Weekly Journal 10-10-00

Section 1:  Preparation for class

I was fascinated with The Manager as Politician by Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal from The Jossey-Bass Reader on Educational Leadership.  What I found particularly interesting was the description of the skills of the manager as politician.  Under the heading Agenda Setting the author suggests the possibility of "leaving ideas" in certain places (with specific people) so that those ideas may "originate" from a variety of sources throughout the institution.  Under the heading Networking and Coalition Building it is suggested that sending a memo may be perceived as a sign of powerlessness and four suggestions are given for dealing with the political dimensions in managerial work.

Section 2:  Reflections

I have experienced the need for "leaving ideal" with other people so that the idea gets out and has a chance.  I believe sometimes one has to make others believe a good idea is actually their idea if it is to be implemented.  Furthermore, I usually leave a paper trail when dealing with people.  I can now see how this may be perceived as weak in a political atmosphere.  It is probably much easier to disregard a memo than a "real" person in front of you with an idea.

Section 3:  Applications

I have already begun looking at the four steps for dealing with the political dimensions in managerial work.  I am attempting to identify those who can aid me in the implementation of ideas through the development of relationships.  After completing this identification process, I plan to assess who might actually resist cooperation, why, and how strong.  At this point, I will attempt to develop "workable" relationships with those people to facilitate communication.  I will attempt to begin in a subtle way, but if step three fails, I will reconsider the need to be more subtle or forceful in my actions.

Section 4:  "Light Bulb Moments?"

A "light bulb moment" I had while writing this journal entry was that I can begin the process of networking and coalition building before needing support for a project or idea.  If I begin building relationships now, they may very well benefit me in the future.

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