The Office: Business Lessons: Season 4 Episode 13

 

First, I must apologize that I did not write a lessons learned for Episode 12. Because Episode 12 was chock full of business lessons, I am still working on detailing those lessons.  For those who don’t remember, Episode 12 featured Stanley being insubordinate. I vow that a business lessons post will be forthcoming. I might wait for The Office season to be over so I can give this episode its proper focus.

For Episode 13, I want to concentrate on Jim. In Episode 12, Jim was reprimanded by Ryan for essentially goofing off and not taking his job seriously. Instead of complaining or whining, Jim decides to make a change. He states, “I’m doing something I’ve never done before in this job. Try.” In this episode, we see Jim take a prospective client on a golf outing. He attempts to close the sale multiple times but fails. However, he doesn’t give up. Through persistance, he closes the sale.

I want to republish an article I wrote from my personal website, rondesi.com. I think it is prudent to share in light of Jim’s performance in last night’s episode.

Let me ask you a basic question. Are you valuable to your employer? I’m not talking about “doing your job” or filling a space at your desk. I’m talking about going above and beyond. Do you ask questions no one else asks? Do you do more than is expected? Are you engaged in your work? Are you an inspiration to your co-workers?

I will assume that since you are reading this blog, you are interested in succeeding. To succeed, you need to do what others won’t. I would guess that 65% of all employees do exactly what they are suppose to do and 10% do less. That means only 25% add value (it is probably less than 25% but let’s be positive). It is these 25% who earn the money and get the promotions.

Success is not accidental. Again, success is NOT accidental. Think about any successful person you admire. I bet that person added value in all they did. Sure, they made mistakes, but overall, they added value to their employers, their bosses, their customers, to everyone who they came in contact with.

Here are few easy steps to add value each day:

1. Download The Add Value Worksheet.
2. Review your job description.
   Dig out your job description. Sure, you haven’t looked at it since you were hired, but get it out and note all of your responsibilities. Write them in the Add Value Worksheet.
3. Review additional work activities.
   Next, take some time to think of everything else you are expected to do but aren’t  in your job description. Add these to the list.
4. Rate your Value Score on the worksheet.
   Be honest on this one.
5. Collaborate with your boss.
   Don’t complete the worksheet in a vacuum. Ask your boss how you can add more value. Share the completed worksheet with him/her. You don’t want to add tasks to your day that you think add value when in reality your boss sees them as time-wasters. In addition, your boss may think of great ideas you may have never considered.
6. Craft an Action Plan.
   For those items where you rated yourself as a 1 or a 2, create an action plan to add value. Think of concrete ways you can add value to your expected responsibility. What can you do each day that will “WOW” your boss, co-workers, subordinates, or customers?

After you complete the worksheet it is time to act! Post the list in your cube or office. Each day make sure you are following your action plan. It will not be easy, but remember, success doesn’t come easy.

Wishing you much success,

Ron Desi
Director
The UB/Towson MBA

The Office: Business Lessons: Season 4 Episode 11

Last night’s episode of The Office demonstrates what happens when a problem is not thought through critically from start to finish. Ryan, former temp worker turned senior manager, returned to the Scranton branch to generate ideas to help improve the Dunder Mifflin Infinity website and boost sales. To do this he takes up the staff’s work time on Friday which means everyone will need to work Saturday. Jim, however, decides to present an idea to the rest of his office colleagues. If they work late Friday, they can avoid coming into work Saturday. The office staff agrees to stay late.

It is about 9PM and the Dunder Mifflin Scranton team is finished their work. Jim triumphantly gives kudos to the staff. Everyone is happy until they go outside to leave and see that the gate is locked thus trapping them in the parking lot. Stanley looks at Jim and says, “You didn’t tell the security guard we were working late?” “Nope,” replies Jim.

Jim Halpert had a fantastic idea that his co-workers loved but failed to think through the entire solution. The concept of ‘systems thinking’ is common for engineers and IT professionals but perhaps not as common as it should be for managers. Business happens due to the interplay between people, processes, and technology. When making decisions or simply planning, it is essential to think of the whole and how the parts work together rather than simply looking at the parts themselves.

If you Google ‘systems thinking’ you will find a lot of complex theory with very little “how to” information. I don’t want to over simplify the concept, but at its core, becoming a systems thinker is relatively straight forward. After you’ve identified a problem or opportunity you will enter the problem solving phase. As you problem solve, think of the process as a whole. When does it start and when does it stop. As creative solutions present themselves, think of the ramification of the solution throughout the process.

In Jim’s situation he simply thought “we stay late, we don’t work on Saturday.” Sounds simple. But, the solution of staying late had specific consequences. The process of locking the facility was not aligned with the solution of staying late. Without integrating these two processes, the Dunder Mifflin team was forced to wait for the security guard to come back and let them out. In the end, the cleaning people showed up and saved the day.

Completely unrelated to business lessons – I’ve noticed that this season is very serious and not as “light hearted” as in previous seasons. Thus far we’ve seen Michael and Jan suffer through financial difficulties, a legal deposition and now we see Ryan with a drug problem. I’m not sure I like this new drama. The Office is a much better show when it is focused on situations in the office and on less serious subject matter.

Wishing you much success,

Ron Desi
Director
The UB/Towson MBA

The Office: Business Lessons: Season 4 Episode 10

The Office again demonstrated why it is not only a brilliant comedy, but a show chock full of practical business lessons. There were many lessons to choose from last night’s episode but the one I want to focus on for this article is the topic of delegation.

In last night’s episode, W.B. Jones Heating and Air trucks were parked in the spaces closest to the building and thus making it necessary for Dunder Mifflin employees to park in the ‘satellite lot’. Andy and Kevin were particularly perturbed so they approached Michael so he could fix the situation. After they ask for his help the exchange went as follows:

Michael Scott: I wish I could [help] but I can’t. Well, I can. But won’t. Should. Maybe…I can probably handle it but I think it would be a good exercise for you to do yourselves.

Andy Bernard: We won’t let you down.

Michael Scott: [under his breath] You can’t because I don’t care.

In this exchange, Michael has delegated a task by “empowering” Andy and Kevin to “own the solution” and do it themselves. Of course, the motivation behind Michael’s delegation was to get them out of his office and to avoid confronting “The Five Families” of Scranton Business Park. This little exchange in the show begs the question, what should be delegated to employees. Empowerment and delegation are great buzzwords but when is it appropriate to delegate. Here are a few do’s and don’ts.

Don’t delegate…

• because you simply don’t want to do the work;
• because you are afraid of the challenge of the task or what the task might entail;
• to set someone up for failure by giving them an assignment you know the employee does not have the skillset to succeed;
• you are a laissez-faire manager and not really in touch with your co-workers or employees;
• because you want to be like Michael Scott!

Do delegate…

• because you don’t have the necessary strengths in a certain area to perform the task successfully. Delegate it to someone who does;
• when you don’t have the expertise to perform an assignment;
• because it is more efficient for someone else to do the task;
• because the task is not part of your core responsibilities. What I mean is that you cannot do everything and if you spent time dealing with issues that are not core to your job responsibilities, you won’t get to those responsibilities in the course of your day. Your job is not to do someone else’s job well but to do your job well;
• you want to challenge someone and have them reach a higher level of achievement. At the core, isn’t this what leadership is all about? Give someone a responsibility you would normally take care of. It might be challenging for that person but without challenge, people stagnate. Challenging this person will give them a new skill, confidence, and experience to tackle a similar task in the future.

Delegation is a means of developing employees, ensuring tasks are done by those who have the strengths to perform the tasks, and is critical to living a balanced life so you aren’t spending 60 hours in the office.

This article touched lightly on delegation but for more tips please visit

• 6 Tips for Delegating Effectively
• 7 Top Tips For Effective Delegation: Skills Towards Work-Life Balance
• 12 tips for delegating effectively

Finally, in the this article I mention “The Five Families” of Scranton Business Park. For those of you who want to know, they are:

1. Micheal Scott, Dunder Mifflin
2. Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration
3. Paul Faust, Disaster Kits Limited
4. W.B. Jones, W.B. Jones Heating and Air
5. Bill Cress, Cress Tool and Die.

The Office: Business Lessons: Season 4 Episode 9

The post-writer’s strike episode of the ‘The Office’ premiered last night. In this episode, Michael Scott and Jan hosted a dinner party. Jim and Pam and Andy and Angela were invited. Dwight, however, was left out (though makes an appearance later in the show). The episode focused on Michael and Jan’s completely dysfunctional relationship. Though funny, everything about this episode felt awkward. During the dinner party there were the awkward silent moments, embarrassing innuendos, and heated arguments between Jan and Michael. It ended with Jan throwing one of Michael’s prized “Dundee” awards at his super tiny plasma TV.

What business lessons can be learned from an episode focused on Michael’s dinner party? Respect, not friendship, is what is needed to build a strong office environment. Michael is a “country club” manager and wants to be everyone’s friend. According to Jim, “Michael has asked Pam and me to dinner at least nine times and every time we’ve been able to get out of it.” This dinner party is an effort on Michael’s part to befriend his subordinates who don’t want to reciprocate the close friendship (accept for maybe Andy). Jim and Pam give plenty of non-verbal cues that they want to remain co-workers, not friends.

Not everyone who works together will like each other. That is a fact of human nature and organizational dynamics. Some individuals work well together and become best friends, invite each other to dinner parties, and attend each other’s weddings. Others, however, may work well together but would damage their work relationship if they tried to establish a personal friendship. You don’t need to like everyone at work. You may dislike or “can’t stand” a project teammate. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you respect that person for the role they play in the project, their skill set, and the fact that both of you are working toward the same common project or organizational goal.

In addition, you must be able to pick up the non-verbal cues as to whether or not someone at work wants to establish a friendship with you. If you were like Michael and asked a co-worker nine times if he would like to grab a beer after work and that person turned you down each time, there is a strong likelihood that the person does not want to engage in a personal friendship with you. In the opposite situation, if someone who you do not want to become friends with pulls a Michael Scott, you may need to tell the person that you respect her as a co-worker and want to keep the work relationship professional.

We spend more time with co-workers during the week than we do with our family. Therefore, it is essential to have great working relationships. However, you don’t need to be friends with co-workers in order for your working relationships to be rewarding.

Wishing you much success,

Ron Desi
Director
The UB/Towson MBA

How to Ace the GMAT

If you are going to business school to earn your MBA or MS degree, you will likely need to take the GMAT. Depending on the school to which you are applying, the GMAT score you need will vary. Top 25, full-time MBA programs will likely demand a 650 or higher. Regional part-time program will likely demand a 500+ score. The average GMAT of incoming students in the UB/Towson MBA over the past year is a 520.

Here are some simple tips to help you succeed and beat the GMAT!

How long should I study for the GMAT?

Spend at least 4 weeks but no more than 8 weeks studying. You need at least four weeks to get to know the test, how it’s structured, and to study and practice. However, studying for more than eight weeks diminishes your returns. Studying two or four additional weeks past eight will not significantly raise your score and will likely increase your anxiety level.

Should I self-study or take a preparation class?

Self-studying is for individuals who are disciplined enough to carve out a few hours each week to study religiously for the GMAT. Those who do well with self-study are also those who tend to “test well” and can pick up concepts by reading. They also can figure out why they got an answer wrong on a practicing question without asking for assistance from a professor.

If you go the self study route make sure you get only one test strategy manual such as the Kaplan GMAT 2008 Premier Programor the Princeton Review Cracking the GMAT with DVD, 2008 Edition. There is no need to buy both. In addition, purchase The Official Guide for GMAT Review. This book is published by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), the makers of the GMAT test. The questions in this book are real GMAT questions! Though Kaplan and Princeton do a fine job in teaching you strategy, you need to practice on real problems so there are no surprises the day of the test.

One site that I must share with you is gmatclub.com. This site is an amazing resource for GMAT test takers. When I was studying for the GMAT I posted a problem I could not figure out and asked why the answer was ‘C’ instead of ‘A’. My questions was answered in under 10 minutes. I can’t say enough about this site!

Classes, on the other hand, are great for individuals who need the interaction of a professor. A professor can explain concepts, detail strategies, clarify why you got a problem wrong or can show you how to solve a problem more effectively. A book can’t do this. A classroom professor can.

I’ve taken both the Kaplan and the Princeton Review courses and don’t prefer one over the other. They are both excellent and the instructors were amazing. The price, however, is significant (well over $1,000).

Look to your local colleges and universities for classes as well. They’ll likely give you the strategies needed to succeed at half the cost of Kaplan and Princeton. Also check out your local community colleges. Sometimes they’ll have quality preparation classes at significantly lower costs. The University of Baltimore offers a great GMAT review at a cost that is easy on your wallet.

Finally, there are many GMAT Preparation classes that are available online. Do your research to make sure the course you are looking at is legitimate and has proven methods for the best results. If you find such a class, Google the name of the course and you’ll likely find reviews from those who took the course.

Do I need to do the Analytical Writing (AWA) section?

If the MBA program to which you are applying weighs the math and verbal sections more heavily than the AWA, don’t spend a lot of time and effort on the writing section. Read the question and write what you can, then move on. Don’t stress.

If you invest a lot of brainpower and effort in crafting an amazing essay, you will be mentally fatigued by the time you get to what is likely the most important part of the test, the math and verbal sections. So, go into those sections with a fresh mind by just getting through the writing section. Contact the programs to which you are applying and find out how heavily the AWA section is weighted and how it is used. The UB/Towson MBA weighs the quantitative and qualitative much more heavily than the AWA.

It’s all about prioritizing and spending your time and mental effort where it counts.

Take a GMAT CAT practice test

Taking a GMAT CAT practice test is the best way to gauge your potential performance. However, take these tests in a setting similar to those in the actual test center. Go into a quiet room with no distractions. Get a timer and make sure you start and stop each section accurately. Your mental attitude should be the same as test day. Think, “This is the real thing. I need to score high.”

Be Adaptive

The GMAT is an adaptive test and you need to approach the test differently than the old model of the easy questions being in the beginning and the hard questions at the end. Here are a few links that give great strategies:

http://www.gmathacks.com/cat-strategy/introduction-to-the-gmat-computer-adaptive-test.html
http://www.treefoundation.gr/cat.htm
http://www.gmathacks.com/cat-strategy/take-control-of-the-gmat-computer-adaptive-test.html

Take the test on your schedule

Are you a morning person or do you function better in the afternoon? Tests are offered 8am – 12 noon and 1pm – 5pm. Pick the timeslot that is best for you.

Don’t study the day before and get a good night’s sleep

Studying the day before will not help so don’t do it. Relax. Go to a movie. Read a book. Have fun with friends. Go to bed an hour earlier than normal and get a good night’s sleep.

Don’t drink a lot of liquids before the test

Drink enough so you’re not thirsty during the test but don’t drink so much that you’ll need to go to the bathroom 10 minutes after you start the test.

Eat a balanced meal

Eat so your energy levels are high. Eat a meal that is no less than 60% carbs and no more than 30% fat. A Big Mac, large fries and a Coke is not a good decision. Eat wisely to feel and perform your best during the test.

Relax

It’s a test not a matter of life and death. Be positive and do your best.

With these tips, I hope you can eliminate your fear of the GMAT and beat the test on your terms.

Wishing you much successs (on the GMAT),

Ron Desi
Director
The UB/Towson MBA

The UB/Towson MBA Named Top 30 AACSB-Accredited “Best Buy” Online MBA

The UB/Towson online MBA has been named a “Top 30 Best Buy” among AACSB-International accredited institutions, according to a recent survey by GetEducated.com.

GetEducated.com credited 30 institutions with providing distance learning and online MBA degrees for an affordable price ($25,000 or less). Oklahoma State, Florida Atlantic, Wayne State and Auburn universities were among the other institutions that comprise the Best Buy list.

“We are pleased to be among the country’s most affordable accredited online M.B.A.s,” said Susan Zacur, dean of the School of Business. “We believe our mission is to provide the best quality M.B.A. at a reasonable price, and make it convenient for qualified students—who often turn out to be our very best students. It is gratifying to have our efforts recognized across the country.”

“As public institutions, it’s the mission of both Towson University and the University of Baltimore to advocate for and provide access to a quality business education at a low price,” said Shohreh Kaynama, dean of the Towson University College of Business and Economics. ”We are offering an accessible, innovative, quality program of value. It is an honor to be recognized for that vision.”

The University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business and Towson University’s College of Business and Economics are accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Learn more about The UB/Towson MBA.

Learn more about GetEducated.com.

UB/Towson MBA Student among nation’s ‘Young Leaders’.

I am happy to announce that one of our students, Justin Jones-Fosu, was recently named a “Young Leader Under 30 on the Rise” by Ebony Magazine. Congratulations Justin!

More details are provided below. You can see Justin in the February issue of Ebony Magazine on newsstands now.

UB/Towson MBA student Justin P. Jones-Fosu has been named a “Young Leader Under 30 on the Rise” by Ebony Magazine in its February 2008 issue. Ebony’s “Young Leaders Under 30 on the Rise” honors professionals aged 30 and under who are making a difference in the corporate world, government or through entrepreneurship, while also helping others in the community.

Jones-Fosu is a training coordinator for T.Rowe Price as well as the founder, president and CEO of JS Training Solutions, a leadership training and professional development firm. The 26-year-old credits his experience in the UB/Towson MBA program as helping him earn the honor.

“I probably would not have been given this award if it had not been for the UB/Towson MBA program,” he says. “Being a part of the MBA is where my passion has been cultivated. Both campuses have also helped me develop my business.”

Susan Zacur, dean of the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business, said she considers Jones-Fosu to be an ambassador for the M.B.A. program.

“Justin is a well-respected member of the M.B.A. community, and a great contributor to our dialogue about managing business in the changing economy,” Zacur said. “He always has a smile, and not only does he inspire other students, but our faculty as well. Justin is a model M.B.A. student. He’s a self-starter, knows how to get in the game and has really left his mark on the program.”

Shohreh Kaynama, dean of the Towson University College of Business and Economics, regards Jones-Fosu as an inspiration to both university communities. “Justin is an outstanding graduate student, as well as a well-noted entrepreneur and contributing member of the business community. He is an example of what all undergraduate business students aspire to become.”

Jones-Fosu was named the 2007 Alumnus of the Year by INROADS Baltimore/Washington, an organization working with Northrop Grumman to develop and place talented minority youth in business and industry. He is also a member of the National INROADS Alumni Association Steering Committee, the American Society for Training and Development, the University of Baltimore Leadership Certification Program and the University of Baltimore Entrepreneurship Coaching Program.

MBA Specializations

I had the opportunity to be interviewed by freelance writer, Paul D. Rosevear. He was working on an article about the importance of MBA specializations. The story was featured on the front page ticker at MSN.com. You can read his article and my thoughts on MBA specialization by visiting MSN Encarta. Enjoy! 

Wishing you much success,

Ron Desi
Director
The UB/Towson MBA

A Blog Update

I have not made a post for quite a while. For those who visit this blog often, I apologize! If you’ve noticed, I have not posted any additions to The Office - Business Lessons for a few weeks. This is mostly due to the writer’s strike in Hollywood. There have been no new episodes of The Office and the last Episode was Episode 8: The Deposition. Starting in 2008, I will crack open the Season 1 and 2 DVDs and extract business and leadership lessons from the “early days” of the show until the writer’s strike is over.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Wishing you much success,

Ron Desi
Director, The UB/Towson MBA

The Office: Business Lessons: Season 4 Episode 8

If you are a fan of The Office, you know that Jan was fired last season. This past Thursday, she attempted to sue Dunder Mifflin for wrongful termination. Michael, who has been dating Jan since the firing, was put in the precarious position of testifying during the proceedings. Would he side with Jan or Dunder Mifflin? I don’t have time to recount what happened but in the end, he chose his company.

Though he chose to side with Dunder Mifflin, Michael did make one interesting comment at the end of the episode. He said “You expect to be taken advantage* of by your company. You don’t expect to be taken advantage* of by your girlfriend.”

Ask yourself these two questions:

1. Do companies take advantage of their employees?
2. Do employees take advantage of the companies who employ them?

In some cases, the answer is yes. Call me overly optimistic, however, but I don’t think either party is out to use the other. I believe the employer/employee relationship is a symbiotic, ‘win-win’ partnership. Employees aren’t employed to simply get a paycheck. Employees want training, experience, challenge, and opportunity. Employers today want more than high volume output from their employees. Employers want employees who are productive, effective, creative, critical thinkers, and want to succeed. 

I’m not saying that there are certain employees who will take advantage of their employers and some employers who will take advantage of their employees, but on average, I firmly believe that both parties understand and respect what each can contribute to the partnership.

* on the show, Michael Scott did not use the term ‘taken advantage of’. I just feel that posting what he did say would not be appropriate for this blog.

Wishing you much success,

Ron Desi
Director
The UB/Towson MBA