the arch and the path:01

Taken from email June 27, 2007 re: http://www.archofleadership.com/resources/bookexcerpts.htm

Here are my responses to the the workbook assignments for discussion. The questions proved quite difficult for me to address in the manner in which they probably should. I really do not lead anyone in the work place. Our office consists of two partners, myself as a project manager / designer, and a few technical support staff. The support staff does not "answer" to me and are usually assigned to assist the partners in their projects. My work is done in conjunction with the partners, where I handle a large portion of the project work load ranging from drafting and detailing to design and client meetings. So with that in mind here goes...

Workbook #1

Question 1. Do you have followers? How do you distinguish between those among employees or reports who are your followers and those who are not? Based upon the definition of followers as discussed in our readings I would say that I do not have followers in my current professional position. I do not have fellow employees who answer or report to me. Followers (true followers) I would say, do so to participate willingly because they are genuinely interested/invested in the task at hand. They believe in the end goal. Followers (employees) follow because they are told to do so. They do it as part of a job description and work place responsibility.

Question 2. Scale of 1 to 5...

Love to organize - 4 I like to have things organized and structured. Especially in how drawings are laid out and drawn in the production phase. As I make the transition to project management, I find that I need to apply the same rigor. I rated this as a 4 only because I am not always driven to do the organizing.

Not just the facts - 5 I have a strong vision or image of the architecture prior to beginning of real exploration. A very vivid and strong sense about the experience that I want to create, ever the artist.

Living out of the future - 4 Not always in the future, but this is where my mind tends to focus. Instead of worrying about the "how to" I tend to fixate on the end point or goal. Sometimes to the goals detriment; knowing the "how to" is essential.

Always raising the bar - 4 I have very high expectations of myself and others. For myself, they are often unrealistic expectations given the circumstances.

Habit of change - 2 I prefer a bit of a routine. Unless a change is needed, I prefer to keep with what has worked thus far. If it is obvious that the course of action is not working, then seek change.

Workbook #2

Question 1. How do you learn about yourself? Learn about self mainly through introspective thought and self examination. Holding myself to my own high expectations and whether or not I fall short. Not an entirely healthy way to learn about self. This is an area that I need to become more objective in.

Question 2. How do you move yourself out of your comfort zone? Describe the last time you did this. I do not often make this sort of move. The majority of the time I prefer to stick with what I know. But I find this to be a characteristic that I want to change. The biggest shift thus far (and most recent) has been the Dist. M.Arch program itself. I feel challenged at times when it comes to conveying my ideas and thoughts in the academic setting. I am leery of failure and insecure in this area. The BAC is about challenging myself and proving to myself that I can not only complete the program, but excel.