Experience has taught me that the best way to learn to do something in life is to first learn as much about it as you possibly can, and then take what you've learned and use those parts that work the best with your own personality, abilities, and motivations. If I have a chance, it would be interesting for me to read that book; if the advice it gives seems applicable, then I'll use it for myself, if not, then I'll pass it along to someone who can use it better.
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~Lee~
Group Sales ATL '01
Group Sales TL '02
Park Admissions Supervisor '03
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"The greatest leaders don't take credit for their actions; they don't have to."
I don't see anything wrong with checking out different theories, though, and I will definitely take a look at your suggestions as well (I'm planning a Spring Break trip to Rome -- "abbreviated" study abroad with my school -- and I need some decent reading material for that 14-hour plane ride...)
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~Lee~
Group Sales ATL '01
Group Sales TL '02
Park Admissions Supervisor '03
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"The greatest leaders don't take credit for their actions; they don't have to."
I wouldn't consider it a management book, more like a collection of good tips that I follow (the concept of looking for things to praise and making sure your kids know what EXACTLY their jobs are).
I still say give it a read. But no book is going to teach you how to be a good sup/manager- that's learned on the job.
Well, he always listened when someone had something to say. Even if he rejected you soundly in the next sentance. If you start responding to what someone else is saying before they finish you really didn't hear them.
He allowed for some experimentation. Even he knew that an idea will not be ideal, he would let people run with it if it wasn't threatening to the operation.
He asked every one of his managers for their opinions, in private, on his time. He would seek out people just to chat from time to time. Making time for someone in your busy managing day empowers employees to look beyond their nose, makes one feel needed.
He knew how to blow off steam. It can be good in certain circumstances to show that even you (the almightly leader) gets fed up and stressed. Of course it must be discreet, and professional.
He backed up his people. No ifs, ands or buts. If someone came into our dept and started to rip into one of his people he just wouldn't stand for it. If anyone attempted to mistreat or verbally assult someone or their integrity he would lay his own rep on the line. If it was found that the person was in the wrong he would always take the proper actions. But it was always, always professional.
I'd still JUMP at the chance to work with this man again. I am in many ways the type of manager i am because of working for him. Encouraged free thought, growth, respect, and a great atmosphere to work in. I have found it hard to find since.
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Breakers Express '02 & '03
Vitaminized on Gemini said:
Oh boy, oh boy!I actually have a philosophy on this!
There is nothing more stifling in a work atmosphere than a garrulous ass who makes everything around and under him/her a living hell. Because of this and the kabal of crappy managers I had in all my high school jobs, I thought the best way for me to function as ATL of Gemini was being not only a good example by staying in rotation and taking normal length breaks, but also by being the crew mediator so all disputes and opinions could be aired out in timely fashion. (This meant not taking sides without first hearing both sides.) The notion of voicing and embracing all disparate gripes, *****es, disputes, etc. and trying to treat everyone with the same respect they treated me made working with my crew, to be unnecessarily redundant, a treat.
Yeah, my crew fought a lot, but we formed tight bonds because everyone knew they had a job to do and everyone knew they could depend on MOST everyone else to complete their tasks at the same time. After awhile, we all got over ourselves and developed a sense of humor about our pettiness, not unlike a sitcom family. As long as you are "there" for your crew to answer any questions and help out with any problems, and, likewise, if your crew is "there" for you, then the summer goes swimmingly.
I must also throw in some advice--don't be afraid to level with your crewmates. If I told someone that I needed them to do something even thought I knew they didn't want to do it, I would at least tell them why I HAD to make them do it. It just seemed like the respectful thing to do. For example: "You have to go to Camp Snoopy because I am not allowed to play favorites and, this way, it will be at least a few weeks before you have to go again. They make me staff other rides--you know this-- and it is just ONE DAY." I had to work just as hard as anyone else. I wasn't any better because of my exalted position; I still had a job to do and oftentimes I would suck at it, but the operation of the Gemini when me and Amy were in charge spoke for itself.
I actually think my crew helped me out more than I helped them. They made me look good and consoled me amid my personal problems. I just hoped I did the same.
I miss everyone. I won't be coming back because I am still on the forbidden list.
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Shepoopie!
*** This post was edited by Vitaminized on Gemini 2/12/2003 5:07:51 PM ***
What did you do to deserve such an honor? I was an absolute maniac and my regional told me that! I could write an interesting book about that wayward summer.I brown-nosed quite abit and I am sure that saved me from oblivion many times. I will always regret not going back for a 2nd yr!
Anyways, you probably wonder what I did to deserve my "honor" of being ATL. I displayed common sense. Performing my job adequately if not spectacularly, my ability to butt-kiss the powers that be ultimately led to my promotion. When the higher-ups would question me, "what do you think of that whole fight thing going on in the crew?" I would respond, "everyone needs to get their heads out of their asses and remember it's just a roller coaster, and, in the same breath, just a job that needs to be performed correctly. People here expect the Croix De Guerre for just showing up on time, I swear..." Laughter is more than the best medicine.
Besides that, I was most qualified because I already had experience closing under my belt as third-in-charge.
And, there you have it. Right place, right time, right people to kneel behind; the cosmos were on my side.
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Shepoopie!
I have very little pride or dignity; however, I don't like people yelling at me when maintenance doesn't show up on time. It was the one thing that morning I couldn't help; furthermore, it was the only thing that morning that made us open up late. I can't believe I constructed two sentences in a row like that. A pox on my inability to write!
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Shepoopie!
Vitaminized on Gemini said:
And, as for the "honor" of being redlisted, I walked off when I was in charge. I was struggling with a slew of personal problems, told them a week in advance it was going to happen, convinced myself to stay and then had park op rudely make me change my mind.I have very little pride or dignity; however, I don't like people yelling at me when maintenance doesn't show up on time. It was the one thing that morning I couldn't help; furthermore, it was the only thing that morning that made us open up late. I can't believe I constructed two sentences in a row like that. A pox on my inability to write!
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Shepoopie!
I am sorry to hear that. Since I have season tickets I would have looked forward to meeting you running your ride. I know that working in the CP environment can be abit stressful, perhaps you can apologize to Mr. Kinzel and ask for forgiveness/rehiring. We all mess up once in awhile and alot of the times those who are given second chances evolve into model employees/leaders.
Go ahead and HANDWRITE a sincere/well thought out apology to Mr. Kinzel. R. Kinzel did not get where he is by being close minded and perhaps he can/may help you out. What do you have to lose? Besides 1 hour and a stamp. If you have learned your lesson TELL MR. KINZEL! And tell him you REALLY WANT a chance to make it right. Go for it!
I did some things wrong the first time that I was in the securities business and the office manager gave me a second chance. Albiet 3 yrs later; its worth a shot and you will be a better person for the experience
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Crow: Mike can I have a car like that?
Mike: You can't drive.
Crow: I can drive, I'm an excellent driver; I'm not wearing my underwear.
Camp Snoopy 2000-2002
Mean Streak 2003
Cedar_Point_Police said:
Anyone with a "blue or double blue tag" are total A$$HOLES! The color of the tag goes to their head. Park Operations has to be the worst department for this. Its stupid taking orders from someone your age. They abuse their power way too much. I thought working rides would be awesome but it SUCKED. The supervision in area 2 are the worst and it needs to be changed. "DO NOT WORK RIDES" thats all I can say! Thats why I am NOT returning to Park Operations this season. I chose a department were I can enforce park rules and not get written up for it! "And you can take that to the bank"------------------
Wicked Twister / Millennium Force 2002
Cedar Point Police 2003
Cedar_Point_Police said:
Anyone with a "blue or double blue tag" are total A$$HOLES! The color of the tag goes to their head. Park Operations has to be the worst department for this. Its stupid taking orders from someone your age. They abuse their power way too much. I thought working rides would be awesome but it SUCKED. The supervision in area 2 are the worst and it needs to be changed. "DO NOT WORK RIDES" thats all I can say! Thats why I am NOT returning to Park Operations this season. I chose a department were I can enforce park rules and not get written up for it! "And you can take that to the bank"------------------
Wicked Twister / Millennium Force 2002
Cedar Point Police 2003
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Crow: Mike can I have a car like that?
Mike: You can't drive.
Crow: I can drive, I'm an excellent driver; I'm not wearing my underwear.
Camp Snoopy 2000-2002
Mean Streak 2003
Only the Big Dick himself, (kinzel) and his suspender-wearing pals can make decisions, you know,) a blue tag who trus
ts his team members not to get involved in drama is a true leader in every sense of the word.
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