The Execution...

No, no, no, there was no literal execution of anyone. The title is referring to, and following up on, the last post regarding the preparation and the planning. We were able to have the strategic planning meeting this week, as facilitated by M. She was great, and confident in the plan and her ability to work with this group because we had put in the hours to prepare and understand the scope of the organization and the meeting itself. We had data from surveys, charts, a "sticky wall" and markers galore.

We got there early to be able to set up the room in a manner that would facilitate conversation, and be inclusive of those present. I pulled out my ipad and keyboard to be ready for note taking... and munched on some oatmeal my wife had made for breakfast to take with me. As people came in we greeted them and answered any questions. The only hiccup was regarding the facilities and the ability to "plug-in" to the network to be able to use the projector. It was a very odd configuration as the projector was really nice and new, but pointed slightly toward the ceiling, and all of the cables to connect it were nearly a decade old. Luckily, there were others that came prepared for such a situation, and we set up another projector.

The point of all of this, is that with the preparation and coming ready to a meeting, regardless of what the meeting is for, is always helpful so that you might have a good execution. Being able to execute responsibilities well is, once again, only possible if you are ready and prepared.

Meetings, Meetings, Meetings

This weeks was one full of meetings... probably couldn't tell from the title, huh? One of my meetings was to help prep for an upcoming facilitated meeting that we would be doing for an organization working on their strategic plan for the next few years. It was the first meeting with this person, and it was great! We discussed some of the findings that she had from surveys and initial assessment of the organization. She had been working with the director of the program/organization and sent me over the materials beforehand. It was great to be able to sit down and talk openly about what we might do and how we might do it. I loved it because it felt like I was another colleague, and not just an intern.

As soon as I left that meeting, I rushed over to another meeting for an upcoming training. This meeting was also great because I was able to see the process of planning for a training, and the collaborative back and forth between those paying for the service and those providing the training. As appropriate, I also shared my input in this meeting, but I knew that I was not the expert in this meeting and that I was there to observe more than anything (which I appreciated very much). It was actually really nice to observe (and take notes) for the upcoming training and to see what this process looks like.

A couple of days later we met again with another potential partnership and hammered out a few details about what something might look like and how we could make it work. We chatted over coffee and tea, and talked about the potential that this opportunity could have. As this setting was more casual, I was more able to voice my thoughts and opinions, and share some of my experiences from business and work. Once again, I felt more like a colleague than an intern, and was grateful that I could sit in with two great minds working to come together in a collaborative venture. It's in the details and preparation that great things come about, and the meetings of this week were those opportunities to work on the both of these. 

Presentation to Learn

The second week of the internship, while still courting some of the people that I was hoping to work with, I was invited to attend a presentation of one of the potential internship opportunities. I was invited to attend a group of members for an Organization Change and Development for the Oregon/Portland area. As I walked in, I was definitely the youngest member in attendance (by 5-10 years minimum). I went and met the presenter, and then found a seat. After letting my wife know that I had safely made it to the location, I sat back and enjoyed the presentation.

During the presentation the presenter would pause and ask for feedback, ask questions and invite discussion. At a couple of parts we were invited to discuss things in a small group (those at the same table) and see what our thoughts were on how things were "meshing" thus far with our ideas and experiences. Many at the table had been in the position of manager, facilitator or been asked to "intervene" in a hot situation (but not quite as a mediator). The presenter was a mediator and conflict resolver, in particular as someone that specializes in workplace disputes. As someone that is working on a master's in Conflict and Dispute resolution, I was shocked to hear some of the commentary regarding mediation and facilitate dialogue, and that it was seen as manipulative and deceitful. My view of mediation is that of helpful, and providing some of the tools that you have learned to others in order to help others resolve an issue that they would otherwise be unable to resolve themselves. While I don't, and didn't, agree with some of the commentary, I just listened to see how people view the field that I am so interested to enter. It was an enlightening perspective, and informs me that I need to lay some ground work in the beginning so that people know what mediation is, and how it can help. The only way to change the view of others is to show another way, and that can only be done by those that take the time to listen and learn, so that you might help those that you are specifically asked to help. Otherwise, we will be ill equipped to put out any fires.

Last Term of Internships

Well this is the last term that I will be doing an official internship for the degree. I have really been trying to make an effort to meet up with local practitioners in the field and work with them for my internship. I have done this so that I might be able to see what it looks like to live and work in this field out in the "real" world and not just in the classroom. For this term, I tried to get in touch with old professors that were working in the field, but none of them had anything going on, and were unable to take on an intern. However, one of them gave me the names of some other practitioners. I contacted them, and all of them responded positively, for which I am extremely grateful.

I am really looking forward to this semester, as it seems that I will have a variety of work going on, and different aspects of the "Conflict Resolution" world. I know that I will be helping with facilitation, and presentations, and if I am lucky maybe some mediations. The winter break was much needed to be able to get some rest, and rejuvenation so that I can stay busy and keep working on getting things done for the degree. I have enjoyed it thus far, and look forward to it being over, so that I might be able to get out there and work with people out there, but not have to worry about the burden of the grade. So here is to looking forward for this term.