Book Review #21: Learning is Not a Sprint

Last week, I saw this FB post from my friend and former colleague, Lisa Endersby:

Lisa Endersby shared a link.

April 8

Join me on April 25th for an hour long discussion about “Learning Is Not a Sprint” with authors Kathy Collins and Darby Roberts.I have questions to ask, but I know you have some too! Submit your questions for a chance to win a copy of NASPA’s newest book, “Decisions Matter.”Go here for more information and to RSVP: http://bit.ly/Zqgygu

NASPA | Learning is Not A Sprint – Discussion

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NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

I had previously seen the book mentioned on GoodReads and elsewhere, but hadn’t really thought anything of it at first (let’s be serious, I’ve read a lot of assessment books the past few months). Once I saw that post though, and knowing how totally awesome Lisa is, I decided to sign up for the webinar, and figured I should read the book before then.

Well, it was totally worth it! As I said, I’ve read more than a few assessment books since January, and was kinda feeling a bit assessed-out. This is something I am hoping to begin implementing in my Residence Life work; however since I haven’t actually started working on it yet it’s been difficult for me to figure out which questions I need to answer. The books I have read so far have offered me some ideas in terms of starting points, but I figured that once I actually get into the swing of it I would either re-read them, find other resources, or give Lisa a call.

This book does more than just offer ideas of where to begin, it asks reflection questions aimed at allowing the reader to determine what types of assessments would best work, what learning outcomes he/she is trying to achieve, as well as templates of assessment tools used at various institutions.

One suggestion I look forward to trying as soon as my new team begins training in August is:

Setting Expectations:

For use with individual students at the beginning of the year to establish rapport and set expectations

1- Student advisor distributes notecards

2- Students are asked to respond to the following questions:

a) What is one expectation you have of me [the advisor] this year?

b) What is one expectation you have of yourself this year?

3- Advisor collects the cards and does periodic check-ins with student leaders throughout the year.

This book has lots of other goodies which are making me excited to start reviewing our current practices.  I am also really looking forward to this webinar so that I can learn even more about the outcomes/assessment process.

Book Review #20: GridWorks

I have to do this GridWorks course for work. Didn’t really have any idea what it was about, only that my manager told me to sign up for it. Next thing I know, I receive a large package with a book and binder, and am told that I need to read them before I can do this training in May. Me being me, I figure I might as well read it now, that way I can enjoy reading for me later.

The book is called GridWorks: Maximizing Resources with Grid Solutions, and is based on the work ____________ by _________ (will insert this information once I’m in the office and can actually look at the book (snow days are fun).

In summary, the book talks about different individual styles (paternalistic, etc.) and how these translate in the workplace through Critique, Inquiry, Conflict Resolution, Decision Making, etc. and offers scenarios as examples of how these different individuals impact the teams with which they work.

I’m kind of looking forward to completing this two-day workshop, and will hopefully have more information to add to this review once I do.

Book Review #2: Quiet

I have been reading this book off and on for a few months, but finally finished it this weekend, which is why it has made its way onto my 2013 book review list.  The book in question is Quiet: The Power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking, and was written by Susan Cain in 2012.

This book was recommended to me by a former manager at Fleming College on my 2nd day of work, when he realized that I may not actually be the glaring extrovert I appear to be on the outside (side note: an instructor at Seneca College suggested that I may in fact be an ambivert, given that I tend to fall right around the line distinguishing introverts from extroverts on the Myers-Briggs scale – the quiz on Cain’s website would also see me classified as an ambivert).

In this book, Cain introduces notable introverts in history, and explains how their preference allowed them to make such significant contributions over time. She also explores how some of the ‘typical’ traits of introverts can be both a gift and a burden, especially in North American or European societies that so value extroversion.  Most importantly, Cain identifies some of the challenges faced by introverts and extroverts alike in the workplace, in romantic relationships, and even in parenting.

One thing I liked about this book is that it wasn’t ‘extrovert bashing’, in the sense that Cain didn’t focus on how society is wrong for expecting all individuals to act a certain way. Instead, she explains some of the errors made by individuals of both types in certain situations and how they can meet in the middle to create/strengthen productive, supportive, and loving relationships.

As someone who can identify with both ‘types’, I found this book helped explain some of my own behaviours, as well as the reactions of others when I exhibit more of one than the other. Given that one third of all individuals identify as introverts, I think this book is a great read for managers who wish to support and encourage the more ‘reserved’ members of their teams; spouses looking to better understand their partners; parents who wish to help their children thrive without forcing them into a mould; or any individual wanting to understand the people around them.

Book Review #1: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

As I’ve promised myself as part of my #oneword2013, I will be reading at least one book per month which is either directly or indirectly related to my work in Student Affairs.

The first of these books is entitled The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, written by Patrick Lencioni and published in 2002.  Given that most teambuilding/leadership books tend to be quite dry, I wasn’t really sure what to expect when reading this one, but thought it might be worth reading anyways, given that I am now responsible for a team of student leaders for the first time as a professional. I was pleasantly surprised by not only how quick this book was to read (I made it through the 224 pages during two lunch breaks and a one-hour wait for an appointment), but how interesting it was as well.

Most of the book revolves around a fictional scenario in which a new CEO attempts to ‘fix’ a very disconnected executive team by identifying and addressing a list of ‘dysfunctions‘ which prevent it from being successful. The book concludes with an in-depth review of the five dysfunctions, as well as a self-evaluation meant to allow individuals and groups to assess their team dynamics.

What I found most significant in reading this book was that even though I haven’t had any real problems with my own team, I was able to identify behaviours which upon further reflection, would qualify as having a negative impact on the group.  Evidently, working in a group in which I am a professional staff member supervising a group of student leaders, I am not able to apply all the techniques that could work for a company’s executive team. I am however getting some ideas for how to improve the dynamics within my current group, as well as how to help form next year’s Residence Assistant team.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone working with a group of individuals, as either a supervisor or a team member.