BGMT Discussion ***Zeek the geek

#1 (Amy)

Part 1

Currently, I believe I lead a few people at work because I used to do their jobs and I know how to do them best, however, I believe that because of my work ethic and my willingness to help everyone makes me successful in my current position. 3 of 7 secrets from the article" 7 Secrets of Servant Leadership" that will help me be successful going forward after this class include Listening intently and observe closely, demonstrate persistence, hold myself as well as others hold accountable for commitments. Within this class I’ve stated my leaders hear, but do not listen. I need to take my own advice and ensure I listen to make changes when needed. I’ve also complained that the leaders within my organization do not make changes after receiving complaints, instead of giving up so easily, I need to remain persistent to show my colleagues that anyone within the company can perceive and make a difference as Economy (2015) states leaders serve their people. I believe I already do a good job of holding myself accountable (my mother ensured I have too much catholic guilt built in) however, I do not give other the chance to fail or hold others accountable. It is important to allow my colleagues to fail or to ensure they are held accountable because they will learn and grow.

 

Part 2

After reviewing the “Tony Robbins Create a New Story” (Hamilton 2013) and after taking this class, I have found that I need to improve my communication skills further as well as continue to step out of my comfort zone and lead from where I am within my organization. I need to improve my communication skills because I am an introvert and have anxiety issues around group functions where others have no issues and actually enjoying and participating in these activities.

To answer the videos question, I’m very happy with life in general. I am in a very supportive and happy marriage, I have a very sweet and happy two-year-old son, I have a job that I don’t hate to go to everyday and generally enjoy the company of many of my co-workers. However, I have failed as a friend, it’s hard for me to keep up with social functions due to my introverted ways. I also am working to make more time for myself, and my body, however I’m 20 weeks pregnant so I’m not going to be able to do anything about that any time soon. I believe I am happy because I have worked toward making my life with what I always wanted it to be. However, one thing I did not achieve in my life “blue print” is obtaining my degree. I’ve noticed that the younger generation has finally caught up with me in education. I put off going back to school for eight years and recently we hired a front desk person that has a bachelor degree. With this aspect as well as my 30th birthday rapidly approaching, I decided to go back to school my only regret is not going back sooner, however my employee just recently offered tuition assistance and I am unsure If I would be able to afford it without this assistance. I am already working on making this change, it’s incredibly hard, as my husband is also going back to school but it will be worth it. It’s important to change now because these changes may make me happy but I would never know because I’ve never step out of my comfort zone to know that these things could also make me happy. Improving these issues will make me a better leader and a better person.  Making changes now will make it easier to remain changed long term thus ensuring long term success and happiness.

References

Economy, P. (2015, January 26). 7 Secrets of 'Servant Leadership' That Will Lead You to Success. Retrieved May 01, 2016, from http://www.inc.com/peter-economy/7-secrets-of-servant-leadership-that-will-lead-you-to-success.html

Hamilton, B. (2013, August 12). Tony Robbins Create a New Story. Retrieved May 01, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iAVaUNTX9U

#2 (Darcy)

The definition of leadership has changed over the years as far as what needs to be done to get people to follow you. Leaders of the past had different styles than those of today. Modern leaders are enlightened warriors because they look at all sides of the situation and absorb information needed to make the best decision, even if that decision is to change trajectory (Tice, 2007). In order to be successful, leaders need to be able to defy conventional business practices in an effort to keep innovation happening (Tice, 2007).

Leaders need to be adaptable and have self-awareness. According to Tice, before a leader can begin facing the challenges that get thrown their way, the need to look at themselves. Once they can handle themselves, they can work up to taking on a team of people. Leaders need to be able to adapt to the changes that come up and continue defining the purpose of the mission the team is on even when the path diverges. The concept is actually rather simple. Why do you get up and go to work every day? What’s the purpose? If a leader is able to provide his team with a reason why they should show up every day, part of the battle is won. Working together to come up with decisions is another crucial skill for the 21st century leader.

After watching the video Measuring what makes life worthwhile, I thought about leadership and happiness and what it all means. I am a mother and I have three followers who look to me for guidance on a consistent basis. We collaborate on the tough decisions and I try to empower them to make the decisions that aren’t too large on their own. I roll with the punches and try to demonstrate fluidity and flexibility as I make choices about the future (Bethel, 2010). I encourage them to be creative and work through problems to discover new solutions. Mostly, I am teaching them the importance of being happy with what they have and how working towards a goal can often times net them more.

Looking back on the last 8 weeks and all that we have learned, I would have to say that I got the most out of week #4. Personality and emotional intelligence plays such a huge role in successful leadership and reading about the characteristics that both introverts and extrovert have not only help me shape my communications but will likely help when listening to and working with others. I look at introverts in a very different light now, especially after reading the article by Cole (2014) regarding successful introverts. I would never have viewed Barack Obama or Hilary Clinton as an introvert. How can you be an introverted person and campaign for the head position in politics? Well, they make it a point to be seen and be heard, which is the first suggestion that Wallington (2003) had for tackling communication hurdles if one is an introvert. The same would hold true of someone like me, who feels like I have more introverted tendencies than extroverted. If I want people to hear me, I need to ensure that I get out there and be heard! It doesn’t matter if someone is an introvert or extrovert – both can be successful leaders.

Here is an interesting article that I found on the differences between extroverts and introverts. http://www.fastcompany.com/3016031/leadership-now/are-you-an-introvert-or-an-extrovert-and-what-it-means-for-your-career

References

Bethel, D. S. (2010, October 20). The Five F's of Successful Leadership. Retrieved from You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4_8sfIrbXE

Tice, C. (2007, February 1). Building the 21st Century Leader. Retrieved from Entrepreneur: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/173522

#3 (Anthony)

According to Tice (2007), an enlightened warrior is a leader who sees opportunities before the competition.  Skills that are required by the enlightened warrior include adaptability, self-awareness, people skills, decisiveness, and collaboration skills. It is important for leaders to lead by example and be open to new ideas.

Favorite Aspects of the Class

Week 3: A leader embraces change. According to Llopis (2014), a leader is not only capable of changes within the workplace; a leader is adaptable to situations that go beyond the scheme of everyday operations. Society is constantly changing. Each generation brings new ideas, challenges, and perceptions. It’s important for management to accept these changes since they reflect changes in society. Adaptability is a key characteristic for any successful individual and it requires an open mind.

Week 6: A leader is capable of inspiring followers. There is a distinct difference between motivation and inspiration. Motivation is short-term and does not invoke passion in followers. Inspiration is harder to attain since it demands respect, but the effect that inspiration has on the workplace surpasses any incentive. According to Babich (2013), when employees are inspired and care about what they do, their production and quality of work are substantially higher. Their job satisfaction increases and turnover rates fall. Inspiration is one of the most powerful tools in modern business.

Babich, E. (2013). How to inspire your employees to make them more engaged. The Business Journals. Retrieved from: http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/human-resources/2013/04/how-to-inspire-your-employees-to-make.html?page=all

Llopis, G. (2014). Every Leader Must Be A change Agent Or Face Extinction. Forbes. Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2014/03/24/every-leader-must-be-a-change-agent-or-face-extinction/#7c60feb6238b

Tice, C. (2007). Building the 21st Century Leader. Entrepreneur. Retrieved from: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/173522