UNEDUCATED CONJECTURING! : Collaboration

JOIN US IN CLOSING THE ADULT SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND OPPORTUNITIES GAP

In my late thirties, I made an uneducated conjecture [guess] in selecting a career change and re-entered the university to complete my education. In my past were multiple hits and misses to gain economic advantages with a quick certificate or continuing education course. The realization hit me while on a work furlough that I needed to select a career path and develop the full range of skills and education to advance on that path. Information Technology was my career choice; however there were multiple directions I could have taken in the medical, teaching and financial fields. Through uneducated conjecturing I made a decision and stayed with it.

What is "Uneducated Conjecturing"? The act of making a decision based on a hunch and without sufficient proof of a favorable outcome, but having a strong belief whatever the direction it would be positive.

As an adult learner, I developed tools that gave me the courage to take action even when there was not any hard evidence that my choice was the best action to take. The payoff was remarkable!

Through uneducated conjecturing I not only found the perfect career for me but I also developed behaviors to overcome perceived obstacles in both my personal and professional lives.

There is an opportunities gap in our nation that needs to be bridged. Our team is devoted to mentoring adult learners seeking to improve their employability or make a career change. You will find valuable resources for any middle-aged and older adults seeking to complete undergraduate studies or enter into a skills program to advance in a new career field.

The consortium is teaming with like-minded adults to address wage inequality through continuously learning, mentoring and positioning adult learners for the opportunities that are left on the table due to a lag in skills or education in our communities. Join us!

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. –Booker T. Washington

***Mentoring Group Update***
The Genius Tribe participated in the Sister Talk Conference on 10/14 at The Georgia Convention Center. Judge Penny Brown-Reynolds facilitated an inspiring session. Judge Penny emphatically stated, "No one has the right to tell you not to dream!" and then every session in the event provided stories and people and resources to show you how.

Our next monthly meeting will be held in January 2016. Email me if you would like to join.

The Genius Tribe...Women who mean Business!

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Collaboration

In September, a team of MBA students from J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University were named winners of the National Black MBA Association’s Case Competition. Their case won over entries from thirty-three other teams. One of the students attributed the team’s success to their ability to effectively 'collaborate' and continuously develop their ideas together. The results of their joint efforts were incorporated into the final presentation.

Last week, I attended an IT conference at Rock Eagle, I participated in sessions with very smart people who came to share lessons learned, best practices and innovative ideas with their peers. The conference epitomized 'collaboration'. One of my former GSU classmates is embarking on a new business venture as I am. While I was at Rock Eagle he attended another SBA event. We both returned with information that would enhance the other's business. We touch base to encourage each other, share business strategies and provide constructive feedback to help in areas that are not our strong suit. Collaboration.

We are all uniquely created and bring diverse perspectives to our work and relationships. It is a good thing. When we listen and accept the creativity and resourcefulness in others we experience the optimum in collaboration. We learn there is no competition among individuals as we each bring distinct views that are invaluable when we cooperate to undertake tasks or an objective. Our educational institutions encourage students to team together and work interdependently to obtain the best possible results. Our 21^st Century businesses require that we inspire more collaboration and sharing of innovative ideas in the workplace. We need the adult graduates to step into their careers with businesses that promote the same behaviors learned in their educational institutions. Are you a conduit for collaboration?