Lesson Learned: Using personal and professional power to accomplish a goal

Class: Organizational Management

The skills learned in Organizational Management aided me in breaking down barriers and resistance to
change in order to develop a better way of tracking and approving invoices. Using personal power, I was
able to relate to people in effective way to allow them to open up to me about problems they encounter
on a regular basis. Using professional power I was able to assertively express to management and
executive decision makers why invoice workflow and payment efficiency is not only necessary but vital
to the companys future success. Professional power also came into play when dealing with employees
who were still defiant to any change in structure. There are times when persuasion and influence get
the best results and there are times when authoritative direction yields the desired result. The
coursework covered in Organization Management helped me determine which is best to use in any
given work situation.
Lesson Learned: Effective supply chain structure and management
Class: Supply Chain
Successful supply chain methodology discussed in the supply chain coursework helped me become more
innovative to problem solving. Understanding different supply chain structures and where they are
most effective is important to proposing new ways of working on long standing problems. The case
studies also proved helpful to not only encourage creative thinking among employees but highlight were
such creative thinking lead to successful results in other organizations.
Lesson Learned: Basic Understanding of financial reporting
Class: Financial Analysis
Prior to completing the Financial Analysis coursework, I had zero exposure to balance sheets, income
statements and cash flow reports. I didnt have any idea how to read them. I didnt have knowledge of
financial performance ratios and how they can provide insight to company performance. Because the
company I worked with is family owned, financial reports are not provided to anyone outside of key
accounting roles or executive management. Understanding how invoice handling costs roll up into
indirect labor and SG&A expenses allowed me to show where improving processes can also improve the
bottom line for the company. Additionally, demonstrating how early pay discounts have an impact on
financial performance through the accounts payables figures created the impact needed to get the
project off the ground.
Lesson Learned: Statistical based modeling for decision making
Class: Decision Analysis
Many times decisions are made based on emotion rather than fact. Decision analysis provided the
modeling tools necessary, such as network diagramming and linear programming. Because there is a
great deal of mistrust and contention between the purchasing and accounts payable departments the
most effective way to break down barriers to improvement is to provide statistical models with real data
to show not only the current situation but how improvements can contribute to more efficient ways of
working. Statistical modeling can also indicate where a potential solution that was thought to be the
best course of action may not actually be so. Throuoghly investigating current states and potential
solutions before deciding on an action plan is necessary to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Lesson Learned: Leadership
Class: Capsim Simulation
Prior to the MBA program, I had a tendency to allow myself to be overrun by individuals that I perceived
to be stronger or more knowledgeable than me. During the MBA coursework, I began to believe that I
was competent and more capable than I thought I could be. Leadership was the first course where I
volunteered to step up and lead the team. Another member was set that this role should be hers, so I
backed down and gave away the opportunity. When the Capsim simulation came around, I volunteered
to be the CEO for the team. I set the direction for the group to follow. I mediated when problems arose.
I addressed individuals when their performance was not up to par. Capsim gave me the confidence to
lead courageously and not to be intimidated by others. For the purpose of this project, I could have
allowed individuals in the accounting department who were critical of the project to allow it to fail
before it even got off the drawing board. I did not allow that to happen this time around. The end
result of my persistence will be improved payment performance, increased supplier satisfaction and
better relationships, and more streamlined processes within the company that allow employees to
spend their time on value added tasks rather than data entry.

Subject matter expert
Specific I am currently employed in an industry I know every little about. I have been tasked with
becoming an expert in outsourcing and contract management. In order to achieve this goal, I must
understand the manufacturing processes that are used in house so we can have parts outsourced when
they are not core competencies to the organization
Measurable This goal is measurable by achieving cost reductions and increased delivery performance.
Achievable This goal is achievable by spending time in the production plants, getting training in blue
print reading and by studying as well as benchmarking with organizations who have best in class
processes already in place.
Realistic The goal is realistic because I have been tasked with it as part of my regular job performance
evaluation.
Timely Within 6 months to a year, the learning curve is expected to be accomplished by focusing on
the training opportunities that have been mentioned above.
Small Business Owner
Specific I am an independent person by nature. I dont enjoy at a desk, behind a computer all day or
the mundane routine of an 8-5 office job. I would like to be my own boss at something I enjoy. I would
like to open up an ice cream shop in the small lake resort town where I live and operate it during the
summer season when the population increases from an influx of out of town visitors.
Measureable This goal is measurable by developing a transition plan to exit the full time work force
along with creating a business strategy for my new store.

Achievable At the current time, this goal is not achievable because I do not have the resources of time
and money needed to make it a reality. This goal is dependent on the final goal listed below.
Realistic The goal is realistic in terms of desire to make it happen. Market analysis needs to be
completed to determine if there is enough business, and margin in the product, to make any money.,
Timely This goal is a minimum of 5 years away. Creating an action plan and timeline will help keep me
on track.
High School business teacher
Specific As a manager, I have supervised numerous young adults that are both high school and college
graduates. I have found both to be lacking in basic business education and time management and
organizational skills. I plan on working on my teaching certificate so I can pursue the goal of becoming a
high school teacher.
Measureable this goal is measurable by obtaining a teaching certificate and securing a position
teaching business classes at the high school level.
Achievable This goal is achievable once I am in a position not work full time so I may complete the
classroom observation hours and student teaching required by the state to be licensed.
Realistic The goal is realistic because of my internal drive to do something more meaningful with my
life and skill set. I would enjoy the opportunity to work with young people to help them make better
choices in life and be more prepared for entering the workforce.
Timely This goal should be accomplished in the next 5 years. I have less than two years of course work
required to complete the hours and student teaching needed to earn a teaching certificate.