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Thursday, June 11, 2015

The most important thing

Hello World!
I have been in acquisitions training this week and of all the things I learned, I found this lesson to be the most valuable and applicable to every part of life, not just obtaining parts or programs. For a funny take on acquisitions check out http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?t=269766

The 4 most important factors in successful acquisition 

1. Have a common goal
This is a shared purpose, vision, objective and need. What do you wish to obtain, do, or accomplish with your team? From the big picture to the small part, knowing what and why will help you with the how.

2. Know your role, and that of others.
It is crucial to understand your part in contributing to the common goal. What are you responsible for? What are your team members responsible for? Knowing who engages in what actions is necessary for success.

3. Have a common code of conduct.
While it may seem obvious it is important to discuss the shared norms and ways of being as you and your team engage in your defined roles to accomplish your shared goals. For example you may assume a person would share issues while another assumes issues are not shared. Not having the common framework for how to address these and other issues will hinder progress. Conversely, the sky is just the beginning when you have an explicitly shared understanding.

4. Share the reward of your efforts.
This one is fun, shared celebration! As the program manager responsible for the next Mars mission, You might want to reward an engineer for her clever design that gets you to the far reaches of the galaxy for example but the project manager, budget analyst, and all other team members are critical to the implementation of the clever design. When everyone is tied to success and celebrates together, more is accomplished and acquired. 

If you are interested in learning more about project management check out http://www.pmi.org no matter your field, STEM or otherwise this is a path and set of skills to be aware of. Where do your dreams take you? Do you have the tools to get there? I am grateful to have added to my tool box and to see what else I need to work on. Happy STEM projects to you! 

:)

STEM style!

Hello World!
Here are some great shirts from the Intel science fair :) Yes, I did have fun shopping & showing my science funny side :)


Do you have a favorite? Please feel free to share!

The tech

Hello World,
Some time ago I went to the tech museum of innovation.
(That's me saying hi)

Here are two of many inspirational people featured in the exhibits:


What I love about Dr. Jemison is the diversity of her passions and pursuits and the belief (& demonstration!) that space is for everyone. I think no matter ones career, we are all tied to the skies, the seas, and beyond. It is exciting to know there is a place for me in these subjects!


What I love about Caryn Johnson is the connection of both art And science. I personally feel both are needed and important and it is inspiring to me to see someone achieve both so seamlessly. 
Both these women remind me not to forget my other interests and to pursuit my passions. One of those is advocacy, and so I continue this blog in hopes you find it inspiring too.
:)