A Journey tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011-09-10:/less0084/ajourney//14283 2011-12-05T01:57:23Z Movable Type Enterprise 4.31-en ¿Qué es eso que dices? tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.325685 2011-12-05T01:50:09Z 2011-12-05T01:57:23Z Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. In... less0084 Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. In the process of leadership, a leader should be attentive to change, the reactions of associates, equality within the system, and the broader picture.

New: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. In the process of leadership, a leader should be attentive to change, the reactions of associates, equality within the system, communication styles, and the broader picture.

Saphiere's book uses a metaphor of a circus to display the complications of working together that results in efficiencies, while proposing solutions. Saphiere states that the use of this metaphor is analogous to the complexities of communicating internationally. Saphiere also states that the metaphor refers to the dependence each player has on each other. The circus players rely on each other's performance in an act. A work related team works in a similar way in which all workers are responsible for the failures or successes. Each communication theme discussed tells different ways the styles can affect the capabilities of a group. The communication styles that were explored in Saphiere's book included context, goals, self-concept, values, and repertoire.

I really liked the discussion of the communication styles. It is often that we might work with someone whose culture or values differs from ours. Like this book states, this can easily cause inefficiency and conflict that could have been avoided. Now that I have read this portion of the book, it will help me to keep these concepts in mind. This is why I added the portion in bold. It is a quick edit, but it will always remind me!

Works consulted:
Lauren F. Sessions (2010): HOW OFFLINE GATHERINGS AFFECT ONLINE COMMUNITIES, Information, Communication & Society, 13:3, 375-395

Saphiere, D. H., Mikk, B. K., & Devries, B. I. (2005). "Factors Affecting Communication Style: Starring acts in the circus." 47 - 82. Retrieved from http://www.download-it.org/free_files/Pages%20from%20Chapter%2003%20-%20Factors%20Affecting%20Communication%20Style-c2c273a32b32ce590fe42518fa48db05.pdf.

]]> Ideally :)... tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.322881 2011-11-19T23:26:55Z 2011-11-19T23:35:34Z Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. In... less0084 Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. In the process of leadership, a leader should be attentive to change, the reactions of associates, equality within the system, and the broader picture.

New: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. In the process of leadership, a leader should be attentive to change, the reactions of associates, equality within the system, and the broader picture.

This weeks article by Boyatzis gave an overview of intentional change from a complexity perspective. It talked about how change can occur through deliberation. Boyatzis called these 'discoveries.' The five discoveries include:

1. The ideal self and personal vision
2. Comparing real self and ideal self which results in evaluating one's strengths and weaknesses(finding the balance of where they are)
3. An agenda of learning and planning
4. Experimenting and practicing new behavior, thoughts, perceptions,and feelings
5. Trusting relationships that enable a person to experience and process each discovery in the process.

Although I thought this article's concepts are important and useful to think about. I don't think I will change anything about my definition. Again, like last week, a lot of these ideas are already incorporated in my definition. For example, the first discovery talks about a personal vision. This is stated in my definition already, just under 'a common goal.'

Boyatzis, R. (2006). An overview of intentional change from a complexity perspective. Journal of Management Development, 25(7), doi: 10.1108/02621710610678445

]]> Let's Work Together :) tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.321114 2011-11-08T20:58:27Z 2011-11-11T05:17:22Z Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. In... less0084 Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. In the process of leadership, a leader should be attentive to change, the reactions of associates, equality within the system, and the broader picture.

New: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. In the process of leadership, a leader should be attentive to change, the reactions of associates, equality within the system, and the broader picture.

I did not change anything in my definition this week because there wasn't anything that stood out to me as an element that I wanted to include. Komives article talked about group dynamics and how to interpret them. It was informative learning about the different processes that groups go though (forming, storming, norming, and performing), but I think a lot of the the elements of her book are actually already hidden within my definition. I mention moving towards a common goal which coincides with her mention of having a purpose and the stage storming. Forming is represented when I mention I want to instill trust and performing is represented by my mention of stability. Without stability the state of equilibrium would not exist for the group. So although I found this book to be insightful, I believe I have already incorporated her ideals in my definition.

Komives, S., Lucas, N., & McMahon, T. Exploring leadership. (pp. 166-194).

]]> We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (and women) are created equal.. tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.318825 2011-11-01T05:00:12Z 2011-11-04T07:08:19Z Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. During... less0084 Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. During the process, being attentive to change, reactions of associates, and the broader picture.

New: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. In the process of leadership, a leader should be attentive to change, the reactions of associates, equality within the system, and the broader picture.

This week we read a few articles but the only component I added to my definition was from the book Blink. I actually read this book about a year ago, so it was cool to bush up on it again and apply it to this class. Thin slicing can be used as a tool to a persons advantage and disadvantage. As a disadvantage, thin slicing individuals and not allowing your opinions to change with experiences can hinder potential talent and opportunity. First impressions are always important, but they are not always one hundred percent accurate. This is why I added the word equality. In essence, I wanted to add a word that symbolized "fairness." As a leader it is important to be fair to all of your follows no matter their race, first impressions, and whatever other qualities might distinguish them unfairly. As we read in Blink, the success of the car salesman was because he did not judge his customers by their outside appearances. This is a lesson for all leaders and managers. You never know who might have the means to help and share valuable ideas.

I also fixed up my second sentences to make it more complete :).

Gladwell, M. (2005). Blink. (Vol. 73, p. 98). New York: Little, Brown and Company.

]]> Watch Me Like A Hawk tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.317672 2011-10-25T04:25:11Z 2011-10-25T04:43:55Z Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. While... less0084 Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. While in the process, being attentive to change.

New: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. During the process, being attentive to change, reactions of associates, and the broader picture.

I added new concepts based on what I read in "Get on the Balcony." The article focused on four safegaurds to avoid common traps. I added reactions of associates based off of a the safeguard to read the behavior of authority figures for clues. It is always important to see whose buttons you are pressing. I used reactions to associates because I also want to include begin attentive the people underneath me as well. If I don't keep them pleased as well, I feel I could just as easily lose my position as a leader. I also added being attentive to the broader picture. This is important because you have to be able to view things objectively sometimes and it's always good to have a reminder to take a step back. I tend to want to dive right into projects and pour my soul into solving them, but sometimes you have to make sure you aren't moving too fast for the people it's affecting.

I didn't add anything from "One Big Thing" however, I loved the reading. It is a reminder that we too have to participate when we start initiatives. We are not immune from change either.

Works Cited:
Kegan, R., & Lahey, L. L. (2009).Identifying each person's one big thing. (pp. 63-67).
Boston: Harvard Business Press.
Heifetz, R. A., & Linsky, M. (2002).Get on the balcony. (pp. 51-74). Boston: Harvard
Business School Press.

]]> Can I Get Some Change Over Here? tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.316522 2011-10-22T17:34:20Z 2011-10-22T17:54:38Z Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. New:... less0084 Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal.

New: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. While in the process, being attentive to change.

The article, A Social Change model of Leadership Development, pointed out to me the importance of being knowledgeable toward a common goal. This seems to be a common theme within a few of the articles we have read, as it is already included in my definition. The article was clever in using a music model to help clearly illustrate how the individual adds to the collective.

The second article, Becoming a Servant Leader, had me reexamine who I was through the eleven characteristics that it described. What qualities was I born with? What can I continue to help develop? I tend to be a person who like to examine myself critically and so I believe that continuing to ask myself these question will not be terribly hard. However, sometimes making the change, or practicing them can be more difficult.

I ended up adding a component about change. As much as I love change, I hate it at the same time. Sometimes we have to look critically at what we are doing and see if it is being harmful or helpful. It is not always enjoyable to make a change, sometimes it can be a long journey or even harder work. However, if you do not make an effort to "roll with the time" it may set you and others back in the long run. That is why I added the bold section to my definition. It doesn't flow quite like my definition did before, but I think when I continue to add on it will make the second sentence fit more with the first.

Astin, H. S., & Astin, A. W. (1996). A social change model of leadership development:
guidebook (version iii). 4-27.

Barbuto, Jr., J., Wheeler, D., & , (2007). Becoming a servant leader: do you have what it
takes?.NebGuide, Retrieved from
www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/live/g1481/build/g1481.pdf

]]> Sharing the Throne tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.314507 2011-10-11T02:44:47Z 2011-10-11T03:05:58Z Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization with compassion, hope, stability, and trust in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. New: The action of leading a group of people or organization... less0084 Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization with compassion, hope, stability, and trust in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal.

New: The action of leading a group of people or organization through adaptive leadership while instilling compassion, hope, stability, internal leadership, and trust whilst avoiding group think in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal.

I can't say that I think this definition flows as nicely as my previous definitions, but I do like the new components I added in bold. I strongly believe in adaptive leadership. Although change is something people often groan about or feel uncomfortable with, it can save a company or keep it progressing. When I visited Fox River Mills in Osage, IA and discussed with the HR director what she believes I should take away from our meeting, she replied, "Keep up on technology and always find new ways to do things." Fox River Mills designs socks and the sole designers are engineers that grew up in Osage and are trained. Their employees feel ownership in their company. This article reaffirmed what I learned on my visit, pretty cool.

I added the part about group think because I really liked the line in the article that stated, "Dissenters who can provide crucial insights need to be protected from the organizational pressure to remain silent." This reminded me of group think because if I am not mistaken, silencing of other members is one of the components.


Heifetz, R., Grashow, A., & Linsky, M. (2009). Leadership in a (Permanent) Crisis. Harvard Business Review, 87(7/8), 62-69. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

]]> Ethics Are Standard tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.313132 2011-10-07T04:36:05Z 2011-10-07T05:02:48Z Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization with compassion, hope, stability, and trust in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal. New: The same! I really enjoyed the articles this week, but... less0084 Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization with compassion, hope, stability, and trust in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal.

New: The same!

I really enjoyed the articles this week, but I can't say that I want to add anything to my definition.

The article "How Good People Make Tough Choices" really hit home for me because I'm constantly questioning 'What is Right?' I am always trying to decide what is more right than the other? I can only look to my values and intuition to decide what is right for me. However, this article has taught me that there are two sides and in situations it is very important to look at both before jumping to any conclusions.

Kidder, R. M. How good people make tough choices. Harper Collins.

]]> I can see clearly now the rain is gone... tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.310029 2011-09-26T00:08:26Z 2011-09-26T00:31:22Z Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization with compassion, hope, stability, and trust in hopes to establish quality relationships and a common goal. New: The action of leading a group of people or organization with compassion,... less0084 Previous: The action of leading a group of people or organization with compassion, hope, stability, and trust in hopes to establish quality relationships and a common goal.

New: The action of leading a group of people or organization with compassion, hope, stability, and trust in hopes to establish quality relationships and move towards a common goal.

This week I added the words in bold, "move towards." Our readings (especially Lee & King's book) discussed the idea of having a "vision" and what that means to the leader and followers. To me having a vision is essentially the same thing as having a goal. Therefore I decided to add the words, move towards, to place emphasis.

Just as discussed in the readings, it is extremely important to share the same goal/vision with your leader because if you didn't have the same end goal in mind, then why are you following? Hopefully a person follows because they believe in what the leader has to say and they want the same outcomes.

Works Mentioned:
Lee, R., & King, S. Discovering the leader in you. (pp. 31-54). Retrieved from http://media.wiley.com/product_data/excerpt/13/07879095/0787909513.pdf

]]> Is there room for love? tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.308631 2011-09-19T05:55:23Z 2011-09-19T06:19:49Z Previous: 1. The action of leading a group of people or an organization. New: The action of leading a group of people or organization with compassion, hope, stability, and trust in hopes to establish quality relationships and a common goal.... less0084 Previous: 1. The action of leading a group of people or an organization.

New: The action of leading a group of people or organization with compassion, hope, stability, and trust in hopes to establish quality relationships and a common goal.

I added the 4 elements of Goleman's article because I truly believe that those four elements will improve a work environment on a personal level and on a business level. I also added the words quality relationship and a common goal to the end because it is important the follows do not perceive the leader as "fake" and it is also important to establish what the leader is leading your "company" towards.

There is a difference between leadership and great leadership. I am torn between what I want my definition to represent because I think there is a difference between reality and what most leadership is actually like. I would like to be a great leader, so my definition will be personal and true to only me (and anyone who shares my ideals). I hope I can keep it somewhere close to me in the future and have it continuously remind me of what type of leader/person I want/wanted to be/become.


Works Mentioned:
Goleman, D. (2000, March-April). Leadership that gets results. Harvard Business Review, 75-90.

]]> Leadership tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2011:/less0084/ajourney//14283.307286 2011-09-10T19:09:44Z 2011-09-10T19:18:43Z I realize that using a definition from Webster's or a similar dictionary is not what we are precisely looking for. However, when I think of leadership, I think of a variety of types of leadership. I cannot not possibly think... less0084 I realize that using a definition from Webster's or a similar dictionary is not what we are precisely looking for. However, when I think of leadership, I think of a variety of types of leadership. I cannot not possibly think of how to specifically define leadership as it applies to me. What type of leadership do I display? Because of this, I have chosen a definition that is "plain" or unspecific that I believe I can add to over the semester.

1. The action of leading a group of people or an organization.

I will say that I don't believe being a leader actually involves leading the group, but I do think this is a good starting point and I will continue to think about the language I want to use to make my definition something I truly believe in.

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