Lessons from a month or so of management

I recently got a promotion. It has been awesome. The position is one of the managerial kind and it's just a whole different world, but it keeps me engaged, busy and on my toes at all times. I'm pretty sure I'll blog more about this or even start a series of "5 things I'm grateful for: manager editions." However, I have learned some things. I'm a rookie and here's what (I think) rookie managers should know:

1. You should listen to Manager Tools podcasts. I know the intro music is cheesy, but the stuff these guys talk about is absolutely priceless advice. No seriously, it's free. The hosts actually recommend that your employees listen, too! I'm very interested in these guy's professional development opportunities (geez, that sounded kinda' corporate - sorry!) But really, I am.
2. Lunch. Yeah. If it's your first time being a manager I recommend you just eat a big a** breakfast for the first month. I say that because if you are into a project you shouldn't let food ruin your focus. When you step into a leadership role and are bursting with ideas, focus on those and tell lunch to piss off. There's one exception for your first month: lunch is acceptable in the case of meeting your peers. So pick up the phone, call a colleague and learn about the organization.
   
3. You will forget things. This is also known as "stuff might be overlooked." It really doesn't matter how organized you think you are. Something won't work out one day and it will seem like the end of the world. However, you got to where you are for a reason and no, in fact, it's not the end of the world. (Sidenote: don't mess it up twice, though.)
   
4. Having mentors is essential. If you have 'em, count your lucky stars. For you that don't, dish out the dough for a professional organization and get into a network. Students: GET INVOLVED WITH STUDENT GROUPS. If you want to get your money's worth out of school - get yourself in a student group.
   
5. Rome wasn't built in a day.
   

President Noren talks about Wayne State University's role in Detroit

I really enjoyed President Jay Noren's speech yesterday. He frames hope with strategy and clear thinking. His emphasis on evaluation is something that I'm particularly into. It is just good to be at Wayne State right now. Sometimes I can't tell if I'm just foggy with optimism or if I really do hear Detroit breathing.

You can either read the speech.

Or watch it here:

5 things I'm Grateful for: Baseball Edition

Now that summer finally decided to show up in Detroit and the Tigers are doing fairly well (when they're at home :-/ ), I thought I'd like to share some of the things in regards to baseball that I love.

1. The book Red Smith on Baseball. Red Smith was an amazing writer and his columns about baseball are awesome. Very entertaining and well-written.
2. Keeping score. I thought it was nostalgia at first, but I realized I keep to pay attention to the game and to keep my memories dear with additional notes. I come up with creative shortcuts, like drawing a pickle instead of documenting each players touch in that situation. Rainouts/delays generally end in "Mother Nature FAIL." I tape all my ticket stubs into my scorebook.
   
3. Comerica Park in Detroit, MI. This is still my favorite park and I've been to Tiger Stadium, Houston, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Wrigley, the home of the other Chicago team, old NY Stadium, the Mudhens facility and a few Spring training spots in Florida. CoPa is by far still the place to be.
4. Curtis Granderson. He's my Tiger.
5. And last, but DEFINITELY NOT LEAST - these two friggin' guys. Mario Impemba and Rod Allen. These guys are the voice of Detroit baseball for me.Their broadcasts exponentially grow my love for the game each season.
   

Mashups for Granny?

Seriously, look, I love this. :) The image was created by psd and I found the story through PHILANTHROPIY 2173.

Don't know what a mashup is? I don't either, but I know they are sweet, due primarily to my buddy B-Money. He says it's cool, then I will probably agree. Most of the time. :)

What do you think of the granny mashups? Would granny use it? Do they already? Sorta? Granny is using Facebook to talk to the grandchildren, after all.

Givelist.org: 71 ways to give without opening your wallet

I originally posted this list of ways to give last December. While I was too late for the holidays last year, this year I think it'd be pretty awesome if you gave right now, in July. Check it out. People are in need all year.