A520.2.3.RB_FogartyShawn

Conflict resolution, my wife and I relocated to Savannah, Georgia last summer from Honduras. The housing market and house rental market in the area was complicated to say the least. Due to the economic recession and bursting of the housing market bubble the majority of home owners and rental property owners were asking much higher prices than the properties were worth in an effort to cover costs of their investments.

My wife and I realized that a rental home would be best suited for our situation as she may be relocating for her next job assignment and I would be deploying again within the next 16-20 months. After a week of house hunting we located two properties we really liked but the costs were more than we we're willing to pay.

The two properties are located in one of the premier neighborhoods of Savannah adjacent to a reputable golf course. Both properties have been listed for sale or rent and have been on the market for over 6 months. The cost of each property was around $2000 dollars per month and had a similar size and layout.

I played the role of the frugal renter, the listing real estate agents were the middle man, and home owners played the role of the home owners. The second property's listing real estate agent was not willing to negotiate or entertain our concerns about the price. The unwillingness to establish a negotiation process allowed us to dismiss them from the equation. The first property's real estate agent, the property my wife preferred, was willing to listen to our offer and concerns and forward them to the property owner for consideration.

My knowledge of the area, housing market and being rental property owner myself aided throughout the negotiation process. I expressed sincere interest in the property but offered to rent at a reduced monthly rate for 12 months, $300 less the advertised price. The owner denied our initial offer, and informed us that the previous tenants had not taken care of the property and several costly maintenance repairs had to be preformed. Reducing the cost would not allow him to recoup and lost revenue.

After learning of the owners concerns, revenue and household maintenance, I made a second offer. I still required a reduction of $300 per month to the rent, but offered to extend the lease term to 18 months providing longevity. Additionally, I offered to complete routine household maintenance but the owner would have to pay for the material costs. I also informed the owner I was a rental property owner myself and knew simple but unexpected maintenance repairs can add up fast. The home owner accepted the second offer made by the frugal renter which addressed the concerns of both parties involved. The frugal renter and his happy wife went on to live happily ever after.

A520.1.6.RB_FogartyShawn

The author’s discuss self awareness as being “essential to one’s productive personal and interpersonal functioning, and in understanding and empathizing with other people.” (Whetten & Camerson, 2011). It is reasonable to assume that before you can effectively lead and engage others as their leader you have to know where you stand. Otherwise, it would be like trying to lead a horse to water blindfolded in the dessert.

After the initial self-assessment and completing the chapter my knowledge of self-awareness has grown immensely. The old saying, "You don't know what you don't know" certainly applied in my case. I think I have a much better understanding of my own self-awareness. I'm looking forward to mapping out a plan to improve on areas that require growth and reinforcing positive principles I already apply. Additionally, I have a few "problem children" within my organization and now I will be able to characterize and understand them better while attempting some new approaches. Overall, I now have a better understanding of the five core aspects of self-awareness: Emotional Intelligence, Core Self-Evaluation, Values, Cognitive Style, and Attitudes Toward Change.

             My understanding of Emotional Intelligence has more than doubled as I now understand it refers to the ability to diagnose, understand, and manage emotional cues (Whetten & Camerson, 2011). As stated in my initial blog, I generally keep emotions out of the work environment. Whether someone or I is having a “bad day” has no place when it comes down to business. However, I think developing this skill will allow me to more effectively lead, coach, and mentor individuals in the future.
            Another major facet I found interesting is within understanding and appreciating individual differences. I’m guilty when it comes to focusing on differences not distinction. It is all too common within my organization to focus more on distinction rather than differences. If someone has yet to attain a particular qualification or status whether it be flight hours, pilot in command, advance ratings or fancy training they are discounted. Lastly, I will incorporate this within my plan to improve self-awareness as one major revelation came from reading from the text,

If you were to apply distinctions that belittled someone in another group, for example, that action plants a seed of mistrust in the minds of people who are present regarding what distinctions you may be privately using to discount them. (Whetten & Camerson, 2011)

Whetten, D. A., Camerson, K.S. (2011). Developing Management Skills (8th Ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

A520.1.2.RB_FogartyShawn

After concluding the self awareness assessment I was initially left unfulfilled. The assessment took a lot longer than I predicted and I grew frustrated trying to grade myself flipping back and forth and reversing numbers. I anticipated the same effect you get when you put a quarter into the machine and spin the knob it spits out a gum ball. However, where I found my gum ball is analyzing the areas I could quantify and pondering over the others. I have always been a good "test taker" so not topping out the chart was a bit surprising. I do like that its design is set-up to allow you to focus more in areas that were outlined.

I plan to use this information twofold. First, by remaining open minded throughout the readings and course work, blogs, and discussions. Second, forcing myself to focus and reflect more in the areas that were in the lower quartiles

My lowest quartile, 3rd, was in emotional intelligence. I anticipate lack of emotional intelligence to stem from over a decade of service where emotions and touchy-feely doesn't come into play. I have and see emotions from colleagues however we very rarely wear them on our sleeves, discuss, or reflect on them. I generally operate day to day on logic, training, and good sense. I think this will be one of the more challenging and eye opening aspects of the course.

My highest quartile laded within the locus of control which matched against career military officers and business executives. I'm glad that one hit the nail on the head. If it matched against peace core trainees I would have to reconsider my profession. The other sections, self awareness, tolerance, and core self evaluation I landed in the 2nd quartile. I look forward to reading the chapter and anticipate some good discussions.