Explore problems thoroughly

Based on the chapter's explanation, there are two ways in which a problem can be approached:

 1) Overthinking and reading too much into detail

 2) Not investing enough time to explore the problem

 

Retrieved from: http://rantzz.wordpress.com/tag/over-thinking/

 

 

Ideally, a problem should be approached with a combination of both mindsets.

 

Obviously, not every problem needs to be treated the same but I feel the following key points can help to decipher how thoroughly a problem needs to be explored:

 

- Understanding where the problem roots from

- The severity of the issue

- Who is affected by the issue/outcome

- What impact you can make to the problem

- Any costs that are related (time, money, etc.)

- The number of solutions to the problem

 

Like many students, I experience a lot of anxiety and stress during midterms and finals. I find that I employ this principle creatively while taking an exam. For example, I tend to move quickly to the next problem when I am unable to answer a question in any exam and then come back to it once I have answered others to my best ability. When reading a question, I tend to re-write any important information in my own words to better understand the problem at hand. I have also become better at looking for key words that may indicate a specific process or formula that is necessary.

 

An opposing point of view towards mine may be that re-writing the problem in my own words can distort the information and therefore can result in an unsuccessful solution. Generally, my approach in applying this principle during exams has worked out in my favor. However, I agree that this opposing point of view is valid as my method is dependant on how a reader interprets the information.

What prevents me from applying this principle more consistently is that I tend to overthink large problems or issues and get easily confused. I think it is important that I take a step back and also consider different points of views when approaching a problem.

 

A question that still remains regarding this principle is:

In a business setting, there is a high risk but high reward in involving subordinates in exploring problems. What is a successful approach that management can take that considers the business and the employees?

The creativity process can be learned

Growing up, I relied on my education as the main outlet for my creativity to flourish. I found that as the years went on, my education allowed for less structure and more personal decision-making which aided in this process.

I was caught off guard my first few undergraduate years at MRU when professors would assign a major project with a lack of description or steps to follow. As many students, I became frustrated with these new methods and felt more at ease with structure and strict guidelines to follow in order to guarantee a high grade. Eventually, I found true value in the challenge as it made me think more creatively and find alternatives on my own.

I agree that the creativity process can be learned but is ultimately up to the individual to see its true value.

 

Fortunately, I grew up with parents who supported the ways I expressed my creativity when I was young. From creating elaborate and pricey school projects to making my own jewelry, the support I recieved from my family truly pushed me forward. In terms of the creativity process, individuals have to take advantage of a support system which will enable them to thrive in an innovative-driven economy. I feel that this is the most crucial aspect of the creativity process.

What prevents me from applying this principle more consistently is that I still feel constrained by my education and workplace from further learning creativity and applying them. I hope that upon graduation and finding myself in the working world, I am able to identify what is important to me in the workplace.

 

One may oppose my point of view with the fact that the creativity process does not necessarily rely on external support and that a determined individual can thrive regardless. This is a valid argument because sometimes an opposing external force can push an individual to think creatively to perservere. This process in itself, is a way that can be learned.

 

A question that still remains regarding this principle is:

We are all creative in some different way, but does the method in which we apply our creativity measure our success?

Mindmapping enhances creativity

It wasn't until this course that I remembered the concept of mindmaps. The last time I remember using this method of interconnecting information was in junior or high-school and I had never personally used them outside of school.

 

Coincidentally, I am currently taking managerial accounting and have come across a few mindmaps.

This is the most recent mindmap I have used in this course:

 

Retrieved from: http://www.iteam.ru/publications/finances/section_12/article_29/

 

 

I have found that mindmaps in this course have been particularly useful in understanding how certain accounting statements and budgets are interconnected. In addition, these mindmaps give me a better understanding of the managerial accounting process overall. Without this visual representation, I would not be able to understand the flow of cash, materials or labour in a business.

 

Although I have not made a physical mindmap to better understand a certain concept in my daily life, I believe I create them all the time in my head subconciously. I believe this because we make decisions in our daily lives with a number of alternatives that also have a number of pros and cons. By doing so, we make the decision or idea the central point where the branches are the alternatives that may have similar pros and cons.

The value that this principle brings to me is that I am able to better understand concepts and how they are related. This principle also helps me better explain to others who are new to a concept.

What prevents me from employing this principle more consistently is a time constraint. Alot of the time, I believe I have to make a decision or learn a new concept right away. With this mindset, I prevent myself from giving myself enough time to consider all alternatives or concepts involved.

 

An individual may believe my method of applying this principle as difficult to understand and communicate due to the fact that there have been no physical mindmaps created. Without the physical representation, an idea or concept may be lost with memory.

 

A question that still remains regarding this principle is:

Are mindmaps effective for those who are not visual learners? If so, how?



 

 



 

 

Change Surroundings

I am a creature of habit in many different ways. I have remained at the same part-time job for a number of years, and have made minimal changes to my tastes in music, television shows or even my sense of style.

 

However, I do change my surroundings frequently during study sessions.

I have found this wesbite as a helpful tool when considering my workspace:

http://www.mtroyal.ca/CampusServices/CampusResources/studentspaces/index.htm

 

On average, I will change my surroundings every three hours dependant on the time of day, level of noise or activity and material I am working on. I tend to choose areas that are well-lit (by natural lighting), quiet/silent and those that encourage studying (ie. the library silent study areas that are generally full) during sessions when I am working on courses such as accounting, finance or statistics. On the other hand, I choose areas that are aroma filled (ie. by Starbucks) and have a lot of visual stimulants (like murals, paintings, or a diverse group of individuals) while I do assignments for creative classes such as advertising.

The way I apply this principle in my workplace has created value for me because I can concentrate better which ultimately increases my grades in courses. Most importantly, my application of this principle makes my work more enjoyable.

 

An individual may feel that I change my surroundings too frequently which can cause unnecessary breaks in my work, and therefore taking too much time to finish an assignment or task. These breaks may also affect my work due to decreased concentration.

 

What prevents me from applying this principle more consistently is that I am still finding myself as an individual and am learning what I seek in my workplace. Until I feel for a variety of different workplaces, (much like I am able to move around the MRU campus in search for the perfect study area) I feel that I may be at my part-time job for much longer.

 

A question that still remains regarding this principle is:

If individuals have different environments that they work most effectively in, how does/can a business take this into consideration in the workplace?

 

 

 

 

Broaden Yourself

I believe that broadening yourself is one of the most important principles in this course. Applying this principle goes beyond the classroom and into real life.

Degree programs at MRU strive for creating a well-rounded student by enforcing mandatory general education requirements. Most students take for granted these classes and assume that they serve only one purpose: to increase your GPA.

I can admit to viewing these GNED courses as such, but have realized the true value of these courses in the past few semesters. I find that a lot of the material covered in these courses can be applied to my major courses in marketing. Last year, I took a globalization GNED course and realized the material was very relevant to many other business courses such as finance and economics. Beyond course application, the material I learnt in this globalization course also enabled me to understand current events more indepth without relying on media interpretations.

These general education courses in my undergrad bring value to my future position in the workplace in that I am a well-rounded educated individual. They also bring value to me as an individual who is able to carry on conversations about current and historical events which shape our culture.

An opposing point of view may be that I am limiting myself to structured (educational) knowledge and that there are other ways in broadening one's self.

Unconventional ways of gaining knowledge can be attained in many other ways such as :

- Internet (Ted talks, YouTube, Wikipedia, etc.)

- Joining communities that one is unfamiliar with (ie. Sports or hobby clubs)

- Talking to different demographics/cultures/races,etc.

What prevents me from applying this principle more consistently is a time contraint. I believe my life as a student limits my ability to take on another hobby or book as I juggle courses, full-time work and a social life.
 

 

Retrieved from: http://bigorangeslide.com/2011/12/jack-of-all-trades-or-master-of-one/

 

 

A question that still remains regarding this principle is:

In terms of broadening yourself with knowledge, does it go hand-in-hand with the popular notion of "Jack of all trades, Master of none?"

Leverage strengths and opportunities

We all have strengths and weaknesses, but in order to use them to our advantage we must acknowledge both sides in ourselves.

In terms of creativity, I have come up with a SWOT analysis for myself:

Strengths 

- excited to take on challenges

- enthusiastic to learn about new things

- great at communicating ideas

Weaknesses 

- an introvert when it comes to socializing

- memorization skills can be improved

- technology use can be improved (ie. video programming and design programs)

Opportunities 

- become part of more communities (ie. volunteering and clubs)

- involve myself in the marketing & design clubs at MRU 

- taking on extra design courses (ie. Photo Shop)

Threats 

- limited budget
- lack of time to take on opportunities
- high priced design courses

In my workplace, many of the points in my personal SWOT analysis are applicable. I have been employed at my current workplace for almost 3 years and am confident in my position and degree of authority. Considering my length of employment, I am very knowledgeable and pride myself in that. However, a main weakness I have is in my customer service skills because I am such an introvert. My weakness is also an opportunity because I have the tools and support from co-workers to help improve my skills in a safe environment. I have the opportunity to grow with the company but a there are threats that may prevent me from doing so. These threats include: low profitable business location and lack of higher positions.

Assumptions block creativity

Assumptions occur whether we acknowledge them or not. When we make daily life decisions, we usually base them upon assumptions and sometimes react based on misconceptions.

Retrieved from: http://pinterest.com/kycharms/

Some important questions to consider:

What forms our assumptions? Can we control how our environment affects our assumptions?

How is it that we seem to share the same assumptions (as displayed in class while discussing this principle)? 

Can our assumptions be found cross-culturally?

A large assumption I have is in my studies at MRU. As many students, I assume that by graduation I will have guaranteed my spot in the working class. By assuming, I disregard many resources that are available to me at my institution. 

Some examples of these include:

- Co-op programs

- Resumé refining workshops

- Information sessions

- Career Services department

By applying this principle correctly, it can create value in terms of strengthening my position in finding a career. 

What prevents me from applying this principle successfully, is my assumption that I do not have any that will prevent me from succeeding! 

This is ultimately the biggest assumption that I must overcome before I am able to apply it.

 

Retrived from: connectedprincipals.com