Discussion Post

1st post: Discussion Question: Provide a 250-word response.

Give an example where the Big Idea of an organization you know does not match the reality of the context. Explain that organization’s rally cry and how it is different than reality. If they do not have an identifiable rally cry, create one and explain why and how it would make a difference.

Provide a response to the student posting below. Each response must be a 250-word response.

2nd post: My organization focuses on a little of both regarding success. As mentioned before, our secret sauce is “dream team”.  There's a level of understanding that not everyone can do everything alone. We work together. It’s almost like saying “you win together, you lose together”. My organization ensures to celebrate individual success while recognizing individuals who contributed a part of that.

 For example, with hurricane evacuations, one team member goes up to our sister campus to prepare for the arrival of the students, another 2 team members gather all of the students and get them on buses, and the last two team members clear the building. When we all arrive at the other campus safely, our sister campus thanks all of us and recognizes us as a team. There are a variety of levels of commitment during an evacuation. It is then once we return back to our personal campus, our division recognizes our personal efforts through team awards. I believe this example focuses on the peak performers as there are a lot of safety measures to follow and enthusiastic beginners, who are committed to the job but may need that extra push. Celebrating either individual success or team success impacts the organization in a positive way. Sometimes, in even the most difficult moments, focusing on the successes allows us to pause and remember our why. 

Besides work success, my organization is also focused on personal successes, whether you get a new car, a pet, visit a new town, etc. We spend every weekly meeting discussing our successes for the week and where we want to go next. Everyone is recognized in some aspect for their success. I believe this allows for the disillusioned learner to continue to strive to make progress, because even if it is not work related they are still being acknowledged. We leave the meeting each week with everyone being acknowledged and celebrated.  This type of focus is also beneficial to the reluctant learner. I see myself as a reluctant learner sometimes because I tend to lack confidence or doubt myself. But when I feel supported and motivated, I do well. I personally love these meetings each week. It makes the environment more family-like and individuals are more than likely to build rapport, be transparent and communicate with one another. 

Casullo (2012), discussed recognizing where you are in the development cycle in regards to situational leadership. I believe with my organization focusing on both team success and individual success it contributes to the four basic types of employees overall in its own way. 

3rdPost:

I am happy to report that Farmers focuses on individual and team success. Individuals are encouraged to educate themselves and not be afraid to spend time learning what other departments are doing, especially if they are interested in doing something different and challenging. Opportunities exist for each employee, and it is up to the individual to pursue or stay in their current position. Some individuals love what they do and have no desire to move up the ladder, and Farmers respect and reward their commitment to the job by placing them on temporary projects to break the monotonous tasks.  

I have been with Farmers for seven years, in the same position, not by choice; I tried, I applied; however, I was not their choice, but the feedback encouraged me not to give up; my supervisor and interviewing team gave me pointers for next round of posted jobs. However, as I pursued my Doctorate, I have always said that things happen for a reason. If I were promoted, I would not be in school; my current position gives me the flexibility to focus on school and work on projects as a subject matter expert (SME), train and coach new hires, and use my knowledge to identify gaps. Farmers support my journey; they are focused on me being successful regardless of where my education takes me.  

Farmers comprise various departments that contribute to the company's success; as they focus on ensuring the employees succeed individually, they focus on teams' success. Teams work together, focusing on Farmers' goals; they encourage collaboration across the company while providing the necessary tools and training so the teams can be successful.