Summary for #9

Okay, all!  I think this is what we covered…

Leadership, training, communication and good leadership are keys to success for virtual teams

The team needs specific goals set for it and those goals need to be communicated effectively.

All teams, whether face to face or virtual need trust building activities and that can happen in a virtual environment with the use of virtual water coolers and social networking environments.

A business plan for the virtual team aids in it’s success by defining the teams purpose

Response time it important.  Perhaps a set time in which to expect a response?

Communication EXCHANGE is important, perhaps a forum for live meetings? A chat room, like the one we use?

Leadership with regard to good response, mentorship and allowing open communication.

Team members need to have their OWN part of the project.  Ownership is important.

Okay, all, this is what i remember.  Please add what you feel I’ve missed!  I know I missed stuff

Team Meeting

[2009-04-10 14:19:03] Robyn: 1st organize to gain trust!!!
[2009-04-10 14:19:04] Cory Clemons: Okay.
[2009-04-10 14:19:13] sue: I work all day tomorrow, so I’ll have to get mine to you tonight.
[2009-04-10 14:19:32] Val: Cool, Sue. I look forward to it!
[2009-04-10 14:19:34] sue:
[2009-04-10 14:19:50] Cory Clemons: Why the sad face sue?
[2009-04-10 14:19:52] sue: I shouldn’t have procrastinated so long on this one!!
[2009-04-10 14:19:57] Val: Can we use some of our personal experiences in our school team format for info?
[2009-04-10 14:20:14] sue: what info is that?
[2009-04-10 14:20:19] Val: Sue, i think you’ve got this under control
[2009-04-10 14:20:30] Cory Clemons: I think so…we’d just have to structure it so that it reads approprietely
[2009-04-10 14:20:44] Val: Any input for developing our recommendations. I think we’ve got a good thing going on
[2009-04-10 14:21:04] sue: duh.. i know what you mean now… sorry… again, long day
[2009-04-10 14:21:06] Robyn: build a business plan
[2009-04-10 14:21:31] sue: I think all that we have just mentioned are recommendations Val
[2009-04-10 14:21:33] Val: For instance, we have shared calendars, web posting, blogging and the likes and they’re working for us!
[2009-04-10 14:21:47] Val: Absolutely.
[2009-04-10 14:22:15] Val: Yes, virtual teams like regular teams should have a business plan.
[2009-04-10 14:23:21] Robyn: overall then give each member their own responsibilities
[2009-04-10 14:23:23] Val: Okay, so so far we have, business plan, communication, shared calendar and documents, goals and good leadership.
[2009-04-10 14:23:35] sue: Proper instruction, training, communication and leadership are the keys
[2009-04-10 14:23:41] Val: What have I missed???
[2009-04-10 14:23:56] Robyn: deadlines
[2009-04-10 14:23:57] Val: Who wants to write this part???
[2009-04-10 14:24:13] Val: Deadlines, training and communication. Got it!
[2009-04-10 14:24:35] sue: Making sure team members have the knowledge on how to use the website and all the functions it serves.
[2009-04-10 14:24:56] Val: Cory, I think you might do a good job with this section.
[2009-04-10 14:25:15] sue: I think it will really be a summary of the entire paper… should we wait to see what that look like and go form there?
[2009-04-10 14:25:20] Val: Technological comfort? Sue, does that cover it?
[2009-04-10 14:25:22] Robyn: yes make sure everyones on board with the technology part
[2009-04-10 14:25:54] Val: I agree Sue, that the whole paper drives us to point #9.
[2009-04-10 14:26:19] Robyn: timeline
[2009-04-10 14:26:24] Cory Clemons: Ya, think! I am not sure if I can commit. What will it all inetl?
[2009-04-10 14:26:53] sue: Should we reconnect on Sunday night? Later is better for me.. spending Easter with my family at my sisters.. usually not out of
[2009-04-10 14:27:06] Val: Cory, you’re the bomb at taking it ALL in and making sense of it.
[2009-04-10 14:27:12] sue: there until 7 nor so…..we could finalize the paper then…????
[2009-04-10 14:27:22] Val: Sunday is fine with me. I’m not doing anything special on Sunday.
[2009-04-10 14:27:59] Robyn: not sure if im going to be around Sunday night
[2009-04-10 14:28:01] Val: What we need is for someone to put all of our info into a “plan of action” If I understand #9 correctly…
[2009-04-10 14:28:39] sue: I’m gonna get going so I can work on finishing my part…. i think we should worry about putting together #9 until we have the
[2009-04-10 14:29:02] sue: rest of the paper in place.. it should be easy to do then…. but it’s up to everyone
[2009-04-10 14:29:05] Cory Clemons: Okay. Val, we’ll talk. I’ll spending time with family SUnday as well
[2009-04-10 14:29:21] Val: I think we’ve actually done a really good job of getting what we need in place to write 9 already
[2009-04-10 14:29:44] Val: Yeah, Cory, I’m available anytime this w/e. Call me and we’ll talk.
[2009-04-10 14:29:46] sue: I just can’t commit to doing it and having it doen by Monday.
[2009-04-10 14:30:14] Val: Sue, deep breath woman! You’ve totally got this under control!
[2009-04-10 14:31:01] sue: So, maybe 8pm on Sunday.. just to touch bases? Or should we just communicate by email?
[2009-04-10 14:31:22] sue: And what have we decidedon #9?
[2009-04-10 14:31:27] Val: It’s fine. Walk away from it for a little while. You’ll be able so look at it fresh in a little while.
[2009-04-10 14:31:49] Val: I can do any of those things. you guys tell me what works for you all!
[2009-04-10 14:32:41] Val: How about I post what we’ve done on the blog page. We all take a break and look at it fresh tomorrow morning.
[2009-04-10 14:32:43] Robyn: Ill know by tonight if I’ll be available on Sunday
[2009-04-10 14:33:01] Val: We can email or meet on Sunday to decide what we want #9 to look like then.
[2009-04-10 14:34:13] sue: sounds good…lets just email each other to determine what works best.
[2009-04-10 14:34:31] Val: Fine with me.
[2009-04-10 14:35:03] Val: Sue, give me a call tomorrow. i think you should stop for today
[2009-04-10 14:35:05] sue: Cory, enjoy the theater tonight!
[2009-04-10 14:35:36] Val: Robyn, when do you want powerpoint slides?
[2009-04-10 14:35:38] Cory Clemons: I will, thanks. Kids are driving me bursurk right now. Sorry, got distracted!
[2009-04-10 14:36:17] Val: I think we definitely should meet in person next week.
[2009-04-10 14:36:43] Robyn: after we get the paper done
[2009-04-10 14:36:50] Robyn: I think so
[2009-04-10 14:36:50] Cory Clemons: Agreed. WHat about Thursday instead of Friday.
[2009-04-10 14:36:55] sue: ok… I’m outta here for now.. I’ll look for the emails!!! Take it easy guys!!!!!!Have a good night.
[2009-04-10 14:37:09] Val: Thursday if fine with me.
[2009-04-10 14:37:41] Robyn: Thursday is good for me
[2009-04-10 14:37:44] Val: Everyone have a good night. You guys, please, look at the blog in a little while. I’ll have it up shortly.
[2009-04-10 14:37:46] Cory Clemons: Great. My sons’ birthday are both on Next Sat. Having a sleepover Friday bnight.
[2009-04-10 14:37:49] Robyn: bye Sue
[2009-04-10 14:38:18] Cory Clemons: Bye all. Have a Happy & Blessed Easter.
[2009-04-10 14:38:18] sue: sounds good. later….
[2009-04-10 14:38:29] sue: same to you!!!!!!
[2009-04-10 14:38:39] Robyn: Happy Easter!!!
[2009-04-10 14:38:40] Val: Robyn, shoot me an email about the powerpoint. Talk to you all soon!

Questionnaire Questions…

. Has your Human Resources policy changed due to the addition/creation of vitrual teams?

. Has your Organizational Structure changed due to the addition/creation of virtual teams?

Those are the “soft skill” questions I’m struggling with finding information on…

Starting out on the right foot…

Okay, Guys, since I feel a bit like we need to refocus, I’m going to “put it out there”…

I would like to start out by apologizing for any hard feelings my comments may have caused.  It is NEVER my intent to hurt feelings. I would also like to apologize for any pressure that teammates may feel I place on them.  My intent is to always alleviate pressure, not to inflict it.  And, finally, I would like to apologize for anything that may seem like I’m stealing thunder.  Understand, please, that my goals are for the successful completion of this program as a TEAM.  You will NEVER hear me say “I did all the work”, I don’t look at it that way.  Anything I contribute is for the team’s success, not my own.

That being said, I think some things about me need to be understood by the rest of you.  I live in a technology world.  It may seem nicer to make a phone call, but I usually do not have time to have a conversation.  So, I send emails.  I can reply to an email while I’m multitasking (read getting other things done…).  I do  not expect my emails to be answered immediately.  I don’t necessarily expect them to be answered at all.  If there’s a question in them, however, drop me a line and let me know what you think…  AS TIME PERMITS, of course.  Also, don’t forget, we have this forum available for us to post rants.  And, answer them too.  In an unemotional way.  Which is nice cause it can take the stress out of it.  That’s what I’m doing right now.  Finally…  I’m an overacheiver.  I understand that not everyone is.  But use that to your advantage.  Don’t look at it as a challenge to all to become one.  It’s not.  Instead, try to find ways to channel my energy into a mutually productive force.  Thanks!  I feel quite a bit better now.

Team Meeting II

Okay, so I’m trying…  the entire conversation is not there…  Most of it is and the important stuff totally is.  But among a few other things, we covered what I’ve already accomplished as well as what Robyn was able to do.  You guys will have to check with us on that.  I can’t reestablish that from here.  Unless there is a strong denial, we’re going to have Cory check into Sunrise assisted and retirement centers as they are the biggest competitors and to help fill in that which we cannot find…  See you all on Weds!

V

Team Meeting

[2009-02-22 18:54:33] Val: Wouldn’t it make sense for Brookdale to market to people in Middle income? Right now they don’t. Most of the populaiton
[2009-02-22 18:54:39] Val: is middle income.
[2009-02-22 18:55:33] Robyn: ok, that’s pretty interesting I wonder how many clients run out of money and have to leave
[2009-02-22 18:56:21] Val: Hmmm… that’s a good question. Right now, someone like myself would not be able to go there. It would actually be cheaper
[2009-02-22 18:56:28] Val: for me to stay in my home.
[2009-02-22 18:57:12] Val: If they’re trying to fill there centers, wouldn’t it make sense to include middle/high income people?
[2009-02-22 18:57:29] Val: Instead of just medium affluent?
[2009-02-22 18:57:56] Robyn: And in the near future Im sure alot of people will be thinking that way
[2009-02-22 18:58:51] Val: And, after the baby boomer rush finishes and the gen x’res start to retire at reduced nubmers, for the long term…
[2009-02-22 18:59:40] Robyn: I wonder how each of their competitors compare
[2009-02-22 19:00:33] Val: Well, I have info on that as well. they’re biggest competitor is sunrise retirement. They are in pretty much the same positio
[2009-02-22 19:00:53] Val: actually, kind of worse as their financing is different.
[2009-02-22 19:01:55] Robyn: are they similar income requirements
[2009-02-22 19:01:57] Val: It might be a good idea to do a small amount of research on Sunrise. Maybe Cory can do that for us?
[2009-02-22 19:02:24] Val: Yes, they are totally similar in their market strategy.
[2009-02-22 19:04:26] Val: Do you think Dr. Messina would appreciate us doing research on one of our own competitors?
[2009-02-22 19:04:55] Robyn: I think she would appreciate anything out of the box
[2009-02-22 19:05:24] Val: I agree. And that would give Cory a really valuable contribution to our team work.
[2009-02-22 19:06:11] Val: It would also give us an “edge” over our other team’s works… At least I think it would
[2009-02-22 19:06:47] Robyn: I agree not sure what the others would think but we should run it pass them
[2009-02-22 19:07:29] Val: Cool. Let’s talk about it on Weds. But I think that it would give us a competitive edge over other teams and totally round
[2009-02-22 19:07:42] Val: out our presentation on the company we’ve chosen.
[2009-02-22 19:09:40] Robyn: Ok, let me know how everything goes with Cory, if you want to call me when she comes over, I’ll try to stop by too.
[2009-02-22 19:10:39] Val: Okay, I think that will be good. She will do really well with the info I’m sure. But it doesn’t help to know it’s out there
[2009-02-22 19:11:15] Val: without being able to see and touch it. I’ll let you know what we decide on. As long as you’re okay with dogs, you’ll be fine
[2009-02-22 19:11:20] Val: in my house.
[2009-02-22 19:11:39] Robyn: Cool.
[2009-02-22 19:11:56] Val: I think we should sign off. We’ve gotten alot done!
[2009-02-22 19:12:14] Robyn: I’ll email you if I find anything new
[2009-02-22 19:12:39] Robyn: I’ll talk to you tomorrow!
[2009-02-22 19:12:46] Val: Cool. Send it to work. I don’t check my home email too much. I’ll send you stuff too

Info I would have shared…

Okay all, wondering where you were for meeting…  I have lots of stuff for Dave’s part of the project.  I found all kinds of information through Nexis/Lexis for him.  As for my part…  I need to know what Brookdale is doing by way of marketing to Diverse groups both in recruting employees and recruiting clients.  Also, I would like to know what the national average and regulatory requirement is for staff per resident…  Sue, do you have access to that info???

Dave, you and I should talk before you invest too much time.  The info I’ve already pulled can be extremely useful for the project and specifically for your part of it.  We can discuss on Weds in class.

Sunday 5-7

Hey team,

How is everybody??!! I am going to have a problem communicating on this coming Sunday at our scheduled time. i have apersonal commitment that I cannot get out of. We’ll talk tomorrow , but I did want to give everyone a head’s up.

See you tomorrow at class!

Algebraic Order of Operations!

Simplify Parenthesis and brackets first

Then remove exponents

Then do Multiplication and Division from left to right

Then do Addition and Subtraction from left to right

Hope this helps!  Later guys!

Also…

Our webmaster extrodinaire tells me that the other user Dave saw online might have been Dave himself.  Don’t freak out guys if the site says two users are online.  The site occasionally reads 1 of us as 2 people.  Jon doesn’t know why it does that yet…  But if I know my hubby, he will!