Probably the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else
Homework 1
Due Tuesday,
October 4
"Beyond Blame
Games"
1: Briefly
describe to me a “mess” YOU are familiar with.
Then briefly teach me a stupid way to manage it, followed by a not-so-stupid way
to manage it.
2: Briefly
describe to me a “wicked problem” YOU are familiar with. Then briefly teach me
a stupid way to manage it, followed by a not-so-stupid way
to manage it.
Homework 2
Due Tuesday, October 11
1. List 4-5 things books do (well) that may
explain why books sales have increased dramatically over the last decade
despite the increasing access to the internet, TV with dozens of channels, and
working more hours per week on average.
2. Briefly describe a situations you're familiar with that shows evidence of
interactive complexity. Then tell me a
stupid and not-so-stupid to manage it.
Homework 3
Due
Tuesday, October 25
You are designing a college
dormitory or the office spaces of your company. Take your pick.
First, briefly describe
key structural characteristics if you are a "traffic engineer" (I'm
referring to the example of
Second, briefly describe
key structural characteristics if you were Judi
Heerwagen (see "Unraveling the Mysteries of Productivity,” by Bonda).
Homework 4
Due Tuesday, Nov
1
"Learning
to Think in Circles"
Pick two of the
6 "systems archetypes" (see Required
Homework
5
Due Tuesday, November 8
"Mulling things over"
State
or diagram any relationships you see between Stern and Robinson’s “six
elements” and Amabile’s “six practices.” You don’t
have to explain or redefine what they’re saying. At the minimum, just draw
connections. E.g., list the “six
elements” in one column of a spreadsheet with arrows extending to the column of
“six practices” in another.
Homework 6
Due Tuesday, November 22
Choices
Find -- ask around for – a story 1) about intrinsic
motivation / excellence / living from the inside out 2) that resonates with
you.
Homework 7
Due Tuesday, November 29
Seek First to Understand
First,
read the Covey selections from Tuesday's required readings. Next, try to
"seek first to understand" in a situation that comes up this weekend
where you normally would try to be understood -- e.g., you and your significant
other have a "disagreement," one of your parents doesn't "get
it," a friend is irritated at you.
If you're really ambitious, you might try to "seek first to understand"
someone whose political / religious views you find
repugnant. Then briefly describe to me -- a couple of sentences is fine -- what happened.