Last BLOG!!

It has been a fun 16-week ride (with all the videos, exercises, etc.) . I would’ve liked a more hands-on, “workshop” type exercises personally that leave a far greater impact on me than just reading or watching videos. But in retrospect, I cannot deny that I have learned a LOT about leadership and a LOT more about ethics. I agree that a course like this is mandatory in EVERY MBA program whether or not the students actually CHOOSE Leadership as a practice or not!

Thanks to all who provided valuable feedback on my blog….have a GREAT summer!

The Change Simulation exercise

The change simulation exercise was extremely insightful. It created this practical approach for taking action geared towards creating, sustaining and managing change within the context of a team. The team dynamics that surfaced during the simulation were very close to the IOPT profiles of each of the members on the team…

In a nutshell, here is what I learned:
- How to manage the acceptance and implementation of a major change in employee populations….(start with the quick wins, reward them, create momentum for the change)
- How to deal with resistance and create advocacy (selecting the right change agents and an environment where resistance could be passive)
- The steps of change have to be in the right sequence…if not, it could have dire consequences
- How to form coalitions within the employee population, create a vision for the change and clearly communicate it
- The simulation was so close to real life that it demonstrates valuable real-time lessons in leadership and management
- The friendly competition amongst the various teams increases interaction, participation and enjoyment
- I learned applications of the simulation to my own work environment

Trust Survey

I came across this brief yet insightful survey on trust. Most of you might know Covey by his “7 habits” book but this one called “The Speed of Trust” is his best work so far in my opinion….

http://www.whotrustsyou.com/email_survey/rmfktiiqhegcfkv-10660-2-1207574861

Leadership and Character in Politics

OK, I couldn’t resist the urge to pen down a few thoughts on NY State Governor, Elliot Spitzer. The guy is involved in a prostitution ring, allegedly spent over $80,000 on hookers in the last few years and as if all this wasn’t disgusting enough, he drags his wife up on stage as he apologizes….so much for being there for his wife and 3 daughters.

How then does personal character and integrity matter in a leader? Should we forgive an elected official or business executive for a personal human weakness or utterly stupid lapses in judgment, as long as he/she can still perform at a high level?

My answer – No way!!

As I have repeatedly emphasized on some of my other blog postings, Character IS leadership…period. There are is no grey areas between one’s private actions and public performance. Character and your values are held to their highest test standard when “no one is looking”. Leadership isn’t something one can turn off and on…especially when you hold a position in a public office.

I am not sure how many of you remember the movie, “Breaking Away”? Dave Stoller (Dennis Christopher) fantasizes about being this Italian biker. He lands an opportunity to race against an Italian cycling team visiting Bloomington, Ind., that he has literally worshiped. But when he shows that he can keep up with them, believing they will admire the level of his effort, they throw him into a ditch and his fantasy world comes crashing down. “Everybody cheats,” he says….

I disagree. An authentic leader never cheats….he/she never compromises his values. If you steal, cheat (including your spouse), lie or break the law you might be given another chance as a human being…but I am sorry, you are no leader. So, please step aside…

BW article

This is the “whistle-blower” article I was referring to in class last nite…enjoy!

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_06/b4070000689813.htm

Blog organization

My posts have been segregated into 3 new categories – Intrapersonal, Interpersonal and Organizational. You can find these under the ‘Categories’ section on the right.

I found this paradigm easier since it follows the course progression…hope it is convenient for you as well!

Welcome!

Welcome to my J506 blog. This BLOG will be where I share some of my perspectives on the topic of Ethical Leadership and the practice of it…would greatly appreciate your comments!

Stay tuned….