Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Stay tuned for the feature presentation!!

August 3rd, 2010
Communication 101
Kimberly Glenn


Our current assignment was a 15-20 minute presentation on a topic of our choice. Mine, of course, was on UAVs because that is something that I am extremely passionate about since that is the one thing that brought my husband and I together. But, I got my turn in the spot light on Monday. Today was the day that I got to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.....or presentation.

There was definitely a variety in topics during todays class. Anywhere from weddings & ice cream to pole dancing & addiction. Regardless of how different all of these topics are one thing remained the same throughout. . . . we were getting a look into each others past, present, and future. This has to have been one of the best assignments I have ever had.

I got many ideas for my future presentations just by watching some of the power points. But, mainly I got support to the idea that I have had for years now. . . there is always an option.
Weddings: colors, venues, food, honeymoon
Ice Cream: chocolate chip, rocky road, butter pecan, vanilla

Pole Dancing: static poles, moveable poles, stripping, pole dancing
Glitter Toes: pink, purple, green, underlayment
Addiction: continue on the same path, or chose a better life for your family but also yourself


All of these things represent options. As I said above that is my moto in life. If you were to look at my tattoo that I have it looks very simple and plain, but to me it represents my ability to chose. (A lock in the middle. . . and a key on each end). . . what will you chose?

Monday, August 2, 2010

UAVs 101

August 2nd, 2010. . . Today was my 15-20 minute presentation on UAVs. During the beginning of my presentation I was crazy nervous. I could feel my heart beating out of control, but finally just had to make myself take a deep breath and play the video in my head saying that I was going to kick. . . butt.

I feel like I went through the first part of my presentation, which was about the history of UAV's, very well. I outlined exactly what I was going to talk about throughout the whole thing, as well as putting an adequete amount of pictures on the slides.

About halfway through my presentation I realized that I was going really fast. When Angela asked me a question, I gave her a quick answer and started to move on. That is the exact moment that I realized my problem. Instead of moving on with the presentation, I gathered my thoughts and answered her question completely.

My presentation got to stuff that I am 100% comfortable talking about during the last 1/4 of my presentation. I felt that was the time that I could relate some of my personal experiences into my presentation. I could then tell the audience why I got interested in UAVs. Also, why I think it is such a neat field to work in or study.

After my presentation was over and I had some time to think about exactly how everything went, I realized that I should have gotten a little more personal with the audience at first. I could have started off by stating how my husband and I met, the experiences that we have been through. The things that I have seen, as well as the places that I have been.

Maybe during the next presentation that I have to give I will remember to be a little more personal, or credibility building. But, overall I feel that my presentation went well!!!

:) :) :)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Leadership....my way!

The question has been asked...how am I as a leader?? At first I thought this was going to be an easy answer/easy grade question. But, in fact, I am finding it rather hard to decide what my leadership style is. So.. here is what I have came up with.

I am normally on the assertive side of the spectrum. I know what I want and I am not afraid to state my opinions, but I am also able to listen to others wants and needs, therefore can compromise. During my day to day interpersonal activity this is my "norm." For the most part I am very calm and collected with my thoughts and opinions and know when I should just keep them to myself.

However, during an arguement I tend to be more on the aggressive side. I tend to let little things hurt my feelings, and in turn retaliate by saying even worse things that were stated before. I have been trying to work on this though, and my husband says that it seems to be working. Now if we have a disagreement we figure out what each of us want out of it, and go from there. We try and make it a win/win outcome instead of how it was before.

Since I obtain both of these traits I think that my main strength as a leader is timing. I understand that when just talking to people whether it be in a classroom setting or at a meeting I can state how I feel about a certain situation in the correct manor without people taking it the wrong way, or thinking that I am being bossy. Also, I think that the aggressive side of me can come out when it needs to. During emergencies I am normally the one that takes charge, deligates duties, but yet stays calm.

I know that there are a few things that can always be improved or revamped, but overall I am happy with how I am both as a leader as well as a person.

The PERFECT meeting....

Picture this.... a 30-45 minute meeting eating bon bons and drinking a cup of coffee. How can this get any better you ask?? Possible the only way it could have is if my boss had stated why were here in the first place, the bon bons weren't melted, and my coffee was not cold. How about we revamp this my way.
The following is how my PERFECT meeting would go:
*30-45 minutes long
*goals and topics stated
*group facilitation
*brainstorming
*listing the ending outcome of the meeting

When people come into my meeting I want them to know that I am knowledgable and am here to get something accomplished. Also, I want everyone to know that their opinions to matter to the company, and that all suggestions will be evaluated on the same level. At the end of the meeting everyone should know why we were there, the process that we went through to decide on an outcome, and what exactly we are going to do differently in the future!! Is that too much to ask for??


Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Communications Part One

As part of my communications assignment I am to assess myself and how I communication with others. I found that my biggest problem in communication is listening the ENTIRE time someone is speaking. Instead I listen to the main point and then think about what I am going to say in response, not exactly to "talk" but just so that I know exactly what I am going to say in an organized manor.
Now instead of thinking about what I am going to say in response to a situation or conversation I make a concious effert to listen entirely and pay attention to detail. Then, when it is my turn I answer genuinely to move the conversation ahead.
I am sure there are more posts on this specific topic to come!! We will see how things go!! :)