shaakya would often keep me company, studying late herself. When my marks came in, she chided me (as I did her some time back) - 57 and 68 is just not good enough Appachchi - you must study harder ! I could not help but laugh - and promised her I will certainly try harder !
She is now eagerly awaiting my marks for the second two subjects - and heaven forbid if I have flunked !!!
Robert Kennedy College - Love and Hate
I love books. I love reading. I love analysis.
I hate studying !
There in lies the eternal issue. I have no problems reading all the material given - but when I know I have to study it and I am instantly put off - making it so much more difficult to get my head around to getting through the voluminous work !
So, I decided I was NOT going to study for the assignments : and decided I was going to simply read, and ensure I have the required knowledge and insights which is what I signed up for in the first place. This simple mindset made a HUGE difference in both enjoying the program, as well as putting things into perspective. I have often told myself that a qualification is only a piece of paper unless one actually KNOWS the content. I did not want a qualification without the knowledge - and being able to see it this way reduced the anxiety and pressure tremendously...
I hate studying !
There in lies the eternal issue. I have no problems reading all the material given - but when I know I have to study it and I am instantly put off - making it so much more difficult to get my head around to getting through the voluminous work !
So, I decided I was NOT going to study for the assignments : and decided I was going to simply read, and ensure I have the required knowledge and insights which is what I signed up for in the first place. This simple mindset made a HUGE difference in both enjoying the program, as well as putting things into perspective. I have often told myself that a qualification is only a piece of paper unless one actually KNOWS the content. I did not want a qualification without the knowledge - and being able to see it this way reduced the anxiety and pressure tremendously...
Monday, May 28, 2012
Robert Kennedy College - York at Last !
Got my visa in today ! Sigh !!! What a relief !!!!
So... York - here I come... The final lap - the final leg - the last push.
Downloaded all the material, and started reading it with earnestness and joy ! A heavy dose to take I must admit. Still at a loss as to what to choose as a dissertation topic - but will get there eventually !
Now for a beer to celebrate !
Cheers !!!
So... York - here I come... The final lap - the final leg - the last push.
Downloaded all the material, and started reading it with earnestness and joy ! A heavy dose to take I must admit. Still at a loss as to what to choose as a dissertation topic - but will get there eventually !
Now for a beer to celebrate !
Cheers !!!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Robert Kennedy College - Shit Happens !
If astrology is anything to go by : I was born on the same time Murphy was born on !!! If anything can go wrong - it certainly does !!!
I was so looking forward to the residency in York in April. All of my friends from the program were going to be there - and I made all the preparations - including reading the case studies and the material given.
I gave the visa application in a month before - and imagine my absolute shock when the thing did not come back for over a month ! Our visas now go to India for processing - and nothing I did materialized - and I had no option but to pull out of it - since even after the program had begun my visa had still not come in !
What can I say - shit happens !
I sincerely hope that my visa is now processed - and look forward to the residency in June... Hated twiddling my thumbs for three months - and itching to start the dissertation - the final lap for me !!!
I was so looking forward to the residency in York in April. All of my friends from the program were going to be there - and I made all the preparations - including reading the case studies and the material given.
I gave the visa application in a month before - and imagine my absolute shock when the thing did not come back for over a month ! Our visas now go to India for processing - and nothing I did materialized - and I had no option but to pull out of it - since even after the program had begun my visa had still not come in !
What can I say - shit happens !
I sincerely hope that my visa is now processed - and look forward to the residency in June... Hated twiddling my thumbs for three months - and itching to start the dissertation - the final lap for me !!!
Robert Kennedy College - Leadership reading material
A few articles and other material that came in handy...
The Drucker Foundation : The Leader of the Future, 1996, Jossey-Bass Publishers
Senge PM, “Leading Learning Organizations : The Bold, The Powerful and the Invisible”
Blanchard K, “Turning the organizational pyramid upside down”
The Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice, 2010, Harvard Business Publishing
Conger, J A, “Leadership Development Interventions”
Chatman J A and Kennedy J A, “Psychological perspectives on leadership”
Guillen, M F, “Classical Sociological Approaches to the Study of Leadership”
Javidan M, Dorfman PW, Howell JP and Hanges PJ, “Leadership and Cultural Context : A theoretical and empirical examination based on project Globe”
Lorsch J, “A contingency theory of Leadership”
Porter M E, Nohria N, “What is Leadership : The CEOs role in large, complex organizations”
Zupan M A, “An Economic Perspective to Leadership”
Harvard Business Review on Breakthrough Leadership
Goleman D, Boyartzis R, MsKee A, 2001, “Primal leadership”
Collingwood H, 2001, “Personal histories : Leaders remember the moments and people that shaped them”
Harvard Business Review on Motivating People, 2003, Harvard Business School Press
Herzberg F, 2003, “One more time : How do you motivate employees ?”
Manville B, Ober J, 2003, “Beyond Empowerment : Building a company of citizens”
McClelland D C and Burnham D H, 2003, “Power is the great motivator”
Nicholson N, 2003, “How to motivate your problem people”
Harvard Business Review on The Mind of the Leader, 2005, Harvard Business School Press
Maccoby M, 2000, “Narcissist Leaders : The incredible pros, the inevitable cons”
Coutu D L, 2004, “Putting Leadership on the Couch : A conversation with Manfred FR Kets de Vries”
Zaleznik A, 1977, “Managers and Leaders : Are they different ?”
Kellerman B, 2004, “Leadership - Warts and All’
Goleman D, 1998, “What makes a leader”
HBR’s 10 must reads on Leadership, 2011, Harvard Business School Publishing
Kotter J P, 1990, “What leaders really do”
Collins J, 2001, “Level 5 leadership”
Ancona D, Malone T W, Orlikoswki W J, Senge P M, 2007, “In praise of the incomplete leader”
Goffee R and Jones G, 2000, “Why should anyone be led by you”
George B, Sims P, McLean A N, Mayer D, 2007 “Discovering your authentic leadership”
TED Videos
Benjamin Zander : ‘On music and passion’ http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion.html
Drew Dudley : ‘Everyday Leadership’ http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/drew_dudley_everyday_leadership.html
Fields Wicker-Miurin : ‘Learning from leadership's missing manual’ http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/fields_wicker_miurin_learning_from_leadership_s_missing_manual.html
Simon Sinek : ‘How great leaders inspire action’ http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html
David Logan : ‘Tribal leadership’ http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/david_logan_on_tribal_leadership.html
Stanley McChrystal : ‘Listen, learn ... then lead‘ http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/stanley_mcchrystal.html
Derek Sivers: ‘How to start a movement’ http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement.html
On Line Magazines
Knowledge @ Wharton
Useem M, 2011, “Mission Critical: 15 Principles to Help Leaders Meet Their Toughest Challenges”
Adam G, 2010, “Analyzing Effective Leaders: Why Extraverts Are Not Always the Most Successful Bosses”, November 2012
Deloitte CEO Barry Salzberg on “Leadership as 'the Norm, Not the Exception'”, May 2011
MIT Sloan Improvisations
Ginka Toegel and Jean-Louis Barsoux, “How to Become a Better Leader”, Spring 2012
McKinsey Quarterly
Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer, “How leaders kill meaning at work”, January 2012
Joanna Barsh, Josephine Mogelof, and Caroline Webb,”How centered leaders achieve extraordinary results”, 2010
Other online documents and reading material
Dr. Jon Warner, Using a Performance and Potential Grid to Guide Coaching Interventions, Warner Results Coaching http://www.linkageinc.com/thinking/linkageleader/Documents/Jon_Warner_Using_a_Performance_and_Potential_Grid_to_Guide_Coaching_Interventions.pdf
Tennabaum R and Schmidt WH, 1973, ‘How to Choose a Leadership Pattern’ Harvard Business Review downloaded from http://www.elcamino.edu/faculty/bcarr/documents/How%20to%20choose%20a%20leadership%20pattern.pdf
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