Unimanagement Project

UQ3 HR Newsletter

2008-11-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

Guys, here is the newsletter as published for UCG HR folks re: UniQuest 3. It only took 3 versions to get it right...
0810_hr-newsletter_2.doc

L'Orologio Logistics

2008-10-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

If you are here for more than 1 month, ask for the same price for 1 month of internet connectivity for your whole stay or it will be 8 euros/day after the month.

Get a monthly bus pass. It is for the calendar month, so time it appropriately. Get it at Porto Nuova near the Center.

Ask for a) a kitchen towel and b) a rack for drying your clothes (if you don't plan to use the very epensive service at 8 euros/blouse and much more for other items.

Ask Maurizia Gibbone at the Center to arrange transportation if you are flying in-out of Malpensa. It is far cheaper than a cab or the car service the Town House Hotel uses.

Try to stick to bus #12 at the stop at Vespucci. It runs frequently in the mornings. The evenings are more tricky. The 58 and 58b come to our stop, but not consistently and I haven't figured it out yet.

Share a cab with Carmela and Artur on late event nights. They are on your way home. Carmela will reimburse you for the fares and then she will be reimbursed by UNM.

If our contract is back on for sure when I leave in Feb., I will leave some things for you: decent knife, cutting board, tongs, veggie pealer. I'll leave them at the Center and let you know where to find them.

Work with Paola Sera at the Center. She is an angel and you will love her instantly. They don't speak much English here at L'Orologio so she can help you work through any interesting situations like a lack of hot water or lots of water leaking from underneath your tub. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice place. But, like most multi-tennant buildings, it has its challenges.

Ok, brain drain just set in...

Team Dynamics

2008-10-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

Call me at home at 407.240.7414 when I get back (10/26).

Typical work tasks

2008-10-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

In the last 5 weeks I have been asked to:

Document
Review others' documentation
Provide coaching on others' documentation
Write/review assignments
Design
Review all kinds of stuff for English: brochures, UNM's new web site
Share thoughts on how UNM can improve efficiencies
Share thoughts on how UNM can rise to the next level
Explain the philosophies behind certain of our methodologies
Recommend music for play lists for events
Brainstorm themes for events
Run production
Process facilitate
Create training materials (for event roles like "development advisor"
Create and maintain the straw dog (using UNM's template)
Help create reports (select pix, clean pix)
Review reports for creativity and English
Find articles and/or studies for pre-read and assignments
Help clean up the production area after events
Find quotes
... I'll let you know if I remember more.

Learn the Language...

2008-10-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

... or at least try....

Everyone here really appreciates it if we attempt to learn Italian. I have a monster dictionary and a decent CD set that wasn't very expensive. It has helped tremendously with not only my survival, but also with bonding with our colleagues.

Final Report Sample

2008-10-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

GAM%20Report%20V01.pdf

Documentation

2008-10-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some tips for documentation and a sample.

(These are in addition to the notes I added previously.)

Note the day, module, title and speaker at the beginning of each new section. Sometimes they want the sections in separate files. You'll have to figure it out event-by-event.

They do 1 space after a period, but I'm old fashioned and still do 2. Only Oli notices so now I do it just to bug him.

Of course you need to step up for other roles as needed, but everyone understands if you prefer to review your documentation after each round while your memory is fresh. They love having it immediately following an event so they can do their reports.

If there are other documentors who are not native English speakers, you are invited and expected to correct their work (efficiency) as the native speaker and then give them feedback (effectivness). Wait for the invitation to give feedback. Some welcome it more than others.

You will be asked to review every assignment to make sure the English is correct. This gives you a great entree to join the design process if you don't have one already. Michael, based on what we have told them about you, they expect you to give input on design. They didn't expect me to design when I first came here, but assignments gave me an opportunity to open my big fat mouth and, of course, I did.

Fix the English. As non-native English speakers, it takes some many, many, many words to make a point. Just get the point. They appreciate it. I try to leave in a bit of the speaker's personality...

The well just went dry, I'll upload the final report that the sample (attached) documentation was used in so you can see it.

GAM%20Documentation%20Final.doc

Coffee & Meal Ettiquette at UNM

2008-10-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ciao amici! Here are a few tips about coffee and lunch breaks with our friends at UNM.

First, just do it. Coffee and other meals are very social rituals. It doesn't matter if we will work until 2:00 am, we will stop and have dinner together. Go out with everyone for coffee and lunch as it is great bonding time and it will be perceived as an odd act not to do so.

For morning coffee, wait until everyone has arrived, then go together. (There is an upstairs "everyone" and a "downstairs" everyone, so go with whichever floor you are calling home for the day. When logistics work out right, both floors go together. I bounce around depending on which tools, colleagues or environment I need for my work on that day or at that hour.

One person pays for all the coffees. They are really cheap, so don't sweat it. Plus, the UNM gang will do everything possible to try keep me from paying so I have to rush the counter now and again...

Cappuccino is only for mornings. If you want milk in your coffee later in the day, order a machiatto. Or, be crazy like me and order cappuccino just to embarrass your colleagues (they love it) and see how the server reacts. Today my server belly laughed and offered me chocolate with my lunch time cappuccino as compensation for all the hell the gang was giving me. It was delicious!

When there is catering for events, you still ask everyone in sight if they want to go for coffee, but it's less of an "event" since you're not going out. The caterers know I like cappuccino and delight in serving it to me any time of day so now we're all acting like mad people together. It's a fun game we play.

Lunch during events can be in pairs, threes or solo because we're all rushing around like crazy. But, dinner is still a group ritual.

When there is catering for learning labs and events other than ours, we rush the buffet after the "clients" have finished. Get there before it all runs out! On some days we need fresh air so we skip the free lunch. Go with whichever floor crowd you're hangin' with that day.

Lunch out of the office is always a nice break. The Italians mostly eat veggies and/or pasta with very simple and light sauces at lunch. There is no shortage of fennel, eggplant, carrot and zucchini here. It isn't unusual for us to have whole plates of only veggies. For the flat, try to get to the mercato on the street during the week (nearly impossible) or on Saturday as the produce at the Standa Supermarket leaves plenty to be desired. The caterers also have lots of cooked and raw veggies.

At lunch we almost always get 1-2 large bottles of water to share. One person picks up one or both bottles. Again, cheap and they don't like for me to pay for it. So, beat them to the counter a time or two so you can cover your share.

If you go for ice cream, again only one person pays for all. Again, it's cheap.

Our colleagues here are very sweet and will help you translate the menus. So, you won't starve. If you express a desire to learn about the culture, they will teach you all these and other protocol secrets.

Enjoy your stay. It's hard not to.

Uploading a Document to Blogger

2008-09-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

I created a video of the process of uploading a document - so I've come back in and erased the original stuff I wrote originally. I hope you don't mind I made the video so small (I can make the next one a lot larger in size if you let me know this is too small). Here is the link to the .pdf as well. Testing_upload_process.pdf

Provisions

2008-09-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

The mercato on Saturday just a few blocks north of the flat on de Gaperi is awesome! You can get food, clothing and lots more. So, if you need something, hold out until Saturday if you can. My light jacket wasn't light enough so I picked up one for just 20 euros. You can buy a more expensive one, and you will definitely pay more in the shops. The produce is plentiful and beautiful! I'm glad because what I found in the super market across the street was less than appetizing.

There is also a huge mercato at Porta Palatina.

There are 2 department stores off via Roma near the center if you need something and can't get it at the mercato. One is expensive - Rinacente. The other is not - Upim. I got our santoku at Rinacente and cutting board at Upim. Hopefully I will be able to leave these items for you to use as well.

Don't forget the sports-health food store close to the center. I still haven't been in it, but if you need protein powder, it's in the window.

Bus Transportation

2008-09-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

After a few days, I am more comfortable with how the bus works. You will primarily use the 10, 12 and 58 to travel between the flat and the center. As soon as you can, go to Porto Nuova (just a few blocks from the center) to get a) a monthly pass and b) a map. There is a GTT booth near the informaton booth in the center of station near the trains. Do NOT mistake the train ticket office for the GTT one or you will be standing in 2 lines for a long time instead of just one.

In addition, you can plan each trip online before you go. I suggest you do this until you get accustomed to how the routes change based on the time of day or day of the week. The URL is http://www.comune.torino.it/gtt/en/.

The walk to and from the center is pleasant and safe. Since my energy is highest in the mornings, that is when I have been walking. However, some mornings start very early during events, so the bus is a nice alternative. The primary stop is only a couple of blocks from the flat on Ducca Abruzzi. However, there are also stops on Luigi Einaudi (farther away) and Gallileo Ferraris (different bus numbers).

We are in the zone known as Einaudi. You will find the signs at the bus stops are organized by zones.

From Process to Breakthrough

2008-09-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Today I had a really cool conversation with Olli. He facilitated the GAM event and asked for my thoughts on how he had done. Of course he did a great job. This was really a training event supported by a few of our tricks. So, the facilitation role was really about moving through the steps of the process. He and the trainer worked well togeher and he did a bang up job of moderating a Q&A panel discussion.

I was careful in my feedback to open a door. Olli and I discussed the difference between falicitating a process or an agenda and facilitating breakthrough. We talked about how there is a natural evolution for a new facilitation team to start out more process oriented and evolve to be more break through oriented. Olli feels he is ready for the transformation. He isn't sure about all their faciliators (navigator role in front of the room)... Unfortunately, their primary facilitator doesn't seem to even realize there is a next level. We'll see if my feedback makes it around the block a couple of times or if it stops with Olli. As we were talking, David Landau stopped by and Olli shared the feedback with him. He totally got it and will probably evolve. He's going out on his own, so it will be good for him but won't necessarily help improve the center.

Basically Olli and I discussed the opportunities we have in large group. Yes, the design and assingments are all meant to facilitate break through. However, our large group sessions here are always just repors and "does anyone have any questions." If a debate arises, it is usually squeched in favor of moving through the agenda. But, we know that divergence is the mother of break through... In addition, if there are no debates, then large group is just for sharing and clarifying. Certainly it is beneficial, but only limitedly. I shared with Olli that a simple question or story can be incredibly facilitative. I also made the distinction between this technique and the "showing off by quoting the latest gurus book or social science experiment" that happens way too frequently. I also shared that it is difficult to do and that I'm not good at it. It is hard to think about the agenda, shut down rabbit trails AND think of clever ways to move the group without necessarily being obvious about it. I best facilitate break through when someone else is in the front of the room, because I have time to really listen and think. So, we can't all be Bryan Coffman (sorry!) all the time, but we can a) practice and evolve and b) work together in a facilitation team.

There are attitudes here that may not allow this evolution or even consider this feedback valuable. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. Since I might not be the one here when it does, please look out for it. Please also further the advice if you have the chance.

Swarm! Swarm!

2008-09-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Did you see the Seinfeld episode where Jerry's Uncle Leo was caught shop lifting in a book store? The security guards yelled "swarm, swarm!" as they tackled him.

Well, that's what it feels like to be at UNM. It's awesome to be so needed! However, it's also to be managed carefully. Everyone feels really short on resources as usual. Now that Olli is back, everyone is going through him. For the last few days, I have managed it on my own. So far I have a) worked the GAM event as planned, b) spent a little time on the desing for UniQuest and c) proofed and written a few passages for the new UCG online career pages.

The GAM event was supposedly completely done by the client. It's really a training event with some collaborative elements. However, we discovered last night that a few things were not so "done" as we thought. Ok, that is not unusual. However, what was unusual is the the UNM project leader disappeared to reset the space upstairs. So, guess who was left in the seat? Moi! That is highly unusual since it is normally prefered that the UNM staff to be highlighted as the lead facilitators and designers. (Obviously, Ana isn't here this week.) So it worked, no one died and you know me - I thoroughly enjoyed it. But the fee was not approrpriate for the work at that point. So, guys - as Jay warned, be careful. Since very few people were around last night, I don't think any inappropriate expectations have been set. But it was a close call.

Mobile Phone

2008-09-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

Today Carmela and Artur (new colleague from Pioneer in Poland) suggested that UNM provide a mobile phone for our use here. The reason is because they (and I) have been running back and forth between the 1st and 3rd floors to speak to each other. So far we are managing with email. If they need me upstairs, they email me and vice versa. If the idea works as currently conceived, we will have a loaner that we will pass along to each other as we transition. As soon as the details are worked out I will add them to the blog.

David Landau is going independent

2008-09-25T09:23:00.001-07:00

It's true! He has been studying psychiatry and coaching and wants to have a career that combines that with the kinds of work he is doing here in training and collaborative design. So, he and his family will be moving back to Vienna at the end of October. It looks like Bank Austria (UCG) and UNM will be his first clients. He promised to make sure I have his contact information.

Health Food

2008-09-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

For those who prefer alternatives to animal protein, I passed a shop on XX Settembre just north of Vittorio Emanuelle on the west side of the road (left if you are headed north to the center). I didn't stop to ponder it, but I noticed protein powder like products in the window.

The produce at the super market across from the flat leaves plenty to be desired. A colleague told me they do carry a line of good and reasonably priced organic products. I didn't see it on my whirlwind shopping spree Monday evening.

I understand the open air mercato 3 blocks north of the flat has fabulous produce on Saturdays, but you need to get there before lunch. I will check it out this weekend. There is always my beloved - Eatily...

Flat Details, etc.

2008-09-22T13:24:00.001-07:00

Hi all! I thought I would share a few details about the flat. These will no doubt be improved with more experience. But, in cast it gets too nuts to blog much later, here goes.

There is a bar (cafe) immediately south (turn left out the front door) that is open for breakfast, light lunch and apperitivo. Since I arrived on Sunday, this was a life saver. I was starving and in bad need of caffeine to stay awake until bed time. It was only 11:00 am after all.

There is also a bar on the corner 2 blocks north of the flat. I had dinner there - again light. I had 2 ham and cheese sandwhiches in one day. So, today was veggie day. All 4 food groups will catch up with each other by tomorrow perhaps. So, if you don't want to subsist on pastry or sandwhiches, don't arrive on Sunday wihtout some granola, nuts, dried fruits or seeds in your pocket.

The bar 2 blocks down sells watter and soda by the bottle. That was also a life saver. The supermarket is right across the street. However, it isn't open on Sundays or Monday mornings. Otherwise it is open 8-8, or 8-20 as they say here in Italia.

The 1.66km (1mi) hike to the Center isn't bad. I'm slow, especially with my backpack, and it only took me 30 minutes this mornng. 45 minutes at a tourist's pace.

Mapquest gives the best driving directions. Here are the best walking directions. Head out like mapquest says until you get to Galileo Ferrais. Continue on GF to the round about at Emmanuelle Vittorio (huge statue). Turn east (aka right) on EV and continue until you see the train-bus station coming up on your right. It will be Via Sacci to the right. It's actually Via XX Settembre to the left (under arch ways). The center will be just a couple of blocks north on XX Settembre. If you go too far on EV, you will see the bus station on your right and piazza carlo felice on your right. You're only a block too far. Don't panic.

By the way, there is a farmacia open in piazza carlo felice on Sunday. That's good to know, as very little is open in Turin on Sunday, especially our quiet little neighborhood. (Go to the tourist center at via Garibaldi, piazza castello for more stuff open on Sunday.)

There is a wine shop and a salumi shop within a block north of the flat, but I didn't make it on time tonight. The supermercato across the street is great for quick fixes, but is limited. For a real foodie experience, take the inexpensive cab ride to Eatily near Fiat.

The flat is comfortable. Michael, I will find out if you will have the same one since you arrive immediately after me. If so, I will ask the staff to leave the cleaning supplies (dish soap, clothes washing detergent, sponges...) and anything I think you can use (olive oil, balsami vinegar, sea salt...). I will also leave the extension cord Gabrielle loaned me from the center. The space between the desk and the outlet on the wall is too narrow for our adapters. So, I'm writing this at the kitchen table. The only other outlet that will take our adapters is next to the kitchen counter and I'm not standing there all night!

The internet access is 40 euro/month. But if you are nice to the receptionist, you can have it for the entirety of your 5 week stay for the same price. They have to provide a line for the access, so arrange for it as soon as you arrive, or before.

The reception office is closed on Sunday and on Saturday afternoons. So, let Paula Sera at the center know what day and time you will arrive. She can give you the number to call to be let in by the on-call receptionist who will plan to be here based on when you anticipate you will arrive. Paola.Serra@unicreditgroup.euic

Speaking of arrival, I find Bryan and Jay's plan best. Flying into Malpensa (Milan) and being driven from there really works. Since I have one layover in Atlanta, I really can't take another 3 hours in another airport after 9 hours in the air. Let Paula know and she will arrange the driver (aka transfer) for you. Her driver is only 200 euro where taxis can be between 250 and 280 euros.

The kitchen at the flat is sparse, but adequate. Tonight I had to beat the garlic and rosemary to death with the oh-so-not-sharp knife that is provided. Finely chopped just isn't a technique possible with the current tools. If I be assured of them being here when I return in January, I will leave the santoku and cutting board I plan on buying for you Michael. You must promise to ensure their safe keeping until I return. Christopher can use them too with the same promise.

The wine opener works perfetto.

The housekeeper made my bed today. That tells me he/she comes daily. Mmmm, I'll keep a watch on that one.

There is ZERO English tv, so bring or redirect your favorite news sources. I have to check La Stampa for something in English. I ran out of time today and went with online resources.

The bus is number 58. You catch it at stop 381 on something something Abruzzi & Vestpucci, about a block northwest of the flat. You get off at 380 on the return trip. The other stop is just north west of the Center. I understand from Dario that I should buy single trip tickets until 9/27 when I can buy a more economical one for the month of Oct. It's getting late and I'm not looking anything up. So, I'll try do a better job with bus info later. In the interim, you can find out about buying tickets andi routes by Googling GTT Turin. If I find a map or comprehensive brochure, I'll get 2 an leave a copy for you.

Is that all? For today, I think so. With a belly full of home cooked pasta and deep, spicy vino rosso, I bid you good night!

Schedule of Events & Projects

2008-09-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Sept 24-26: Workshop Global Account Manager (Investmentbanking, Corporate Banking, CEE)
On Sept. 29/30: Preparation of UniFuture
Oct 1 and 2: Closing Module UniFuture
October 3/6: Preparation GMT and/or UniQuest Kick Off (Jay will join us on October 2)
October 7: GMT (focus maybe on liquidity management and risk weighted assets)
October 7-9 Kick-off UniQuest

After the events we have to work on the reports of UniFuture, UniQuest and GMT.

At the end of October we have another workshop for an HR Leadership Development Program and a Global Operations Round Table that have to be prepared.

And we are working with the Austrians on a Senior Management Meeting in November, we have to design the event in October.

2008-09-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

You guys are going to have a great time in Torino. Here is a bunch of logistical info.

First, the schedule:
September 22 - October 24: Renee
October 27 - November 21: Michael
December 1 - December 12: Christopher
December 15 - January 6 (Holiday)
January 12 - February 14: Renee
February 16 - March 14: TBD
March 16 - April 10: TBD

The TBD's are some combination of Michael, Christopher and Diane, depending on everyone's availability.

The apartment info is here: http://www.orologio-residence.com/
Residence L'Orologio S.r.l
C.so Alcide De Gasperi 41 10129 Torino

Directions to the Center:

From: Corso Alcide de Gasperi 41 Torino, Piemonte, 10129, IT
To: Via Venti Settembre 29 Torino, Piemonte, 10121, IT

Driving Directions 1. Start out going NORTHEAST on CORSO ALCIDE DE GASPERI toward VIA SEBASTIANO CABOTO. (0.17 kilometres)
2. Turn RIGHT onto VIA CRISTOFORO COLOMBO. (0.15 kilometres)
3. Turn LEFT onto CORSO GALILEO FERRARIS. (0.67 kilometres)
4. Turn SLIGHTLY RIGHT onto LARGO VITTORIO EMANUELE II. (0.02 kilometres)
5. Enter next roundabout and take 3rd exit onto CORSO GALILEO FERRARIS. (0.14 kilometres)
6. Turn RIGHT onto CORSO GIACOMO MATTEOTTI. (0.19 kilometres)
7. Stay STRAIGHT to go onto CORSO RE UMBERTO. (0.11 kilometres)
8. Turn RIGHT onto VIA DELL'ARCIVESCOVADO. (0.19 kilometres)
9. End At Via Venti Settembre 29 Torino, Piemonte, 10121, IT

Total Est. Time: 6 MinutesTotal Est. Distance: 1.66 kilometres

Here's the Mapquest link

English Grammar

2008-08-29T17:25:00.001-07:00

From: Bryan
To: Michael

Michael,

I’ve found it handy to study up on a little English grammar before going over to Italy each time because one of the things they want us to do over there is correct their use of the English language. But they also know a surprising amount about English grammar and I’ve been caught a couple of times. I recommend you find a basic book (preferably something that’s not academic or too big) and take some time to review it and bring it with you to Italy.

In our collective email correspondence across ILabs, etc., there are a few major slips that I see over and over. One is the use of it’s vs. its. “It’s” is only and always a contraction of “it is”, as in “it’s nice to see you (it is nice to see you)”. “Its” is a possessive form of “it” (like his or her), as in “the cat was licking its paws.”

The other one is “then” and “than.” “Then” is an adverb and always has to do with time. “I will see you then”, “the dragon leaped into the sky and then unfurled its wings.” “Than” is a conjunction only used in comparisons. “The tiger is larger than the house cat.”

We also (all of us) have a deplorable use of punctuation, so that would merit some review as well.

Anyway, I didn’t want you to be surprised. Most of them have had more formal training in English grammar than we have. However, we have a more natural style of writing in English than they do. They’re looking for both that natural style and good, clean grammar and spelling.

Greetings

2008-08-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Michael, thanks for the invitation! I will be heading to UniCredit in December and I am looking forward to my return. Unlike the previous times I've been there, I don't think there will be big events going on so I wouldn't mind ideas on how I could contribute -- especially through some type of graphics / visuals. Also, after my stay I will be flying to Rome to meet my sister and we're going to do some sight seeing before the holidays. I can't wait as we've never been there -- do you (or anyone else) have ideas for cramming in a lot to do in only 3 days in Rome?

UniManagement Blog

2008-08-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

This is the place where we can begin blogging about our experience leading up to and inclusive of the Unimanagement Engagement in Italy.

Dates of Various Sessions:

Renee: September 22 - October 24
Michael: October 27 - November 21
Christopher: December 1 - December 12
Xmas break: December 15 - January 11 (one week longer)
Renee: January 12 - February 14
Consultant B: February 16 - March 14
Consultant C: March 16 - April 9

Link to the apartment.

Directions to the Center from the Apartment
Here are directions from the apartment to the center in Torino. It's about 2.7 km, I think, so it should be a nice walk!

From: Corso Alcide De Gasperi 41 Torino, Piemonte 10129 IT
To: Via Venti Settembre 29 Torino, Piemonte 10121 IT

Driving Directions
1. Start out going NORTHEAST on CORSO ALCIDE DE GASPERI toward VIA SEBASTIANO CABOTO. (0.17 miles)
2. Turn RIGHT onto VIA CRISTOFORO COLOMBO. (0.15 miles)
3. Turn LEFT onto CORSO GALILEO FERRARIS. (0.67 miles)
4. Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LARGO VITTORIO EMANUELE II. (0.02 miles)
5. Enter next roundabout and take 3rd exit onto CORSO GALILEO FERRARIS. (0.14 miles)
6. Turn RIGHT onto CORSO GIACOMO MATTEOTTI. (0.19 miles)
7. Stay STRAIGHT to go onto CORSO RE UMBERTO. (0.11 miles)
8. Turn RIGHT onto VIA DELL'ARCIVESCOVADO. (0.19 miles)
9. End at Via Venti Settembre 29 Torino, Piemonte 10121 IT
Total Estimated Time: 7 minutes
Total Distance: 1.66 miles

To view your driving directions, click on this link:
Driving Directions

MapQuest: Where to go, how to get there!