Productivity In the Workplace

In light of the 110 degree heat recently, I started thinking about what factors affect productivity, including things like weather. I, myself, love the hot weather and would take a 110 or 115 day over 10 or 20 degree days of the northeast and midwest. Also, I did grow up in Texas, where it can get to 105, with humidity sitting at a muggy 85 percent. However, I think weather is one factor that affects productivity in the workplace. It is nice to see sunlight and blue skies when you peer out the window in between breaks on a report.

Also, I always here from people who have lived or currently live in cold weather/four season places that your mood is brought down during the winter months. My sister always tells me it is so dreary from November to February or even March; waking up to the dark, brisk mornings, and leaving work on cold evenings chasing down the bus. I suppose we, Phoenecians could make the case that the heat hinders productivity, but I would not.

So how much of a factor does weather play in human being's day-to-day job or life? Surprisingly, more than we may think. I remember reading a CRS report about a year ago about climate change and its affects on the Earth, more importantly Americans. Actually, places like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia were expected to witness more economic productivity and growth due to their climate becoming much warmer. Now I do not know how much of a factor our current economy is on this, but I think the City of Brotherly Love would love to actually hold some truth to the phrase, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." I did kinda take that from the FX show.

We may all get sick of seeing the sun 345 days of the year out here, but I much rather be sick of light, than gloomed to misery of dark, cloudy, and cold days of fall and winter.

9-5 vs. student life

The internships I have had in conjunction with class at night here in graduate school have made me think about undergraduate years. Your typical work day consists of a 9-5 with that trusty lunch break, plus or minus 30 minutes at the beginning or end of the day. You plow through work throughout the morning, until your 11 o'clock meeting with stakeholders. Then you have lunch either munching on a sandwich in your cube, or joining the gang to hit up a hamburger joint.

We all shuffle back in around 12:30 or 1:00 dreading the break's end, knowing you have to finish that report and make calls about next week's event; not to mention you have another meeting. This time it's your boss though, in an update of how things are going and what you are working on. 3 o'clock rolls around and you stop by your supervisor's cube to share a joke or a story you just caught. 4:30 hits and you feel good about the day, completed the report, finished emailing and calling people, plus both meetings went smoothly, and you managed to share a couple laughs with colleagues.

5 peers its head and its off to class, while you grab a granola bar, holding you off until 8:45 when you get home. You conversate, debate, and discuss all the topics dealing with your course, sometimes wishing that breaktime would mean class is done for the night. Home hits, it's 9, you eat, work out, shower, do the dishes, and catch the news, as the clock strikes 11:30. Yawning your way to the bed, you ask, "what do have due tomorrow, or what do have to do tomorrow" as you drift into that 6 hour sleep.

Now looking back at my undergrad years, there was no structure, even with a part-time job. It was merely, come as you are, when you feel like it. You are in class from 9-2 or maybe 10-3 Sure I went to class everyday, seeking to get my money's worth of knowledge, reading my international law and judicial systems books, along with plenty of history, and other core classes like geology, which I've failed to find useful; but following that was an endless amount of questioning friends, "hey what do you want to do?" Spending hours catching a ballgame or at the gym, then only to catch a bite with friends, going to sleep anywhere between 12 and 3. It almost seemed like a vacation.

I suppose it is that three or four years of catharsis that makes you productive following those years. I have to say also, it is good to have that routine, which brings stability to your life, yet I think it is healthy for people to have the laizez-faire life of undergrad. As long as your work gets done and you do not forget your purpose of being in school all is well.

Personnel Decisions

I was watching the NBA Draft last night, and it got me wondering about personnel moves and decisions in pro sports. Also, it had me wondering how would public or private organizations perform if they were subject to the same treatment as professional teams. I do not remember draft day ever being this busy with this many big trades within 24 hours.

We see this every season, you start slow, don't live up to expectations, and miss the playoffs, changes take place. The coach is usually first to go. Could you imagine if this was the case in organizations or companies in the US. An executive director of an organization gets booted because they do not receive the amount of grants expected of them. Also, we see major trades and moves to find those pieces to win championships. If employees were subject to this it would be an outcry. What if the chief of staff for the DOE could be traded for two project managers at the DOE? Or maybe a private sector CEO for a couple Cabinet members?

Now you might be saying, these guys get paid millions yearly to win games and perform to their highest level of potential. However, alot these players do and are still subject to release or trades. The thing that might get to me are the trades and building relationships with those in the community. When a player sees five teams in seven years it has to be frustrating, regardless how much they make. It also has to take a toll on their family life of constantly moving and not being there for those great moments in life.

Also, for those of you who are basketball fans, what do you think about the Suns trading Shaq for pretty much nothing, well two cans of beans and cash?

Outside Work Activities

I am a firm believer in having a healthy balance between work and personal life. I think both translate and reflect off of each other. At the end of the week it is great to have that reward of hanging out with friends, going hiking, or catching a ballgame. It can almost be somewhat like a natural detox of the mental stress you have gone through during the week.

I am a big fan of athletic activities such as football, softball, hiking, and racquetball. I am also a history nut, musical connoisseur, and love travelling. I try to recruit as many people as I can to play racquetball; it's an intense game and helps with footwork, coordination, and reaction time. Also, I think it is good to have these "outside of work" bonds with your fellow employees in either a pickup game of basketball or a 5-on-5 touch football game.

Throughout my life I have tried to maintain a balance between academics, athletics, and hobbies, and have found that not overloading in either one of these areas has alleviated much stress. Sometimes I see people who cram and dive into their studies without having these other outlets, and start to burn themselves out. Also, by being involved in these different activities, you become more of a well-rounded individual, making those social interactions at academic functions and work-social gatherings much more easier and comfortable to speak with everyone.

$10...$30...$120

Lunch time or coffee break, what is more affordable to you? I think last week one of you guys brought up the issue of spending money on lunch and its benefits of social interaction. This is something I think occurs in almost every office. A couple benefits from going to lunch or grapping that afternoon cup of coffee from Starbucks could include the quality of food, beverage, out-of-office interaction with co-workers, and momentary relaxation from the busy and stressful hours of the workday.

However, there are few negatives, especially for those which are near-poverty graduate student; I am somewhat embellishing. First, the cost of course which adds $10 three times a week; totaling to $120 a month. Additionally, I enjoy getting my coffee at home before I go to work, and easing into the day, while getting the news and sports. Also, the health consequences of eating rich foods, while the job calls for you to be less active in an office setting. When I interned in DC, this was my biggest concern. I would come home late, and unmotivated to workout at 8 or 9 o'clock.

Furthermore, it seems though the more and more I speak with those mentors and colleagues in the professional setting the more I am encouraged to enjoy life. The phrase, "you're not going to save money while in school," seems prevalent. Also, I am told that I need to cherish these pre-career days, and enjoy the student life, because it will come to a halt sooner than I realize.

These recommendations sort of go against my financial principles which I was taught however. I was always a thrift spender, seeking to save 2/3 of my income or more. Also, restraining myself from accumulating credit bills is something I learned from two older siblings. Now, I find myself somewhat in the middle of those two sides, by smart spending, yet enjoying life and these years.

Legal Assistance Interview Questions

One of the aspects that comes with conducting this legal assistance study is interviewing domestic violence victims and those on the judicial side who deal with DV cases. I was fortunate to get the opportunity with a couple different judges in the Valley, as well as a victim.

The first thing I have come to learn when dealing with this topic is sensitivity about the issue, and who it affects. When speaking to judges I found that from their point of view these types of cases can be extremely difficult. When asked why, most of the responses focused on the orders of protection being violated by victims, letting the abuser back into their lives. Another good issue that was pointed out were double orders of protection. This would occur when the abuser and the victim would both get OOPs without the other knowing. It is a problem that the judicial system out here is working with. This potentially could be a huge problem if the couple had children at home.

Another thing I came across was the issue of handling these types of cases. When talking to and seeing responses from victims and judicial professionals, more dv training was listed more often than I would expect. The sensitivity behind these issues was the biggest concern, however it can be an arduous task to understand every facet problem in regards to the issue.

Lastly, with the growing population of non-English speaking people in not only Arizona, but the United States outreach and help from domestic violence can be tough. People who cannot understand where to go or how to get helped based on the fact that they cannot speak English should be helped as well. It can be a tragedy to witness a person or persons going through these types of problems and not seeking help.

I believe the interviews were a key part in the study, and will help add more value to the report. It can also be interesting to see responses on a face-to-face perspective, rather than someone choosing responses from a set of questions.

Sun Devil or Longhorn?

As you all may know, or at least I hope you do, ASU is in the College World Series. We have a remarkable team and have one of the best baseball programs in the nation. I believe also this is something like our 33rd time to make the CWS, yet our last CWS championship was in 1981; pretty long drought. However, being from Texas I have caught some heat from my fellow Texans back home, questioning my Texan loyalty.

I have to admit, I am a little torn between this matchup growing up bleeding burnt orange and white and following UT sports more than any other collegiate team, while chanting Hook 'em Horns. With that being said though, I am a Sun Devil, and yes I am converted based on principle. People from work, those fellow students I know are all giving me a hard time about this.

I thought I would share this somewhat minute, yet fun dilemma I have. How could I root against a team who knocked in 12 runs to come back and beat North Carolina. You also have to love the play of Kole Calhoun, that guy can flat out slam the ball. I was a little ticked off when we lost a 6-0 lead against UT on Tuesday, but tonight and hopefully tomorrow we will be the victors, with a showdown with LSU on the horizon for the championship. For those who are sports gurus like me catch the game tonight, for those who are not, well you just disregard this blog and my spirit for the school, and wait until my next post. GO DEVILS!

The Millennial's Future

In this fast-paced world we live in, it seems a new form or modification of technology occurs every 20 seconds. Either the new i-phone, which saw its 3rd edition debut today, the blackberry, or even the explosion of facebook and twitter have surprised me. It got me thinking of the face of our generation and where we are moving as society.

First, it seems like the endless amount of connectivity is not enough, and maybe will never be. Yet, first hand human interaction seems to be the casualty of this phenomenon. Has facebook, twitter, and texting replaced physically spending time with someone? Have we gotten bored with that aspect of life, or maybe is it based on convenience? Sometimes I feel out of place preferring that one-on-one type of interaction, rather than feeling the unemotional tone of a text message or chat on facebook.

Secondly, I think we are both progressing in many different forms of communication in today's modern age, however I think we may be placing those personal face-to-face conversations on a current freeze. Yes, I do understand that these technological advances allow us to communicate, get directions, play music, use the internet, and maybe even think for us, the last one was just a joke. I even find it somewhat odd, yet funny, when people return my calls via text one minute after I have called them.

Whatever the future entails for our generation and what we accomplish, I am extremely intrigued by this, and hope that a virtual environment stays virtual, and does not become reality. If this occurs we may begin to lose the one trait that really makes us human, the human element and connection between people.

Smart Dating Focus Groups

As I had mentioned earlier in my blogs, I do not have much human services or domestic violence, however I am intrigued by the work and the people we strive to help. One of the other things we are working on in the human services division are teen focus groups on the topic of smart dating. The idea comes from an event MAG held at a local high school covering smart dating in the format of speed dating. Basically, teens would be paired up and would talk to each other for a few minutes about "go signs", "caution signs," and "stop signs" of a relationship. The theme for this event used stoplights.

These focus groups were conducted throughout the Valley, attempting to get a good snapshot of what teens thought about relationships. I was fortunate to talk to a group of high school students and discuss these issues. We talked about what could trigger warnings of future hardships in relationship including constant questioning of behavior, not allowing certain friends in their lives, and starts making for decisions for you to name a few. It seemed like this middle-ground was the most difficult for teens to define as well. Next, we dove into signs of an unhealthy relationship with the discussion going into verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, and constantly keeping tabs on someone. Lastly, we discussed signs of healthy relationships such as giving compliments, trust, respect, and honest communication.

We also spoke with students about how they can achieve these healthy relationships and not subject or allow a bad situation to happen with them. The discussion then lead to outlets and means of communication to let teens talk about these types of things through the "web of friends" website. It was the first time I had spoken to a class of students about these types of issues, and was in my opinion well received and successful. In my high school I do not remember events like this ever taking place, and I think many of my peers at the time could have benefited from learning about these different types of signs, as well as the open discussion.

By doing these focus groups, I believe we are able to learn what teens think about dating. Also, we learn their perception, which may be sometimes skewed by modern society from things like reality tv shows. Furthermore, it pushes teens to think about current relationships and question possibly themselves on how they view things.

The Concept of Team

I always find myself asking, "what makes a good team?" Looking at the public sector in comparison to my second passion in life football, I always find so many great things. First, you need eleven guys putting their entire effort into the game on either offense, defense, or special teams. Sometimes when the pressure is on you will get someone who comes up in the clutch pushing the team to the top and to victory. In this case you have organizations living up to their projected potential or becoming a great jewel in the community or governmental entity.

You have the general manager who finds the talent and personnel to get the job done. They are sort of like the hr department in the public sector, attempting to find the right fit. Then you have the coach, and their staff who develops plays, and encourages players to get your maximum effort through training. The executive director or chief of staff could play this role. Next, you have execution of plays by the leader on the field, the QB, or manager, with each player on offense assigned to a specialized duty, staff.

I find myself comparing events that happen in these professional settings similar to those on the field of play. For instance, when your boss gives you a deadline of 5 o'clock at noon of a report, it can sort of be like starting your own 10-yard line within the 2 minute warning. That sense of urgency and ability to move the sticks to score, is just like getting a couple pages done each hour. For those of you that have play team sports, or have been apart of a research team, or maybe even played in a band, I think you understand my comparisons. The team has to be in sync, unified, and have great communication and chemistry. From what I have witnessed at MAG, at least from my perspective in the Human Services Dept, has this good chemistry and has great cohesion. I even sort of view myself as a free agent in my internship, who they brought in to help get the job done. lol

Ultimately, I think what makes a great team become a great organization or dynasty in terms of sports, is constant sacrifice, communication, teamwork, a strong work ethic, and the ability to get better each and every day.

MAG Staff Meetings

It is always interesting to witness the different ways public organizations communicate with each other. At MAG they hold monthly staff meetings with all departments. This includes those from transportation, human services, informational services, administrative staff, communications, and environmental/air quality. Usually, the executive director and senoir planner discuss the current state of affairs at the organization. The budget, coupled with the economy, was a hot topic. However, due to good planning, as well as the type of funding sources MAG receives, it will not be hit as hard.

Also, each division/department sort of gives a rundown of what they have been working on over the course of the month. The human services dept, for instance, talked about the legal assistant study, a couple of grants were are working on, the upcoming homeless count, and the annual press conference.

The executive director, usually honors someone for their excellent work, either recently, or for long-term service to the organization. Additionally, if there are any announcements or upcoming events, they usually are brought up. It is not all so serious though, the executive director will also spice up the meeting with sports picks for upcoming games. Sometimes he will pick on someone's alum, for a big loss, like ASU. lol. At my first meeting, he introduced me to all of staff, and allowed me to talk a little about myself and my background. People are always surprised to hear I am from Texas, asking "where's your accent?"

Furthermore, if there was a big project that a department had completed, they introduce it to entire staff. The communications department did a piece on rubberized asphalt being used on major Valley highways. You may think this might be boring, but I found it sort of interesting. It requires less maintenance, lowers road noise, and lessens the amount of mist from the road while driving when it rains. I sort of digressed there. This is a typical monthly staff meeting and they are a lot of fun, plus we get breakfast.

Stakeholder Group Meetings

MAG's Human Services Department deals with several issues regarding sensitive populations such as domestic violence and homelessness issues. Also, we work with several members of the community on methods to improve services for each of these populations and others as well. These include other non-profits organizations, shelters, other government agencies, and private citizens that are involved with these issues. The composition of those from the community also collectively come together to form stakeholder group which conduct meetings at MAG. Some of the stakeholders include Autumn House, the Sojourner Center, the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Department of Economic Security, local police departments in the Valley and many other organizations.

These stakeholder meetings occur about once a month. We discussed a couple of the projects that the MAG is working on with these community members. One is the Youth Empowerment Project, which is for teenagers. The Youth Empowerment Project allows for those participants to create concepts for public service announcements speaking to other teens about dating violence and electronic invitations to visit the Web of Friends website. YEP was created out of learning that many local teenagers who were surveyed by MAG stated that they did not always feel safe in their dating relationships. Also, about fifty-one percent stated that they either were in or knew someone that had been involved in a violent dating relationship. So YEP and the Web of Friends was created for teens to have an outlet to peers about these issues.

Also, there was discussion about teen anger management and social skill classes to help with teen dating violence, as well as the feedback from focus groups that MAG had conducted. These focus groups go to various places (schools, communiy events) in the Valley in an attempt to understand what teens thought about healthy relationships. I find that these focus groups are very useful for not only MAG, but those around the area in understanding what the youth thinks about domestic violence.

It is intriguing to find that some people view dv differently, and do not understand other types of dv other than sexual or physical abuse. Economic, psychological, and emotional abuse are also very prevelant. In my research these all preceed the physical or sexual abuse. Economic abuse in my opinion, with the economy suffering will most likely be the most readily form, however it is so tough determining where it is happening. Also, in the cases the victim cannot escape and find an outlet.

These among many other issues are discussed at these stakeholder meetings, and can shed light to many members within the community on issues at hand or potential issues.

Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Study

The legal that I have been assigned to assist and also complete is an ongoing project. The idea for this study came about a couple years ago at a Domestic Violence Regional Council Meeting. These meetings are designed to address dv problems throughout the MAG region, as well as focus on solutions collectively. MAG has done similar studies which have helped with dv problems such as the "The Need for Increased Domestic Violence Shelter in the MAG Region." This study helped push policy at the legislature which gave shelters over 300 more beds.

The study I am working on focuses on civil legal assistance for domestic violence survivors and will be completed by the fall. We are collecting local information about the types of legal assistance services available and the outcomes of domestic violence cases where assistance is used. By doing this study we are hopeful that we will find interesting information that will help dv victims.

Also we are looking to describe the experience of domestic violence survivors in shelters within Maricopa County and in the current court system. In addition we want to find out what asssistance makes their experience beneficial, as well as what hinders the process. This study will include an inventory of services, an explanation of the family court process, and what can be done to give survivors better accessibility for assistance within the process. Hopefully, we will accomplish this by displaying the best practices of survivors successfully navigating the family court system, as well as what we recommend on expansion of these practices.

Knowing that this has the potential to create policy to help those affected by domestic violence is fulfilling. I do not have direct experience with dv issues, but it affects society much more than what is perceived, and I am grateful to maybe make a difference in something that destroys families and hurts those around them. This has made me much more humble and thankful from where I have came from, and how my parents raised me, my brother, and my sister.

MAG is a very interesting organization, due to the fact that it seems to be involved in so many apsects of issues out here in the Valley. I was fortunate to go to an intergov meeting recently and it was quite intriguing. Basically, each of the intergovs from each city spoke about issues mainly regarding transportation funding and development to their area. They also continued to address the magnitude of the bleak economy.

It was good to meet everyone and network, and many of the people I have spoken to started their professional careers by interning at various places. I also really like the work atmosphere at MAG. I have my own little cubicle and I am treated as one of the team, rather than a temporary employee. The responsibility that they have given me is pretty cool.

I am basically dealing with all the information regarding the questionnaires and contacting shelters and judicial professionals talking with them about our study. It has been a good day, and I think I will retire to the old apartment and catch some baseball.

Heat of the Summer, Coupled by Job Market

I just got back from visiting my family in Texas and my sister in DC. Both places seemed more attractive to me now that I had left, but also jobs in public sector seemed very prevelant. The more and more I think about it, the less I want to stay here and tough out the economy. I love being able to experience great internships, but I would like to able to stay on. That seems harder and harder with hiring freezes.

Regardless, the stint out here in the Valley of Sun might be short. Although, my sister warns me of the dreaded cold and the extremely fast-paced and competitve nature in the DC area, I am still not phased. I probably will visit in the winter just to taste the cold weather.

Whatever path I choose, I have learned much out here and it has been a great experience. Internship opportunities like the one at MAG have made the move out here from Central Texas worth it.

What Is MAG?

I thought this might be interesting to comment on due in part that MAG is an important entity within the Valley of the Sun. Maricopa Association of Governments is a council of government (COG) created in 1967, which is basically composed of elected officials (mayors, council members, etc.) who help do planning for a region. MAG is also a metropolitan planning organization (MPO). Gotta love these govt. acronyms. MPOs were created in the early 70s by federal law making large regional urban areas have planning agencies.

Most of these terms I was very unaware of prior to me applying for the position and moving out here. However, speaking to those in the profession and even some people within my family I have come to learn that these exist everywhere throughout the nation. It is kind of interesting to see the development of regions, as oppossed to cities. For instance, areas like DC Metro Area and the Tri-State Area are perceived more like communities themselves. Growing up in Texas, it is somewhat rare to see this anomoly. Places like San Antonio and Houston are so large in square acres that this has not really occured yet.

Also, there are more COGs throughout the state of Arizona, six to be exact. Within each COG there are regional councils which as stated earlier consist of elected officials. Below these regional councils are executive committees, management committees, and several other technical avisory and policy committees. Technical advisory cmtes are basically comprised of those city and county staff that are professionals within their govts. Policy cmtes are those who are elected, business reperesentatives in the community, and citizens. MAG staff then basically works for these committees and well as being members.

So throughout this very complex organization I am learning the ropes and chain of command with hopes to gain great understanding of the region, while meeting prominent people within the community.

Projects for the Internship

As discussed in the interview process and with those within the Human Services Department, I will be assisting in their daily assignments and duties. Also, I will help prepare for the annual domestic violence press conference that MAG does. My main duty will be to further the domestic violence legal assistance study by sending out questionnaires, conducting interviews, and compiling and analyzing information.

In my opinion this will be a great experience, due in part that I have not yet facilitated a study in a professional setting. I do have a grasp of what to expect from courses that I had taken in undergrad studies in statistics in political science and research methods in political science.

So the beginning stages on me coming on board with this study will include reviewing the questionnairs for errors and type of questioning. With studies like this it is very important that the questions are not loaded and do not try to influence those participating to choose one answer over another. Also, due in nature to the sensitivity of the subject, it is good to have open ended questions that will allow those involved to express their own opinions. The questionnaires will be sent out to dv victims and those professionals in the courts (judges, jps, commissioners, attorneys, advocates, social workers). It is exciting to be a part of something that seeks to help those in need within the community, and I happy to be on board with HS at MAG.

Beginning the Internship

I am really greatful for the opportunity to intern here at Maricopa Association of Governments in the Human Services Department. Coming into the internship I feel that the organization has exhibited a high level of professionalism, and I am pleased to be a part of the team. It seems that MAG offers the tools and looks to enhance those skills that I possess within me.

The internship deals with domestic violence issues, and my official title of my internship is domestic violence policy intern. Previously, I have not had much experience with human services or domestic violence topics, however I feel this opportunity will add to the well-rounded personality that I strive to maintain. Although, I have not dealt with dv issues directly, I have seen friends and those around be affected by the very sensitive issue.

Moving out here from Central Texas, I feel this is a great way to begin my professional career out here in the Valley. I think MAG will enjoy having me a part of their team, and bringing skills to the table from previous job experiences. This will be my second internship in my collegiate career, I also interned for Congressman Kevin Brady at the US House of Representatives in the summer of 2007. Many things that I had learned and experienced in DC will be transferable and utilized at this internship at MAG.