Nokia recently hired a new CEO, Stephen Elop, to help revive Nokia's presence in the cell phone industry. Nokia feels it is falling behind primarily in its smartphone department. Elop is in a highly directive state. He has very little supportive behavior for his employees. In the situational approach model developed by Blanchard, he is in the S1-D1 category. Elop is task-oriented by focusing on the objective to reestablish Nokia as a "challenger" in the smartphone industry. The communication from Elop to employees is always about the goal of developing the company to revive itself as being the number one in the smartphone industry. Elop is not being supportive because he is wanting to not try and give encourage the current employees to do better. He is looking to have immediate redeveloping of the company with new employees. Eventually, Elop may move into the S2-D2 category of coaching, but for right now, he is looking to redevelop the company to reach its full potential.
Questions: Do you think it is wise for Stephen Elop to be in such a directive mode at this point? Do you think he should be in a different mode (either S2-D2, S3-D3, or S4-D4)?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704858404576128531221475772.html?mod=WSJ_mgmt_LeftTopNews
Posted by: Aaron Barton
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Executives car predict their personality?
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2007-12-10-ceo-cars_N.htm
This article looked at the types of cars that various CEO's drove and then it compared them to their management styles and relates it to some of their traits. For example "Thayer, CEO of health care facilities operator I-trax (DMX) , tools around in an '86 F-250 pickup that may be worth $2,000, but only because he takes such meticulous care of it. "Early in my career I learned to maintain plant and equipment," he says. He refuses to trade in the truck, and hopes that reinforces to his 2,000 employees in 31 states his commitment to frugal resource management."" This gives light to the fact that skills, traits, and values used in younger years of CEO's can transfer to the later years as they progress up the ladder and need more leadership skills.
It also conveys to the employees of the company what the CEO stands for, whether he drives a Eco-friendly car and promotes stability within his company to CEO's that drive flashy sports car that show the employees the CEO is at the top and he runs the company his way. The Expensive cars could be looked as a motivating factor to their employees to show what is possible with their company. It is interesting because most people think of Executives as driving black Mercedez but the color and make will say a lot about the Executive especially when they can drive any car they wanted.
Questions?
What other chracteristics would a car divulge about a CEO?
What other CEO perks can motivate their employees?
Posted- Greg Pawlowski
This article looked at the types of cars that various CEO's drove and then it compared them to their management styles and relates it to some of their traits. For example "Thayer, CEO of health care facilities operator I-trax (DMX) , tools around in an '86 F-250 pickup that may be worth $2,000, but only because he takes such meticulous care of it. "Early in my career I learned to maintain plant and equipment," he says. He refuses to trade in the truck, and hopes that reinforces to his 2,000 employees in 31 states his commitment to frugal resource management."" This gives light to the fact that skills, traits, and values used in younger years of CEO's can transfer to the later years as they progress up the ladder and need more leadership skills.
It also conveys to the employees of the company what the CEO stands for, whether he drives a Eco-friendly car and promotes stability within his company to CEO's that drive flashy sports car that show the employees the CEO is at the top and he runs the company his way. The Expensive cars could be looked as a motivating factor to their employees to show what is possible with their company. It is interesting because most people think of Executives as driving black Mercedez but the color and make will say a lot about the Executive especially when they can drive any car they wanted.
Questions?
What other chracteristics would a car divulge about a CEO?
What other CEO perks can motivate their employees?
Posted- Greg Pawlowski
NBC Spotlights Celebrity Causes
NBC Specials Promote Celebs Causes:
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/news/article_1511239.php/NBC-Making-a-Difference-sees-Alicia-Keys-Halle-Berry-and-Glenn-Close-Nov-9
In this article by April MacIntyre we see how NBC is helping several stars promote their causes. Aside from these celebs, the show introduces ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things. NBC, instead of having one leader lead this promotion, is promoting change and outreach as a whole. The article talks about how Jon Bon Jovi, Alicia Keys, Halle Berry and other celebs are working toward change and awareness. Their actions target things from poverty to helping with Katrina recovery. This attitude NBC is putting out there reminds me of the contingency theory of leadership we covered in class. Each challenge (poverty, hunger, disaster relief, domestic violence, etc.) requires different leadership styles. Disaster relief may focus a lot more on building relationships and helping out in any way. Things like hunger and poverty require more task-oriented solutions, things that will put up numbers for the people in need. Halle Berry is also mentioned in the article. Her cause deals with helping victims of domestic abuse. Things like this require more difficult leader action as the task structure is not always high. However, the position power is good, as the members can really trust the leader, since she made a point to help organization and support the cause in the first place. It depends a lot on the situation from person to person. A big help for all of these celebs is the position power. They aren?t in the position to necessarily punish anyone, but have the funding to reward people and organizations monetarily.
Posted by Samantha Wilson
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/news/article_1511239.php/NBC-Making-a-Difference-sees-Alicia-Keys-Halle-Berry-and-Glenn-Close-Nov-9
In this article by April MacIntyre we see how NBC is helping several stars promote their causes. Aside from these celebs, the show introduces ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things. NBC, instead of having one leader lead this promotion, is promoting change and outreach as a whole. The article talks about how Jon Bon Jovi, Alicia Keys, Halle Berry and other celebs are working toward change and awareness. Their actions target things from poverty to helping with Katrina recovery. This attitude NBC is putting out there reminds me of the contingency theory of leadership we covered in class. Each challenge (poverty, hunger, disaster relief, domestic violence, etc.) requires different leadership styles. Disaster relief may focus a lot more on building relationships and helping out in any way. Things like hunger and poverty require more task-oriented solutions, things that will put up numbers for the people in need. Halle Berry is also mentioned in the article. Her cause deals with helping victims of domestic abuse. Things like this require more difficult leader action as the task structure is not always high. However, the position power is good, as the members can really trust the leader, since she made a point to help organization and support the cause in the first place. It depends a lot on the situation from person to person. A big help for all of these celebs is the position power. They aren?t in the position to necessarily punish anyone, but have the funding to reward people and organizations monetarily.
Posted by Samantha Wilson
DeSean Jackson
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=6120346
I initially read about this story on Yahoo the day DeSean was on The View. I then came across this story on ESPN. A will give a little background info on the story first. A 13 year old kid, Nadin Khoury, was the new kid in school. While walking home one day a group of older kids ambushed him and beat him up very badly. The whole thing was caught on tape and published on the web (YouTube I believe). Once it was published, his mom and Nadin went public with the story. Not long after that they got a call to be on The View to discuss the situation and talk about bullying in schools. While on The View they discussed what happened and showed the video. The people on The View got word that Nadin is a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan and Desean is his favorite player. So the day before Nadin was scheduled to be on the show, they called DeSean to see if he would be interested in coming on the show as a surprise. Without hesitation DeSean flew from LA to New York to be on the show and show his support. DeSean grew up in in South Central LA so he knows all too much about bullying. DeSean is now setting up a foundation to help stop bullying in schools. DeSean is a transformational leader because he used people's emotions, values, and ethics to connect with them. After watching the clip of The View many people were moved to do more than what they would normally do on an average day. They felt compelled to do something they would not usually do. DeSean is connected with the ichoose2live foundation. By going on The View and expressing what it is like to be bullied and what we as human beings need to do to stop this, he helped open people's eyes. He took on this task on a national stage, which can be often difficult, but with topics like this it is very hard to ignore. DeSean used inspirational motivation which the leader inspires their followers through motivation to be committed to a cause. He used emotions to appeal to those who tuned in to that episode. As DeSean came on The View just about every on stage began to cry. People were very emotional at this point. As DeSean sat next to Nadin, DeSean took his jersey off his back, signed it, and gave it to Nadin. He also got Nadin tickets to Eagles games next year, Philadelphia 76ers games, memorabilia, and his own cell phone number in case Nadin ever needed someone to talk to. While the cause was for a good reason, DeSean definetly pulled on people's heartstrings to make a difference in their community and to people everywhere. By promoting ichoose2live on both the show and on his Twitter account he gave his "followers" the resources needed to do something should they choose to. Overall, DeSean used emotions to get his point across on a subject that really needs to be addressed because millions of kids are bullied and unless people do something to stop it, bullying will never stop. Do you think that transformational leadership and pulling on people's hearstrings is really an effective way to get things accomplished in most instances?
Posted by Jason Svela
I initially read about this story on Yahoo the day DeSean was on The View. I then came across this story on ESPN. A will give a little background info on the story first. A 13 year old kid, Nadin Khoury, was the new kid in school. While walking home one day a group of older kids ambushed him and beat him up very badly. The whole thing was caught on tape and published on the web (YouTube I believe). Once it was published, his mom and Nadin went public with the story. Not long after that they got a call to be on The View to discuss the situation and talk about bullying in schools. While on The View they discussed what happened and showed the video. The people on The View got word that Nadin is a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan and Desean is his favorite player. So the day before Nadin was scheduled to be on the show, they called DeSean to see if he would be interested in coming on the show as a surprise. Without hesitation DeSean flew from LA to New York to be on the show and show his support. DeSean grew up in in South Central LA so he knows all too much about bullying. DeSean is now setting up a foundation to help stop bullying in schools. DeSean is a transformational leader because he used people's emotions, values, and ethics to connect with them. After watching the clip of The View many people were moved to do more than what they would normally do on an average day. They felt compelled to do something they would not usually do. DeSean is connected with the ichoose2live foundation. By going on The View and expressing what it is like to be bullied and what we as human beings need to do to stop this, he helped open people's eyes. He took on this task on a national stage, which can be often difficult, but with topics like this it is very hard to ignore. DeSean used inspirational motivation which the leader inspires their followers through motivation to be committed to a cause. He used emotions to appeal to those who tuned in to that episode. As DeSean came on The View just about every on stage began to cry. People were very emotional at this point. As DeSean sat next to Nadin, DeSean took his jersey off his back, signed it, and gave it to Nadin. He also got Nadin tickets to Eagles games next year, Philadelphia 76ers games, memorabilia, and his own cell phone number in case Nadin ever needed someone to talk to. While the cause was for a good reason, DeSean definetly pulled on people's heartstrings to make a difference in their community and to people everywhere. By promoting ichoose2live on both the show and on his Twitter account he gave his "followers" the resources needed to do something should they choose to. Overall, DeSean used emotions to get his point across on a subject that really needs to be addressed because millions of kids are bullied and unless people do something to stop it, bullying will never stop. Do you think that transformational leadership and pulling on people's hearstrings is really an effective way to get things accomplished in most instances?
Posted by Jason Svela
Sunday, February 13, 2011
U.N. Goodwill Ambassadors: Don Cheadle & Edward Norton
NPR Article: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130051063
To go along with part of our blog’s theme this article is a good example of celebs being influential in a positive way. The article is about Don Cheadle & Edward Norton, who are serving as U.N. goodwill ambassadors. I found it interesting as I didn’t even know this sort of position existed. Among a few other celebs like Angelina Jolie, these ambassadors make trips to places in need and help in several ways.
Recently Don Cheadle went to Rwanda. A lot of the focus here was on environmental problems. He was trying to raise awareness in places that don’t take action to preserve the environment. This is only one example of a cause the U.N. goodwill ambassadors tackle.
This ambassador position immediately made me think of what we learned about in the trait approach. For one, Cheadle shows sociability. Ambassadors are there for a reason, to maintain smooth relationships. Just like it says in the book, Cheadle is a perfect example of someone acting “friendly, outgoing, courteous, tactful, and diplomatic.” Along with this, we can see his level of extraversion. This entire group of ambassadors is meant to do good things, and Cheadle wouldn’t be able to do so if he was negative and shy. Personally, I think visiting Rwanda would certainly take me out of my comfort zone. These are just to name a few, but Cheadle has several traits we discussed in chapter 2.
Now Don Cheadle seems like a good guy, but the question is are some celebs doing this because they care or because it looks good? It’s hard not to question their motive, remembering their ‘any press is good press’ celebrity attitude.
Sammy Wilson
To go along with part of our blog’s theme this article is a good example of celebs being influential in a positive way. The article is about Don Cheadle & Edward Norton, who are serving as U.N. goodwill ambassadors. I found it interesting as I didn’t even know this sort of position existed. Among a few other celebs like Angelina Jolie, these ambassadors make trips to places in need and help in several ways.
Recently Don Cheadle went to Rwanda. A lot of the focus here was on environmental problems. He was trying to raise awareness in places that don’t take action to preserve the environment. This is only one example of a cause the U.N. goodwill ambassadors tackle.
This ambassador position immediately made me think of what we learned about in the trait approach. For one, Cheadle shows sociability. Ambassadors are there for a reason, to maintain smooth relationships. Just like it says in the book, Cheadle is a perfect example of someone acting “friendly, outgoing, courteous, tactful, and diplomatic.” Along with this, we can see his level of extraversion. This entire group of ambassadors is meant to do good things, and Cheadle wouldn’t be able to do so if he was negative and shy. Personally, I think visiting Rwanda would certainly take me out of my comfort zone. These are just to name a few, but Cheadle has several traits we discussed in chapter 2.
Now Don Cheadle seems like a good guy, but the question is are some celebs doing this because they care or because it looks good? It’s hard not to question their motive, remembering their ‘any press is good press’ celebrity attitude.
Sammy Wilson
Saturday, February 12, 2011
PostSecret
Most everyone has heard of Frank Warren, or at least his website PostSecret. Frank started PostSecret as an art project and social experiment in 2005. After the experiment was over, people continued to send in their secrets to Warren and he started the PostSecret website. Through his influence because of the popularity of the site, Frank has increased awareness of suicide prevention and Hopeline.
The people who are regular viewers of the PostSecret site perceive Frank as having expert power. The many events that he speaks at would prove that he has obtained a very large number of followers, simply for putting post cards on a website. I think this definitely shows his leadership abilities to establish a direction, align people, and motivate and inspire people (all of which are leadership qualities according to Kotter.)
Frank has started a movement of acceptance.
Whether or not everyone is aware of this phenomenon, it is something that has changed the lives of many people. Below is a link to a video that shows secrets and excerpts of Frank speaking at an event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWqtwzEfRKY
Liz Higgins
The people who are regular viewers of the PostSecret site perceive Frank as having expert power. The many events that he speaks at would prove that he has obtained a very large number of followers, simply for putting post cards on a website. I think this definitely shows his leadership abilities to establish a direction, align people, and motivate and inspire people (all of which are leadership qualities according to Kotter.)
Frank has started a movement of acceptance.
Whether or not everyone is aware of this phenomenon, it is something that has changed the lives of many people. Below is a link to a video that shows secrets and excerpts of Frank speaking at an event.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWqtwzEfRKY
Liz Higgins
Friday, February 11, 2011
Living on the Edge (MQM 382-02 T3): Wael Ghonim
I think He is still representing the company, for a couple of reasons. First they hired him in the first place so they obviously felt his character was up to the standards to be with google and an executive on top of that. Second politically I am pretty sure they have to say that otherwise there will be hella backlash. He used his skills that he learned there to motivate all these people and lead about a revolution, he now is the face of the revolution I feel. Especially with all the news media outlets that convey him as the leader of the initial resisitance. He says he would die for the cause so I'm saying he is as a devoted leader as they come.Because of his position before the revolution he will always be a face of google in my mind.
-Greg Pawlowski
Living on the Edge (MQM 382-02 T3): Wael Ghonim: "WSJ Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704132204576136323073589858.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories I was reading t..."
-Greg Pawlowski
Living on the Edge (MQM 382-02 T3): Wael Ghonim: "WSJ Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704132204576136323073589858.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories I was reading t..."
Wael Ghonim
WSJ Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704132204576136323073589858.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories
I was reading the Wall Street Journal yesterday and I found this article about Wael Ghonim. Wael Ghonim is Google's Mideast regional marketing executive. He helped organize the rebellion in Egypt against President Mumbarak. While in Egypt, Ghonim used the skills approach and what he learned at Google to influence protesters. For example, Ghonim administered Web pages to serve as a rallying point for protesters.
Google stated Wael Ghonim is on leave from Google during his activism in Egypt and whatever Mr. Ghonim does in his free time is his choice; he is acting on his on accord and is not an agent of the company.
Question: Is Wael Ghonim still representing the company even though Google claims he is acting on his own accord? Why or why not?
Posted by: Aaron Barton
I was reading the Wall Street Journal yesterday and I found this article about Wael Ghonim. Wael Ghonim is Google's Mideast regional marketing executive. He helped organize the rebellion in Egypt against President Mumbarak. While in Egypt, Ghonim used the skills approach and what he learned at Google to influence protesters. For example, Ghonim administered Web pages to serve as a rallying point for protesters.
Google stated Wael Ghonim is on leave from Google during his activism in Egypt and whatever Mr. Ghonim does in his free time is his choice; he is acting on his on accord and is not an agent of the company.
Question: Is Wael Ghonim still representing the company even though Google claims he is acting on his own accord? Why or why not?
Posted by: Aaron Barton
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Yvon Chouinard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3TwULu-Wjw
I recently watched this video for another class. I had never heard of Yvon Chouinard or his clothing company "Patagonia". Upon watching this video I was quite taken aback. Patagonia is a company that is doing everything they can to help our environment. Yvon says that we need to "consume less, but consume better". For example, instead of buying a coat for each season, buy just one that works for all seasons. Their products use organic cotton rather than cotton that has been enhanced by chemicals, which may be a bit more expensive, but is much better in the long run. Their entire parking lot is covered with solar panels which produces enough power to run two buildings in their campus. They recycle everything they use and even turn used water bottles into polyester products for their clothing. Yvon has shown that he is very innovative and eco-conscious. He cares about himself and every last stakeholder. The most staggering thing I learned about the company was that they are involved in a project called "1% for the Planet". They give 1% of their sales (not just revenue left over after expenses) to environmental NGO's to, obviously, help the planet. Yvon Chouinard is a leader who is helping protect and better our environment for us now and for future generations. He is very confident in his company. He has developed his leadership skills over time. He began just as a person who loved nature. As time went on he discovered he wanted to make a difference in the world. As time passed, he has continued to innovate and do different things with his company. I am sure that as the world continues to change, his skills will need to be honed to better fit the needs of the company and the planet. My question is, why aren't more companies doing something like Yvon Chouinard and Patagonia to help our environment for the better?
Posted by Jason Svela
I recently watched this video for another class. I had never heard of Yvon Chouinard or his clothing company "Patagonia". Upon watching this video I was quite taken aback. Patagonia is a company that is doing everything they can to help our environment. Yvon says that we need to "consume less, but consume better". For example, instead of buying a coat for each season, buy just one that works for all seasons. Their products use organic cotton rather than cotton that has been enhanced by chemicals, which may be a bit more expensive, but is much better in the long run. Their entire parking lot is covered with solar panels which produces enough power to run two buildings in their campus. They recycle everything they use and even turn used water bottles into polyester products for their clothing. Yvon has shown that he is very innovative and eco-conscious. He cares about himself and every last stakeholder. The most staggering thing I learned about the company was that they are involved in a project called "1% for the Planet". They give 1% of their sales (not just revenue left over after expenses) to environmental NGO's to, obviously, help the planet. Yvon Chouinard is a leader who is helping protect and better our environment for us now and for future generations. He is very confident in his company. He has developed his leadership skills over time. He began just as a person who loved nature. As time went on he discovered he wanted to make a difference in the world. As time passed, he has continued to innovate and do different things with his company. I am sure that as the world continues to change, his skills will need to be honed to better fit the needs of the company and the planet. My question is, why aren't more companies doing something like Yvon Chouinard and Patagonia to help our environment for the better?
Posted by Jason Svela
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Celebrities and their opinions
I find it interesting that Barbra Bush is endorsing the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York. It would seem unpopular for her (and as the article states, her mother along with other republicans) to openly support same-sex marriage because of the GOP’s stance on not only marriage; but the don’t ask don’t tell rule in the military.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the legalization of same-sex marriage, I wonder if Barbara (or any of the wives/daughters of political figures) would make such a public statement had it not been for her father’s or even grandfather’s position.
Because of her political ties, people do pay more attention to her (and to any celebrity or immediate family of politicians) whether what she says is legitimate or not. Not just on the issue of same-sex marriage, but on any issues that are relevant to the American people; those with “celebrity” status use said status to get their opinions out.
I think if I had some sort of celebrity status, I would definitely use it to shed light on issues that I think are important. So my question is: should these people, who do not necessarily have any authority or specific forum to give their opinions, express their opinions in such an open manner simply because they can?
Liz Higgins
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)