Yes, I think I'm ready now

There are times in life when you have to take control
Are you ready?

Are you ready to seize life by the horns;
To lead your team to victory?
Are you ready to look adversity in the eye;
To show strength when they need it?

Will you stand on the shoulders of giants before you?
Will you be the change in the world?
When you come upon the fork in the road, will you take the one less traveled?

The end of a journey begins a new
and you have the opportunity.
To create, engage, and inspire those around you.
And yes, i think I'm ready

What have you learned, Dorothy?

Can you believe we're already at the end of Spring semester. It feels like just yesterday I was telling you all about myself... sharing my travel adventures... ordering not one, but 2 McGangbangs. And in just a few more classes it'll all be over. I'm a little verklempt!

It'll probably come as no surprise that I have really enjoyed writing this blog. In fact... I'm a little disappointed we aren't going to post our essays (yeah... that's a not-so-subtle request for you all to post your essays so I can read them). I'm a HUGE fan of things I can directly control... and I absolutely see this as a very simple thing that achieves just that. Not only has this helped me drive towards an A, but it has allowed me to really think about why I'm here. I think it's a great learning tool, and I think the best gift has been that it gave me the opportunity to meet all of you (not the easiest thing to do in short term night classes even when you're as chatty as myself).

This class has introduced me to some interesting theories, insightful topics, and amazing people. Some of you drive me nuts... but for the most part it's all been in good fun! Reading your blogs, and more so the comments on mine (as I am an American, and therefore a narcissist, so I much prefer to talk about myself or hear the wonderful things you have to say about me) has given me such a great perspective. I think my favorite topic was the one about cultural differences... to me that was the moment you let me in. You shared your personal stories even more so then the "About Me" posts. But for the most part, they all were great reads. I was able to think about this class from my own perspective and see it from yours as well. Prof K says this blog along with the team events, are designed to help us really take in the material. I can't agree more.

So a few people who have been there from the beginning of my blog journey that I feel compelled to say a personal Adieu.

To Miss M: My Lion- You were a shy, quite lady at the beginning of the semester. And just tonight, I saw an amazing side of you take charge! You will be an amazing leader.

To D-Block: My Tin Man- You and I are so alike and yet so different. And tonight, by taking the role as our team leader, you showed me side of myself that I hope to learn from!

To John Fernandes (yep... I just called you out by full name): My Scarecrow: You I will miss most of all. You, despite the topic, always found a colorful way to share the opposite side of the argument. I can't say I've had more enjoyable debates then I have had with you. And, if you're lucky, the next time you 'shush' me I won't call INS to give them your current whereabouts... though Im not married to that so don't open your door to strangers in trench coats.

To our wonderful Professor: Our dutiful Wizard: Though you're about to take off in your balloon, and leave me stranded in Oz, you taught me that Glinda is within us all. We've always had the power to get where we want to go; it's just a matter of finding the right path, people, and ruby slippers to help get us there.

To everyone else: The Munchkins, The People of Emerald City, The Flying Monkeys, and The Wicked Witch of the West (...you know who you are! =): What's left to say really? We've had a lot of fun.We've laughed, we've cried, we've shared "feelings". But if I'm being honest... I'm just not ready to be tied down by a relationship. I mean, we're young (you are anyway), and it's almost summer. It's meant to be the time we let go and experience life! We're only in college once... or 3 times. Whatever. I just don't want to lead you on any more. You've meant a great deal to me... but it's time for this butterfly to find another flower.

As there is at least one blog remaining (and I hope not to disappoint with my rhyming skilz), we'll have one last hurrah. It just seemed like the right time to say my farewells for now, so don't expect a big scene in my final post.

Cheers till next time!
Seecr

Apples!!!

Ordering a McGangbang; a tragedy

Part 1:

First thing I’ll recommend is that one should never order a McGangbang after being out at a bar after work when you haven’t eaten dinner yet. Why, you ask; because you’ll try it. The next morning you will be oh so regretful of this decision. You’ll wake up, stomach rumbling, and think to yourself ‘What in the world was I thinking?’

My observations during my first visit to the McDonald’s on 4^th Avenue in Brooklyn were not as horrifying as I had anticipating. There were 5 other patrons in the restaurant when I walked in. As I approached the counter, the cashier greeted me with a luke-warm smile and asked to take my order.

Candice the Cashier: “May I take your order?”

Me: “I’d like a McGangbang, please”

Candice: “You want a what?”

Me: “A McGangbang”

Candice: “Is that real?”

Jose (another cashier): “Haha!”

Candice to Jose: “Have you heard of that?”

Jose: “Yeah, it’s a burger with the chicken inside, right?

Me (Laughing… 5 beers will do that): “Yes, it’s a Double Cheese Burger with a Chicken Sandwich in-between the burger patties”

Candice: “Ok… Jose can you do that?”

Jose: “Yeah, just ring it up like this” (He helps her)

Me: “I’m going to need the manager to sign the receipt”

Candice rings me up and then calls for her manager; Mr. Evans. My order was at the counter within what seemed like seconds. I un-wrapped it, and took a photo.

Mr. Evans was a little confused as to why I needed him to sign the receipt. After all, they completed my request without question. He agreed to sign; however he refused to indicate that I had ordered a ‘McGangbang’… his reason: “That doesn’t exist. I’m not saying that.”

Now, the second recommendation I have for when you order a McGangbang for a class assignment, and you know that your professor is going to look at the receipt and photo for certain elements… is that you MAKE SURE IT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS!

2 days later, when I went to write this, I then noticed 2 things. The first being that when the ever so helpful Jose assisted Miss Candice in ringing up my order, he didn’t do it as a ‘Double Cheeseburger and McChicken Sandwich’. Alternatively, he had rung up my order as a ‘Double Cheeseburger and Extra meat’. Then, after carefully inspecting my photographic evidence, I saw that it wasn’t actually a McGangbang. What the accommodating and helpful staff had actually made me was double cheeseburger with the meat from the McChicken added in. So incredibly close… yet so completely wrong.

At this point, I’ve not only made the horrible mistake of eating the McGangbang, but it’s now the day before my assignment is due, and therefore I must now make a 2^nd trip to a McDonald’s to order this monstrosity of a sandwich. Not to mention, I will only be able to do this during Mid-Town NYC lunch hour. I just have to pray that the staff at the 2^nd restaurant is as graceful as the 4^th Avenue location.

Part 2:

Enter scene

McDonald’s restaurant on Broadway and 51^st Street, New York NY

Monday April 25, 2011 at 11:45AM

4 Cashiers, 1 Store Manager, 1 GM, fully deployed kitchen Staff

Approximately 8 customers waiting for orders, 3 to order

Sarah approaches Cashier Elian

Elian: “Welcome to McDonald’s, may I take your order?”

Me: “Good morning. I’d like a McGangbang”

Elian: “Huh?”

Me: “I’d like a McGangbang”

Elian: “Can you tell me what that is?”

Me: “Absolutely. It’s a Double Cheeseburger with a McChicken on the inside”

Elian (to his manager William): “Can we do that?”

William: “We can do whatever they want as long as we can ring it up”

Elian steps aside and William proceeds show him how to ring the order.

Elian: “Ok, that’ll be $2.16”

Me: “Great, I’ll need to receipt as well”

The sandwich arrives as Elian is printing the receipt. It’s wrong.

Me: “Oh, this isn’t right. See, you’ve given me a McChicken with Double Chicken Patties. I ordered a 'McGangbang', which is a Double Cheeseburger with the McChicken on the inside. It’s the 2 dollar menu items” Elian then hands me the receipt. “Oh, and this is not correct. I need a receipt that reflects my order”

William: “We don’t have Dollar Menus in Manhattan. So you’d like a ‘McGangbang’ which is the Double Cheeseburger with the McChicken inside. That’ll be $4.01”

William leaves as I settle the money with Elian.

Elian: “I’m sorry. It’s my first week on the register alone. I just don’t want to mess it up”

Me: “Not a problem at all. I understand… it’s a unique request”

William returns the sandwich is wrong.

Me: “Oops. Not quite right. This is a Double Cheeseburger with a chicken patty on top. I need the McChicken in-between the 2 burger patties”

William leaves… returns again about 2 minutes later. He asks me to check it, but it’s unfortunately wrong again.

Me: “Almost. See… you’ve got everything right, we’re just missing the bread from the McChicken”

William returns for a 3^rd time… we have a bit of an audience now as another cashier and the GM (Mr. Yao) have come to watch me unwrap and check another sandwich.

Have we have succeeded? We have indeed! A full McChicken Sandwich, inside the patties of a Double Cheeseburger; AKA: The McGangbang

Me: “This is perfect! Thank you!”

GM Mr. Yao: “That’s very interesting. Why are you calling it a ‘McGangbang’?

Me: “Well, it’s a bit inappropriate I suppose but it’s because the chicken is sandwiched inside. I don’t make it up… I just place the order. There are several un-menued items actually”

GM Mr. Yao: “We should know about these! May I ask where you heard about this one?”

Now, I read the instruction for the assignment VERY carefully before my 2^nd visit. I know that it said that under no circumstances am I to reveal that this is a class, so my expert acting skills were put into effect.

Me: “Actually, there are dozens of websites. If you Google ‘McGangbang’ you’ll find it and several others”

GM Mr. Yao: “Thank you. We’re going to do that!”

            When I finally leave it’s about 12:10PM. Not to shabby. I felt the staff really handled the situation well. Elian was determined to see that I received my proper order, and William was positive with his “we can do anything” response. But I was most impressed with the proactive approach the GM took. He took notice of the unconventional transaction and rather then try to rush his staff to finish up and move on, he stood watch to ensure the order was completed and then asked how he could help his team do better in the future. If I ate at McDonald’s regularly, I would most certainly return to this location.

Epilogue:

            You’d think that following my departure, that would be the end. Such is not the case when a woman walks into a financial advisory office in Mid-town Manhattan with a McDonald’s bag. It’s kind of like jumping in a swamp, then walking into family dinner stinking to high heaven and not explaining why you’re covered in mud. So upon my return the boys were curious. “What the heck are you doing with a McDonald’s bag?” they asked. So I oblige them… tell them my whole tragic story. “Oh my gosh, we have to see this!”… “Are you going to eat it again?” “Get a knife, we have to try this thing!”

            Of course, they eat it. I’ve now affectionately coined the McGangbang cut into quarters and shared among Financial Advisors as an ‘Urban Appetizer’; and in the words of John V “Huh… It’s not too bad!”

Are you a good Witch, or a bad Witch?

Shout out to all my "I,d" peeps!!

So much to the surprise of my classmates and Professor, it turns out that I am "Influencing, dominant". Personally, I think it was spot on but I can totally see that most people would have pegged me as "Dominant"... in fact if you could be 'D,d' I'm sure that would have the pre-test consensus.

I'm not sure if I buy tests are a way to measure ones management ability, but I definitely see it as a tool to help people understand personalities. A good leader should be able to read the people, and a great leader is able to adapt. More importantly, I can see it being a tool to help senior leaders predict what kind of management roles someone would excel in. If you have someone who is very analytical they might be better in leading in transaction or technical fields. On the flip side you have someone like myself, a leader in the field of sales/marketing, that would be better in more abstract and creative areas.

What I know is that just because someone is analytical, doesn't mean they can't lead creative people, and visa-versa. I feel that what these test tell us isn't how effective a person may be managing, but what kind of people will they surround themselves with. You might find more 'D' people under a 'D' leader as opposed to a 'C' in ratio. I think an 'I' leader would have the most diverse team... as they can engage people the most.

I've taken dozens of personality tests over the years... Myers-Briggs (I'm an ENFJ), the Platinum Rule (I'm a Relating Socializer), DOPE Personality Test (I'm a Peacock on the cusp of being an Eagle); but none of the tests ever told me something NEW. The thing they all taught me was how to recognize the other personalities around me. Once you're able to do that, and use that knowledge to change peoples behavior, you're golden!

It's been at least an hour since the last time I influenced someone... so I must be off. Until next time; go... manage... lead!  


~Seecr

You don't need to be helped any longer

whispered... "I see successful people"

As I mentioned in “How do you do? Very well, thank you”, my life goals have been a constant topic of mind over the past few years. There’s nothing like waking up one morning and finding that you don’t know how you arrived where you are. Where you are in career, in relationships... one time I even woke up under a van which is a little crazy when you can’t remember how you got there.

Today, as I write this, I’m sitting in a hotel lounge watching UConn play Butler for the Men’s NCAA Finals. It makes me think about the vision these young men had… they saw themselves winning a championship trophy. They practiced hundreds of hours to become a team that played successfully together. And in a few hours they will either achieve success or walk away to fight on next season.

I see myself achieving success. Every morning I wake up and remind myself that I am whoever I want to be.

1.      I see myself living overseas – preferably in Australia or South America

a.       That seems like a silly goal since so many people just move and don’t think about how they’re going to make a living, but as a planner I want to have things in place. It’s something I’ve thought about for several years now as I think it would be amazing to immerse myself in another culture, and travel, and meet new people.

                                                              i.      The way I can do this is to finish my education. I have a 4 semester plan to finish school (includes summer). Once I do that, I can pursue international opportunities within my field.

2.      I’m going be a career woman… and not the 1950’s definition. A respected and successful business woman.

a.       Honestly, so far so good on this front. I’ve been on a path for success in business since I started my career. However, for me being successful in the work force means being fulfilled and challenged.   

                                                              i.      Pursing a professional role internationally will help me achieve a higher level of success. In my current field (Wealth Management/Investment Banking) you can basically ‘write your own ticket’ if you work international. It doesn’t really matter what you do or how long you stay either. And since doing so will help me accomplish 2 of my goals… it’s even more awesome, because I’m a big fan of streamlining!

3.      I will speak fluent Spanish and French

a.       Do you know that they call someone who speaks 2 languages? Bi-Lingual. Do you know what they call someone who speaks 3 languages? Tri-lingual. Do you know what they call someone who speaks 1 language? American. I refuse to be that stereo-type.

                                                              i.      I speak a little Spanish… and I need to start focusing on it more.

                                                            ii.      2 years ago I began taking French classes through Baruch. Not the best way to learn but it helps with my degree as well so I’ve continued.

                                                          iii.      I need to start going to the language meet ups! I’ll start that soon… maybe after UConn beats Butler. If they lose I might wait till next month when I’m done crying over my cereal.

4.      I will go to law school.

a.       What did I just say? Yes… law school. It might be hard to believe, but I love to argue. More specifically, I love to prove I’m right. When I’m not, I proceed to argue my point until it’s a draw, which essentially is a win for me… so for all intents and purposes, I’m always right.

                                                              i.      For the past year I’ve thought that I would finish up at Baruch, take my LSAT, and head off to Harvard. I even had the opportunity to sit on a jury for a criminal trial earlier this year. It just reinforced my true desire to pursue a career in the justice system.

                                                            ii.      But more recently I’m not sure that will be the exact course. If things keep going well in my career, I may take a little extra time and pursue law as a “second” career.

5.      I see myself with a family

a.       Ok… maybe not 2.5 kids, a dog, and a Volvo; but I definitely want to have 21’st century version of a family.

                                                              i.      Trick question to explain how I plan to achieve this. It’s really not possible to plan this when you’re still missing some of the key component (i.e. a husband/wife who either have children themselves or want to pro-create). But it’s definitely something I envision for my future, and I have no doubt that one day that piece of the puzzle will fall into place.

 So there they are... 5 of my personal/professional goals. Not sure I can say it any better than this... so I leave you all with the lyrical styling of the great John Cena. Enjoy! 

Cheers~

Seecr

"My Time Is Now"
Your time is up, my time is now
You can't see me, my time is now
It's the franchise, boy I'm shinin' now
You can't see me, my time is now!

In case you forgot or fell off I'm still hot - knock your shell off
My money stack fat plus I can't turn the swell off
The franchise, doin' big bid'ness, I live this
It's automatic I win this - oh you hear those horns, you finished
A soldier, and I stay under you fightin'
Plus I'm stormin' on you chumps like I'm thunder and lightning
Ain't no way you breakin' me kid, I'm harder than nails
Plus I keep it on lock, like I'm part of the jail
I'm slaughtering stale, competition, I got the whole block wishing
they could run with my division but they gone fishing -
- with no bait, kid your boy hold weight
I got my soul straight, I brush your mouth like Colgate
In any weather I'm never better your boy's so hot
you'll never catch me in the next man's sweater
If they hate, let 'em hate, I drop ya whole clan
Lay yo' ass down for the three second tan

Yeah, uh
It's gonna be what it's gonna be
Five pounds of courage buddy, bass tint pants with a gold T
Uh - it's a war dance and victory step
A raw stance is a gift, when you insist it's my rep
John Cena, Trademarc, you all are so-so
And talk about the bread you make but don't know the recipe for dough though
Aimin' guns in all your photos, that's a no-no
When this pop, you'll liplock, your big talk's a blatant no-show
See what happens when the ice age melt
You see monetary status is not what matters, but it helps
I rock a timepiece by Benny if any
The same reason y'all could love me is the same reason y'all condemn me
A man's measured by the way that he thinks
Not clothing lines, ice links, leather and minks
I spent 20 plus years seekin' knowledge of self
So for now Marc Predka's livin' life for wealth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JAa3NvP6f4

           

Are you doing that on purpose, or can't you make up your mind?

Blog topic #3

"Class: you submit with 100% agreement, by the end of session, a proposal with respect to how we should address the results of the 1st exam. I'm offering not additional direction. Ready... GO!"

Wow... with a class size that large, there were a lot of opinions... but thankfully we were able to submit an acceptable proposal within the allotted time frame.

I feel that my role was that of the moderator. Although I technically could have expressed my voice/opinion, I felt strongly that we needed to have an appointed leader to successfully execute the task. I also felt that if that leader was to be accepted by the group and exercise 'authority' that I needed to forfeit my vote. I wanted to ensure was heard.

Admittedly, I could have done things a little more efficiently. Perhaps breaking out into smaller groups would have kept things organized, though based on previous activities I believe some larger conflicts may have arose in the process as well. I also wish that we had explored more alternatives. As a facilitator that was my responsibility, and in that I failed my peers by not pulling more from them.

When it comes to the 5 ways people act in decision making, I believe I exhibited both compromise and accommodation. I worked as a mediator for the "outliers" and tried to keep the group on a path. By putting my own needs aside, I showed the class their needs were my main concern which afforded me the ability to take command of the task.

My last appeal for those who may not have spoken up... I still feel that we posed the question of "better of the 2" when it comes to the mid-terms... And I recognize that option was somehow either not vocalized or was taken off the table due to a misunderstanding of the parameters. There is a first time for everything... so I hope our WONDERFUL Professor will amend the agreement to include this as well.

Now, I'm off to make another big decision... and though I hate to say it... I wont miss the commentary of my classmates during the process.

Cheers all!!

Seecr

You don't get around us that easy

Oh yeah baby! DAMS Egg is a true survivor!

I think the results speak for themselves... but since you asked me to brag about the mad skillz of our team, I will happily oblige...

First: sketch and design 

• Although we had specific tools and resources, we began by considering what would keep the egg safe, and allow for shock
• We then sketched thinking of the materials
• We began with a tripod like triangular shape 
• We decided we needed to enhance the base to a pyramid to ensure it landed safely

Second: reviewed resources to ensure we'd have sufficient straws and tape to execute our design

• During this analysis we decided that if/when we needed to make cuts, they would need to be right
• Original design left 1 straw remaining for error or changed during construction
• We also determined that we'd need to find a way to stretch the tape supply and decided we'd need to cut it in half

Third: create a paper proto-type

• using paper, we built a '4-D' prototype of our structure, using the dimensions of the straws and egg
• Seeing the vision we were able to make the needed modifications to ensure maximum protection while utilizing the available resources

Fourth: expand our recourses

• Building the prototype took us almost 8 minutes... and knowing we'd have only 10 minutes, and needed to cut the tape and straws, we set out to find scissors

Fifth: execute the build

• Team members 1 & 2 were primary engineers on the build with support from member 3
• Team member 4 wrote out our team page along with a sketch - making plan modifications as changes were made

Sixth: show you all how incredibly awesome we are!!

• You were there... I don't need to tell you
• I've never claimed to be humble...

Two things we didn't do:

1. Assign a team leader: In this group dynamic I don't think we needed one. We were all behind the goal, and motivated to achieve it. We brainstormed until we had a consensus as to how we should execute and every team member contributed; adding value throughout the process.
2. Consider alternatives: We were happy with our original design, but we found a need to make some modifications during the build. If I were to do a similar task I might have explore structural alternatives prior to building.

So, now you know how to be AMAZING! Take it in... chew on it... you'll get here.

Cheers~
Seecr