...Analysis Using Critical Thinking Model: Cliffside Holding Company Memo University of Maryland University College Introduction Amidst this barrage of information in today’s world, it is often difficult to make a decision and stand by it, assured that it was the most advantageous to all those involved. Fortunately, critical thinking is a tool available to assist in making well thought out decisions in the face of contradictory opinions and impulsive actions. In Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking, Browne and Keeley (2013) explain that critical thinking is “reacting with systematic evaluation to what you have heard and read” (p. 4). They further assert that critical thinking “requires a set of skills and attitudes that are built around a series of related critical questions” (p. 4). By asking the right questions, we employ the skill of critical thinking to enhance what and how we process information. To examine the concept of critical questions, this paper will analyze a business document from Cliffside Holding of Massapequa using the critical thinking model outlined by Browne and Keeley (2013) in Asking the Right Questions. Analysis Mr. Anil Ravaswami, Vice-President (VP) of Human Resources (HR) of Cliffside Holding Company of Massapequa (CHMC), wrote a memo to CEO Cynthia Castle in response to her request for the evaluation of a proposal for a new leadership development program to be designed for Cliffside’s junior insurance executives (personal...
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...When comparing and contrasting the leadership styles of Mitt Romney and Barack Obama, it is important to note the differences in leadership/management and communication styles. Looking to each leader in the context of their organization we know that Mitt Romney was the running Presidential candidate for the Republican Party and Barack Obama was the Presidential candidate for the Democratic Party that went on to win the Presidency for two terms. In this paper I will discuss the differences in each leaders communication style and how it affects their organizations, how it determines the differences between managers and leaders, how they use verbal/nonverbal communication styles to influence their followers and others around them, and what communication styles contribute to them being judged as a “good” or “bad” leader. Both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama take strategic approaches while attempting to get support from their distinct organizations. An example of this was during their campaign speeches in 2012. In an article by the Huffington Post it describes Romney talking mortality or a conservative style while Obama talks mainly policy. It also describes Romney’s framing as being more moral, simple, and straightforward while Obama’s style is policy-oriented, filled with numbers, details, and proposals. This gives a clear distinction as to which political party each candidate belongs to based on the assumptions that generally, republicans are seen as more conservative (socially and...
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...responsibilities. Once identifying conflict and the reasons why it occurs, team members should look for peaceful and mutually satisfying methods to minimize conflict. Learning to work as a team is a critical organizational competency that is based on the characteristics of the team. Participation on a team does not require that one change his/her personality. Interpersonal skills and technical skills are a good combination of skills to blend. An important aspect when constructing a team is that the team members share the same objectives and goals and is clear on the mission and purpose of the team. An effective team is a group of people with different backgrounds, skills and abilities, highly communitive, working together on a common purpose with clearly defined goals blending successfully, and getting along. Goal setting, clarifying the reason for the team coming together and what the team hopes to accomplish must be further defined as well as methods to measure progress. An open line of communication is very important to the success of the team. Responsibilities and tasks associated with the project should be clearly explained so that the members of the team are aware of their contributions to the effective and efficient outcome of the product. Multiple methods of communication should be utilized so that each team member is kept in the loop. E-mail, written correspondence, conference telephone calls, and meetings are...
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...patient who was confused and disoriented and confused post cerebrospinal vascular accident (CVA). This patient is overweight and has a left-side deficit. Neuro-assessment is positive. In continents bowel and bladder and to make story short, a total patient care that requires more than two person assistance. I told my PCA at the beginning of the shift to call for assistance if needs or I will help out. After the morning rounds, I went back to check on my patient. The patient is covered with clean linen, as I knew about this PCA and how irresponsible and careless she is, I uncovered the patient to check beneath. The patient had a bowel movement (BM), spread it up with the hands and over the body. Anyone could tell that the patient had a BM because of the smell when you walk into the room. This was not the...
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...Strategic Leadership Final Elements of Sustaining a Strategic Culture Viktor Kanzler Thursday, September 5, 13 Strategic Leadership Final Any organizational culture emerges out of the company’s norms, values and behaviors that are reinforced by the company’s role models, symbols and instructions. The organizational culture is usually marked and established by the management and founders, and then transferred to the employees of the company. The result is a common cultural identity within the company in terms of certain idioms, dress codes, myths or stories. Although the company primarily establishes the corporate culture, the external environment also influences it. The culture is in a constant process of change, driven by internal and external factors, which contribute to the change of the company. As a result, organizational cultures are often difficult to grasp because they are indeed a real fact, however, exist only in the minds of employees. Thus, as the culture is mainly formed by the employee’s belief in common values, behavior and attitude, which can also unconsciously control the employee’s actions and decisions, it plays a decisive role in the success of a company. In the following essay I will analyze and discuss what it takes to create and sustain a successful and enduring strategic culture that contributes to employee participation and ensures that the company remains competitive, sustainable and successful. In the upper management levels of...
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...subtasks. A group in itself does not necessarily constitute a team. Teams normally have members with complementary skills and generate synergy through a coordinated effort which allows each member to maximize his or her strengths and minimize his or her weaknesses. DEFINITION There is no universally accepted team definition. Everybody defines teams based on his perspective by emphasizing the aspects of the teams that are considered most important. However, we will use a single team definition, which we provide below, throughout the study in order to help readers understand more easily and be more consistent. “A team is a small number of people with complimentary skills who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable (Katzenbach & Smith, 1993)” This team definition phrases above and beyond an everyday definition. It gives more than just wording the term of team. It brings all significant aspects of the team building process out to the surface. Another important point is that the inevitable integration necessity among these aspects. To be able to talk about a real team, we need to have all these aspects working together with harmonization. None of these aspects is more important than the others are. Each one of them is necessary from team building and team performance point of view. Teamwork is a joint action by two or more people, in which each person contributes with different skills and expresses...
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...the organisation {SWOT&PEST) Key Performance Indicators Balance Scorecard Appraisal & Review of Business Policy Measurement 4 4 5 6 7 9 3 How should the senior team in BBC Broadcasting & Presentation develop their thinking to sustain the momentum of total quality/business excellence? Pillars and Dimensions of Total Quality Management Customer Focus Continuous Improvement Employee Investment and Empowerment Systems Thinking Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle Leadership Customer Focus through Customer Relationship Management (CRM) European Forum for Quality Management (EFQM) Balance Scorecard Programme Management Process (BSPM) Establishment and set up of Programme Office Strategic Analysis Strategic Development Strategic Implementation Strategic Implementation: Measure and Appraise 10 11 11 12 14 14 15 16 16 17 19 19 21 22 22 23 4 Conclusion 24 5 Bibliography 25 Executive Summary BBC Broadcasting & Presentation began their quality journey when their mission statement was emerged out of a lengthy process. They develop objectives that connected to their mission. To deliver their mission they had critical success factors and key performance indicators than linked to the critical success factors. They also assigned owners to each critical process and total quality measures were put in place. BBC Broadcasting & Presentation needed to introduce changes due to the diversification of the department’s...
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...forwards employee motivation--and, thus, organizational performance--is critical. Based on theories, studies, best practices, case studies and resources about motivation, this solutions-focused research article presents valuable information for the senior HR leader seeking competitive advantage. ********** Introduction In today's marketplace, where companies seek a competitive edge, motivation is key for talent retention and performance. No matter the economic environment, the goal is to create a workplace that is engaging and motivating, where employees want to stay, grow and contribute their knowledge, experience and expertise. Motivation is generally defined as the psychological forces that determine the direction of a person's level of effort, as well as a person's persistence in the face of obstacles. The direction of a person's behavior refers to the many possible actions that a person could engage in, while persistence refers to whether, when faced with roadblocks and obstacles, an individual keeps trying or gives up. (1) The responsibility for motivation is three-fold: it falls on the senior leadership, the direct manager and the employee. Numerous factors are involved, from trust, engagement and values (individual and organizational) to job satisfaction, achievement, acknowledgement and rewards. Motivation is essential for working autonomously, as well as for collaboration and effective teamwork. The ultimate focus of the organization is to successfully...
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...Simulation- Personal Reflection Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction to Mount Everest team and Leadership simulation 2 2.0 Our Team Process Efficacy 3 2.1 The role of the leader 3 2.2 Psychological Safety 5 2.3 Group Thinking 7 3.0 Conclusions 8 4.0 Reference 9 1.0 Introduction to Mount Everest team and Leadership simulation Climbing Mount Everest is a dangerous undertaking, a Herculean task fraught with difficulties, danger, complexities and volatile weather conditions. Disaster can strike without warning, leaving the most competent and experienced professional high altitude mountain climber gasping for breath, and desperately fighting to stay alive. Death is not uncommon to mountaineers who ascend Mt. Everest, a simple mistake, faulty judgments, miscommunication, wrong decisions or complacency can lead to disastrous consequences. Indeed, climbing Mt. Everest cannot be accomplished alone, individuals need to work together as a team, cooperate and collaborate with one another, and rely on one another's capabilities to ascend the mountain summit successfully. Everest leadership and team multimedia simulation is an attempt to help the participants experience and understand team dynamics and leadership. It requires participants to work as a unit, a cohesive entity, collaborating and communicating essential information in order to make effective decisions that will benefit individuals and the group in achieving their goals. The interactive simulation...
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...Contents Page Introduction Articles to Inform & Stimulate The Five Learning Disciplines Conversation & Tacit Knowledge Communities of Practice Teams Is Your Team Really a Team? The Five Levels of Teamwork How Do You Build Team Performance? What Kind of Team Player Are You? The Four Stages of Team Development Turning People On To Teamwork Rethinking Teams Some Questions for Team Reflection Will that be Leadership or Management? Leadership & Learning Blogs-Websites Leadership & Management Books Videos: Leadership & Learning Social Media and Networking Books Social Media and Networking Blogs About the Author 1 2 3 11 15 17 17 19 22 24 27 28 30 34 35 41 42 44 45 47 48 Introduction The rapidity of change, stemming from technology, an ageing workforce and globalization, is growing, exerting pressure on organizations to adapt. Traditional workplace practices are being questioned by Generations X and Y. Issues such as employee engagement, leadership and management practices, virtual teams, distributed work and alliances with stakeholders are being viewed through a new lens. As an aid to help you in your work and learning journey, this resource guide contains a diverse selection of information sources on leadership, management, personal mastery, team learning and more. I’ve read most of the books that are mentioned and am familiar with the websiteblogs. The guide begins with a series of short articles I’ve written over the past few years. These are intended to assist you reflect...
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...leadership skills are: * Describe a time when you had to lead a group to achieve an objective. * Describe a work based situation where you had to lead by example to achieve an objective. * Describe a situation where you inspired others to meet a common goal. * How do you motivate team members to do something they decide they do not want to do? Examples of decision making competency based questions are: * What is the toughest decision you have ever made? Why was this so difficult? * How do you come to conclusions? * Tell me about a decision you have made that has affected other people. * Do you find decisions difficult? * Give me an example of a bad decision you have made. Why was this a bad decision? * Describe a time when you had to lead a group to achieve an objective. * Describe a work based situation where you had to lead by example to achieve an objective. * Describe a situation where you inspired others to meet a common goal. * How do you motivate team members to do something they decide they do not want to do? Problem solving * How do you solve problems? * Give me an example of a problem you have faced in the past, either as part of a team or as an individual. How did you solve the problem? * What do you do when you can't solve a problem? * RClose Open WikiJob * Jobs * Study * Reasoning Tests * ------------------------------------------------- Psychometric Tests ...
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...William Ward has been in a leadership role for the past six years. Currently, he has a staff of five that ranges in age, gender, experiences, and personalities. Ward believes that one’s personality characteristic contributes to the leadership style one uses in their current role as a leader. A series of self-assessment tools was taken by Ward which has contributed to the development of his personal characteristics profile. This paper will include a discussion of Ward’s personal characteristics, self-assessment results, a summarization of self-assessment results, and an analytical view of how attributes/scores relate to his relationships and career choices. Based on life experiences, the development of personality characteristics tends to come to the forefront of one’s identity. Ward believes that he is flexible, versatile, motivated, personable, diplomatic, tactful, poised, and competent with demonstrated ability to easily transcend cultural differences. The “Are You Left or Right Brained” activity indicates that Ward is “Left Brained.” Since Ward is Left Brained, he is logical, reliable, rational, and enjoy schedules and routines. He also likes to know he can count on things, and change is difficult to deal with. Ward is interested in working with numbers and following rules, with little-to-no interest in less structured subjects. As a manager, he works hard to build his skills as it relates to his management foundations. As it relates to leadership, Ward wants to inspire...
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...importance of communication in an organization can be summarized as follows: 1. Communication promotes motivation by informing and clarifying the employees about the task to be done, the manner they are performing the task, and how to improve their performance if it is not up to the mark. 2. Communication is a source of information to the organizational members for decision-making process as it helps identifying and assessing alternative course of actions. 3. Communication also plays a crucial role in altering individual’s attitudes, i.e., a well informed individual will have better attitude than a less-informed individual. Organizational magazines, journals, meetings and various other forms of oral and written communication help in moulding employee’s attitudes. 4. Communication also helps in socializing. In todays life the only presence of another individual fosters communication. It is also said that one cannot survive without communication. 5. As discussed earlier, communication also assists in controlling process. It helps controlling organizational member’s behaviour in various ways. There are various levels of hierarchy and certain principles and guidelines that employees must follow in an organization. They must comply with organizational policies, perform their job role efficiently and communicate any work problem and grievance to their superiors. Thus, communication helps in controlling function of management. An effective and efficient communication system...
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...Articles Building a Culture That Encourages Strategic Thinking Ellen F. Goldman1 and Andrea Casey1 Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies 17(2) 119–128 © Baker College 2010 Reprints and permission: http://www. sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1548051810369677 http://jlos.sagepub.com Abstract The ability to think strategically is critical for leaders and managers at multiple organizational levels. Specific work experiences can contribute to the development of an individual’s strategic thinking ability. Culture, among other organizational factors, can either encourage or limit those contributions. Leaders, as culture constructors and transformers, can act to maximize the relationship between organizational culture and the process of learning to think strategically. A cadre of formal training, developmental activities, and self-directed learning initiatives can provide leaders with the skills to enhance the strategic thinking of those they lead. Keywords strategic thinking, management learning, leadership development, organizational culture “Culture eats strategy for lunch.” This management truism is linked to examples of how strategy failed, acknowledging that actions attempted were inconsistent with the organization’s values, beliefs, and assumptions (Weeks, 2006). The strategy-eating potential of culture has been used as the basis for recommending that leaders initiate large-scale change efforts to align culture with strategy. However, it has...
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...ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS ANALYSIS Summary Description of Organization Watts International, Inc. designs, manufacturers, and markets valves and engineered products for the energy, aerospace, and industrial markets with more than 7,000 customers in over 100 countries. The business value states “to value our employees and continuously improve our quality of work to our customers” (Watts, 2011). The company is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent and practicing continuous improvement processes in all aspects of its business and operations. Strategic business acquisitions enhance product distribution in both domestic and international markets to solve customer-specific problems. This organization was selected due to the future transformation of the workforce and the critical nature of possessing excellent communication skills. There are many tenured employees with over 35 years of service. Within the next couple of years, 20% of the workforce will be retiring. This will result in a significant loss of knowledge and experience so it is necessary to begin now cross training employees with less tenure to carry on the quality production now in existence. The most critical positions are senior management and engineers. The product lines are very specialized and require highly experienced personnel. The volume of individuals retiring presents special challenges due to the industry specific expertise required. The new...
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