I do not have much experience writing blogs so here it goes! At the end of the fall semester, during late November, I was selected to be a Programming Manager at the RutgersZone, which I am very excited about, however I didn't have the time to shadow many shifts, in fact I only got to shadow two. This post will include my reflection on the two shifts I did shadow, what I learned about management, and how I will apply it to managing the RutgersZone in the Spring 2011 semester!
I have learned that management requires strong multi-tasking capabilities, strong attention to details, and devotion to the customer. All can easily be done with enthusiasm, which makes me excited to be a manager at the RutgersZone this Spring. After shadowing two shifts, I watched managers simultaneously entertain a crowd and mingle with students and faculty to ensure their satisfaction while addressing the needs of their staff and working by restocking items, washing dishes, and running around doing whatever necessary. The ability to multitask is vital in a manager, and something the current managers seem to do very well. Although i was not present at the Hanukah party, co sponsored with the Hillel, I was told that kosher marshmallows could not be placed on the same table as regular non kosher marshmallows, which is what I mean when I say "paying strong attention to detail" is important in a manager. While putting items away a few nights later, a manager asked if she could put the kosher and non kosher marshmallows on the same shelf for storage. Her question was detail oriented and she demonstrated concern for the customer, who wasn't even present. After shadowing two shifts I was impressed by the professionalism and learned much from the current managers and their management skills at the RutgersZone.
For the spring semester my goals as a manager are to simply make the RutgersZone the best place on campus for snacks, entertainment, and hanging out. I want to plan great events that are not happening anywhere else on campus so students MUST come out to Livingston, and do so eagerly. I want to build as many relationships with other student organizations as possible and co sponsor as many events as possible, as well as integrate Rutgers athletics into our events. Why not hand out the complimentary Rutgers football and basketball t shirts at the Rutgers zone? My goals include being as creative and innovative as possible, and being best manager I can be, and learning all about programming events and building relationships and gaining experience in the field I eventually would like to build a career in.
<3katie
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Looking Forward to Looking Back
As I sat down to write this blog entry, everything really hit me all at once. It's crazy that I'll be starting my FINAL semester at Rutgers this Tuesday. In addition, I start my last internship this week. Come May, I'll be a, dare I say it, graduate? Wow. It's weird to think that I'll be graduating because I still feel that summer training was just a few weeks ago. Like Ali mentioned, I remember the Livingston Student Center prior to the renovations. I can't believe how far it's come and how many advancements have been made to it. That's how I hope the RutgersZone will be in the future! Although we've started off strong, there's so much more we can do. We haven't even scratched the surface yet!
This semester, I feel that we've all grown, learned, and experienced more than we have ever imagined as managers. I know that I've learned how important it is to delegate effectively to our staff members. Sometimes it's hard to snap into the notion of delegating, probably because I'm so used to playing into "worker" or "intern" roles. I've been working since 16, so I think that helps me to be a better teacher to our staff members. I think it's really important to lead by example and show the staff that you aren't there to sit there and boss them around. I try my best to constantly work with each of the staff members individually on certain job duties to ensure the tasks are getting done properly. I've also learned that when you mess up, the best thing to do is to get back up and keep moving on (or as we consider it at Rutgers - keep choppin' on) It took a while to adjust to the management position and get my priorities straight. My life is extremely chaotic and my mind is always on overload with everything that's going on. The craziness in my life translated over to a sloppy work ethic, which is unlike me because I can sometimes come off as a perfectionist. As a manager I got back up and continued on, even when things were rough. As a manager, I've also learned how to be prepared for various situations. As a manager you are responsible for handling the space and nobody is holding your hand when you're in charge. I've learned how to step up as a manager and really take charge. Lastly, I've learned how important it is to work effectively as a team, not just with managers, but also with crew members. I learned that as managers it's important for us to make sure that everything is running smoothly and when one part of the team is down, it affects everyone else.
As I look back on our summer training session, I realize how important each and every day was. I loved learning about the operation styles of each and every venue we visited. It was great to see how important customer service was to all of these venues, especially the Madison Square Garden management team who value themselves on the "Circle of Service" philosophy. These sessions, lessons, and experiences will help me in my future career in the public relations field.
In the spring, I really want to knock my job out of the park. I'm making it a goal to be more organized and on top of things. Although to as a staffing manager some things are out of my control, I'm going to try to be proactive and make sure I can do the best I can to resolve issues before they start. I want to also be more involved with planning and projects at the Zone. In addition, I really want to shine as a manager and help out in any way I can. Here's to a great spring semester! :)
-Lisa
This semester, I feel that we've all grown, learned, and experienced more than we have ever imagined as managers. I know that I've learned how important it is to delegate effectively to our staff members. Sometimes it's hard to snap into the notion of delegating, probably because I'm so used to playing into "worker" or "intern" roles. I've been working since 16, so I think that helps me to be a better teacher to our staff members. I think it's really important to lead by example and show the staff that you aren't there to sit there and boss them around. I try my best to constantly work with each of the staff members individually on certain job duties to ensure the tasks are getting done properly. I've also learned that when you mess up, the best thing to do is to get back up and keep moving on (or as we consider it at Rutgers - keep choppin' on) It took a while to adjust to the management position and get my priorities straight. My life is extremely chaotic and my mind is always on overload with everything that's going on. The craziness in my life translated over to a sloppy work ethic, which is unlike me because I can sometimes come off as a perfectionist. As a manager I got back up and continued on, even when things were rough. As a manager, I've also learned how to be prepared for various situations. As a manager you are responsible for handling the space and nobody is holding your hand when you're in charge. I've learned how to step up as a manager and really take charge. Lastly, I've learned how important it is to work effectively as a team, not just with managers, but also with crew members. I learned that as managers it's important for us to make sure that everything is running smoothly and when one part of the team is down, it affects everyone else.
As I look back on our summer training session, I realize how important each and every day was. I loved learning about the operation styles of each and every venue we visited. It was great to see how important customer service was to all of these venues, especially the Madison Square Garden management team who value themselves on the "Circle of Service" philosophy. These sessions, lessons, and experiences will help me in my future career in the public relations field.
In the spring, I really want to knock my job out of the park. I'm making it a goal to be more organized and on top of things. Although to as a staffing manager some things are out of my control, I'm going to try to be proactive and make sure I can do the best I can to resolve issues before they start. I want to also be more involved with planning and projects at the Zone. In addition, I really want to shine as a manager and help out in any way I can. Here's to a great spring semester! :)
-Lisa
Friday, January 14, 2011
Where has the time gone?
I'm a list person. I know that it doesn't sound like me, as I'm wacky-crazy, bad at blogging due to ADD, can't hold my attention on something for more than a minu.....
Anyway, no matter what you may know about me or may think, I am a list person. It helps me keep things going while my brain goes 1000 miles per hour. Finally, this blog post has made it to the top of the list. The fact that I am a list person is something that I've definitely discovered about myself this semester because of the Zone. I've started using www.tadalist.com to manage the things that I need to do at the Zone (and my life), as well as when events are. The list making helps me not forget assignments I have at the zone and helps me prioritize things that are important based on time. For example, making a phone call to plan a very expensive private event with a client to make them feel important takes a little more precedent to the document on how-to book an event in our EMS system at the time being. So, list making has become crucial to being a manager.
Another thing that I've learned this semester is that it's important for managers to define their relationships with their employees (or in our terms, crew). I thought this would be really easy because I'm a really easy going guy and am friendly with everyone. But this semester showed it to be anything but easy to make a line between BFF and boss. I was constantly having to be aware of the subject matter that I was discussing. It became necessary for respect's sake for me to not discuss certain things or to act a certain way. If an employee saw me being a fool and doing bad stuff at a party on Saturday, and then I had to tell them to clean the drains on Monday...things would have been difficult. I learned early (thankfully, not painfully) that this definition is necessary. It is, however, important to not come off as impersonal. I can certainly discuss difficult classes, my opinions on politics, advice about social situations, and celebrity gossip with anyone at work. The most important thing that I learned was that this whole relationship definition works best when you become the listener-not the subject. If every time I see "Samantha," I ask her how her and her boyfriend's relationship is, how school is going, and what it's like in her part of the country; she thinks that I'm a good friend and a trusted colleague without me having to share anything that could possibly be compromising. This was probably the most important thing I learned this semester.
The last thing that was uber important that I learned this semester is the need to create an atmosphere and an image. My job (which involves promotion and event planning and much email correspondence) requires me to be on the internet and manager computer often. This could, understandably, look like I'm just messing around on facebook or dinking around on the web at work while the crew is hard at work doing physically conducive things. This is, of course, not the case. But, in order to remain respected and keep everyone happy with me, I have to make sure that the message is clear that I'm not doing irresponsible things or slacking off. I do this by casually mentioning what I'm about to do before I do it. I "put people in charge" and instill responsibility in staff that could use a boost or thrive with pressure, and then I say what I'll be doing and I have the opportunity to sit down. They feel like their empowered and if anything requires my attention, I'm still there, but I'm also able to do work without putting out a bad image. It was tough to grasp and I had to dispel bad feelings at first, but now I think I've got it mastered.
These are things I will definitely take with me wherever I work, especially if there are individuals that I manage. Another great resource that I found this semester was the trainings. I both learned how to train, and was trained this summer. Obviously, summer training was the most influential and rocked me to my core of understand of how to handle myself in managerial situations. However, I think the most crucial learning experience was the learning how to train others. I had to maintain the balance between teaching and babying. It's difficult to instruct without people feeling patronized. "I know how to put whipped cream on ice cream..." was a common phrase during training. The pinnacle idea in this process is the way you spin things and the importance you place in each task. Of COURSE you know how to spray whipped cream...but do you know the RutgersZone way? Do you know how long to squeeze for the ideal amount to maintain consistency? If you were getting this sundae, wouldn't you want your whipped cream to be perfect? It's really easy to make people understand the importance of learning things when you make every aspect of a job CRUCIAL to the success of our establishment (which, at the Zone, is pretty much the case).
With all that I've learned, I've made some goals for myself for the spring. The first goal that I hope to accomplish quickly is a binder that completely encompasses my job. I want to create a binder that makes it so that if I get hit by a bus, and there is a huge bar mitzvah the next day, anyone can come along and do my job just as I would have.
My next goal is to draw a lot of attention to the Zone from the private event standpoint. This includes a perfect brochure, and a buzz around campus that makes the Zone a PREMIER location for every private event.
My third and final (as well as most ambitious) goal is to revolutionize the way people experience a private event, and the quantify the proof that it's working. I want to make each private event a unique and finally crafted wonder that concludes with a very happy client that will communicate this joy through a newly-created feedback system that we can use to attract more clients and put RutgersZone on the map of New Jersey, let alone New Brunswick.
Last semester was so exciting, and I don't anticipate things slowing down in the spring. With new hours, two new staff members, and a refreshed, well-trained (due to our retreat Sunday) crew, I am expecting a semester for the record books. Look out, private event universe, RutgersZone is on it's way up.
Until next time,
Adam
Anyway, no matter what you may know about me or may think, I am a list person. It helps me keep things going while my brain goes 1000 miles per hour. Finally, this blog post has made it to the top of the list. The fact that I am a list person is something that I've definitely discovered about myself this semester because of the Zone. I've started using www.tadalist.com to manage the things that I need to do at the Zone (and my life), as well as when events are. The list making helps me not forget assignments I have at the zone and helps me prioritize things that are important based on time. For example, making a phone call to plan a very expensive private event with a client to make them feel important takes a little more precedent to the document on how-to book an event in our EMS system at the time being. So, list making has become crucial to being a manager.
Another thing that I've learned this semester is that it's important for managers to define their relationships with their employees (or in our terms, crew). I thought this would be really easy because I'm a really easy going guy and am friendly with everyone. But this semester showed it to be anything but easy to make a line between BFF and boss. I was constantly having to be aware of the subject matter that I was discussing. It became necessary for respect's sake for me to not discuss certain things or to act a certain way. If an employee saw me being a fool and doing bad stuff at a party on Saturday, and then I had to tell them to clean the drains on Monday...things would have been difficult. I learned early (thankfully, not painfully) that this definition is necessary. It is, however, important to not come off as impersonal. I can certainly discuss difficult classes, my opinions on politics, advice about social situations, and celebrity gossip with anyone at work. The most important thing that I learned was that this whole relationship definition works best when you become the listener-not the subject. If every time I see "Samantha," I ask her how her and her boyfriend's relationship is, how school is going, and what it's like in her part of the country; she thinks that I'm a good friend and a trusted colleague without me having to share anything that could possibly be compromising. This was probably the most important thing I learned this semester.
The last thing that was uber important that I learned this semester is the need to create an atmosphere and an image. My job (which involves promotion and event planning and much email correspondence) requires me to be on the internet and manager computer often. This could, understandably, look like I'm just messing around on facebook or dinking around on the web at work while the crew is hard at work doing physically conducive things. This is, of course, not the case. But, in order to remain respected and keep everyone happy with me, I have to make sure that the message is clear that I'm not doing irresponsible things or slacking off. I do this by casually mentioning what I'm about to do before I do it. I "put people in charge" and instill responsibility in staff that could use a boost or thrive with pressure, and then I say what I'll be doing and I have the opportunity to sit down. They feel like their empowered and if anything requires my attention, I'm still there, but I'm also able to do work without putting out a bad image. It was tough to grasp and I had to dispel bad feelings at first, but now I think I've got it mastered.
These are things I will definitely take with me wherever I work, especially if there are individuals that I manage. Another great resource that I found this semester was the trainings. I both learned how to train, and was trained this summer. Obviously, summer training was the most influential and rocked me to my core of understand of how to handle myself in managerial situations. However, I think the most crucial learning experience was the learning how to train others. I had to maintain the balance between teaching and babying. It's difficult to instruct without people feeling patronized. "I know how to put whipped cream on ice cream..." was a common phrase during training. The pinnacle idea in this process is the way you spin things and the importance you place in each task. Of COURSE you know how to spray whipped cream...but do you know the RutgersZone way? Do you know how long to squeeze for the ideal amount to maintain consistency? If you were getting this sundae, wouldn't you want your whipped cream to be perfect? It's really easy to make people understand the importance of learning things when you make every aspect of a job CRUCIAL to the success of our establishment (which, at the Zone, is pretty much the case).
With all that I've learned, I've made some goals for myself for the spring. The first goal that I hope to accomplish quickly is a binder that completely encompasses my job. I want to create a binder that makes it so that if I get hit by a bus, and there is a huge bar mitzvah the next day, anyone can come along and do my job just as I would have.
My next goal is to draw a lot of attention to the Zone from the private event standpoint. This includes a perfect brochure, and a buzz around campus that makes the Zone a PREMIER location for every private event.
My third and final (as well as most ambitious) goal is to revolutionize the way people experience a private event, and the quantify the proof that it's working. I want to make each private event a unique and finally crafted wonder that concludes with a very happy client that will communicate this joy through a newly-created feedback system that we can use to attract more clients and put RutgersZone on the map of New Jersey, let alone New Brunswick.
Last semester was so exciting, and I don't anticipate things slowing down in the spring. With new hours, two new staff members, and a refreshed, well-trained (due to our retreat Sunday) crew, I am expecting a semester for the record books. Look out, private event universe, RutgersZone is on it's way up.
Until next time,
Adam
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A Larger Management Reflection
Things I've Learned about Management This Semester
There are all different types of managers because there are all different types of people. This year I have been experimenting with what kind of manager I am and eventually will be.
In general, staff come to managers with expectations. Usually the scenario begins with an employee having an issue & expecting resolution from the manager. I learned to not make my staff's issue my issue. I must guide him or her to the resolution rather than see it to completion myself. I learned that expectations are situational and are conditioned in your staff day one of introduction. What I want my staff to expect of me is only what I can give, and what I want to give is the best of myself. This is certainly a catch -22 when other aspects of my life demand "my best self" and perfect is obviously unattainable (the over-achiever's largest disappointment: realizing she cannot be perfect). The trick to meet the double-edge sword of expectations is communication. If I communicate with my staff what is expected of them and what they can expect of myself, error is less likely to occur.
More unique to myself as a manager, when I am there, I am there. While at work, the rest of the aspects of my life are not considered. I am good at prioritizing my life in that way, which in turn translates to my work load.
Reflections on Trainings and Important Lessons for the Future
We have had extensive training but the details of each training I do not keep a conscious reference. Instead my subconscious and conditioned self knows how to adjust in a situation given the training.
Training with the New York Liberty and Madison Square Garden Management Team is one day that shines brighter in my memory. They spoke of circle of service, which is their cute phrase for giving each customer a great experience. Their plans to make the large arena (maximum capacity 19,763 ) a success was comfortably familiar to our plans and concerns at the RutgersZone (maximum capacity of 150). The main lesson was to create touch points with each guest possible, have a personal connection, fix an issue, or author a smile on their face. This also applies for future employment. As a marketing major, understanding my customer on multiple levels is crucial for success. If I can build that bridge to the customer, then I have created a positive position of our brand in their mind, and potentially (and most likely) parented a loyal customer.
Goals as a Manager for the Spring
I learned this semester that because of my seniority and title some people look to me for leadership that was never necessarily assigned to me. It is a goal of mine to step up to be a leader in very situation over my final semester. It is my goal to read a list of non-fiction marketing and business books outside the scope of my work load to enhance my abilities while at work. It is my goal to learn five new things I have never known about each of my staff members and colleagues. I work more with some than others, and I hope this will ensure more fluidity and trust. And finally, it is my goal to brainstorm weekly for a few minutes (off the clock) about how I can make the RutgersZone great and what in the world that will entail.
Thanks for reading.
See you in the Zone!
--Becky
There are all different types of managers because there are all different types of people. This year I have been experimenting with what kind of manager I am and eventually will be.
In general, staff come to managers with expectations. Usually the scenario begins with an employee having an issue & expecting resolution from the manager. I learned to not make my staff's issue my issue. I must guide him or her to the resolution rather than see it to completion myself. I learned that expectations are situational and are conditioned in your staff day one of introduction. What I want my staff to expect of me is only what I can give, and what I want to give is the best of myself. This is certainly a catch -22 when other aspects of my life demand "my best self" and perfect is obviously unattainable (the over-achiever's largest disappointment: realizing she cannot be perfect). The trick to meet the double-edge sword of expectations is communication. If I communicate with my staff what is expected of them and what they can expect of myself, error is less likely to occur.
More unique to myself as a manager, when I am there, I am there. While at work, the rest of the aspects of my life are not considered. I am good at prioritizing my life in that way, which in turn translates to my work load.
Reflections on Trainings and Important Lessons for the Future
We have had extensive training but the details of each training I do not keep a conscious reference. Instead my subconscious and conditioned self knows how to adjust in a situation given the training.
Training with the New York Liberty and Madison Square Garden Management Team is one day that shines brighter in my memory. They spoke of circle of service, which is their cute phrase for giving each customer a great experience. Their plans to make the large arena (maximum capacity 19,763 ) a success was comfortably familiar to our plans and concerns at the RutgersZone (maximum capacity of 150). The main lesson was to create touch points with each guest possible, have a personal connection, fix an issue, or author a smile on their face. This also applies for future employment. As a marketing major, understanding my customer on multiple levels is crucial for success. If I can build that bridge to the customer, then I have created a positive position of our brand in their mind, and potentially (and most likely) parented a loyal customer.
Goals as a Manager for the Spring
I learned this semester that because of my seniority and title some people look to me for leadership that was never necessarily assigned to me. It is a goal of mine to step up to be a leader in very situation over my final semester. It is my goal to read a list of non-fiction marketing and business books outside the scope of my work load to enhance my abilities while at work. It is my goal to learn five new things I have never known about each of my staff members and colleagues. I work more with some than others, and I hope this will ensure more fluidity and trust. And finally, it is my goal to brainstorm weekly for a few minutes (off the clock) about how I can make the RutgersZone great and what in the world that will entail.
Thanks for reading.
See you in the Zone!
--Becky
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Fall 2010 Semester Reflections
This semester went by quickly, as have all the others of college. I can't believe I am graduating in May. It seems like just yesterday I was moving into my freshman dorm room and participating in orientation. It has been a unique experience to see all the changes that have occurred at Rutgers during my time here, and also to be a part of those changes. I remember what Livingston Student Center looked like before the new construction, before the RutgersZone. We have been able to provide students with a place to relax, have fun, and enjoy yummy food during their downtime, but have also been provided with an important learning experience ourselves. One of the most important things I learned was how a business really runs. We learned how the money we make by selling food or tokens goes back into purchasing those items. As manager of programs, I also learned how much people charge for their performance services, and to figure out ways to provide quality entertainment to students in a way that fit into our budget. This whole process made me appreciate how important it is to manage money properly, and invest in things that will make money for a business. It was also a challenge learning to manage peers, how to speak to people politely, but also discipline people whom you may consider a friend.
The trainings we did were different than most others that I have experienced at Rutgers and elsewhere. We had to start from scratch to prepare to work at a brand new place, so learning things like how to scoop a proper ice cream scoop and make a delicious milkshake were very helpful, but it was also important to learn about outstanding customer service and a positive working environment. After going on the various trips we took during training ( NYC -Dave and Buster's, MSG/Liberty Game, Jersey Shore- Showplace/ Boardwalk etc), and applying our own standards of customer service, I have noticed when I am out shopping or at a restaurant that people with positive attitudes really make for a better experience, and also made me want to spend my money there instead of somewhere else. This is the most important lesson I took from training- positive interaction with customers is important no matter what field you are in.
For the spring, I hope to help create some really cool programs to bring people into the space, and to also reach out to other student groups to create events. We had huge successes working with Rutgers Hillel to create the Chanukkah Pre-Game party and with Livingston Residence Life to create the viewing party of "A Christmas Story". I would like to find other student groups from all different backgrounds and create events that bring people together for fun much like these two did. Hopefully spring semester will be fun for all who work at the Zone, and a nice way to end four years at RU for the seniors!
The trainings we did were different than most others that I have experienced at Rutgers and elsewhere. We had to start from scratch to prepare to work at a brand new place, so learning things like how to scoop a proper ice cream scoop and make a delicious milkshake were very helpful, but it was also important to learn about outstanding customer service and a positive working environment. After going on the various trips we took during training ( NYC -Dave and Buster's, MSG/Liberty Game, Jersey Shore- Showplace/ Boardwalk etc), and applying our own standards of customer service, I have noticed when I am out shopping or at a restaurant that people with positive attitudes really make for a better experience, and also made me want to spend my money there instead of somewhere else. This is the most important lesson I took from training- positive interaction with customers is important no matter what field you are in.
For the spring, I hope to help create some really cool programs to bring people into the space, and to also reach out to other student groups to create events. We had huge successes working with Rutgers Hillel to create the Chanukkah Pre-Game party and with Livingston Residence Life to create the viewing party of "A Christmas Story". I would like to find other student groups from all different backgrounds and create events that bring people together for fun much like these two did. Hopefully spring semester will be fun for all who work at the Zone, and a nice way to end four years at RU for the seniors!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Inside the Head of Joelle...
I can't believe that in one week I will be starting my last spring semester at Rutgers. When I think about when we started training in August I felt that those long days would never end but now it seems like August was a million years ago! Working at the Zone this fall has taught me many things about being a manager, employee and also about myself. Unfortunately I didn't start out the semester so hot in terms of balancing work and play, so it took a lot of hard work to catch up. I'm really grateful for Matt for giving me a reality check after the first month of school to put my focus back on work and leave my problems at the door. Also, I definitely learned that some people are not as quick to understand how to do certain things and that instead of being critical I need to be more patient and be a teacher.
The training sessions both inside the Zone and out were great refreshers and sources of ideas and motivation for the management and staff. I really enjoyed the training at the Devils because they answered all of our questions and seemed very passionate about the job. I really liked that the Devils staff try to make every member feel special and important by offering fun incentives and showing interest in each others lives. I learned how truly important it is to make a customer feel welcomed and excited about the space so they will want to come back and bring friends too. I will definitely be more conscious about greeting customers and following up on orders. Also, since I am in charge of organizing staff socials, I want to think of incentives and rewards for the crew so they feel appreciated.
This spring I really want to put 110% more effort into my job. I want to get the inventory finished by February so the system is running efficiently which will make our lives much easier. Also I want to get suggestions from the crew and customers for new menu items. I will plan the staff socials in advance and try to make them as successful as the December social. I will admit that I didn't put as much effort into preparing for meetings or socials as I should have so I am going to make that one of my top priorities.
Fall semester was quite the learning experience and I am so happy that I had the management team as a source of support. I always feel that I can ask any of the managers for help or advice without feeling stupid about it. I'm happy that we had time in the summer to bond and I really feel that we are a family. I am really excited for this semester because I know that I can make the improvements I need to make a an individual and that I have people to lean on. Definitely some great expectations for the spring semester :)
-Joelle
The training sessions both inside the Zone and out were great refreshers and sources of ideas and motivation for the management and staff. I really enjoyed the training at the Devils because they answered all of our questions and seemed very passionate about the job. I really liked that the Devils staff try to make every member feel special and important by offering fun incentives and showing interest in each others lives. I learned how truly important it is to make a customer feel welcomed and excited about the space so they will want to come back and bring friends too. I will definitely be more conscious about greeting customers and following up on orders. Also, since I am in charge of organizing staff socials, I want to think of incentives and rewards for the crew so they feel appreciated.
This spring I really want to put 110% more effort into my job. I want to get the inventory finished by February so the system is running efficiently which will make our lives much easier. Also I want to get suggestions from the crew and customers for new menu items. I will plan the staff socials in advance and try to make them as successful as the December social. I will admit that I didn't put as much effort into preparing for meetings or socials as I should have so I am going to make that one of my top priorities.
Fall semester was quite the learning experience and I am so happy that I had the management team as a source of support. I always feel that I can ask any of the managers for help or advice without feeling stupid about it. I'm happy that we had time in the summer to bond and I really feel that we are a family. I am really excited for this semester because I know that I can make the improvements I need to make a an individual and that I have people to lean on. Definitely some great expectations for the spring semester :)
-Joelle
Friday, January 7, 2011
Christina Aguilera helped me write this blog....
Who is that girl I see?
Staring straight back at me....lol.
That intro is courtesy of the Mulan Soundtrack. It is the perfect description of what being a Manager at the RutgersZone has been like. This experience has really changed the view I have of myself. It forced me to reevaluate how I am used to handling tasks and responsibilities. Matt told us during our first meeting that he has expectations that are almost impossible. Emphasis on the almost. He really let us all know that our responsibilities would be challenging but we would learn and grow through the experience.
I believe that is what happened with me. That is why I used the Mulan quote to begin this blog. I see myself as someone developing as a person and I enjoy the changing reflection.
What I've learned from being a manager is how to handle responsibility. We have to deal with different crew problems, questions, customer requests, deliveries, among other matters. I have never been given an opportunity to lead others or manage issues like the ones previously listed. Over the past 4 months I've learned what it takes to control the things that come with running a place like the RutgersZone. Teamwork is also a big lesson I've learned from working here. Our management team really works together to get every task complete. We work together very well and that is important for a successful business. We also communicate well, and help each other. We all understand that we can rely on each other.
These lessons will help me with my future career and that is what I like most about this experience. I can enter an interview with the credentials of being a manager of a business. I can say that I have skills ranging from event planning, crew supervision, money management, and being CPR certified. This job is amazing and it will influence my future career.
The skills I'm learning are also being obtained from individuals who are working in professional venues. We have visited places like Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and The Prudential Center. Every venue exposed all of their secrets to use, from pleasing customers and employees, what makes a business successful, and gave us advice about doing our best. Each place made us feel comfortable and answered all of our questions. It was great to see these places and receive their helpful information.
With all I have learned, I plan to use the information and improve next semester. I really want to decrease my procrastination. I want to become more comfortable in my position. Learn to not be as frazzled when dealing with hectic situations. Lastly, my most important goal would be to believe in myself more.
Phylisha =)
Staring straight back at me....lol.
That intro is courtesy of the Mulan Soundtrack. It is the perfect description of what being a Manager at the RutgersZone has been like. This experience has really changed the view I have of myself. It forced me to reevaluate how I am used to handling tasks and responsibilities. Matt told us during our first meeting that he has expectations that are almost impossible. Emphasis on the almost. He really let us all know that our responsibilities would be challenging but we would learn and grow through the experience.
I believe that is what happened with me. That is why I used the Mulan quote to begin this blog. I see myself as someone developing as a person and I enjoy the changing reflection.
What I've learned from being a manager is how to handle responsibility. We have to deal with different crew problems, questions, customer requests, deliveries, among other matters. I have never been given an opportunity to lead others or manage issues like the ones previously listed. Over the past 4 months I've learned what it takes to control the things that come with running a place like the RutgersZone. Teamwork is also a big lesson I've learned from working here. Our management team really works together to get every task complete. We work together very well and that is important for a successful business. We also communicate well, and help each other. We all understand that we can rely on each other.
These lessons will help me with my future career and that is what I like most about this experience. I can enter an interview with the credentials of being a manager of a business. I can say that I have skills ranging from event planning, crew supervision, money management, and being CPR certified. This job is amazing and it will influence my future career.
The skills I'm learning are also being obtained from individuals who are working in professional venues. We have visited places like Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and The Prudential Center. Every venue exposed all of their secrets to use, from pleasing customers and employees, what makes a business successful, and gave us advice about doing our best. Each place made us feel comfortable and answered all of our questions. It was great to see these places and receive their helpful information.
With all I have learned, I plan to use the information and improve next semester. I really want to decrease my procrastination. I want to become more comfortable in my position. Learn to not be as frazzled when dealing with hectic situations. Lastly, my most important goal would be to believe in myself more.
Phylisha =)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
End of the Semester Reflections
The semester went by so fast! It's funny to think back to August when we all did our training and to see how far we all have come. I have learned so much from working at the zone, not only about what it is like to be a manager, but also things about myself. First of all, working as manager of outreach I have realized how much I really do enjoy helping people. The community service/volunteer opportunities we did this semester came out better than I could have hoped for. The Thanksgiving Day dinner was especially rewarding, but each event really meant a lot to me and it was so great to see the crew working together and having a fun time as well. It was obvious that they were there because they wanted to be and that is a great feeling. Secondly, and probably to no surprise, I learned a lot about time management. This was something I got used to as a freshman in college with a different schedule of classes, but working with the zone and being fully dedicated also resulted in me becoming more organized with time and priorities. I was happy to have a full and regular schedule that kept me busy. Lastly, I am fully confident that the things I learned at the zone will help me in my future. Being a manager, I learned what it was like to be a leader - to lead my crew and teach them, but to also learn from them. I am anxious about the process of interviewing and training for next year. The info sessions we have had so far for next year's management positions made me feel so responsible and proud of my job.
It has been a great semester. When we began, we knew it was our own little experiment and learning lesson and I am excited to see what the Spring semester will be like now that we all feel a little more comfortable in our positions. I can't wait to begin planning more volunteer opportunities.
I also wanted to point out how great the people I work with are. Matt has been incredible and his dedication to his job and to helping all of us is more gratifying than I can explain. The seven of us managers and Matt always say that we feel like a little family and having that makes me want to do my job to the best of my ability. Yes, there were challenging times and plenty of times that I had to push myself, but I wouldn't change a thing. The crew is awesome as well - I love seeing them work together as a team. The trainings and out of the zone events were so much fun.
Like I said I am looking forward to the Spring! Come visit us :)
--Ashley
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