Ldg W/ Wisdom, Vision & Value

4.2 Discussion. Stewardship and the Balanced Scorecard

Getting Started

In this week’s discussion forum, we will look very intentionally at the relationship between stewardship and strategic planning (in this case, using a tool called the Balanced Scorecard). Initially, you may find yourself wondering how these two concepts have anything to do with one another. In fact, good stewardship lies at the heart of strategic and sustainable organizational success.

In his book,  The Steward Leader, author Scott Rodin (2103) addresses the very human trait of desire for power and material success. Rodin points out that “natural trappings distinguish those in leadership, such as salary, title, prestige, priority, power, influence, honor, and advancement. And in each area lie tempting opportunities for increase (part 1).” 

Rodin (2013) goes on to write:

Perhaps the hardest place to decrease is in the influence and the power we hold over people and decisions. As a result, we produce (organizations) that are rife with learned helplessness. By overestimating our worth we help our people depend on us for everything. And that dependence feeds into our need to be needed, to be the visionary, to be in control. We tell ourselves that the more we lead in this way, the more our leadership is valued and our presence desired.

Of course, this is not real leadership but a counterfeit that contributes to our increase and expands our kingdom. This type of leader is an owner-leader. This leadership does a terrible disservice to people, leaving them uninvolved and underdeveloped. It wastes resources and limits (progress), all under the guise of strong leadership and the use of God-given talents for “getting things done.” Leadership pioneer Robert Greenleaf reminds us that the difference between a true servant-leader who is servant first and a leader-servant who seeks leadership first lies in the growth of the people who serve under him or her (part 1).

So, how do Rodin’s comments connect to strategic planning? Well, that’s what this discussion forum will explore. Here’s a hint: Consider how the role of steward, rather than owner, might influence how an organization establishes its values and its goals. How might all of that impact the strategies that an organization may choose to implement in an effort to be successful?

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Apply principles of stewardship to your understanding of wise, strategic planning.

Background Information

The  Balanced Scorecard - Meaning, Elements, Characteristics, Examples, and Criticism (new tab)  webpage also contains useful information regarding the balanced scorecard.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Read the article:  What is the balanced scorecard? A framework for organizational success (new tab) .

3. View the YouTube video: The Balanced Scorecard - Harvard Business Review. ( video transcript (Word document) ) 

4. Read the article:  Whatever Happened to Corporate Stewardship (new tab) .

5. View the YouTube video: Stewardship: How Leaders Live for Tomorrow, Today.

6. In your initial discussion post (300–350 words), based on the assigned articles and videos, discuss what you learned about the integration of stewardship with the principles of the balanced scorecard as a mechanism for measuring and strategically planning for organizational success. Consider the following questions to help prompt your thinking as you gather your thoughts for your post: What are specific ways that stewardship can guide wise, strategic planning? Are stewardship and corporate goals compatible? Why or why not? For example, even if financial perspectives seem strong at the present time, yet the customers’ perspectives are less than favorable, what might that indicate and how might leaders respond strategically?

All postings should be thoughtful, but succinct. Please remember to cite your work where appropriate. Feel free to utilize Academic Writer (APA formatting resource)