A520.9.5.RB - Shuck, Allison

Power

Are you comfortable developing sources of personal influence to gain power?

This question is a hard one, in some situations, I would be ok using personal influence to gain power, but in other situations I would not. For example, I would be ok using influence to empower others, but I would not be ok with using influence to take advantage of others. Because power and influence go hand-and-hand, I think that it is always best to look at influence from an ethical standpoint. If it is not ethical, don’t do it.

Do you embody the characteristics of likable people depicted in Table 5.4 (p.290)?

Yes, without a doubt! I pride myself on being open, honest and loyal. I am sincere and strive to be non-judgmental, I avoid telling lies; because every lie has an equal or lesser consequence, and I believe in the value of friendship. However, I am not always emotionally accessible, because I have a hard time relating to or understanding the feelings of others. For example, a friend of a friend had a little baby girl who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). For those of you who don’t know what Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is, it is the unexplained death of an infant. Unfortunately, the cause of SIDS is unknown.  Well, my friend, let’s just call her Liz, was consumed by the baby’s sudden death. And, as the baby’s God Mother, she felt the need to devote every spear moment she had to her friend, the baby’s mom. Well, let’s just say that I did not understand how the baby’s death affected Liz’s life. I understand being there for you friend who is in need, but I don’t understand how Liz’s life changed as a result of the baby’s death. It is instances like that I cannot grasp. Yet, I find the need to provide unconditional support and acceptance. Some things you just cannot change. I have learned over the years to accept things for what they are and move on. Enduring sacrifices is what friendship is all about. I had to provide Liz with social reinforcement (sympathy and empathy) even though I did not understand the situation or how it affect her life. I knew that in order to sustain our friendship, I had to keep my mouth shut.

Are you able to use influence both up and down your organization considering the information in Table 5.5 (p. 293)?

Yes, after reading Table 5.5, I feel pretty confident that I would be able to use my influence both up and down my organization. My direct supervisor and I have a great relationship. We both understand each other personally and professional. I know that if I ever came up with a way to improve a process or procedure, she would listen to my suggestions and consider them with an open mind. 

A520.7.3.RB - Shuck, Allison

Importance of Having a Coach and Mentor

Throughout my life, I have meet a lot of kind and caring people; however, there are only a select few who took it upon themselves to take a sincere interest in me and my life. The first was Kathy Fagan. I meet Kathy when I was 11 years old. She moved down from Pennsylvania to live with my family, she was going to date my mom. At the time, it was strange to have two mommies but I grew to love and accept her, despite the fact she made my life a living hell. Kathy, although gay, is transitional, meaning that she does not allow you to eat with your hands or use more than one towel during a week. If I was caught eating with my hands, I was literally stabbed with a fork. If I randomly decided to use a different towel, other than the one I was assigned for the week, I lost my privileges to use a towel for the week. Drastic, I know, but her methods really worked. I learned to be a young respectful individual. I never stole, got into drugs and I never snuck out. I knew that if I did what I was told, I would be able to do what I wanted, within reason. Kathy by far was the best coach/mentor I could have ever asked for at such a young age. She did what my mother couldn't do, she gave me discipline.  

The second person that took a sincere interest in me and my life was Wally Eshelman. Wally and I meet my senior year of high school when I was working as a care companion for his mother. Wally’s mother Kay was near and dear to my heart, I took care of her every day for almost a year. I cooked her meals, gave her a bath, did her laundry, extra. Many people would say that we were family, due to the type of relationship we had. Kay though very highly of me and wasn't hesitant on showing it. She is the main reason why Wally invested so much time and effort of me. At the time, I lacked very little know-how  I made little money and I did not have a bank; and, on top of that my car was out of commission. To say that Wally was my savior does not do him justice. Wally taught me responsibility!  He bought me a new motor for my car, helped me install it and allowed me to pay him $25 payments on the motor each week until it was paid off. He gave me money and helped me open my own bank account. He pushed me to finish my AA degree. He tough me about boys and gave me valuable life lessons. To this day, I cannot thank him enough. I just wish I could show him how much he means to me and to let him know his efforts were not for nothing.

Without Kathy and Wally, I would not be the person I am today. I wouldn't be perusing my master’s degree or starting my own business. To both I am forever grateful.