Welcome to Lisa's blog!

Read about the characteristics of entrepreneurs and how to fortify your own entrepreneurial spirit, in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

Read about how to proactively manage group dynamics in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

Read about how to leave a positive, lasting impression with your clients, in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

I had a meeting today with my wonderful professor, David, to brainstorm some ideas. He was a great, receptive listener, and mid way through our conversation I felt extremely out of sync because I realized that he was in the seat that I usually occupy.

It felt awkward as soon as I thought about it, and happily, we discussed it and the boundaries that we need to maintain. Upon reflection, I realized that it’s good to be in the other chair from time to time. It makes us better when we return to our regular seat.

One of the big adjustments to academic life is the change in pace. You can work just as hard, but the energy is different because of the nature of the work. I’m re-pacing in order to get in the groove.

Read about how to identify and recapture lost interests, in this week’s issue of our e-zine, Executive Insight Tip of the Week.

Most of us in this doctoral program are accustomed to being at the front of the room, so of course, it has been interesting to watch how our group dynamics unfold as participants, not as facilitators.

It’s natural to assume a role within a group - some are more formal; others more informal. So far, my role has been that of observer. I’ve been interested in who speaks up a lot, what they say, and why they’re saying what they say.

Part of why I’ve taken on the observer role is that I’m absorbing the complex language and theories of adult education. This is still foreign to me, although familiarity frequently springs to the surface as I recognize the underlying principles that I use in my work.

In any case, the continuing evolution of our roles will be fascinating since we’re in such an intimate learning situation for an extended period of time. I’m sure I’ll have more to say about this.

I will have eight credits after this three-week immersion. My fellow students are interesting, diverse, and cautious. I wonder how dramatically our behavior will change by the end of the week.

I’m especially pleased that two of my three instructors came from the business world. They make the linkages between what we do day-to-day and what we’re studying. I was in classes for over 8 hours today, and I can honestly say that I’m energized rather than exhausted.

Adult learning is one of the few growth areas in the economy, and today’s experiences have reinforced my decision to take this big step.

I’m a student again. Yes, I’m enrolled in a doctoral program at Columbia, and tonight was the beginning. This program is in adult learning and leadership, and I want share some of these experiences as I temporarily step out of my day-to-day work world, and enter the ivory tower.

20 of us will share this journey for the next two years, at which time we’ll begin work on our dissertations. I’ve been excited (and anxious) leading up to today, and now that I’ve met my cohort, I know that it’s going to be a good experience.

It has been over 30 years since I was in school, and it’s an understatement to comment about how different things are today. I invite you to stay tuned as I write about my three-week immersion, which begins tomorrow.

The world of managed care has produced some unbelievably bad customer experiences. Recently, I had an appointment for a test at a radiologist’s office. I had been waiting (forever) for my appointment, when the receptionist called out my name, and announced that I needed to use the restroom (in less “delicate” language, I might add…..).

There were about a dozen people in the waiting room, and now all of them knew just a little too much about me.

Customer service isn’t something to take for granted. When this receptionist publicly made this remark, not only did she breach my privacy, she also embarassed everyone else. I don’t care if this practice needs volume because they accept insurance. It’s no reason to dehumanize the patients.

Take the time to train your front line people. They are the first face of your business to the public, and should reflect an appropriate professional image.