Taking the plunge! Highlights from our chosen org.

Katya and I gave each other a quick pep talk and decided, lets have fun with this!  Yes, we were nervous but we would channel this feeling into positive energy.

We were scheduled to meet with the CFO, Todd Smith and Marianne (or Jen?), both of whom became unavailable. But, thanks to Katya's husband whom is their computer tech guy we were introduced to several others and came out of the independent a few hours later feeling excited and overwhelmed with tons of great information!

1st Interview:
Mark Hermann
Account Executive

-Is in his second year amongst very seasoned staff
-Works for 100% commission based salary
-Works with lifestyles, products, tech, real estate
-Provides the only revenue source for the company so feels lots of responsibility there
-States that the week essentially begins on Thursday when a new paper is released, from then on there is a series of deadlines
-His goal is for a strong return on investment
-Loves working at the Independent because of the reputation, lots of integrity
-Speaks of his manager, Jen, whom he claims is very involved in the community and practically knows everybody
-He states that Jen has a big heart
-He has lived in Santa Barbara for 5 years now, 7 years in sales
-States there is a strong division between editorial and sales, states it's like 65% sales and 35% editorial
-He interacts with production everyday but seldom with editorial staff
-He has a plant in his office that he comments on that he is bringing back to life to defend its shabby appearance

2nd Interview:
Nick Welsh
aka Angry Poodle
Executive Editor

-We meet with him in Marianne Partridge's office (Editor in Chief)
-In her office she has a chalkboard with colored chalk, whicker basket filled with tangerines, mini pictures and frames
-Nick has been the Executive Editor since 1983 "Institutional memory with alzheimer's" he calls himself...also, "the bridge to no where"
-Chaotic times when hip bone not connected to thigh bone
-States he works under Mariannes supervision whom tells him what needs to get done
-He leads by example, puts his head down and works his ass off
-He has become very comfortable in his ways, very entrenched in the community
-He states that he appreciates Santa Barbara citizens for their brutal honesty that it makes his job rewarding and aggravating
-States that once a paper is released he instantly has the satisfaction of hearing it's impact from SB citizens, he throws the "stone is water and has the satisfaction of hearing a splash"
-States that good about "the product", it's non-toxic nature in informing and connecting Santa Barbara citizens with democratic institutions
-He is able to shine light on important discussions and feels proud of that
-He states that it is easy to get stuck in a rut, feel burnt-out, feel comfortable in old ways at his age
-He states that the online presence filled a void for the public regarding obtaining local information
-He recalls when the News Press was "going crazy" that it was during the time of the 3 massive Santa Barbara fires, the public needed to know; should I stay or should I go? He felt proud when the Independent stepped in a this time to provide it's online component providing a true community service
-He states that it provided the bread and butter of daily journalism:  all out bliss
-He talks about the New Press being hostile to it's community, it wouldn't allow people to view it's journal without being a subscriber, he admits they had great radio
-He states that the Independent used to be "outside the tent pissing in and that by default it is now inside pissing out"
-He states that it is essential for SB to be well served with a hard copy paper and online as well
-He states that he is the man that will often be found at the city hall, courts, school board, covering realities
-He states that he needs to figure out the main stories so he doesn't miss something and "get caught with his pants down"
-He states on the news side there are 4 people at the Independent so it's very difficult to "get the breath & depth of coverage"

3rd Interview:
Robby Robbins
Multimedia Sales Manager
-Has been in the sales industry since 1988
-Was recruited by the Independent from North Carolina
-He appreciated how the Independent had a lot of transparency, not a lot of secrets
-He thought of moving to Santa Barbara as the opportunity of a lifetime
-He has a huge appreciation for the editorial staff
-He states that there is virtually a wall between editing and advertising staff
-Sometimes there can be friction, example, "oh my god you wrote that about my client!"
-Lots of freedom at the Independent, can decorate, wear, etc. anything they want, "this paper has more freedom than I ever felt"
-As sales manager has not sold out to being a money guy:  sell out, hows hands our dirty with all the money made form advertising for sex and drugs
-He states that by working at the Independent he has chosen something truly unique not rigorously ruled or scheduled
-He states that at the office they are not perfect, they have problems like any family
-He states that last week he had a personal episode with a staff member and friend whom showed an inappropriate picture on Facebook amongst other office staff
-He states that he confronted the person asap and let them know how he felt
-His door is covered with buttons and stickers, "are you stoned or just stupid", "drag queen"
-No discrimination
-He has a great appreciation for the delivery drivers whom he states are crucial to the Independent, they have a huge commitment
-He is frank about how his skills and talent can make him much more money else where
-States that he needed a purpose and found that at the Independent, instead of making the rich richer as he did in North Carolina
-"I like this job!"  I don't wake up saying I don't want to come in, if i'm having a bad day all I need to do is tell people i'm having a bad day!
-States that he reports directly to Todd the CFO and describes him as a square peg amongst round pegs, that he is the only guy wearing a three piece suit
-Individuality shines at the office, not homogenized, "oober melting pot" is how he describes it, very diverse backgrounds
-everything is full disclosure
-Talks about Tanya, mentions she is the only person of african american descent at the office, states that she is the office's "filter" that she "protects us" and is "invaluable.  She knows who and what everyone wants to see or talk to and makes sure it stays that way, she is the face of the Independent, was is titled, "Director of First Impressions"
-Bagel day on Wednesdays
-If they reach the 100 page marker they get food on Tuesday
-While the outside ad reps work on 100% commission two inside reps, Dorothy & Nina, work for an hourly wage and must stay in office to answer the phones
-Very few hourly employees at the Independent
-Independent very unique in the fact that it has 2 graphic artists with completely "different flows" "each has a different beat" and best serves either ads or editorial
-States that in his opinion Nick aka angry poodle is a "damn good writer" that he is "raw" and pounds at the keyboard with his two index fingers
-States that everyone in the office has their own niche, what they are good at
-They even have a full time topographer
-States that the online paper has been a "feather smoother" because they can fix anything immediately
-Robby is in charge of their Facebook page
-Independent has integrity, hasn't given into slut ads though it's hard to give up that money for many people
-He believes that while technology has been great it also takes away true talent, he can virtually never interact with anyone to get his job done now
-He thinks it's funny that though technology did away with clip art and cut and pasting the terminology still exists
-He offers to help in any way, we can contact him with any further questions and says he is glad to be of service to us

Take Away:
-We discovered our priest/priestess: Robby
-Friday at 9:30am Robby will introduce us to Tanya the secretary whom has worked at the Independent since she was 18 so that she can give us a tour and hopefully additional insight

In Preparation

I really valued the time and feedback allotted to rough draft questions for our first business visit.  Overall, I realized that questions need to be warm and inviting not mechanical. Katya and I will approach the SB Press employees as sensitive and humble beings.  Initially, Katya and I included the word "structure" in a few of our questions and we immediately received the feedback to omit that word which upon reflection I completely agree with as it adds rigidity to the question and does not enhance it in any way.

The notion to focus on the organizational climate and functions of it's people struck me as overarchingly important.  It seems easy to get stuck in the collection of facts concerning the organization but that is not our purpose and we must continuously remind ourselves of that.

I also valued the advice that all contact with our chosen organization is a type of intervention and that from the beginning it is essential to collect notes on everything from what is happening at moment, what is displayed on the walls, hesitancies, how are decisions made, how are things determined, who referred you to who...etc.   I like the notion of really keeping in tune with what is weird or interesting.

I believe that after our class discussions and readings Katya and I have become more "in-tune" with the ethics of organizational development and intervention.

"the eyes of a child"

As the title of my blog states "the eyes of a child" I am using this notion as a new lens to guide me on a journey of exploring insights within an organization.  Appreciative inquiry really threw a wrench into my way of interpreting what it means to be a researcher and my modes and means of collecting data on the organization I have chosen to diagnosis.  This prior sentence uses the terminology I would have previously used to describe this type of action research but now I understand from a different angle that I as the researcher am not their to diagnosis or collect data in order to find a truth.  Instead I am there to help all individuals within an organization get their juices flowing and come up with a collective and attainable vision of what a better future could look like by illuminating the best of what is happening and/or what has happened.  I have always understood intervention of an organization to be one of finding a “problem” and making suggestions on how to solve it.  I now know I want to approach an organization by first illuminating what is positive about what is already going on and building upon those components to create a sense of shared meaning amongst individuals in the organization about what excellence looks like to them and how it can be emulated and greater than ever.

A new way of thinking: Consultation

I have always thought of consultation as more of a separation between diagnosis and intervention.  A consultant comes into an organization and "diagnoses" the company based on their observations and collection of data and then provides "advice" on how to improve the organization and the steps they can follow to reach their goals.  Dr. Kurt Lewin as highlighted in our foundational readings saw the separation of diagnosis from the notion of intervention as a conceptual error and I completely agree.  It’s like saying yeah, your doing this wrong and this right and here is the long list of things you need to do in order to improve your organization, good luck!  That situation is a recipe for disaster.  We don't describe to our children how to ride a bike based on personal knowledge and expertise, hand them the bike then say, off you go!  We guide and mentor a child, pick them up if they fall, encourage and praise, give them continuous tips on how to improve until finally they are confident to ride off on their own.  And though they may fall or stumble they have learned and are capable of getting right back on and trying again thanks to their training and guidance.  This example is in line with the thinking of Dr. Lewin as he believed it impossible to make an adequate diagnosis without also intervening.  I value his way of thinking that the consultant is not an expert on anything but how to be helpful and begins with total ignorance of what is going on in the organization.  I hope to emulate this way of consulting in my future work.  I believe it is vital for the consultant to become attuned to their own personal insights and their impact on the organization rather than focusing on the actual collection of data and diagnosis.  

ED 401-Reflective Synthesis-Week 1-Organizational Culture Viewed As Personality

It resonates very clearly with me when comparing organizational culture to the personality of an organization.  When put into this real life context it is easier to understand how natural it is for every organization to have their own culture and unique characteristics, as individuals’ personality is uniquely different and never replicable.  Continuing with this notion organizational goals and core principals can be viewed as the core values and beliefs an individual embodies also contributing to their personality.  And just as the personality of an individual can be expressed by the way they dress, carry themselves, and organize their environment, I hadn't ever thought to look at an organization and interpret it's culture by the way "the arrangement of furniture, what they brag about, what members wear", etc. is displayed.  This new lens has evoked a new way of viewing and interpreting the way organizations work for me.  I view an organization as more of a living, breathing organism now rather than just a work place.  Just as individuals struggle with change I can see how difficult it would be for an organization to change when it's culture is so specialized and dynamic and often involving mass amounts of individuals.  I understand how placing a strong emphasis on identifying strategic values is such a crucial component of change when organizational culture is acknowledged just as it is essential for an individual to initiate any change in his/her personality asset.  

Living with technology and everything else

Oh my how life happens all at once!  And how thankful I am for technology helping me to stay organized and make things happen.  Upon reflection I draw a comparison to my own technology use and that of other students.

Unmonitored access to technology can be tempting.  I sit at my computer day in and day out having an endless list of things I need to get done, research, write, email, business correspondence, account correspondence.....and I find myself tempted by "other stuff" that being surfing the web, checking craigslist, facebook......

I think back to an article we read for class and remember reading how students view having a "wired" campus and classroom with opposing views.  For so many this luxury has become a distraction for them as they periodically tune their professor in and out as they surf the web, email friends, chat and snoop on facebook, etc. 

This same notion is the worry behind allowing students to use their cell phones in class and as a medium for classroom learning.  

So my thoughts......self-discipline.  That's it.  It is something that needs to be learned and that only an individual themselves can control.  By continually "slapping" student’s hands with their use of personal technology devices how are they learning to be responsible for themselves and accomplish what needs to be done?  If students demonstrate that they can not be responsible with the luxuries of having and using their own technology devices like a cell phone or laptop then that's it they will have to re-earn that privilege by demonstrating self-control in the next year.

This week along with all my coursework being due I am moving from SLO to SB and helping my sister and her husband to move into a new home they just closed escrow on last Wednesday.  There is not enough time for everything.  I find myself feeling the frustrations of my sister as a new homeowner and also reflect this experience to my coursework.  So many things need to happen.....so many expectations, responsibilities, liabilities, and I am frustrated by how many people neglect to get the job done in a manner that has the customer happy and wanting to continue business.  It's always someone else's problem or fault.......nobody wanting to "own-up" to problems that occur in order to promote excellence or equity in their work.  It seems to be whatever is convenient for them no matter the cost of loosing a customer.  I sigh, what has happened to our society?  Of course I am not generalizing, just expressing that my recent experience has been one of dissatisfaction with one individual to individual, or small business, or corporation, etc.  Where has "doing onto others as you would want to have done to you" gone?  Another sigh, what can be done?  I believe that all you can do is be responsible for yourself again and hope that you serve as a positive role model to others and spread your exemplarary way of conducting yourself as an individual, student, business owner, citizen, friend, colleague..etc.

All we can do is have hope and change positively with the culture of our world around us.  See the big picture and leading with my heart and enjoying life in all it's beauty is what I plan to do at this time in my life and hope that this way of life can be inspired in others.

Monica

Local control or state/federal control? Discussion and reflection.

In our policy class with Dr. Crocker we had a discussion/debate concerning centralizing and decentralizing schools locus of control when it comes to the development and implementation of educational policy.  We were split by cohort and forced to take an assigned viewpoint.  The beauty of the whole process was that by advocating for a certain viewpoint we were forced to analyze both situations weighing the pros and cons and really having to think each component all the way through implementation.  So when it came to expressing both for centralizing and decentralizing the conclusion to the debate was a natural common ground between two groups.  By exhausting each possibility the "right" solutions seemed to shine through.  What we comfortably settled on was a more de-centralized control with a solid set minimum standards that the local school had to achieve.  This plan did not involve the current strategy used by NCLB programs in which schools and competing for funds.  They are allotted a certain amount based on student population and depending on student and community needs they spend it to the best of their capability and when they cannot meet the basic standard set by the federal government then they would be forced to step in and provide assistance until needed.  These ideas and notions aligned perfectly with my vision for our multi-media group project.  EMP schools located across the country are technologically networked so that no matter location they function and communicate as one unit.  Each EMP school has the same core foundation with its core values encompassing 3 core components: exciting, exploring, and enriching students educational experience with mindful power.  Each EMP school is public and held at federal standards but they have full control of how their funds are spent in order to best cater to their students and community based on demographical needs.