4 ASSIGNMENTS

RESPONSE 1 Geert Hofstede returns us to the dimensions by introducing the idea of long-term vs. short-term orientation in the resource video (2015). Short-term orientation is focused on what is right in front of us and long term focuses on the future. I would argue that virtuous leaders are long-term oriented. Humble and willing to lift up the people, they see their role as one of providing service rather than promoting their own self-interest. My workplace feels like a virtuous organization. We have moved far in the that direction as our administration has changed in the last couple of years. Public schools are rooted in the idea of educating and caring for children. Keeping this goal first in our minds lends us to follow a path that focuses on what is best for kids. This is a phrase that we use as a shorthand to stop focusing on what will be easiest or most comfortable. Our current principal is very much a virtuous leader. He spends time studying other leaders in the same area. He is willing to change direction if the interests of the staff, students, and families are at risk. I have witnessed him get out of the way of a developing issue when it was clear that the initial decision was not right. Compare this to a previous principal who left people in tears regularly and refused to shift position for fear of looking weak or losing status. According to the video by Prof. Havard, (StrathmoreBusiness, n.d.), we overuse the term leader. Position is not leadership. Leadership must be earned. I like the verse. James 4:10 (NIV) “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Creating a situation where you are leading in a humble way will draw respect from the people you are leading and ultimately inspire them to perform at their highest level. ========================== RESPONSE 2 Introduction This discussion examines Hofstede’s long-term cultural dimension and analyzes its adoption by a virtuous leader. Next, this discussion will highlight a virtuous organization that is long-term oriented. Last, this discussion will share a bible verse that supports virtuous leaders and organizations. Virtuous Leaders: Long-term or Short-term Orientation? According to Mind Tools (n.d.), “countries with a long-term orientation tend to be pragmatic, modest, and thriftier. In short-term oriented countries, people tend to place more emphasis on principles, consistency, and truth, and are typically religious and nationalistic”. I believe virtuous leaders might choose to adopt a long-term orientation, for the simple fact that virtuous leadership isn’t something that can be acquired in a day. Leadership, an especially virtuous leadership, is a day in and day out process that one must focus intently on improving. Virtuous leaders must take to time to develop “virtue” or moral high standards to lead people and organizations. Ford: Built Ford Tough Ford Motor Company strikes me as an organization that possesses a long-term orientation. Ford has established a culture based on putting people first, doing the right things, creating tomorrow-today, and building an all-inclusive network (Ford Motor Company, 2021). Ford has been around since 1903. It takes a long-term oriented company to withstand the tests of time. Leveraging their company culture and leadership are two of the many ways they have been able to succeed in an ever-changing society. Virtue and Mindset “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4: 29-32, NIV Version). Virtuous leaders use their words and actions to build people up and spread the delights of possessing moral high standards. Not in a pompous way, but in a way that enlightens and provokes new thinking and behavior. Plants a seed that creates a yearning to do good in others and self. Being kind and compassionate during disputes in a society that expects rage and anger as an appropriate response is an example of a virtuous leader demonstrating their moral high ground