Reflection on (attempting) Success

As I work my way through this first semester of the SJSU MLIS program, I have to agree with the advice of my readiness assessment: better time management, better participation, and more interaction. I continue to struggle (like many others) to find the work/student/life balance. Having three kids, a full-time professional as a spouse, my own administrative position, and 2 million building renovation (at work), survival and success demands finding this balance. I also need to step-up my participation and interaction. Both are not only valuable to this program, but also provide a professional outlet/sounding board that, as a director, I don’t always have at work. Some topics can’t be discussed with my staff, especially those relating to them. My instructors and classmates are a great resource that I can utilize. 

 "The hardest part was disciplining myself to actually sit down and do the work. I always found something around the house that "needed" to be done rather than sit and do my school work." – this is absolutely true for me. There is always something else, but when I make the time, it flies by and I feel better knowing things are complete. I try remembering that feeling when I start to slip. One tool for me has been music. It helps to refocus, drowns out the “others things,” and gets me started on what really needs done. My other tools include the almighty folder – desktop and browser – to which my professional and academic world would be lost without, and the all-knowing online calendar. Keeping work/school/family calendars connected and tied to my phone keeps everything from dissolving into chaos. 

My own time management issues aside, another area of the success I’m looking forward to conquering is the collaborative environment this program offers. Dr. Haycock provides great insight into the five dysfunctions of team – which I see it too often in the workplace. I didn't realize it was an established concept. It helps to see each issue detailed. This is an effective tool for the program that I can also carry into my work environment. To reach that goal, it will be necessary to keep in mind Irwin’s cautionary tales of teamwork, especially the fear that students and people in general lack skills, enthusiasm, or trust for teamwork. I agree that the attitude of: "Oh, ho hum - I don't wanna be here! This is a real bummer" is very infectious and I need to be aware of my own attitudes toward group work. The value of teamwork skills, both in school and work, can’t be emphasized enough. I look forward to using this program to continue developing and enhancing those skills. 

Here’s to the first semester!