How to use Technology and not be abused by it
I remember my first important job and the amazing technology that made my great accomplishments possible. I was about five years old when I started my career as an imaginary professional; sometimes writer, sometimes secretary. I would sit at my grandmother’s desk and type away for hours on a huge caste iron typewriter. The only time that I would take a break would be to make a very important imaginary telephone call on a phone that was just as antiquated. With all of the pleasure that I found hunting and pecking on this amazing piece of machinery I was certain that I would enjoy a bright future doing amazing things. When I look back now, all that I can say is “we’ve come a long way baby.”
I have worked at a local travel agency for over twenty years. This agency was started over seventy years ago by our current owner’s grandmother. Mrs. Haynie utilized pretty much the same technology that I used in my first job. Mrs. Haynie began her business with a typewriter, a telephone, and on occasion a lithograph. With these tools Mrs. Haynie was able to build an incredible business by fulfilling the dreams of seeing the world for many amazing people.
Now fast forward to the eighties when technology has grown by leaps and bounds. The personal services which once consisted of phone calls to many different places in the world confirming specific details for client’s, has become an environment of nearly all communication being handled electronically. Now travel agents have become facilitators of supply and demand. Most luxury travel has fallen to the wayside making room for mass transportation. Today travel consultants are rarely referred to as professionals.
We no longer type personal itineraries for our clients. Nor do travel consultants type airline tickets and validate them on semi-precious metal plates from the airlines. Today we talk less, email more and rarely print on paper. Although I greatly appreciate the savings of our natural resources, we have stepped away from many of the personal aspects of business. We tend to stay connected with our clients electronically. This means of communication has even carried over into our personal lives, as we tend to communicate with friends and family via social networking sites. Oftentimes while sitting at our desks at work we use the internet to post on Facebook, play video games, and to instant message our friends. Sometimes employees post information regarding corporate policies with a total disregard for professionalism which could warrant job termination. Many professionals feel they are justified in using the workday in this manner as a tradeoff because they are connected electronically to their jobs twenty-four hours a day.
Many travel less for business because they can now go to meetings via a website. One can talk to a person on their smart phone and at the same time text or email another person. When we are hungry we can tell our smart phone and be given instant options of many places to eat, including directions as well as menus. We can easily do this sitting at our desk. Unfortunately, too many of us use this technology while we are driving our cars risking our lives as well as the lives of others.
In our personal time we rarely write privately in our journals, we now blog on the world wide web for the entire world to see. We are more about expressing ourselves and less about listening to and understanding others. I recently asked my son where they plan to live when they move to Pittsburgh. His reply was to simply pick up his “Driod” and to speak his new address into it. He then turned the screen around for me to view. I saw a satellite view of Pittsburgh dropping like a rocket right in front of his new home. He then took me on a virtual tour of his street. As impressive as it was, I could only be thankful that my beautiful granddaughters were not “safely” playing outside when the video was made to facilitate what some believe to be necessary technology.
I am amazed that in our thousands of years of history how far we have advanced in the most recent thirty years. I feel we should all understand the need to communicate should the availability of electronics disappear, even if it is just for a short period of time.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Do What You Are
Personality Type: ESTJ
Described profile as: Very Accurate
It is not always easy to agree with science when it comes to our personal insights. I have always felt that we, myself included, tend to have a greater awareness of others personality types than our own. As I read the “Understanding Gloria” section of this report, I clearly can see that there must be a vast amount of accuracy in the science involved. I do not agree fully with the results of the test. The areas that I differ were probably close to the fifty/fifty markthat could go either way, still making this a fair assessment.
I am outgoing, responsible, and very strong willed. I most definitely learn better when working as part of a group. Most people see me as quite confident, I see myself as poised, but not always so confident. I have very little tolerance for injustice. It was difficult to read about myself as one that may sometimes interrupt or bluntly step on peoples’ toes without even realizing it. This is, as well a very accurate description of how I relate to injustice, especially social injustice. I have taken on a great amount of responsibility in my life and have always placed a lot of pressure on myself to be successful. I have had difficulty feeling confident that I can fully depend on others. This has created what can appear to others as a lack of trust in those whom I must depend. The events and experiences in my life have written many of the scripts of behavior that I follow. It can only be my decision to be more relaxed and have faith in those in my life both personally or professionally.
I do become bored and frustrated with too much theory and long discussions about things that may never happen. I consider my time to be too precious to waste on matters that I feel are of little importance to me. I hold myself fully accountable for my actions and expect others to do the same. I have made many mistakes in my life and am certain that I will inadvertently make more as I continue to find my way in this world. The area that I have made great personal improvement’s, is being able to admit that I am wrong or have made a poor choice. The inability to admit fault is a trait that many in my family have, I consider this to be a huge character flaw that I never want to see within myself.
As my weaknesses, I do agree that I sometimes act swiftly and firmly, as I feel the situation may require. I absolutely disagree that I may be too serious, and not friendly or enthusiastic enough in conversations. I am very certain that this is not the case. I am consistently charged by my peers as being too bubbly and overly enthusiastic. I am firm and speak with great clarity when it is necessary to defuse a situation or when addressing a serious matter. I am open minded and want to be assured that I have gathered and taken into full account all of the necessary details when making a decision. I consider it impossible to arrive at a fair result without the above mentioned details.
My preferred learning style does require interaction with other students. I enjoy the feedback of others, because I respect their insight. I may not always fully agree with their beliefs, but I do my best to fully understand their reasoning. My personal and professional growth comes directly from these experiences. Becoming a student as I am so close to turning fifty is a wonderful experience. A good grade is important to me, but it is more important that I have made a choice to improve my life and to be a great example to others of what can be achieved.
I have never seen myself as being as rigid as is depicted in my type profile. I may tend to conceal the seriousness that is within me when relating to the world as an “actress” would. I have spent the majority of my adult life in some form of direct sales. The responsibility of assisting another with the expenditure of their discretionary income, no matter the amount, is an important responsibility and should be treated as such. I feel that I accomplish this without compromising the need to show and feel compassion for others that are depending on me to do my job with integrity.
A final and very important point that I would like to make is that I feel completely blessed being a part of this particular “Global Leadership Cohort.” I have made new friends that have treated me with the greatest amount of respect. They have at times kindly pointed out some of my weaknesses, and I have respected their input with appreciation allowing me to continue to grow both in my education and personally. Nothing can compare to this experience.
Friday, March 19, 2010
New Writing Assigment, Opinion Paper on Vasco Da Gama
Gloria Barnett
GLS 414
March 22, 2010
A Taste for Spice Could Change the World
With a great desire to better understand the world in which he lived, Vasco Da Gama studied and became proficient as an astronomer, mathematician, and navigator. He was known for his firmness and fortitude. Vasco Da Gama was a very intellectual man with great courage; he even fought in wars against the Castile in his youth. Prior to his discovery of the sea route to India, most of Europe had been racked by war. England and France had been fighting for over 100 years, destroying much of their land as well as the lives of many. Famine and disease, especially the Black Death, great political instability, and financial crises had tormented all of Europe for generations. The fearless explorations of Da Gama changed history, possibly saving Western Europe from being taken over as another conquest by the Ottoman Turks or their ilk. The success of Vasco Da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India contributed to the rapid development of trade in the 1500s and beyond.
A sea route to India was transformative for Portugal and most of Western Europe. The success of a civilization requires communication outside of the boundaries of Western Europe. Without Vasco Da Gama’s great intellect and bravery, this feat could not possibly have been achieved. It could be argued that another person may have easily taken his place had he never existed. I must admit that I initially had those thoughts when beginning the research for this writing assignment. It became very clear, however, that it would have been virtually impossible to duplicate what Da Gama accomplished with the same successful outcome. His plan was an almost perfect recipe for success to which he was the key ingredient. Da Gama was blessed with not only a desire to learn, but also a very influential family at the perfect time in history. This was the very beginning of the age of discovery and exploration. Perhaps fifty or even 100 years later, another may have taken on the task with a similar desire, but many things would likely have already changed within the world, diminishing the opportunity for success.
New technology such as lens grinding for eye glasses, telescopes, and the magnetic compass for navigation were just being introduced to Europe at this time. This was perfect timing for sea exploration. Gunpowder, which was introduced from China, had recently become available as well. This revolutionized warfare by making cannons and firearms available as a tool for battle. There was a new motivation for wealth and a desire for wealthier lifestyles by common citizens. It had become well known that many highly desired commodities were being traded through treacherous areas blocked by the Ottoman Turks. A new route had to be discovered...so, in about 1497, “A Portuguese captain, Vasco Da Gama, was commissioned by his king to find a route to India” (252). His discovery was less expensive and ultimately safer than the original land route. Without the ability to tap into the industry of buying and selling spices, gold, and silks along the silk routes controlled by the Turks, Portugal and all of Western Europe would likely have become weak, leaving them open to takeovers by more powerful and wealthier countries. Had Da Gama not discovered the sea route, many European countries might have lost their abilities to sustain themselves, much less to grow to be contenders in the international trade market.
Vasco Da Gama undertook this endeavor with a crew of 170 men, most of whom were released from local prisons or from the drudges of society. He had to contend with fears of the virtually unknown. Many in his crew had concerns about sea monsters and were fearful of their vessels falling off the edge of a flat earth. There were many uncertainties that they faced as they sailed through uncharted waters for nearly a year. Their vessels were wooden ships averaging about eighty feet long. Their rations were meager at best. Da Gama had the advantages of being a well educated soldier who attended the Portuguese court and of the ability to speak several languages, which allowed him to contend with the most adverse conditions. He was also a master of physics, geometry, and astronomy and had fearless spirit of confidence that rarely existed in his time. His strong leadership earned him the respect and allegiance of his crew members who were content to do their duty with great hopes of earning honor within their homeland, and they succeeded.
The Portuguese began to trade with Asia, breaking the Venetian monopoly. This discovery helped build wealth throughout much of Western Europe. Banks in Italy and Germany profited by financing Da Gama’s early explorations. Many of the goods obtained through use of the sea route were shipped to port cities in Northern Europe such as Antwerp, many of which profited as much as if not more than the Portuguese. Access to these new luxury goods boosted the commerce of Western Europe, stimulated manufacturing, and instilled a sense of hope in a society that had long been oppressed by feudalistic standards. Capitalism became the “ism” of the future, in a sense, allowing people to put many of the difficulties of medieval Europe behind them.
The newfound strength of Western Europe helped push the Turks back to the easternmost parts of Europe, affording Western Europe the freedom to grow and become the most relevant contender in the world economy. Hundreds of years after Da Gama’s death, we are still influenced by the same standards by which he lived, strength, perseverance, nobility, and a strong desire to be educated. Without the early endeavors of Vasco Da Gama we as a society, may have never experienced many of the freedoms we enjoy today. If we did not have the freedom to utilize international trade, our international economy would be severely off balance. Our world would likely be different had it not been for the great accomplishments of Vasco Da Gama known as the Admiral of the Indian Ocean.
Work Cited
Roberts, J. M. A Short History of the World. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993
GLS 414
March 22, 2010
A Taste for Spice Could Change the World
With a great desire to better understand the world in which he lived, Vasco Da Gama studied and became proficient as an astronomer, mathematician, and navigator. He was known for his firmness and fortitude. Vasco Da Gama was a very intellectual man with great courage; he even fought in wars against the Castile in his youth. Prior to his discovery of the sea route to India, most of Europe had been racked by war. England and France had been fighting for over 100 years, destroying much of their land as well as the lives of many. Famine and disease, especially the Black Death, great political instability, and financial crises had tormented all of Europe for generations. The fearless explorations of Da Gama changed history, possibly saving Western Europe from being taken over as another conquest by the Ottoman Turks or their ilk. The success of Vasco Da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India contributed to the rapid development of trade in the 1500s and beyond.
A sea route to India was transformative for Portugal and most of Western Europe. The success of a civilization requires communication outside of the boundaries of Western Europe. Without Vasco Da Gama’s great intellect and bravery, this feat could not possibly have been achieved. It could be argued that another person may have easily taken his place had he never existed. I must admit that I initially had those thoughts when beginning the research for this writing assignment. It became very clear, however, that it would have been virtually impossible to duplicate what Da Gama accomplished with the same successful outcome. His plan was an almost perfect recipe for success to which he was the key ingredient. Da Gama was blessed with not only a desire to learn, but also a very influential family at the perfect time in history. This was the very beginning of the age of discovery and exploration. Perhaps fifty or even 100 years later, another may have taken on the task with a similar desire, but many things would likely have already changed within the world, diminishing the opportunity for success.
New technology such as lens grinding for eye glasses, telescopes, and the magnetic compass for navigation were just being introduced to Europe at this time. This was perfect timing for sea exploration. Gunpowder, which was introduced from China, had recently become available as well. This revolutionized warfare by making cannons and firearms available as a tool for battle. There was a new motivation for wealth and a desire for wealthier lifestyles by common citizens. It had become well known that many highly desired commodities were being traded through treacherous areas blocked by the Ottoman Turks. A new route had to be discovered...so, in about 1497, “A Portuguese captain, Vasco Da Gama, was commissioned by his king to find a route to India” (252). His discovery was less expensive and ultimately safer than the original land route. Without the ability to tap into the industry of buying and selling spices, gold, and silks along the silk routes controlled by the Turks, Portugal and all of Western Europe would likely have become weak, leaving them open to takeovers by more powerful and wealthier countries. Had Da Gama not discovered the sea route, many European countries might have lost their abilities to sustain themselves, much less to grow to be contenders in the international trade market.
Vasco Da Gama undertook this endeavor with a crew of 170 men, most of whom were released from local prisons or from the drudges of society. He had to contend with fears of the virtually unknown. Many in his crew had concerns about sea monsters and were fearful of their vessels falling off the edge of a flat earth. There were many uncertainties that they faced as they sailed through uncharted waters for nearly a year. Their vessels were wooden ships averaging about eighty feet long. Their rations were meager at best. Da Gama had the advantages of being a well educated soldier who attended the Portuguese court and of the ability to speak several languages, which allowed him to contend with the most adverse conditions. He was also a master of physics, geometry, and astronomy and had fearless spirit of confidence that rarely existed in his time. His strong leadership earned him the respect and allegiance of his crew members who were content to do their duty with great hopes of earning honor within their homeland, and they succeeded.
The Portuguese began to trade with Asia, breaking the Venetian monopoly. This discovery helped build wealth throughout much of Western Europe. Banks in Italy and Germany profited by financing Da Gama’s early explorations. Many of the goods obtained through use of the sea route were shipped to port cities in Northern Europe such as Antwerp, many of which profited as much as if not more than the Portuguese. Access to these new luxury goods boosted the commerce of Western Europe, stimulated manufacturing, and instilled a sense of hope in a society that had long been oppressed by feudalistic standards. Capitalism became the “ism” of the future, in a sense, allowing people to put many of the difficulties of medieval Europe behind them.
The newfound strength of Western Europe helped push the Turks back to the easternmost parts of Europe, affording Western Europe the freedom to grow and become the most relevant contender in the world economy. Hundreds of years after Da Gama’s death, we are still influenced by the same standards by which he lived, strength, perseverance, nobility, and a strong desire to be educated. Without the early endeavors of Vasco Da Gama we as a society, may have never experienced many of the freedoms we enjoy today. If we did not have the freedom to utilize international trade, our international economy would be severely off balance. Our world would likely be different had it not been for the great accomplishments of Vasco Da Gama known as the Admiral of the Indian Ocean.
Work Cited
Roberts, J. M. A Short History of the World. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Missing my father on the anniversary of his passing
A favorite story of my life has very little to do with me. It is a simple observation that I have made in the past year. I remember walking along side my house in late summer 2008 and noticing a bright blue bird nest in a shrub near my walkway. I thought that it was so beautiful and pointed it out to my parents, who were living with me at the time.
Their comments took me by surprise. It appears that this act of kindness has been an enjoyable little aspect of both of their childhoods. Each of my parents told me that their respective mothers would purposefully lay out bright little threads or strings for birds to utilize during the nest building season. They always enjoyed seeing their contribution decorating the homes being built to protect a family of birds yet to be born. My mother continued to do this throughout her life though I never knew.
After my father’s passing, I once again had a similar discussion with my mother and her neighbor about the colorful bird nest. I was amazed to hear that my mother’s neighbor loved to do the same thing. She would place threads outside on the ledge of her office window. She as well enjoyed the experienced of seeing her contribution to a newly built nest near her view.
It has occurred to me that we live our lives in so very much the same manner. We offer threads to those who are willing and interested enough to pick them up and make them a part of their lives. Much like a tapestry of the people we become, yet adding a protective and loving support system. These threads can be used to make others lives a bit softer and more secure. They can add hope and instill a desire for a better life or foundation to grow on. We cannot force our gifts on others, they are simply left for those who seize the opportunity by accepting a gift of love.
I hope that I am leaving threads worthy and interesting enough for those whose lives I hope to touch. I pray that they make the best of my meager offerings and find a way to enhance their lives and remember the small part I played in it. I am thinking of the passing of my father one year ago, and feeling grateful for the threads that he left behind. I am proud that I had the fortitude to pick up at least some of those threads and add them the woman I have become. Thank you Daddy!! I love you, as I am you, a part of the legacy of love that you have left in this world.
We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
Thank you again for the threads Daddy…no regrets!!!! You are our one true love!
~Gloria February 20, 2010
Their comments took me by surprise. It appears that this act of kindness has been an enjoyable little aspect of both of their childhoods. Each of my parents told me that their respective mothers would purposefully lay out bright little threads or strings for birds to utilize during the nest building season. They always enjoyed seeing their contribution decorating the homes being built to protect a family of birds yet to be born. My mother continued to do this throughout her life though I never knew.
After my father’s passing, I once again had a similar discussion with my mother and her neighbor about the colorful bird nest. I was amazed to hear that my mother’s neighbor loved to do the same thing. She would place threads outside on the ledge of her office window. She as well enjoyed the experienced of seeing her contribution to a newly built nest near her view.
It has occurred to me that we live our lives in so very much the same manner. We offer threads to those who are willing and interested enough to pick them up and make them a part of their lives. Much like a tapestry of the people we become, yet adding a protective and loving support system. These threads can be used to make others lives a bit softer and more secure. They can add hope and instill a desire for a better life or foundation to grow on. We cannot force our gifts on others, they are simply left for those who seize the opportunity by accepting a gift of love.
I hope that I am leaving threads worthy and interesting enough for those whose lives I hope to touch. I pray that they make the best of my meager offerings and find a way to enhance their lives and remember the small part I played in it. I am thinking of the passing of my father one year ago, and feeling grateful for the threads that he left behind. I am proud that I had the fortitude to pick up at least some of those threads and add them the woman I have become. Thank you Daddy!! I love you, as I am you, a part of the legacy of love that you have left in this world.
We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
Thank you again for the threads Daddy…no regrets!!!! You are our one true love!
~Gloria February 20, 2010
Monday, December 21, 2009
My Mantra for Life both Professional and Personal
Gloria Barnett
Lori Smith
GL 400
December 1, 2009
Leading with Integrity in Today’s Work Environment
All companies require great leaders to enjoy long-term success. Today it is nearly as difficult as ever before to achieve success in the world of business. Greed and corruption have taken such a strong hold that many have lost sight of the best recipe for long-term sustainable success.
Miriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines integrity as “the quality of being complete or undivided. It implies trustworthiness.” Trustworthiness is a direct result of honesty. It is important to value honesty, as honesty speaks of one’s very nature. Success will be earned by the great leaders who lead using integrity as their moral compass.
To dissect and define integrity, to bring it from within oneself, and to make integrity a value that can be demonstrated at every level of the work environment should be the goal of every leader wanting to have remarkable results. A leader must be reliable, consistent worthy of trust and respect. How does one become a great leader? Leadership is innately a natural part of each and every person; one must take the time and have the confidence to tap into the greatness of all that can be achieved.
Most every person wants to be ethical, credible, and honest; this reflects human nature. The hard part is having clarity of a personal goal and holding oneself accountable for every step of the process. Great leaders make everyone, including themselves, accountable first, then collectively the entire team can enjoy satisfaction in a job well done and success seems to happen without fail. Everyone should make it a habit to approach all tasks within their lives with integrity.
As listed on pg.75 the book “Lincoln on Leadership” by Donald T. Phillips, some of Lincoln’s principles for living with integrity are listed as follows:
Ø Refrain from reading attacks upon yourself so you won’t be provoked.
Ø Remember that truth is generally the best vindication against slander.
Ø Do the very best you know how, the very best you can, and keep doing so until the end.
Ø The probability that you may fall in the struggle ought not to deter you from the support of the cause you believe to be just.
Ø Give your subordinates a fair chance with equal freedom and opportunity for success.
Ø When you make it to the top, turn and reach down for the person behind you.
Leaders lead best when they are servants and when they are willing to give back to others. An effective leader will take the time to completely listen to others, even if others are not comfortable expressing their personal point of view. A truly effective leader will take the time to ask each member of his or her team to fully explore options that can contribute to their collective success. A leader who leads with integrity must be brave and unafraid of confrontation, for integrity shows greatest under pressure.
According to Robert K. Greenleaf on pages 150 and 151, in his book entitled, “Servant Leadership: a Journey Into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness”:
“I cannot visualize a world without leaders, without those who better see the path ahead taking the risk to lead and show the way. What reason is there for accepting the constraints of a society except that therein the more able serve the less able? One way that some people serve is to lead…Leaders may be completely honest about their leadership, that which makes them more dependable and trustworthy than most, is their intuitive insight, which cannot be fully explained.”
Good leadership can only be as effective as the foundation that it was built on. A great leader will create a culture of effective goal setting and achievement. Nothing should ever be promised unless the organization can deliver the goods or services promised. The goal should be to over deliver whenever possible. This can only be achieved if every department within the organization is motivated with the same goal in mind.
Although it can be extremely difficult, one must make the right decision to do the right thing no matter the consequences. Integrity never involves manipulation or greed. If integrity is exercised in every aspect of one’s work on a consistent basis, success will certainly be the end result. The behavior of a leader must match his or her personal beliefs. A strong focus on the importance of consistency, in both word and deed, especially in the face of adversity, is a necessity of great leadership. Organization is the key to expressing integrity, because it is not enough to simply have the intention to do the right thing. Policies set by a leader leading with integrity will serve as a model of the organization’s values and credibility.
One must hire knowledgeable candidates that have high levels of competency to promote a trusting work environment. An effective team will be required to seek and successfully complete continuing education in their fields of service. A great leader understands and appreciates the importance of education for the betterment of the organization. An exceptional leader will be certain to learn from his or her team without feeling threatened or insecure. Managing with perfectly defined priorities and with values utilizing a clear objective is less stressful and far more productive than managing without a formula to emulate.
A leader should always acknowledge and show appreciation for the contributions of others toward the common goal. Building a reliable team is an important ingredient to affect positive change in the workplace. Each member of the team must have the potential to do his or her job with confidence. When the task at hand has clearly defined guidelines to be followed, an adept team member will be able to approach and complete the task with confidence. It would be unreasonable to expect a team member to do a job well unless their leader offered him or her access to all of the necessary tools.
If one were to assume that nothing will ever go wrong in business, he or she will be greatly disappointed on a regular basis. It is better to realize that nobody is perfect. Things can and often times do go wrong regardless of the amount of effort put into preventing failure. The important thing is how the team corrects the situation when things do not go as projected. Leading with integrity requires a clear mission of helping others, and implementing a process to resolve conflict utilizing specific rules. When these steps are followed, a just result is sure to be the outcome. Clear and concise guidelines enable team members to respond swiftly and decisively without ever compromising their own integrity.
A sense of humor is a very important attribute of a great leader. Even if his or her sense of humor is perceived as being a bit on the dry side, this can reveal a leader as a real person who understands that life is real. When a team can laugh and enjoy life while in a work environment, less stress and lighter spirits will be enjoyed by all. Seeing humor in others is important. Perhaps he or she may have a bit of a quirky personality, so what? A great leader will embrace other’s perceptions. It is okay that others see humor in what is different in one another. The important thing is that malice is not the intent.
As stated by Dave Johnson, founder and principle author of “Seeing The Forest”, and a blogger at “Speak Out California,”
“A company (or industry) makes a tremendous amount of money by scamming us, screwing us, stealing from us, killing us, poisoning us, destroying our environment or some other thing that one way or another a working democracy would stop immediately…So it's very simple, really:…no influencing public opinion in any way whatsoever…no predatory marketing of their own products, marketing that influences our culture, marketing that makes us feel bad about ourselves, marketing that makes us feel bad about others, marketing that insults us and marketing that makes us think we should want things that we shouldn't!..So it continues. And we all get poorer while they get richer.” (Johnson)
Batrushollweg International dedicated research efforts to create and validate an assessment that measures a leader’s propensity to exhibit integrity. Their findings concluded the following:
Ø Employee theft and fraud cost the average business 1-2% of its sales.
Ø 23% have given product or service for a discount against company policy.
Ø 18% have manipulated data to make results appear better.
Ø 29% repeatedly ignore misconduct of subordinates. (Batrushollweg pgs. 2,4)
If more business and political leaders were to lead with integrity as a design principle, our national economic state would be much stronger, and as a people we would be less divisive. Integrity is not a certain personality trait or set of ideas. Integrity guides decent people that are open to moral excellence. All should approach their jobs and lives every-day with integrity. One should have a moral compass for guidance and follow it. IT is necessary to have strong moral values to rely on when important decisions need to be made. A leader must have courage under fire. If all decisions were made for the greater good, one would have nothing to fear in spite of criticism.
Achievable goals must be clearly defined as written rules, policies, and procedures. Consistent behavior that matches one’s beliefs as a leader will define that leader with integrity. Clear objectives, as well as accountability, reflect the true character of an illustrious leader. It is important that he or she be mindful of social influence; let it be known that your standards and policies are representative of the organization, and they must be adhered to by every member who wants to share in the success of the team.
As stated by Patricia Schaefer in her article entitled “The Seven Pitfalls of Business Failure and How to Avoid Them.” Patricia reports poor management as the number one reason for failure.
“Unless they recognize what they don’t do well, and seek help, business owners may soon face disaster. They must also be educated and alert to fraud, and put into place measures to avoid it.” Ms. Schaefer goes on to add, “A successful manager is also a good leader who creates a work climate that encourages productivity. He or she has a skill at hiring competent people, training them and is able to delegate. A good leader is also skilled at strategic thinking, able to make a vision a reality, and able to confront change, make transitions, and envision new possibilities for the future.” (Schaefer)
As stated on page 107 by Donald T. Phillips, in his book “Lincoln on Leadership,” it is important for every manager to remember:
Ø If you are a good leader, when your work is done, your aim fulfilled, your people will say, “We did it ourselves.”
Ø Try not to feel insecure or threatened by your followers.
Ø Always let your subordinates know that the honor will be all theirs if they succeed and the blame will be yours if they fail.
Ø If your commanders in the field can’t be successful, neither can you or your executive staff. (Phillips pg. 107)
The results are boundless when leading effectively with integrity. Truthfulness promotes confidence, confidence promotes credibility, and when one is perceived as having credibility, others will then be drawn to them for their products and services. If a leader focuses solely on him or herself, others will view them as narcissistic, manipulative, and self-centered. Many will choose to avoid doing business with an organization they feel is lacks integrity. An organization known for its integrity usually attracts the best candidates to join its team. Do the right thing, and the right thing will happen. It will be easy to be effective when you operate with grace and have a clear mission to help others. Make a conscientious decision to move forward as a transformational leader, and to maintain a pattern of alignment between positive words and positive deeds. Success will be earned by the great leaders who lead using integrity as their moral compass.
Lori Smith
GL 400
December 1, 2009
Leading with Integrity in Today’s Work Environment
All companies require great leaders to enjoy long-term success. Today it is nearly as difficult as ever before to achieve success in the world of business. Greed and corruption have taken such a strong hold that many have lost sight of the best recipe for long-term sustainable success.
Miriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines integrity as “the quality of being complete or undivided. It implies trustworthiness.” Trustworthiness is a direct result of honesty. It is important to value honesty, as honesty speaks of one’s very nature. Success will be earned by the great leaders who lead using integrity as their moral compass.
To dissect and define integrity, to bring it from within oneself, and to make integrity a value that can be demonstrated at every level of the work environment should be the goal of every leader wanting to have remarkable results. A leader must be reliable, consistent worthy of trust and respect. How does one become a great leader? Leadership is innately a natural part of each and every person; one must take the time and have the confidence to tap into the greatness of all that can be achieved.
Most every person wants to be ethical, credible, and honest; this reflects human nature. The hard part is having clarity of a personal goal and holding oneself accountable for every step of the process. Great leaders make everyone, including themselves, accountable first, then collectively the entire team can enjoy satisfaction in a job well done and success seems to happen without fail. Everyone should make it a habit to approach all tasks within their lives with integrity.
As listed on pg.75 the book “Lincoln on Leadership” by Donald T. Phillips, some of Lincoln’s principles for living with integrity are listed as follows:
Ø Refrain from reading attacks upon yourself so you won’t be provoked.
Ø Remember that truth is generally the best vindication against slander.
Ø Do the very best you know how, the very best you can, and keep doing so until the end.
Ø The probability that you may fall in the struggle ought not to deter you from the support of the cause you believe to be just.
Ø Give your subordinates a fair chance with equal freedom and opportunity for success.
Ø When you make it to the top, turn and reach down for the person behind you.
Leaders lead best when they are servants and when they are willing to give back to others. An effective leader will take the time to completely listen to others, even if others are not comfortable expressing their personal point of view. A truly effective leader will take the time to ask each member of his or her team to fully explore options that can contribute to their collective success. A leader who leads with integrity must be brave and unafraid of confrontation, for integrity shows greatest under pressure.
According to Robert K. Greenleaf on pages 150 and 151, in his book entitled, “Servant Leadership: a Journey Into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness”:
“I cannot visualize a world without leaders, without those who better see the path ahead taking the risk to lead and show the way. What reason is there for accepting the constraints of a society except that therein the more able serve the less able? One way that some people serve is to lead…Leaders may be completely honest about their leadership, that which makes them more dependable and trustworthy than most, is their intuitive insight, which cannot be fully explained.”
Good leadership can only be as effective as the foundation that it was built on. A great leader will create a culture of effective goal setting and achievement. Nothing should ever be promised unless the organization can deliver the goods or services promised. The goal should be to over deliver whenever possible. This can only be achieved if every department within the organization is motivated with the same goal in mind.
Although it can be extremely difficult, one must make the right decision to do the right thing no matter the consequences. Integrity never involves manipulation or greed. If integrity is exercised in every aspect of one’s work on a consistent basis, success will certainly be the end result. The behavior of a leader must match his or her personal beliefs. A strong focus on the importance of consistency, in both word and deed, especially in the face of adversity, is a necessity of great leadership. Organization is the key to expressing integrity, because it is not enough to simply have the intention to do the right thing. Policies set by a leader leading with integrity will serve as a model of the organization’s values and credibility.
One must hire knowledgeable candidates that have high levels of competency to promote a trusting work environment. An effective team will be required to seek and successfully complete continuing education in their fields of service. A great leader understands and appreciates the importance of education for the betterment of the organization. An exceptional leader will be certain to learn from his or her team without feeling threatened or insecure. Managing with perfectly defined priorities and with values utilizing a clear objective is less stressful and far more productive than managing without a formula to emulate.
A leader should always acknowledge and show appreciation for the contributions of others toward the common goal. Building a reliable team is an important ingredient to affect positive change in the workplace. Each member of the team must have the potential to do his or her job with confidence. When the task at hand has clearly defined guidelines to be followed, an adept team member will be able to approach and complete the task with confidence. It would be unreasonable to expect a team member to do a job well unless their leader offered him or her access to all of the necessary tools.
If one were to assume that nothing will ever go wrong in business, he or she will be greatly disappointed on a regular basis. It is better to realize that nobody is perfect. Things can and often times do go wrong regardless of the amount of effort put into preventing failure. The important thing is how the team corrects the situation when things do not go as projected. Leading with integrity requires a clear mission of helping others, and implementing a process to resolve conflict utilizing specific rules. When these steps are followed, a just result is sure to be the outcome. Clear and concise guidelines enable team members to respond swiftly and decisively without ever compromising their own integrity.
A sense of humor is a very important attribute of a great leader. Even if his or her sense of humor is perceived as being a bit on the dry side, this can reveal a leader as a real person who understands that life is real. When a team can laugh and enjoy life while in a work environment, less stress and lighter spirits will be enjoyed by all. Seeing humor in others is important. Perhaps he or she may have a bit of a quirky personality, so what? A great leader will embrace other’s perceptions. It is okay that others see humor in what is different in one another. The important thing is that malice is not the intent.
As stated by Dave Johnson, founder and principle author of “Seeing The Forest”, and a blogger at “Speak Out California,”
“A company (or industry) makes a tremendous amount of money by scamming us, screwing us, stealing from us, killing us, poisoning us, destroying our environment or some other thing that one way or another a working democracy would stop immediately…So it's very simple, really:…no influencing public opinion in any way whatsoever…no predatory marketing of their own products, marketing that influences our culture, marketing that makes us feel bad about ourselves, marketing that makes us feel bad about others, marketing that insults us and marketing that makes us think we should want things that we shouldn't!..So it continues. And we all get poorer while they get richer.” (Johnson)
Batrushollweg International dedicated research efforts to create and validate an assessment that measures a leader’s propensity to exhibit integrity. Their findings concluded the following:
Ø Employee theft and fraud cost the average business 1-2% of its sales.
Ø 23% have given product or service for a discount against company policy.
Ø 18% have manipulated data to make results appear better.
Ø 29% repeatedly ignore misconduct of subordinates. (Batrushollweg pgs. 2,4)
If more business and political leaders were to lead with integrity as a design principle, our national economic state would be much stronger, and as a people we would be less divisive. Integrity is not a certain personality trait or set of ideas. Integrity guides decent people that are open to moral excellence. All should approach their jobs and lives every-day with integrity. One should have a moral compass for guidance and follow it. IT is necessary to have strong moral values to rely on when important decisions need to be made. A leader must have courage under fire. If all decisions were made for the greater good, one would have nothing to fear in spite of criticism.
Achievable goals must be clearly defined as written rules, policies, and procedures. Consistent behavior that matches one’s beliefs as a leader will define that leader with integrity. Clear objectives, as well as accountability, reflect the true character of an illustrious leader. It is important that he or she be mindful of social influence; let it be known that your standards and policies are representative of the organization, and they must be adhered to by every member who wants to share in the success of the team.
As stated by Patricia Schaefer in her article entitled “The Seven Pitfalls of Business Failure and How to Avoid Them.” Patricia reports poor management as the number one reason for failure.
“Unless they recognize what they don’t do well, and seek help, business owners may soon face disaster. They must also be educated and alert to fraud, and put into place measures to avoid it.” Ms. Schaefer goes on to add, “A successful manager is also a good leader who creates a work climate that encourages productivity. He or she has a skill at hiring competent people, training them and is able to delegate. A good leader is also skilled at strategic thinking, able to make a vision a reality, and able to confront change, make transitions, and envision new possibilities for the future.” (Schaefer)
As stated on page 107 by Donald T. Phillips, in his book “Lincoln on Leadership,” it is important for every manager to remember:
Ø If you are a good leader, when your work is done, your aim fulfilled, your people will say, “We did it ourselves.”
Ø Try not to feel insecure or threatened by your followers.
Ø Always let your subordinates know that the honor will be all theirs if they succeed and the blame will be yours if they fail.
Ø If your commanders in the field can’t be successful, neither can you or your executive staff. (Phillips pg. 107)
The results are boundless when leading effectively with integrity. Truthfulness promotes confidence, confidence promotes credibility, and when one is perceived as having credibility, others will then be drawn to them for their products and services. If a leader focuses solely on him or herself, others will view them as narcissistic, manipulative, and self-centered. Many will choose to avoid doing business with an organization they feel is lacks integrity. An organization known for its integrity usually attracts the best candidates to join its team. Do the right thing, and the right thing will happen. It will be easy to be effective when you operate with grace and have a clear mission to help others. Make a conscientious decision to move forward as a transformational leader, and to maintain a pattern of alignment between positive words and positive deeds. Success will be earned by the great leaders who lead using integrity as their moral compass.
Semester Break is Breaking ME!!!
Finally a break! For what? To do my best and get caught up on everything that I am behind on. Christmas with six children including in-laws and five grandchildren requires a lot of work!!! I am gonna enjoy it, but it sure is wearing me out!!!!
I accomplished what I wanted to, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and am on the Dean's List. I hope that this helps with my eligibility for grants and so forth. My final paper and presentation was on a topic that is very important to me. I decided to post the paper for anyone interested, mostly because I want to keep it as part of my progress. I am so grateful to my husband for being patient with me as I spend so much time working on my education. He has some health issues that he is working on as well and feels since life insurance not to mention the expense of health insurance is so high that my education will better serve me for a sustainable future. It is really hard to say what is the truth sometimes, but this for us is clearly the truth. I hope you take the time to read my paper, I sure enjoyed the research and writing it. "Leading with Integrity"
I accomplished what I wanted to, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and am on the Dean's List. I hope that this helps with my eligibility for grants and so forth. My final paper and presentation was on a topic that is very important to me. I decided to post the paper for anyone interested, mostly because I want to keep it as part of my progress. I am so grateful to my husband for being patient with me as I spend so much time working on my education. He has some health issues that he is working on as well and feels since life insurance not to mention the expense of health insurance is so high that my education will better serve me for a sustainable future. It is really hard to say what is the truth sometimes, but this for us is clearly the truth. I hope you take the time to read my paper, I sure enjoyed the research and writing it. "Leading with Integrity"
Monday, November 30, 2009
Remember me? It has certainly been a ride...a long hard ride, like the first explorer's headed west and trying to cross the Grand Canyon! Okay, so I have spent a lot of time thinking that I must have learning disabilities. Still haven't decided if I do or do not! Regardless, I have somehow managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA.
I have been called an overachiever. Hmm... kind of seems rude for someone to say that to me. The thing is, this cost a lot of money and I'm the one paying for it. Yes, I want a better than "good" grade, I want to learn everything that I can. I am here for me, for my future and it is taking everything that I have. I am not complaining, in fact I am just grateful that I have the opportunity.
I said that I would give the good, bad and ugly of this. I'm not shy so here we go! I am disappointed that I have friends and worse yet family that find it difficult to make a single positive comment about this HUGE endeavor. I am sad that I feel sad that I only have a couple of people that appreciate that I make A's. Hello.....I was told by my guidance counselor that I am not college material when I was just 16 years old. Seriously, let's try to be a bit more supportive and mindful of how our actions can effect others.
I didn't even know that I had a rather high IQ, until I received my transcripts from high school....28 years after my graduation. I was self conscious just walking across the stage to receive my high school diploma in 1981. I was a teenage mother, kind of a no count. I might be pushing 50, but I am finally realizing that it really isn't too late to become what you might have been.
My goal is to be a better example for others, especially others that share my history. I really wish that I had a clear understanding of my lack of self confidence and how to overcome it. These things are simply mysteries that reaveal themselves when the time is right I guess. My plan was to keep this blog updatted on a more regular basis, I just didn't get that I was going to be so limited on time. Sorry guys, but when the choices are study for a test, write a paper, or to work on my blog, I think that it should be obvious that I have a pretty clear priority and that is to do well in school. I have a break comming up soon, perhaps I can get you caught up on some of the most amazing things that I have learned. Regardless of the fact that I have been able to travel to many wonderful places in the world, now I am really becoming educated. Thank you God for whatever it is that you have gently placed inside of my heart, I will continue to learn to better understand it and to put it to the best use that I can.
I have been called an overachiever. Hmm... kind of seems rude for someone to say that to me. The thing is, this cost a lot of money and I'm the one paying for it. Yes, I want a better than "good" grade, I want to learn everything that I can. I am here for me, for my future and it is taking everything that I have. I am not complaining, in fact I am just grateful that I have the opportunity.
I said that I would give the good, bad and ugly of this. I'm not shy so here we go! I am disappointed that I have friends and worse yet family that find it difficult to make a single positive comment about this HUGE endeavor. I am sad that I feel sad that I only have a couple of people that appreciate that I make A's. Hello.....I was told by my guidance counselor that I am not college material when I was just 16 years old. Seriously, let's try to be a bit more supportive and mindful of how our actions can effect others.
I didn't even know that I had a rather high IQ, until I received my transcripts from high school....28 years after my graduation. I was self conscious just walking across the stage to receive my high school diploma in 1981. I was a teenage mother, kind of a no count. I might be pushing 50, but I am finally realizing that it really isn't too late to become what you might have been.
My goal is to be a better example for others, especially others that share my history. I really wish that I had a clear understanding of my lack of self confidence and how to overcome it. These things are simply mysteries that reaveal themselves when the time is right I guess. My plan was to keep this blog updatted on a more regular basis, I just didn't get that I was going to be so limited on time. Sorry guys, but when the choices are study for a test, write a paper, or to work on my blog, I think that it should be obvious that I have a pretty clear priority and that is to do well in school. I have a break comming up soon, perhaps I can get you caught up on some of the most amazing things that I have learned. Regardless of the fact that I have been able to travel to many wonderful places in the world, now I am really becoming educated. Thank you God for whatever it is that you have gently placed inside of my heart, I will continue to learn to better understand it and to put it to the best use that I can.
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