Small group projects: Best practices for workplace collaboration.

The main weakness of this group was lack of understanding about what a definition paper was. The other members and I had a bit of a problem knowing what to put in to the paper. Another group member and I had to change our topic to get information we needed.

The strength of the group was timeliness All group members completed their part in a timely manner. This allowed me to add some last minute citations that were required This also allowed my teammates to make some last minute revisions to their parts. The final result was a well-balanced collaboration of work.

This project has taught me a few things about working with other people in a small group. The most important thing it has done for me is make my team work skills stronger I practiced listening to my group members. Then, I thought about what they said. After that, I restated what they said. This behavior gave thorough and accurate understanding of their position.

The Most Valuable Service I can offer abilities first

The most valuable service I can offer abilities first is my best work. Using the information provided to myself and my team members to produce a high quality document. This document should be free from any errors of grammar and punctuation. The content should include topics that relate to the aspects of volunteer work for Abilities First. These topics should also be double checked for accuracy.

Ideally, the completed brochure should capture the spirit of the organization. I want people to look at this brochure and be moved. I want them to know what Abilities First is, what it does, and how they can help contribute. I want to create a feeling in them that they have something to offer this wonderful organization and feel the urgency to volunteer.

Service Learning

Service Learning is helping someone and receiving a grade for it. It is beneficial for both the student and the person or persons being helped. The recipient gets something they need and the student learns by completing the project.

Since I have not yet participated in a project like this before; I did not know what kind of result to expect. I was apprehensive about the quality of my work. Would it be good enough to meet the expectations of the project? Also, I was concerned about the lack of photographs for the brochure.

After meeting with Dawn the person whom we are preparing this brochure for; I feel relieved and very positive about my group’s progress. Her feedback gave the group the necessary information to complete the project. Also, one of the group members will be going to the abilities first class to take pictures for our brochure.

Networking 101

My research of social and professional networking has increased my awareness of what to do and what not to do. The most important thing is to be positive. Never post anything negative. Getting out there on networking sites is all about making positive connections. Connect with friends and business contacts. Do not air your personal gripes. It will tarnish the reputation you are trying to build. Checking your privacy settings is important and will ensure your personal information stays personal. Expect anything you post to become public even on your personal network so make sure you know who is seeing what.

Being selective is also a good idea. This means you should stick to a few networks and use them regularly. Keep your information up to date. Plan ahead how much time you are going to spend on your networks. The last thing you want to do is defeat your purpose by spending too much time.

Online Identity

Cyber Resume Building Your Online Presence For Job Search Success

The idea of this article is that having an online identity is important because of lack of job security. Here are a few of the suggestions given to brand yourself.

·        Purchase your own domain if your name has already been used try a variation

·        Limit yourself to a few sites.

·        Be consistent with the information you put on all of your sites including your photograph.

http://www.fins.com/Finance/Articles/SB124706407168111717/Cyber-Resume-Building-Your-Online-Presence

Managing Your Online Identity for a better branding

Manage Your Online Identity for a Better Branding is all about having a good online reputation this is what it suggests

• Know what is out there and try to fix it if it is negative.
• Be discrete with personal information
• Keep business and pleasure separate pages and manage privacy settings
• Stay professional when you post be informative and positive

http://www.articlesalley.com/article.detail.php/100955/185/Network_Marketing/Business/1/Agents%3A_Manage_Your_Online_Identity_for_a_Better_Branding

Measuring Your Online Brand

Reiterates the idea online identity is important and defines five online personalities

• Disguised - no identity
• Dissed - small amount of information, or information that is negative
• Disastrous - results not relevant to you someone else has your name and their information stands out
• Dabbling - some good and relevant information about yourself
• Distinct - good information that shows your value

http://www.job-hunt.org/personal-branding/measure-online-brand.shtml

Gettin' the Job!

Of the four articles I read on difficult interview questions, the main idea I gathered was to be positive in answering all interview questions. Potential employers look for this.

1. Your biggest weakness?
A good way to answer this question is to take one of your strengths and turn it into a weakness. For example, I tend to be very thorough with my work. Sometimes this is a problem because I might check and recheck something too much. I tell the interviewer I am working to be thorough, but not over do it.

2. Tell me about yourself.
Star Tribune and Careerbuilder.com agree on sticking to telling about yourself professionally as it relates to the job you are applying for. I would answer this question by telling the interviewer about my degree and how it may relate to the job.

3. Why did you leave your last job?
This is probably the most difficult question because most of the time I have ever left a job it has been for negative reasons. In the column, Ask Matt, featured in Startribune.com, Joyce Lemay from St. Paul College, suggests being brief. My answer to this question is always that I need a new challenge.

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Employers asking this question desire to see that you have some long term goals like career growth. I would answer by indicating that I expect to have my Bachelors degree and using skills attained from receiving it.

5. How do you handle a difficult situation with a co-worker?

One situation that comes to mind is when a co-worker is not doing his/her share of work. To address this problem I consulted Michele Ross for advice. Michele has over fifteen years of experience in retail management. Her suggestion was to be non-defensive, open-minded, and don’t jump to conclusions. Start by asking them a few questions. Find out if there are any problems that are going on in their work or home life. If they are having a problem that may be affecting their work just listening may help them. If there is not a problem you have just drawn attention to the fact that there is a problem in a non-confrontational way. If the situation is not resolved after this; I then would go see a supervisor to address the problem.

Works Cited
Young, J. (2010, April 9). How to Answer the Hard Interview Questions Forbes, http://www.forbes.com/

Krumrie, M. (2005, July 30). Ask Matt: Answers to Five Hard Interview Questions Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com/

Williams, N. (2010, September 17). The Most Difficult Interview Questions (and Answers) Monster.com, http://www.monster.com/

Lorenz, K. (2009 June 6). Answers to the 7 Toughest Interview Questions. Careerbuilder.com, http://www.careerbuilder.com/

Mission Accomplished

Mission Accomplished

When asked about the values and principles that guide my life, three principles come to mind. I strive to exercise them in every role I play: daughter, aunt, sister girlfriend, student, and employee. Throughout my life; the principles of honesty, kindness, and patience have consistently proven successful

The first principle is honesty. I try to always be honest. Being truthful to myself and others is important even when it is not to my benefit. One example of this is when the cashier at the store gives me too much change.

Patience is the second principle I practice. It is especially difficult to have in this day, but essential. Everyone is in such a hurry and has too much to do. Patience helps me to see things through difficult situations.

Kindness is the third principle. I strongly believe in the golden rule; to treat others the way you want to be treated. I feel it is important for me to do this even when people are not kind to me. By doing this I can feel good about the actions I take with other people.