Joe holds an Associate of Advertising Degree from Northwood College, a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Business Education; and Masters Degree in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication, from Western Michigan University. He has also served as adjunct professor for Detroit College of Business and Central Piedmont Community College.

 

As Vice President of Operations for Residence Inn by Marriott, he was instrumental in growing a culture that inspired professional development, instilled loyalty, embraced accountability, and ensured financial success.

 

He has a passion for the dynamics culture plays in the success of an organization and focuses his practice on the needs of organizations struggling with performance and organizational issues.

 

His business philosophy was best expressed by one of the 54 General Managers in his chain of command upon his departure from Marriott:

 

“Joe understands the vital role that a corporate culture and environment play in achieving success. Joe helped to fashion a culture & environment at Residence Inn that not only encourages growth and success, but makes it inevitable. This kind of commitment to employees and their success foster a loyalty that is sadly missing in most companies today.”

 

Growth Management Associates was formed in 1990, emphasizing training and organizational development.  Joe played an instrumental role in the training of 150 Hampton Inn’s and Suites qne hundreds of major hotel branded hotels, including; Ritz Carlton; Embassy Suites; Marriott Courtyard; Crown Plaza; Sheraton; Choice; and other Hilton brand hotels. 

 

His success as a “change agent” is a result of his ability to engage and achieve “buy-in” with diverse personalities creating motivation from within.  The same philosophy has applied to his adjunct teaching career delivering classes in Public Speaking, Marketing Management, & Interpersonal and Organizational Communications.

 

A note about the Student/ Instructor Relationship

First and foremost, you are the customer.  My primary responsibility is to ensure you get what you want from this course.  To accomplish that requires some mutual and collaborative, responsibilities.

One, there needs to be mutual understanding of needs and expectations.

Two, there needs to be a clear understanding of what the course can deliver.

Three, there needs to be an honest and ongoing communication about what’s working and what isn’t in the learning process.  Learning is challenging enough; introducing the medium of e-learning offers new challenges which can only be met in an honest and open environment.

With that in mind it would be prudent to share our expectations of this course.  Concurrently, it makes sense to share our needs and motivations for taking this course as those dynamics play a significant role in the learning process for us individually and collectively.

I’ll go first.

NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS

1.      Mutual respect. -  I recognize your aptitude to be equal to mine and all others.

 

2.      Attitude. -  That to accomplish any task we must; want it, be committed to it, and develop the skills to achieve it.

 

3.      Learning. – That learning is an ongoing process.  My responsibility to you is to lead you to the threshold of your own awareness; it is your responsibility to cross your own thresholds.

 

4.      Expectations. – You can expect, from me, complete preparedness with guidelines for the direction of the class; a non-bias objective interjection of thought in class discussions & decisions; and flexibility within the structure and guidelines of SPC’s policies and requirements.

 

a.      My expectations of the student:

                                                              i.      To have an insatiable desire to learn, share, and grow.

                                                            ii.      To fully engagement & interact in classroom discussions and activities

                                                          iii.      To bring good intent

                                                           iv.      To bring curiosity

                                                             v.      To challenge and question

                                                           vi.      To bring effort & preparedness

                                                         vii.      To have fun!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE COURSE

I.                    Com 3120:  Organizational Communications

a.       Your professional success, in no small way, is determined by your ability to communicate and understand the process of communication within organizations.

b.      We’ll focus on:

                                                              i.      How messages are disseminated

                                                            ii.      The interpersonal component of communication

                                                          iii.      Practical applications for diagnosing and resolving communication problems.

c.       This course will also have a written requirement focusing on practical business writing techniques.

 

II.                  Com 3131:  Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

a.      To be aware of the interpersonal factors that influence successful communications will give you a competitive edge in your professional environment.

b.      An understanding of some common communications concepts; the effects of internal and external environmental factors; and appropriate channels for interpersonal exchanges will help avoid unintended messages.

c.       You’ll be given an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of diversity in professional interpersonal relationships by delivering formal presentation and a written analysis of one or more characteristics in interpersonal communicative exchanges that interest you.

“KEEPING IT REAL: THE CHALLENGE OF THE “E” CLASSROOM

We have eight weeks, together; to get the value you want from the course.  To accomplish that will require honest effort and feedback.  In support of that SPC offers each student an opportunity to take a Survey (P.E.T.) to help identify learning styles.  It would be very useful to help facilitate learning objectives.  Please make use of it and advise me when you do.

Teaching and learning are often “folds in the same cloth”, i.e., it’s a mutual experience.  Looking forward to a fun and rewarding experience for all.