McGanbang = SUCCESS!!

The extra credit assignment for MGT 3120 consisted of going to a McDonald’s restaurant and ordering the following: 1 McGangbang and a small fries with no salt. I waited to the last possible day to go, however I successfully ordered and received my McGangbang and small fries with no salt on the first try! I was unaware of the McDonald’s secret menu prior to this extra credit assignment, but I was willing to try it.

I chose to go to McDonald’s in the early afternoon, around 3:00, because I figured it wouldn’t be too busy and I would be able to order my food relatively easily. I was right. Before walking into the McDonald’s restaurant I practiced what I was going to say and honestly I was a little nervous because I didn’t know how the cashier and manager would react. More then anything, I didn’t want to burst out laughing when ordering because then the McDonald’s crew wouldn’t take me seriously. I walked up to the counter and said my order, my intention was to say it rather quickly and hopefully the cashier would take it as a legitimate order, but I was wrong. I said the word “McGangbang” and the cashier started laughing at me. This also made me laugh, which completely went against my earlier thought process of saying it as serious as possible. The cashier said “we don’t sell that here,” I then asked to speak to a manager. The manager was also unaware of the McGangbang. I hit the first problem with my order. I then proceeded to explain what was on it and pulled up a picture of a McGangbang on my phone. The cashier suddenly had a revelation and remembered seeing this on the internet. The manager was overseeing the whole situation, but she didn’t know how to enter it into the register. I suggested manually entering it into the register, but apparently this wasn’t an option. The manager asked if it would be okay if the cashier entered it as two separate menu items. I didn’t see a problem with this, however after the receipt was printed the McChicken came up as “plain” on the receipt. I didn’t see this as an issue for the assignment, but just to be sure, I made sure the manager was aware that it had to be the regular McChicken with the normal toppings. The manager went into the back to tell the crew to make sure the McChicken was normal and not “plain.” The small fries with no salt was not a problem. The cashier warned me that it would take a few extra minutes because they would have to make a new batch for me. Shortly after my order I received my food and took a picture of my McGangbang!

The communication between the employees was effective. There was only one cashier at the time because it was relatively slow. The cashier personally put the order of fries into the fryer herself because they had no salt. In this case, there wasn’t too much communication between the crew. Since McDonald’s has a closed kitchen, it was hard to observe what was going on in the back of the kitchen. There was effective communication between the manager and the cashier. They were conversing on how to enter the McGangbang into the register because it wasn’t an option to enter it into the register as one item. The manager took control and suggested entering the McGangbang into the register as two separate items. The communication between the cashier and the customer was rather ineffective. I don’t remember the cashier ever asking me, the customer, if I wanted the McChicken plain. However, the receipt listed the McChicken as plain. I then had to confirm with the manager that the McChicken had the normal toppings. As for suggestions, I would advise the cashier review the order with the customer. I know this was a relatively small order, however it can’t hurt. If the cashier would have reviewed the order and mentioned the word “plain” I would have corrected her before the order was put through the system.

The organization at the McDonald’s restaurant was lacking. When I was ordering my food, the manager seem rather flustered, along with the cashier, because no one had ever ordered the McGangbang. At first, they weren’t sure if they could make the McGangbang the way I wanted it. I wasn’t willing to take no for an answer. I was leaving with my McGangbang and small fries with no salt. They didn’t have a special option on the register so they had to enter it as two separate items. I understand that this wasn’t your typical order, but the manager could have handled the situation a little better. I would change the organizational structure by simply adding a special button on the register. At my old job, there was an “ask me” option where the crew would ask the cashier about the item. This was only used for special item orders, but it actually made the food preparation much more efficient. McDonald’s could also use an option to manually enter information in the register. In this case, the cashier would be able to enter my “McGangbang” on the receipt.

The manager of the McDonald’s displayed leadership. Once the cashier got confused with my order, the manager came over and asked me to clarify what exactly is a “McGangbang.” The manager also helped solved the predicament surrounding the issue of entering the McGangbang into the register. She was in charge of overseeing the order and making sure that it was prepared correctly. However, I don’t know if I can truly call this leadership. According to Kotter’s management grid, I think the manager displays more of the management role instead of leadership. The manager is in charge of producing results, not necessarily producing change. Next time, I would suggest the manager be more aware of the “secret menu.” It did not make the manager look good when you have your customer explain something to you at your own restaurant. Even if this may or may not ever happen again, it’s important for the manager to be prepared and handle the situation calmly and efficiently.

BLOG TOPIC #5 The ABCs of DISC

The Personal Profile System was an interesting way to measure the leadership/management behavior of each individual in class. I, myself, had never been exposed to these types of personality tests before, so it was interesting to see how it would turn out for me. While taking the diagnostic test I felt like my results were all over the place; I was trying to find a correlation with the letters which represented different characteristics of my personality. However, I wasn't able to find any relationship. Some characteristics were difficult to choose between because they were so similar.

My results we're in the high D and high C range, with the lowest results in I. This came a bit of a shock to me, because I don't tend to think of myself as such a dominant person. Some of the tendencies don't describe me at all. For example, some of the characteristics of a high D include "getting immediate results" and "making quick decisions." I am not the person to make quick decisions without weighing out the pros and cons, which is interesting because this characteristic is something that a person with a high D needs someone else to do. Also, I may or may not be one of the most indecisive people on this planet, so this characteristic of "making quick decisions" doesn't fall into my personality. That's actually something I would like to improve on, making a decision and sticking to it.

I do agree however with falling under the high C range because I do consider myself a conscientious person. Being an accounting major I am used to "attention to key directives and standards" and also "thinking analytically." "Emphasis is on working conscientiously with existing circumstances to ensure quality and accuracy," I feel like this statement describes me perfectly. I am not the type of person who likes change and I must make sure everything is as accurate and correct as possible. I would say the test got this result right. It almost seems like D and C are the opposite. This is interesting because how can one person be both?

After reading the interpretation sheet, I see myself falling more into the High C and High S category. Looking at the my results on the prior sheet, there wasn't much of a difference between the D and the S category. I see myself fitting into this category because this characteristic describes me, "performing in a consistent, predictable manner." I consider myself somewhat predictable, in a good way, and very consistent. I am not the person to make outlandish decisions. I consider myself to be a "good listener" and "desiring to help others." I take on more of a stable approach in life, nothing too exciting which would need me to make such spontaneous decisions which could impact the future. I am the type of person to weigh out my options and choose what's best based on my own expectations.

Can you become another type? This is interesting because as many people would say "your personality is your personality." I wouldn't try and change your personality, however as one matures I feel like their personality changes. As we get older, I think people are less likely to make those impulse decisions without weighing out their options. This also comes with experience; I feel that by observing others and their mistakes in management we can better ourselves and focus on the characteristics which matter the most.

I think this test is somewhat helpful in determining people's management "type," however I would leave room for self-interpretation. I, myself, am a perfect example. I didn't agree with the results from the personal profile system. I believe that observing an individual's management techniques is the best way to get a true feel for the individual's personality. Also you may be able to get a sense of the person's personality by just asking him/her a few questions.

I feel that a test like the personal profile system would be able to help you in few different ways. For example, if the person came up with results in the high I range, influence, you may think of this person as someone who is able to persuade people in decision making. On the other hand, if someone comes up with results in the high D range, you may want to keep an eye on that person that he/she doesn't make any detrimental decisions that could affect the company. Someone with a high S, should be put on a team because they are the people that show patience and work well with others.

Overall, this was a great experience. As I mentioned earlier, I have never been exposed to these types of personality tests before. It was interesting to see my results on how a test judges my personality and how I see myself. I feel these tests may be a good start to judging someone's personality, however I feel the best way to make conclusions about one's personality is to observe the person in a business-like setting. This test should not make or break someone's decision to hire a future employee.

Blog Topic #4 - VISION

Contrary to what other students may have thought about the video, yes it may have been corny at times and somewhat “brainwashing,” however, I thought the overall message was clear and it was a great film. I thought it was a great motivational tool. The narrator emphasized the importance of having vision, an idea of the future on an individual and communal basis. I thought it was interesting to see the correlation between students who have vision and their performance in school. Students with a vision tended to be more successful in the future, going to college, getting a job after they graduate etc. The video also spoke about vision in the workplace. Companies must have a strong vision on developing their business long term, which often requires planning and specific goal setting. I can relate the video to my own personal experience. I remember as far back as Elementary school we were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” A baseball player! That was my dream, my vision, and at that time I willing to put in the effort by practicing and playing year-round. It may not have seemed imperative that we define a specific profession, but just the idea of having a vision helped us to develop into who we are.

“Vision without action is just a dream, Action without vision merely wastes time. Vision coupled with action can change the world!” If you think about it, this quote seems perfectly logical and easy to understand. It takes more then just vision to make something happen. As the quote says, “Vision without action is a just a dream,” the person must being willing to work for whatever he or she desires. It’s great to have a vision, but without taking the necessary steps to fulfill that vision, it is simply just a dream. One must take action towards achieving that goal. For example, I always wanted to be a starting pitcher in the MLB. This was my vision when I was younger. Obviously, it didn’t seem likely, considering the less then .01% who make it to the majors, but I was willing to work for it. I practiced every night and played baseball all through high school; I was taking the action necessary to fulfill my vision. The quote says, “Action without vision merely wastes time;” this part of the quote defines the importance of planning and goal setting. Knowing what you want to do from a young age can be difficult; however, it is essential to have some sort of direction. “Vision coupled with action can change the world,” this is a deadly combination, in a good way. The video tells the viewers that by having a vision and taking the action towards that vision can really make a difference in society.

MY VISION:
- Earning a Master’s Degree. I don’t know exactly know yet what I’m definitely going to study, but I know it will be in either tax or finance, possibly an MBA. I’m fortunate to have an internship which hopefully will offer me a full time position with the company once I graduate. If I was to join the company, they have a tuition assistance program which will help me pay for my schooling. Woo no student loans!

- Getting my CPA license. Ever since I was in high school, I knew this is what I wanted to do. Yes, it does sound lame, I will give you that. I’ve always been a numbers person and I’m not the best reader/writer, so this profession works for me! The necessary action I’m taking towards my vision includes, working at my internship, earning my bachelor’s degree in accounting, and going for my master’s degree.

- Owning my own place. Yes, moving out of my parents house! It seems kind of scary to think about it, I’ve been living there for the first 21 years of my life. I’m taking action by earning my degree, which will allow me to have a full-time job. That’s really what college is about right? With the money I earn from my job, I will be able to afford the daily expenses which come from owning your own house. Even though LI is quite expensive, I would like to continue living here under my own roof! I am taking the necessary action by going to school and earning a degree which will allow me to get a job once I graduate.

- Starting a Family. This is definitely too early to beginning thinking about, however it doesn’t hurt to have this vision in the back of your mind. I would like to have a family where I can watch my kids play sports and be a Dad. That is a scary thought. Haha. But, the time will eventually come and I’m looking forward to taking on that responsibility.

- Travelling the world. Okay, maybe not the entire world, but there are few places which I would like to see. I've never been out of the country and I would love to see what California looks like...I only get to see what they show me on TV. I work for a UK based company, maybe I will spend a few years after I graduate working over in Europe. That would be a blast!

I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make my vision a reality. I know there will be some tough obstacles in place, but I’m willing to work hard and achieve my goals. Confidence and Trust are two characters which are necessary to making your vision a reality.

I leave my fellow blog readers with this, go out and find your starfish. Never be afraid to take on an opportunity, which may benefit you in the future. With the right vision and the correct action towards achieving that goal, each one of us can make a difference, we can change the world.