Job hunting takes priority for students instead of seeking knowledge and applying it to the real world. Students in Abe Tawil's management 3120 class were given a glimpse into organizations that help students pursue environment-friendly careers. The discussion emphasized teamwork and effective communication when managing.
Noah Budnick, a senior policy adviser at Transportation Alternatives described how management principles are applied to the work environment. Budnick explained that management seeks problems, sets goals and prepares plans of action to generate an open feedback system.
Susan Crain, director of NY Cares, had a different approach where she described teamwork as the most effective management technique.
Teamwork is productive because it allows different opinions to be heard. This helps people see different perspectives and understand each other more effectively
Edie Stone, Director of Green Thumb tracks problems through an "open-door" policy where she asks her subordinates what should can do to improve the organization.
Bomee Jung, founder of GreenHomeNY believes that the most effective way to make decisions is through a consensus between top management members.
One important part of management is effective communication. These skills are crucial when dealing with obstacles internally or externally.
Budnick had to face resistance from decision makers and the public when he implemented the organization's plans. Aware that people are reluctant to change, Budnick had to explain the company's restructuring.
Crain also had to face demanding sponsors who donated sums of money and persistently attempted to take part in the decision making process. Crain faced a sensitive situation that had to be handled delicately. She had to draw a diplomatic line tactfully while not offending donators.
Stone, who works with a government agency, had to deal with the issue of encouraging the public to take action and increase decision-maker awareness. Jung raised the challenge of keeping volunteers committed and motivating workers through incentives to lower turnover.
Managing a non-profit organization can be difficult because managers need to be very sensitive when dealing with volunteers and limited resources that need to be efficiently handled.
The company's managers must be able to simultaneously maintain an excellent public appearance to gain support. The panel members gave students a broad perspective on non-profit organizations and encouraged students to be active contributors to society and the environment.
Panel Discussion is a series written by students in Professor Abe Tawil's MGT 3121 class.
