Discussion Assignment Part 2-Business Writer

Response Guidelines

Post a substantive reply to at least two other learners (Student 1 and 2). As you

review your colleagues' posts, be sure to reconnect your thoughts to the discussion

topic and assigned readings. Your replies should demonstrate clear links between

the discussion topic, readings, and the content in the posts. (Brief Paragraph)

Student 1

Six weeks ago, at the beginning of this course, the word "innovation" meant a new

product or an original idea. I didn't put much thought into leaders being innovative.

A leader, by my definition, was someone that lead by example, held superior

supervisory skills and looked after their employees' work.

Through out the last six weeks, I discovered strengths and areas of opportunity

within myself as it pertains to leadership. I do have a much better understanding of

what an innovative leader is and the principles they have. Leaders must be able to

overcome obstacles and bring their team and others to a new level of originality

and problem-solving. In order for organizations to grow, their leaders must be able

to adapt and take risks. Change management is a risk and it is a large part of a

leader's responsibility. When undergoing any change, excellent communication

skills allow a leader to overcome barriers and present their ideas to others. My

understanding of innovative leaders has grown and I am now able to see where I

lack the skills needed and where my strengths are. I plan to use what I have learned

in this course and apply it to my future position.

Student 2

There is a night and day difference between what I knew in Unit 1 versus now in

Unit 6 and there is so much great material I have learned from this course that it is

hard to write about all of it. I recall feeling I was never creative enough, but now I

realize much of it I can control. The biggest takeaway I have learned is becoming

more aware. I can prep myself for disruption and changes or ongoing changes that

may occur, keeping an open mind will allow changes to happen more smoothly. By

monitoring my thinking, I can be more aware of the outcomes from the changes,

being more aware of my surroundings and the way it affects each person

differently will allow me to be more prepared for change. By learning to rebuild

my thinking process which in turn leads me to be able to brainstorm in new ways.

I also find that the Gallo communication styles of emotional, novel and memorable

can really benefit my leadership style. While having passion for what you do

becomes contagious which allows people to feel more connected to you as a leader

and in turn can be more persuasive to your audience. As Gallo shares, our brains

are trained to look for something brilliant and new, something that stands out and

looks delicious while this is a powerful way to catch the audience’s attention.

Knowing how to use your creative side to come up with new ideas, topics or

memorable ways to leave your audience wanting more is what makes you a good

communicator.

When a leader can tell a good story, they build that emotional connection with their

team and when the team feels they are valued their productivity increases and they

perform their best. By communicating in a storytelling way, you can inspire and

motivate others, show a clear vision, help define value and cultures and teach

important lessons. Not only is storytelling an excellent communication tool for a

boss when you want to heavily influence or make recommendations, but it’s also

good for subtle issues like providing feedback, coaching or even managing

diversity. I believe that storytelling can be such a powerful source when it’s done

in the right way.

Gallo, C. (2014). The unbreakable laws of storytelling [Video]. Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUsib8wsKdM