Pondering Purpose
One goal of this week’s class exercise was to articulate our purpose, both in our lives and in our careers. The class discussion was supplemented by readings in “Guts!” and “Good to Great”. The focus in Guts was to identify …
Author: Catherine Kunst
Values, Purpose, Vision
As part of my school project to develop a 5 year plan, we are working through our personal values, purpose and vision as a way to lead up to developing a 5 year professional plan that fits who we are. …
Valentine’s Day
I found this quiz on a few other blogs (amyella, Kyra, & Irene) that I read so decided to take it. Notice how nice and sweet these other fine ladies are. Lucky for me, my hubby likes (or at least …
Idealism Crushed
I understand intellectually that there is little fairness in the world. However, it appears that I have been clinging to the pale hope that at least within the ivory halls of academia some remnant of a meritocracy remained. Today that …
Where do I want to be in 5 years?
One of the projects in my visionary leadership class is to create a 5 year Personal Development Plan. I’m really stumped here. I tried to see whether it would be possible to wriggle out of committing to a destination by …
The many faces of academia
I am a life long academic and this week I have faced just about every facet of academic life. My MBA classes have started up again. I’m taking my FINAL two classes this semester. I cannot express how great that …
Restructuring
My research institute is currently “restructuring”. That is we are trying to hire in one or two new scientists while simultaneously letting contract(s) expire for current under-productive scientist(s). The process sounds so benign this way. Friday I needed to deliver …
Hmmm
I was at a meeting today where, among other things, a troubled program was under discussion. Some decisions were made that I feel will merely postpone the eventual demise of this program. However, some individuals were charged with creating a …
Goals for 2006
I have been struggling to create goals for the coming year. This past year has been a whirlwind and the coming months look similar. The next 10 weeks will be especially daunting as I teach an undergraduate class 3 days …
2005 in Review
I’ve been pondering my personal, professional and fitness goals for 2006 but have not yet found clarity. This past year has simply been amazing. I started this blog almost exactly 1 year ago to help clarify and track my thoughts …