Today in class, Feinberg discussed communication and listening. Being a leader requires the ability to be able to listen and communicate. If you are unable to do these two things, then leading is going to be extremely difficult for you. Leader must be active listeners to be able to pick up on details and have the ability to solve problems.
Another communication topic in relation to leadership is two way communication. Two way communication is very important because as demonstrated in class, not having two way communication makes it extremely difficult to accomplish goals. Leaders need to check that their followers are getting the message by receiving feedback and checking that their message is being heard and interpreted correctly. Communication is such an valuable concept in organizations. If employees of the organization do not even understand the message that is being conveyed and the organization is not making sure employees understand, there will be a huge stipend in the productivity of the organization. Communication is a building block for organizations in order to accomplish goals and succeed.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Leadership in Companies
As a senior about to head into corporate American, I was curious to know about what companies are superior in regards to leadership. Also, I was wondering what different companies do to encourage leadership so I did some searching on the Internet and found interesting information about GE.
One article I found was on CNN.com that ranked the top 20 Global companies to work for that develop good leaders. The top 5 companies included General Electric, Procter & Gamble, Nokia, Hindusta Unilever, and Capital One Financial. The companies filled out a survey and was rated on leadership qualities. Along with the survey, each of the company underwent interviews to help with the ranking. The complete list can be see at http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/leadership/2007/global/index.html.
So I looked at GE to see what they offer their employees to help build their leadership skills. They offer promotions for leadership positions from within the company which is a motivator for their employees. Also, GE stressed helping employees develop their leadership and providing information. They spend billions of dollars for training and educational programs to help create leaders. GE has built the John F. Welch Leadership Center that is the world's first major corporate business school. Much of GE's leadership development comes from the constant training and education. GE is committed to improving leadership within the company and building excellent leaders. Much of their leadership is focused on learning. They also offer their employees two leadership programs to aid individuals in their leadership abilities. This shows that not only is GE taking on the challenge of creating these leaders but they also see the importance of constantly evolving and never stop learning. These are important qualities to have in order to survive in leadership. These strides that GE has taken not only help improve their leaders but also show innovation and the importance of leadership. GE realizes that leadership has a huge role in their organization and in order to improve this area they have devoted time and money. More information can be found on their website at http://www.ge.com/company/culture/leadership_learning.html.
“We have always believed that building strong leaders is a strategic imperative. When times are easy, leadership can be taken for granted. When the world is turbulent, you appreciate great people.” — Jeff Immelt, GE Chairman and CEO
I think it is interesting that he said leaders are often taken for granted. This is a valid point and true. A lot of times, good leaders go under appreciated because people tend to focus on the negative. So when a leader is doing a good job they are often not thanked or shown appreciation. When a leader is doing a poor job, this is when people take notice and repercussions occur.
One article I found was on CNN.com that ranked the top 20 Global companies to work for that develop good leaders. The top 5 companies included General Electric, Procter & Gamble, Nokia, Hindusta Unilever, and Capital One Financial. The companies filled out a survey and was rated on leadership qualities. Along with the survey, each of the company underwent interviews to help with the ranking. The complete list can be see at http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/leadership/2007/global/index.html.
So I looked at GE to see what they offer their employees to help build their leadership skills. They offer promotions for leadership positions from within the company which is a motivator for their employees. Also, GE stressed helping employees develop their leadership and providing information. They spend billions of dollars for training and educational programs to help create leaders. GE has built the John F. Welch Leadership Center that is the world's first major corporate business school. Much of GE's leadership development comes from the constant training and education. GE is committed to improving leadership within the company and building excellent leaders. Much of their leadership is focused on learning. They also offer their employees two leadership programs to aid individuals in their leadership abilities. This shows that not only is GE taking on the challenge of creating these leaders but they also see the importance of constantly evolving and never stop learning. These are important qualities to have in order to survive in leadership. These strides that GE has taken not only help improve their leaders but also show innovation and the importance of leadership. GE realizes that leadership has a huge role in their organization and in order to improve this area they have devoted time and money. More information can be found on their website at http://www.ge.com/company/culture/leadership_learning.html.
“We have always believed that building strong leaders is a strategic imperative. When times are easy, leadership can be taken for granted. When the world is turbulent, you appreciate great people.” — Jeff Immelt, GE Chairman and CEO
I think it is interesting that he said leaders are often taken for granted. This is a valid point and true. A lot of times, good leaders go under appreciated because people tend to focus on the negative. So when a leader is doing a good job they are often not thanked or shown appreciation. When a leader is doing a poor job, this is when people take notice and repercussions occur.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Show Your Recognition
One of the main components of leadership is to give your followers recognition. This can be done in a variety of creative ways. If leaders are aware of this they can greatly improve their teams productivity, communication, and costs. Also, some employees might be more motivated by recognition than their paycheck. It is more important for them to be noticed and appreciated by their employer than receive a monetary bonus.
This website, http://www.maketheirday.com/, discusses different ways to motivate your employees with recognition. It discusses what different generations are motivated by and helps show how different individuals are motivated by a variety of things. It also has workshop information, a blog, and other educational information. Additionally, this website discusses the importance of realizing that recognition and rewards are two different things. Showing recognition does not cost that much because it can be as simple as telling employees about the extraordinary work of a co-worker during a meeting or a boss writing a letter to an employee thanking them for their hard work. On the other hand, rewards are another way to show appreciation but can be more expensive and often include more planning.
So as a leader, showing your appreciation for your workers can be a very effective leadership attribute.
This website, http://www.maketheirday.com/, discusses different ways to motivate your employees with recognition. It discusses what different generations are motivated by and helps show how different individuals are motivated by a variety of things. It also has workshop information, a blog, and other educational information. Additionally, this website discusses the importance of realizing that recognition and rewards are two different things. Showing recognition does not cost that much because it can be as simple as telling employees about the extraordinary work of a co-worker during a meeting or a boss writing a letter to an employee thanking them for their hard work. On the other hand, rewards are another way to show appreciation but can be more expensive and often include more planning.
So as a leader, showing your appreciation for your workers can be a very effective leadership attribute.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Leadership Website
Check this website out:
http://www.leadershiparticles.net/
There is a plethora amount of information about leadership and endless articles.
One article, "What Television’s First Woman President Has To Teach Us" discussed women in leadership which is highly important because women have started to break the glass ceiling. It is no longer rare to see a female CEO or manager which to me is such a great accomplishment. Even though women are not completely considered equals, there have been great strides made to providing more equality. In addition, this article discusses this particular leaders communication style. Her communication style is laid back but one that demands respect. So not only do her followers respect and listen to her but also feel comfortable around her. Having a unique communication style that appeals to followers can help a leader be more effective. It is important to find your personal communication style as a leader.
Also, women were not usually considered an authoritarian figure therefore women have to create authority but they have to do this while still keeping their feminine aspects and not appearing too masculine. So when women communicate they need to consider their volume and projecting while they talk, possibly lowering the pitch of their voice, and avoid intonation to help build authority and credibility. It is not difficulty enough for females to try and obtain these positions in the first place but now we have to think of all the factors that go into being a female leader such as our voice, appearance, and gaining respect.
http://www.leadershiparticles.net/
There is a plethora amount of information about leadership and endless articles.
One article, "What Television’s First Woman President Has To Teach Us" discussed women in leadership which is highly important because women have started to break the glass ceiling. It is no longer rare to see a female CEO or manager which to me is such a great accomplishment. Even though women are not completely considered equals, there have been great strides made to providing more equality. In addition, this article discusses this particular leaders communication style. Her communication style is laid back but one that demands respect. So not only do her followers respect and listen to her but also feel comfortable around her. Having a unique communication style that appeals to followers can help a leader be more effective. It is important to find your personal communication style as a leader.
Also, women were not usually considered an authoritarian figure therefore women have to create authority but they have to do this while still keeping their feminine aspects and not appearing too masculine. So when women communicate they need to consider their volume and projecting while they talk, possibly lowering the pitch of their voice, and avoid intonation to help build authority and credibility. It is not difficulty enough for females to try and obtain these positions in the first place but now we have to think of all the factors that go into being a female leader such as our voice, appearance, and gaining respect.
Monday, March 9, 2009
What would your living obituary consist of?
This week for class we were asked to write a living obituary for another student in the class. Overall this assignment was a little challenging to do because I personality never have written one and not really sure what it entails. Looking at the examples helped but overall this was a challenge... writing an obituary for someone that is still living? Interesting?
After talking with my partner for the assignment and thinking about all the things that she has been involved in, I tried to think of what the main components of her life were. Even though this was difficult, I thought it was much easier to do this for someone else than for myself. It will be interesting to see what my partner came up with as the essence of my life and if I found the same.
Describing the essence of some one's life made me think of what the essence of my life includes. The main essence of my life to be honest has been school. For 17 years, I have been going to school and my main goal has been to excel in my studies. This is interesting because during elementary school this was a struggle for me. Learning to read was not the easiest for me and it is ironic because after elementary school, I rarely go below a B in any of my classes for the rest of my schooling. So my life has been revolving around achieving exceptional grades and constant A's. This to me in not that impressive since recruiters look for more. For example, the JcPenney's recruiter said that she not only looks at GPA but what leadership roles and what else the candidate has done. This can highly influence a company selecting a different candidate over myself.
Therefore, this got me thinking what else I can do? I have had leadership roles but they were minimal. More leadership is constantly needed and more challenging roles. My grades are just not enough because they do not tell enough about my capabilities. I no longer want the essence of my life to be schoolwork and grades.... I want it to be something that is more extraordinary that will set me apart. Let the brainstorming and action plans begin! Average is not OK for many people, and it is not alright for me. Why blend in when you can stand out...
After talking with my partner for the assignment and thinking about all the things that she has been involved in, I tried to think of what the main components of her life were. Even though this was difficult, I thought it was much easier to do this for someone else than for myself. It will be interesting to see what my partner came up with as the essence of my life and if I found the same.
Describing the essence of some one's life made me think of what the essence of my life includes. The main essence of my life to be honest has been school. For 17 years, I have been going to school and my main goal has been to excel in my studies. This is interesting because during elementary school this was a struggle for me. Learning to read was not the easiest for me and it is ironic because after elementary school, I rarely go below a B in any of my classes for the rest of my schooling. So my life has been revolving around achieving exceptional grades and constant A's. This to me in not that impressive since recruiters look for more. For example, the JcPenney's recruiter said that she not only looks at GPA but what leadership roles and what else the candidate has done. This can highly influence a company selecting a different candidate over myself.
Therefore, this got me thinking what else I can do? I have had leadership roles but they were minimal. More leadership is constantly needed and more challenging roles. My grades are just not enough because they do not tell enough about my capabilities. I no longer want the essence of my life to be schoolwork and grades.... I want it to be something that is more extraordinary that will set me apart. Let the brainstorming and action plans begin! Average is not OK for many people, and it is not alright for me. Why blend in when you can stand out...
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Top 10 Leadership Qualities
These are the Top 10 Leadership Qualities found on http://www.hrworld.com/features/top-10-leadership-qualities-031908/.
1. Vision 6. Openness
2. Integrity 7. Creativity
3. Dedication 8. Fairness
4. Magnanimity 9. Assertiveness
5. Humility 10. Sense of Humor
It is unique because many of the qualities are similar to the ten leadership qualities in The Leadership Challenge and consistent with other leadership qualities needed. I think a sense of humor is an interesting quality realating to leadership but I understand why it would be beneficial for a leader to have. A sense of humor not only helps make a leader less intimidating but can also help their followers have more open and better communication. Also, a sense of humor can make a stressful situation a little less stressful.
Additionally, I thought humility is a very important quality for leaders to have. When leaders realize their dependence on their followers and know that they are important assets this helps the team function more properly. If a leader values their followers then this helps the team work better together. The leader having this quality can aid a team in being successful.
1. Vision 6. Openness
2. Integrity 7. Creativity
3. Dedication 8. Fairness
4. Magnanimity 9. Assertiveness
5. Humility 10. Sense of Humor
It is unique because many of the qualities are similar to the ten leadership qualities in The Leadership Challenge and consistent with other leadership qualities needed. I think a sense of humor is an interesting quality realating to leadership but I understand why it would be beneficial for a leader to have. A sense of humor not only helps make a leader less intimidating but can also help their followers have more open and better communication. Also, a sense of humor can make a stressful situation a little less stressful.
Additionally, I thought humility is a very important quality for leaders to have. When leaders realize their dependence on their followers and know that they are important assets this helps the team function more properly. If a leader values their followers then this helps the team work better together. The leader having this quality can aid a team in being successful.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Encourage Your Followers
An interesting aspect of leadership is encouraging your followers. Not only do you want to be a good leader but you also want to improve the abilities of your followers. A good leader aids their followers in bettering themselves and motivating them to take challenges.
Oprah can be a good example of this idea, not only does she strive to better her life but she aids her followers in finding ways to better theirs. Many topics on her show involve normal, average people that do extraordinary things. This helps show her viewers that they can also do great things even though currently they are living a normal life. Everyone has the ability to be great and above average, but do you take the opportunities to do this.
In return to a leader motivating their followers to accomplish amazing achievements, followers also need to have a drive to obtain these accomplishments. Therefore it is also the followers responsibility to take opportunities and strive to do better.
As a leader what can you do for your followers? As a follower, what can you do to be bold and different?
Oprah can be a good example of this idea, not only does she strive to better her life but she aids her followers in finding ways to better theirs. Many topics on her show involve normal, average people that do extraordinary things. This helps show her viewers that they can also do great things even though currently they are living a normal life. Everyone has the ability to be great and above average, but do you take the opportunities to do this.
In return to a leader motivating their followers to accomplish amazing achievements, followers also need to have a drive to obtain these accomplishments. Therefore it is also the followers responsibility to take opportunities and strive to do better.
As a leader what can you do for your followers? As a follower, what can you do to be bold and different?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)