INLS 131
Management of Information Agencies
Fall 1999

Getting Ready for Class of Dec. 6, 1999

POLITICS OF THE WORKPLACE

MANAGING ONESELF

Welcome to the last day of class!

Our plan of attack for the day will be to do the SIR evaluation forms first and then sit around, share some refreshment and discuss two provocative articles.

Please read one of the following two articles (both are really worthwhile):

Waterman, Robert H., Judith Davenport and Betsy A. Collard, "Toward a Career Resilient Workforce," Harvard Business Review, 72 (March-April 1994) 10p.

or

Drucker, Peter F., "Managing Oneself," Harvard Business Review, (March-April 1999) 65-74.

The Waterman article speaks to the new politics of the workforce and the need for employees to recognize that the old model (what Waterman calls the "covenant") between workers and companies no longer exists. He uses the phrase, "the Career Resilient Workforce," to shift focus from employment to employability. The article contains some good advice for new entrants to the workforce about how to manage one's career as well as advice ("shoulds") for companies. I find this a useful and provocative article and think you will benefit from reading it (especially the IS contingent but good for the library types as well).

The Drucker article is fun, as all of his writings are. We started the semester with a Drucker article so it's only fitting to end with one as well. This is a very personal article, although informed by Drucker's penchant for historical allusions. It is a good reminder of Socrates' adage, "Know Thyself."

We'll have a free-form discussion so bring your good ideas and come eager to eat and talk.