MULYP Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Straight Talk from the Boss

The Art of "Awareness" In A Changing World

James Gray, Assistant Professor, Sports and Recreation Mgt Program Director at Marian University.  Contact: jtgray75@marianuniversity.edu

The world is constantly changing.  While obvious to all, change remains an ongoing leadership challenge since time immemorial.   Put another way: how should one cope with and embrace change?   The answer: “Awareness.”

While a simple concept to understand, mastery of awareness remains elusive.  For example, the awareness that influences the decision making ability of a solitary individual is quite different when compared to the awareness and decision making abilities of two or more people who are in the same place at the same time.  Why? While alone, one has a greater opportunity to think and become aware of one’s changing state of mind, along with relevant evolving outside circumstances, impacting one’s awareness.  When joined by others, individual awareness tends to disappear and often yields to a “group think” mentality which can, if left unchecked, result in either negative or non-productive consequences.  This is why best law enforcement practice requires officers to conduct their patrols solo in their squad cars, and it is also the reason why jurors are prohibited from consulting either anyone or anything regarding court proceedings until jury deliberations. 

To make effective awareness even more challenging, Malcolm Gladwell, in his book, Blink, points out that a significant amount of human decision making is done within a blink of an eye.  This usually means one is in “reaction mode” instead of “contemplation mode.”  Further, instantaneous communication discourages reflection which results in minimal awareness.  For instance, awareness is diminished in circumstances that demand one to make a decision now; to act now; and to respond now.  This is, in essence, insanity at its optimal worse. 

Lastly, with respect to awareness, one should appreciate that there are some things that all the thinking and reflection in the world will not change, such as someone’s attitudes or behaviors.  In this case, strive for acceptance.  However, when awareness discovers the opportunity where positive change can be effective – strive for courage.  This type of awareness is recognized as an element of “servant-leadership.”  This leadership style encourages people to take positive individual action by applying awareness principles during their daily thinking and ongoing relationships with others.  When practiced well, awareness is the foundation for positive change and often occurs one person at a time.

 Interested in being a guest writer for a future newsletter?  If so, submit your information here

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Today’s News and What It Means for You

 Your Role in "Fixing" Education in Milwaukee

Sean Roberts, Site Manager at Milwaukee Teaching Fellows              www.MilwaukeeTeachingFellows.org  Contact: srobert@tntp.org | Phone: 414. 475.8749      

Recently, there have been numerous stories in the local and national media on what needs to be done to “fix” education in Milwaukee and in our country.  Mayoral control of a school district, the federal government’s “Race to the Top” competitive grants, and a host of other reform measures have been proposed and debated.  However, research shows that the single most important factor in raising student achievement is the teacher in the classroom.  In fact, a 2002 study of teachers in Texas concluded that, "having a high quality teacher throughout elementary school can substantially offset or even eliminate the disadvantage of low socio-economic background" (Rivkin, Hanushek and Kain, 2002).

The need is real in Milwaukee for enthusiastic and committed professionals to make a difference where they can make the biggest impact: in the lives of young people.  After all the news reports and controversies we regularly hear, the stark reality is that less than a third of 10^th graders in our public schools are performing math and reading on grade-level.  At some point, we as a professional community have to stop assigning blame and  choose to do something about it.  Our future as professionals, executives, and Milwaukee residents depends on having a well-educated workforce.

There are several ways to get involved to increase the academic achievement of young people in our city.  Check out the MPS website for volunteer and tutoring opportunities (www.milwaukee.k12.wi.us).  Additionally, there are several programs such as Big Brothers/ Big Sisters (www.bbbsmilwaukee.org), Boys and Girls Clubs (www.boysgirlsclubs.org), and City Year Milwaukee (www.cityyear.org) that work to provide our city’s students with mentors and tutors.  For those looking to become teachers, Milwaukee Teaching Fellows (www.MilwaukeeTeachingFellows.org) prepares and trains people to enter MPS. 

As the Site Manager of Milwaukee Teaching Fellows, I have the ability to work with a variety of community organizations, and I know the positive impact that volunteers can have on students as well as the skill set and experience of the volunteers themselves.  We can all take a part in helping to make a difference in the lives of our next generation.  We just have to step up to the plate.

Milwaukee Teaching Fellows

Milwaukee Teaching Fellows’ mission is to build a talent pipeline of effective teachers to raise student achievement in the highest-need classrooms of Milwaukee.  MTF recruits, selects, and trains outstanding mid-career professionals and recent college graduates to teach in schools that are traditionally difficult to staff.  No previous education experience or coursework is needed to apply; Milwaukee Teaching Fellows seeks professionals committed to raising academic achievement for all students in our city.  Apply today or refer someone that may be interested in teaching our students at www.MilwaukeeTeachingFellows.org.  You can also fan us on facebook and follow us on twitter.

Be more than just a role model.  Be a teacher.

Interested in being a guest writer for a future newsletter?  If so, submit your information here 

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Etiquette Tips

Dining Out Wine Rituals

When ordering a bottle of wine at dinner, here are some helpful tips for understanding the "wine ritual"...

The initial presentation - The waiter shows you the bottle.  Your only job is to take a quick glance and make sure that it's the wine that you ordered.  Just read the name and vintage, and nod.  You are not supposed to examine the bottle!

The cork presentation - The waiter hands you the cork for the sole purpose of examination, not sniffing. Improperly-stored wines (placed vertically) will allow the cork to dry out, resulting in an air-breach that will cause the wine to turn to vinegar.  Just do a quick sniff, and hand it back.  It's extremely unlikely that you will get a bad bottle, and believe me, you will know it the instant you sniff the cork and detect the scent reminiscent of dirty socks.

The sip test - At this point the waiter will place a tasting amount of wine and step back.  This is your signal to smell and taste the wine.  Simply swirl the wine in your mouth to release its natural aroma and stick your nose into the glass while inhaling deeply.  Next, take a very small sip, swishing the wine evenly across your tongue.  Next, turn to the waiter, and nod your approval.  Unless you are world-class oenophile, don't EVEN THINK about sending the bottle back.  I saw someone do this once and the Sommelier came to the table and told the fellow that there was nothing wrong with the $150 bottle, and made the table take the wine.

Burleson Consulting:  http://www.dba-oracle.com/consultant_etiquette_manners.htm

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Members' Successes

          We're Looking For You!

We’re out of good stories to share for “Members’ Successes,” but we know there’s not a shortage!  If you’ve just moved to Milwaukee, bought a new house, got a promotion, heading back to school … we want to know about it!  Please follow the link below to share your story with us!

If you would like to share your recent success story (job promotion, news house, MBA, etc), submit information here

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       Upcoming Events / Networking Opportunities

Check out upcoming events, programs and networking opportunities -- such as the June 2010 MULYP Development Conference, and July 2010 National Urban League Centennial Conference -- by clicking here: Calendar of Events

 To add your event to the list by submitting information here.

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Employment Postings

View a list of recent job openings in the Milwaukee-area by following this link: Employment Postings

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