Using Sky Drive & Google Drive

I have had great experiences using both Sky Drive and Google Drive.  I love the fact that we can save documents on both of them and then we can pull them up on a different computer.  We do not have to use a thumb drive to save our work on to transfer from one computer to another.

Before this current semester, I have used Sky Drive.  I would work on assignments at school and I would save them on Sky Drive.  Then when I got home, I could pull it up off of Sky Drive and I could continue working right where I left off.  I have also used it to create a document and then print it off at another computer location.  This semester I was introduced to Google Drive.  As far as I can see, it is used the same way.  The only thing I have created on Google Drive was a survey.

I plan on utilizing these two features more in the future.  It is a lot easier to save it on either Sky Drive or Google Drive and then pull it up at another location.  Doing it this way, you do not have to mess with a thumb drive.  Another plus is that you do not have to worry about losing your work if your thumb drive gets lost.

Written Communication

This chapter has helped me recognize that I can strengthen my written communication in the following ways:

• I will write more effective and make sure to include plenty of details in my sentences.
• I will not use wordy expressions as much and try to keep the sentences concise.
• When I am righting a letter, I will determine what the goal of it is and make sure the format matches the goal.
• I will start to use more positive expressions and try to use less negative expressions.
• I also realize that I need to gather and organize the appropriate information.
• Once I have a finished copy of the letter, I need to make sure I set it down and come back to later to proofread it.
• When writing a letter, I need to determine if I need to be direct, indirect, or persuasive to be the most effective.

A Poor Customer Service Experience

As an external customer, I have had such poor customer service with Sears lately.  I recently had a window broken by a flying object, while I was mowing the lawn.  When I purchased the new windows about 4 years ago, I was told there was a full lifetime warranty.  I have called the warranty number multiple times, over a two week period, leaving messages with my information for them to call me back.  Finally, I was able to get through to a customer service representative and was informed that the  warranty was only good for materials and not labor.  They are now telling me that I need to pay $100 for labor, just for them to come out here; not including how long it takes them to replace the window.  Then the customer service representative informs me that it might not actually be covered because it shattered and that the warranty covers cracked or damaged windows.    I am very disappointed with Sears.  They sold me the windows with a lifetime guarantee and now they do not want to honor it.  I guess Sears's warranty is only good for when they want to honor it.

A few suggestions for Sears to handle this situation better is:

1. They should be loyal to their customers.  Happy customers always return.
2. They should honor their lifetime warranty.
3. They could have returned my multiple messages that I left over a two week period.
4. They could be willing to do a one time discount for this repair.
5. They should update their warranty information to be more accurate to their actions.

This is not the first problem I have had with Sears.  I always give companies multiple chances because I understand that not everyone is perfect.  But this is probably one of the last times I will use Sears to buy products that might need to be replaced during their warranty period.

Future Leader

This chapter has made me think about my future role as a leader in the following ways.

I have never really considered myself to be a leader.  I don't like to be in charge of tasks or people.  I like to be given directions and just do my work.  I am not a big risk taker; I like to play it safe.  The older I get, the more of a leader I become.  In college, I am now finding myself taking charge of group projects and activities.  In the future I am going to use the following advice:

• Always plan well and accordingly.
• Before the first group meeting, I will try to develop strategies that will help accomplish the goals of our group tasks.
• I will set a good example for my fellow employees.  If I lead by example, it will motivate them to follow in my footsteps and become a better employee and group member.

One idea that I have never considered was to invest in people.  This is important because you need to create relationships with your co-workers.  If you are loyal to your co-workers and employees, they will be loyal to you in return.