Questions I Ask Myself

Yesterday, while at a committee meeting with staff and faculty from outside my department and division, I sat there considering the agenda and each form we reviewed.  I’ve been on the committee for about a year and we meet monthly.  I don’t often see the other six committee members, but I make an effort to contribute to the conversation and I’m grateful to have a seat at the table.  

In the midst of a meeting I was feeling confident about, everything seemed shattered with one comment from a staff member.  We had been emailed a number of forms and I had missed printing one.  He said “aren’t you supposed to be a responsible student?” in jest.  I tried to muster a smile, but felt frozen in my chair, unsure of how to respond. 

My mind completely left the meeting for the next few minutes and questions flooded my brain:

  • Do I dress like a student?
  • Do I act like a student?
  • Why would he say such a thing?
  • Doesn’t he know my title?  Maybe I should reply all to more committee emails.

I realize I should take it as a compliment (to be seen as young), but the comment made me feel inadequate and question myself.  The meeting didn’t seem to be the place to correct him.  As much as I want to think his intention was to tease on some level, I believe he is seriously under the impression I am a student.  Having graduated from college more than eight years ago, I don’t see myself as a student but the mistake has been made before (usually by parents at orientation). 

So, how do I proceed with this committee role?  What would you do?  

Are We Connectors or Networkers?

Earlier this week, I came across this article that encouraged connecting over networking. It defined networking as “a means to an end,” where as connecting means bringing people together with no gain for one’s self.

I’ve been mulling it over a bit, thinking about its application for Student Affairs professionals. Connectors are described the way many of us in Student Affairs want to be:

  • always able to help
  • genuinely curious
  • energetic
  • willing to take chances

The part of the article that made me think they were speaking directly to me came in the form of, “willing to reach out to people they don’t know.” I do this all the time in my work. I may have a “connection” in common via Twitter or belong to the same professional association, but often I reach out to other professionals and our only connection is that we’re ‘in the field.’ I ask for help and offer it to those asking. 

How you will connect with others today?

#cuad Podcast #9 - Women Leadership in College Union Managem

I’m so grateful to Jennifer Keegin and Mike Coleman for putting this panel together. The panel was made up of five women in leadership at student unions around the US:

  • Margaret Vos, Director at Atwood Memorial Center at St. Cloud State University
  • Ann Comerford, University Union Director at Western Illinois University
  • Suzi Halpin, Director Student Union at the University of Central Florida
  • Debra Hammond, Executive Director of the University Student Union at Cal State Northridge
  • Maggie Towle, Director of Student Unions & Activities at University of Minnesota Twin Cities

They shared a lot of wisdom as they spoke about their experience and a few things I hope to remember from their conversation are:

  • Being a director, allows you to have multiple roles as a captain or coach.
  • People can teach you facilities lingo or how to program, but it’s important to learn how to supervise and it changes over time.
  • Avoid getting type-casted into a particular role (i.e. programmer) but look for opportunities to volunteer and build your experience.
  • Be honest and genuine in your role, especially with regard to political savvy.
  • Find the way you get your energy to keep you motivated and make time for it. Resist the urge to allow the job to be all-consuming.
  • Learn to play golf (you can learn more from playing 18 holes of golf with someone than working with them for 18 years).

Take a listen and learn from these insightful women!

Returning to work today, I am bombarded with things to do.  Ideas floated in (and out) of my head over the two weeks I was out of the office about anything from training to what I want to improve on to who I want to connect with better in the new year.  So where do I start?

One tweet stood out from mid-December and I’ll admit, I had to dig a bit to find it. I’ve always been a list maker, but this idea was new to me and I think that’s why I liked it so much. When you go to create a to-do list, write “make a to do list” as your first item, that way you can cross one thing off immediately. Joe Ginese says it builds momentum for him. I like it and I’m using in the new year. Thanks, Joe (and Ed for asking the question)!

How do approach tasks? Do you make lists or have any tricks for building momentum?

#OneWord2012

I’ve been stewing on this for a few days now.  What word will define my 2012?  Last year, I chose the word GIVE.  It fit perfectly and I loved it.  But as 2012 approached, I’ve been stumped.  

I’ve asked myself:

  • What am I seeking?
  • How do I interact with others?
  • What  am I/do I want to be known for?

And so here I sit, writing this post and still not feeling settled on one word.  So maybe I’m stressing a bit too much over it.  I have a tendency to put too much pressure on myself.  

Considering the few knowns (are there really any) for the year ahead, I am struck by this being the longest I’ve worked at one institution and it will be the longest I’ve lived at one address since I was in high school (we bought a house so I think we’ll stay).  There is a sense of feeling settled, yet not like I’ve settled for anything and I love it.  

I choose READY for 2012.  Today, I am ready to stay or ready to go.  I am ready to be the best assistant director of the Rondileau Campus Center that I can be.  I am ready to take on new challenges and ready to continue what I’ve started.  I am ready to be a supportive wife.  I am ready to help my friends in their adventures.  I will be ready in 2012, whether in my professional or my personal life.  Here we go!