Influencer: A new recommended read

Two weeks ago I had a class at work called "Influencer" based on the book "Influencer, The Power to Change Anything."  I started reading the book yesterday and continued reading it today.  It's an interesting book and builds on topics that were addressed in the earlier classes "Crucial Conversations" and "Crucial Confrontations."  I've already added it to my list of "recommended reading."

One item that stood out for me today was a statement concerning altering behavior.  The authors stated "When it comes to altering behavior, you need to help others answer only two questions.  First:  Is it worth it? (If not, why waste the effort?) And second:  Can they do this thing? (If not, why try?) ...If you want to change behavior, change one or both of these expectations."

The focus on the book is how to influence others, but one of the statements said that by studying the concepts, you could apply them to yourself.  So, I've been thinking about it throughout the day.  Can I influence myself to change myself into something better.  I'll have to do some serious thinking on this one because I know of several things that I'd like to improve.

What's Dale doing now?

Dang, I went to work this week.  Oops, I get paid to do that!

The first three days were spent in a soft skills course - Influencer.  I highly recommend it.  This class builds on the two earlier classes:  Crucial Conversations and Crucial Confrontations.  Lots of good stuff, including some funny/educational videos.

If I enjoyed the class so much, why am I an engineer.  I need a pep talk.  Where is Dilbert when you need him?

On day two, I forgot to bring a pen.  So I asked the trainer for a loan.  She found one and told me to keep it.  It's a fairly nice pen.  Smooth Ink.  Colorful logo on it.  AFGE local 1592.  Solidarity.  Live Better/Work Union.  At lunch I went back to my office and got my own pen.

Thursday and Friday were in the office.  Spent several hours both days working on grievances.  The step 1 finding was released today for the "Contract Violation" grievance.  STP did not prevail, but it's not over yet, she'll take it to step 2.

I also got a ULP - that's an unfair labor practice.  I sent the top union dude an encrypted, signed email instead of sending an unsigned, unencrypted fax.  My bad - I screwed up.  The dude had warned me a month ago about sending the attachment because they contained personal information.  I checked the rules - No personal identificable information was contained.  After having so many grievances, I wanted to make sure that the union received it and I don't get positive acknowledgement of delivery from the fax machine.  So I sent a second email to the union dude because the Master Labor Agreement (MLA) requires that I send the info to the union. The dude obviously doesn't like email attachments, but he forwarded the attachment on to the labor union lawyer babe - unencrypted.  Go figure, UCFS


I'd like to put that union pen in a location where the sun never shines.

Governor Scott Walker - you're my hero.