Probably the best way to learn something is to teach
it to someone else
Homework 1
Due Monday, April 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 Monday, April 11
"Multiple Games / Realities"
1: List 4-7 functions of the university grading
"system. For example:
#1: grades
function as screening criteria for graduate schools
#2:
grades function as
#3:
grades function as
….
Homework
3
Due Monday, April 25
"Multiple Dimensions/ Realities"
Quoting
from one of your readings for Monday, "Heerwagen
states that there’s a family of things that go into environments to make them
work well and endorses a concept called the 'Balanced Scorecard' as an
attractive approach. Traditionally the most common way to assess a building was
through its cost, but businesses need to look at other dimensions…."
So, how
might you redesign (your future) Dilbert office cubicle to take into
account "our [1] social, [2] cognitive and [3]
psychological needs, as well as the [4] physical"? Propose one (small) design feature for each
of the four dimensions with an eye to enhancing productivity / creativity.
Homework 4
Due Wednesday, May 4
"informal knowledge networks"
Write down
three things / concepts / statements
that YOU want to remember from the article co-authored by the Chief
Scientist for Xerox, "Practices Makes Process."
Homework
5
Due Monday, May 9
"Learning to Think in Circles"
Pick TWO (2) of the 6 "systems
archetypes" (see Required Readings, PF-Q Systems Archetypes). Pick a situation
you are familiar with that illustrates each.
1) briefly describe the dynamics, 2) a stupid way to manage the
situation, and 3) a not-so-stupid way to manage the situation.
Homework 6
Due Wednesday, June 1
"Seek First to Understand"
First, read the Covey selections
from class 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.