Weekly Homework

Probably the best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else

 

 

Homework 6

Due Monday, March 13

Seek First to Understand

First, read the Covey selections from Monday'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.

 

 

Homework 1

Due Wednesday, January 18

"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, January 23

"Multiple Games"

 

List 4-6 different functions that grades potentially serve. (If you feel inspired, you can also list several that are not-intended or are otherwise unacknowledged.)

 

Homework 3

Due Monday, January 30

Freshman Retention at OSU

Recalling your first year at OSU, tell me

3 reasons you were successful in the class(room)

and

3 reasons you struggled or a friend transferred/ / dropped out / flunked out.

 

Homework 4

Due Monday, February 6

Designing Humane Structures

You are designing a college dormitory or the office spaces of your company. Take your pick.

 

First, briefly describe key structural characteristics if your primary concern is efficiency – what would it “look like”?  E.g., a Dilbert Cube.

 

Second, briefly describe key structural characteristics if your primary concern is peoplewhat would it “look like”? E.g.,   Pretend you’re Judi Heerwagen -- see "Unraveling the Mysteries of Productivity,” by Banda.

 

Homework 5

Due Monday, February 20

“Learning to Think in Circles”

Pick a situation you’re intimately familiar with where you suspect a “game may be playing you.”  Sketch a model of this game using 4-9 behaviors linked with arrows – reasons (when read backward) and consequences (when read forward). In short, do something similar to the credit card game we went over in class last Wednesday.  We will then share some of the best next Monday.