GB600 all discussions

Discussion Topic 1 of 2

Does leadership make a difference? Why or why not? Justify your opinion with examples from your personal experience and from research on the topic. Include in your response how leaders influence organizational performance and provide an example that is congruent with your position – this may be accomplished by interviewing a leader you know or by citing an example in the media.

Discussion Topic 2 of 2

Transformations are occurring in today’s organizations and leadership is needed to facilitate these changes. Select a recent article from current events (past 90 days) related to this topic. Write a well-written presentation on this topic by providing a paragraph summarizing the primary components of the article and a second paragraph presenting your analysis of the article (Do you agree/disagree? Is it congruent with our text? Why/why not? Etc.). Be certain to provide a complete reference (APA) for the selected article.

Unit 2: Organizational Transformation and Vision - Discussion

Discussion Topic 1 of 2

Research has shown that transformational leadership can lead to a positive impact on performance and behavior. Discuss how this occurs and provide an example of a leader you have worked with who has done this successfully or who could use transformational leadership to be more successful. For the example you select, be sure to provide specific examples and connect to the research.

Discussion Topic 2 of 2

Although charismatic leaders can use their abilities to accomplish great things, there are also concerns about charismatic leadership from a moral standpoint. Choose a position, either (1) charismatic leaders accomplish great things, or (2) there are moral concerns with charismatic leaders. Select a recent article from current events (past 90 days) supporting your position. Write a well-written presentation on this topic by providing a paragraph summarizing the primary components of the article and a second paragraph presenting your analysis of the article (Do you agree/disagree? Is it congruent with our text? Why/why not? Etc.). Be certain to provide a complete reference (APA) for the selected article.

Unit 3: Global Decision-Making Across Boundaries - Discussion

Discussion Topic 1 of 2

Inspirational and powerful communication can contribute to leadership effectiveness; therefore, it is important to understand how to become a communicator that is inspirational and emotion-provoking. The reading in this unit categorizes this three ways: speaking and writing, principles of persuasion, and nonverbal communication. Select one of these categories most useful to you and describe how and why it is important. Next, building on that topic, discuss your current level of skill in that area, what you are going to focus on to improve it, and how this will help you to be a more effective leader.

Discussion Topic 2 of 2

There are numerous leadership initiatives that can contribute to achieving cultural diversity. Select a recent article from current events (past 90 days) that demonstrates at least one of these initiatives. Write a well-written presentation on this topic by providing a paragraph summarizing the primary components of the article and a second paragraph presenting your analysis of the article (Do you agree/disagree? Is it congruent with our text? Why/why not? Etc.). Be certain to provide a complete reference (APA) for the selected article.

Unit 4

Discussion Topic 1 of 2

Coaching is an important element for leadership effectiveness and can be used as an approach to motivation. Leaders who develop and practice coaching skills are more likely to have employees who are engaged and performing at higher levels. Think of a manager you have worked with who is either an effective coach or who would benefit by becoming an effective coach. If effective, describe specifically what he or she does to achieve this. If development is needed, describe the specific deficit and how you might approach developing him or her to become effective. For either example, describe how you will use this information to develop your own coaching skillset.

Discussion Topic 2 of 2

Many successful organizations are using creativity and innovation as a leadership strategy to differentiate their organization and position them for success. Select a recent article from current events (past 90 days) that highlights an organization that is effectively using creativity and innovation. Write a well-written presentation on this topic by providing a paragraph summarizing the primary components of the article and a second paragraph presenting your analysis of the article (Do you agree/disagree? Is it congruent with our text? Why/why not? Etc.). Be certain to provide a complete reference (APA) for the selected article.

Unit 5

Discussion Topic 1 of 2

Although many people associate organizational politics in a negative light, it can be an effective strategy or one that causes dysfunction. Think of an organization you are familiar with (personally or through the media) and provide either an example of a successful (positive/ethical) application or organizational politics or an example of dysfunctional (negative/unethical) organizational politics. Include in your response how you will use this information to help you become a more effective leader.

Discussion Topic 2 of 2

Effective organizations understand that leadership succession planning is essential to promote continuity and long-term organizational health. Select a recent article from current events (past 90 days) related to succession planning. Write a well-written presentation on this topic by providing a paragraph summarizing the primary components of the article and a second paragraph presenting your analysis of the article (Do you agree/disagree? Is it congruent with our text? Why/why not? Etc.). Be certain to provide a complete reference (APA) for the selected article.

Unit 6

Discussion Topic 1 of 2

Although most leaders have a dominant or preferred style/approach to leadership, there are situations that require leaders to flexible with their style in order to be effective. Reflecting on your own leadership style, discuss how you plan to develop your ability to apply situational leadership. In your response, include your primary style as well as an example (real or hypothetical) of a specific situation and how you plan to “flex” your style to be more effective.

Discussion Topic 2 of 2

Effectively managing knowledge and becoming a learning organization can provide an organization with a competitive advantage. Select a recent article from current events (past 90 days) that illustrates such an organization. Write a well-written presentation on this topic by providing a paragraph summarizing the primary components of the article and a second paragraph presenting your analysis of the article (Do you agree/disagree? Is it congruent with our text? Why/why not? Etc.). Be certain to provide a complete reference (APA) for the selected article.

Unit 1

Write a three to five (3-5) page paper (excluding title and reference pages) assessing your personal leadership readiness that includes the following:

· Introduction.

· Research on leadership; specifically, traits, behaviors, and attitudes.

· Analysis of your personal leadership traits, behaviors, and attitudes as well as your overall readiness for leadership. Identify gaps that must be closed in order for you to progress to the next level of leadership. The text has many assessments and skill building exercises that you may find helpful in this process. Another option is to conduct and Internet search for free assessments.

· Recommendations for your personal development to assist you in closing the gaps identified in your analysis.

· Conclusion should briefly summarize the primary points of the paper and bring forward a call to action.

The Assignment will be evaluated using the Focus Paper Rubric located in the course Syllabus. Therefore, please ensure it is written with proper grammar, in APA format (including clear section headings), and includes at least three cited and referenced resources – one of which must be a peer reviewed (scholarly) journal article.

Note:There is a Focus Paper Template in Doc Sharing.

The point distribution for the Assignment will be as follows:

· 50% (25 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (15 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (10 points): Writing style, grammar, APA format

Submit to the Unit 1: Focus Paper Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 1

– Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

1

Unit 2

Two Assignments

There are two parts to this week’s Assignment. 1. Focus Paper and 2. PowerPoint Presentation. Instructions for each Assignment are listed below and in the View/Print document.

Focus Paper

Write a three to five (3-5) page paper (excluding title and reference pages) assessing your aptitude for charismatic leadership that includes the following:

· Introduction.

· Research on charismatic leadership.

· Analysis of your personal aptitude for charismatic leadership. Identify gaps that must be closed in order for you to become more charismatic. The text has many assessments and skill building exercises that you may find helpful in this process. Another option is to conduct and Internet search for free assessments.

· Recommendations for your personal development to assist you in closing the gaps identified in your analysis as well as a specific action plan to accomplish this.

· Conclusion should briefly summarize the primary points of the paper and bring forward a call to action.

The Assignment will be evaluated using the Focus Paper Rubric located in the course Syllabus. Therefore, please ensure it is written with proper grammar, in APA format (including clear section headings), and includes at least three cited and referenced resources – one of which must be a peer reviewed (scholarly) journal article.

Note: There is a Focus Paper Template in Doc Sharing.

The point distribution for the Assignment will be as follows:

· 50% (25 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (15 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (10 points): Writing style, grammar, APA format

Submit to the Unit 2: Focus Paper Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 2 – Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

PowerPoint

Develop an eight to ten (8-10) slide presentation that includes the following:

· Title slide

· Compare/contrast the following factors or behaviors:

· relationship-oriented versus task-oriented behaviors

· emotional intelligence versus cognitive

· Analysis of how those factors or behaviors contribute to leadership effectiveness.

· Recommendations for selecting the most appropriate leadership style to accomplish business goals and maximize organizational performance.

· Reference slide

The point distribution for the Assignment will be as follows:

· 50% (25 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (15 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (10 points): Professional presentation, clarity of slides

Note: It is important that the slides be streamlined, interesting, and professional. The majority of the detail, analysis, and research should be placed in the notes sections.

Submit to the Unit 2: PowerPoint Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 2 – Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Unit 3

Case Analysis

Read the Harvard Business Case Study for Unit 3:

Kanter, R.M. (2009). IBM in the 21^st century: The coming of the globally integrated enterprise. Harvard Business School Publishing, Product: 308105-PDF-ENG.

Prepare a case analysis on the topic of organizational challenges when becoming a globally-integrated enterprise.

Case analysis questions to consider for your response:

· What global forces drove IBM to become a globally-integrated enterprise?

· How has IBM adapted thus far? Have they been successful?

· What skills should global leaders have?

· If you were Jon Iwata and John Kelly, what recommendations would you make to Sam Palmisano? How would you implement them?

Your analysis of this case and your written submission should reflect an understanding of the critical issues of the case; integrate the material covered in the text and present concise and well-reasoned justifications for the stance that you take.

The case analysis should be at least three pages long (excluding title and reference pages), double spaced. Check for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and usage. Citations should use APA style. You will find a template (GB600 Template – Unit 3 Case Analysis) in Doc Sharing.

Case Analysis Criteria

Your case analysis should consist of:

· A brief analysis of the situation and pending decision problem, as presented in the case, and as relevant to your answer. This should be exceptionally brief and you should assume the person reading the Assignment is familiar with the details of the case.

1

Unit 3 [GB600 | Leadership Strategies for a Changing World]

· Identification of the major issues surrounding the organization or individuals involved with the organization.

· Identification of alternate courses of action to address the issues identified.

· The decision or recommendation for action, with the appropriate supporting arguments.

· The case question(s) is designed to guide the direction of your analysis in the case. Your analysis should address and ultimately answer the question(s).

Case Analysis Grading(also see Syllabus– Focus Paper Rubric–for additionaldetail)

· 50% (25 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (15 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (10 points): Writing style, grammar, APA format

Case Analysis Tips

Avoid common errors in case analyses, such as:

1. Focusing too heavily on minor issues.

2. Lamenting because of insufficient data in the case and ignoring creative alternatives.

3. Rehashing of case data — you should assume the reader knows the case.

4. Not appropriately evaluating the quality of the case's data.

5. Obscuring the quantitative analysis, making it difficult to understand.

Case Analysis Submission

Before you submit your Case Analysis, you should save your work on your computer in a location and with a name that you will remember. Save the document using the naming convention: Username_Unit3_CaseAnalysis.doc

Make sure your document includes:

· Your Name

· Date

· Course Name & Section Number

· Unit Number

2

Unit 3 [GB600 | Leadership Strategies for a Changing World]

· Case Name

· Page Numbers

Submit to the Unit 3: Case Analysis Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 3 – Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Unit 4

Write a three to five (3-5) page paper (excluding title and reference pages) regarding leading a team-based organization that includes the following:

· Introduction

· Research on team-based organizations.

· Analysis of the effectiveness of motivating others through recognition.

· Recommendations for leading a team to achieve long-term business outcomes.

· Conclusion should briefly summarize the primary points of the paper and bring forward a call to action.

The Assignment will be evaluated using the Focus Paper Rubric located in the course Syllabus. Therefore, please ensure it is written with proper grammar, in APA format (including clear section headings), and includes at least three cited and referenced resources – one of which must be a peer reviewed (scholarly) journal article.

Note:There is a Focus Paper Template in Doc Sharing.

The point distribution for the Assignment will be as follows:

· 50% (25 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (15 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (10 points): Writing style, grammar, APA format

Submit to the Unit 4: Focus Paper Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 4

– Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Unit 5

Focus Paper

Setting: It is 5-10 years in the future and you have just been appointed to a highly desirable leadership role, one for which you have been preparing for many years. The organization has strong viability but is currently ineffective due to power struggles and an unhealthy organizational culture that is preventing it from reaching its potential.

Write a seven to ten (7-10) page paper (excluding title and reference pages) that includes the following:

· Introduction – include some background on the organization (real or fictitious) and the leadership role to which you have been appointed.

· Research on empowering leadership and its effect on organizational culture.

· Analysis of the influence of leadership on organization effectiveness, including the use of power and politics to accomplish goals.

· Recommendations for empowering your team members and subordinates and how you will use honest and ethical influence tactics to increase organization effectiveness.

· Conclusion should briefly summarize the primary points of the paper and bring forward a call to action.

The Assignment will be evaluated using the Focus Paper Rubric located in the course Syllabus. Therefore, please ensure it is written with proper grammar, in APA format (including clear section headings), and includes at least three cited and referenced resources – one of which must be a peer reviewed (scholarly) journal article.

Note:There is a Focus Paper Template in Doc Sharing.

The point distribution for the Assignment will be as follows:

· 50% (50 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (30 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (20 points): Writing style, grammar, APA format

Submit to the Unit 5: Focus Paper Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 5

– Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Unit 1

Write a three to five (3-5) page paper (excluding title and reference pages) assessing your personal leadership readiness that includes the following:

· Introduction.

· Research on leadership; specifically, traits, behaviors, and attitudes.

· Analysis of your personal leadership traits, behaviors, and attitudes as well as your overall readiness for leadership. Identify gaps that must be closed in order for you to progress to the next level of leadership. The text has many assessments and skill building exercises that you may find helpful in this process. Another option is to conduct and Internet search for free assessments.

· Recommendations for your personal development to assist you in closing the gaps identified in your analysis.

· Conclusion should briefly summarize the primary points of the paper and bring forward a call to action.

The Assignment will be evaluated using the Focus Paper Rubric located in the course Syllabus. Therefore, please ensure it is written with proper grammar, in APA format (including clear section headings), and includes at least three cited and referenced resources – one of which must be a peer reviewed (scholarly) journal article.

Note:There is a Focus Paper Template in Doc Sharing.

The point distribution for the Assignment will be as follows:

· 50% (25 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (15 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (10 points): Writing style, grammar, APA format

Submit to the Unit 1: Focus Paper Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 1

– Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

1

Unit 2

Two Assignments

There are two parts to this week’s Assignment. 1. Focus Paper and 2. PowerPoint Presentation. Instructions for each Assignment are listed below and in the View/Print document.

Focus Paper

Write a three to five (3-5) page paper (excluding title and reference pages) assessing your aptitude for charismatic leadership that includes the following:

· Introduction.

· Research on charismatic leadership.

· Analysis of your personal aptitude for charismatic leadership. Identify gaps that must be closed in order for you to become more charismatic. The text has many assessments and skill building exercises that you may find helpful in this process. Another option is to conduct and Internet search for free assessments.

· Recommendations for your personal development to assist you in closing the gaps identified in your analysis as well as a specific action plan to accomplish this.

· Conclusion should briefly summarize the primary points of the paper and bring forward a call to action.

The Assignment will be evaluated using the Focus Paper Rubric located in the course Syllabus. Therefore, please ensure it is written with proper grammar, in APA format (including clear section headings), and includes at least three cited and referenced resources – one of which must be a peer reviewed (scholarly) journal article.

Note: There is a Focus Paper Template in Doc Sharing.

The point distribution for the Assignment will be as follows:

· 50% (25 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (15 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (10 points): Writing style, grammar, APA format

Submit to the Unit 2: Focus Paper Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 2 – Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

PowerPoint

Develop an eight to ten (8-10) slide presentation that includes the following:

· Title slide

· Compare/contrast the following factors or behaviors:

· relationship-oriented versus task-oriented behaviors

· emotional intelligence versus cognitive

· Analysis of how those factors or behaviors contribute to leadership effectiveness.

· Recommendations for selecting the most appropriate leadership style to accomplish business goals and maximize organizational performance.

· Reference slide

The point distribution for the Assignment will be as follows:

· 50% (25 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (15 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (10 points): Professional presentation, clarity of slides

Note: It is important that the slides be streamlined, interesting, and professional. The majority of the detail, analysis, and research should be placed in the notes sections.

Submit to the Unit 2: PowerPoint Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 2 – Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Unit 3

Case Analysis

Read the Harvard Business Case Study for Unit 3:

Kanter, R.M. (2009). IBM in the 21^st century: The coming of the globally integrated enterprise. Harvard Business School Publishing, Product: 308105-PDF-ENG.

Prepare a case analysis on the topic of organizational challenges when becoming a globally-integrated enterprise.

Case analysis questions to consider for your response:

· What global forces drove IBM to become a globally-integrated enterprise?

· How has IBM adapted thus far? Have they been successful?

· What skills should global leaders have?

· If you were Jon Iwata and John Kelly, what recommendations would you make to Sam Palmisano? How would you implement them?

Your analysis of this case and your written submission should reflect an understanding of the critical issues of the case; integrate the material covered in the text and present concise and well-reasoned justifications for the stance that you take.

The case analysis should be at least three pages long (excluding title and reference pages), double spaced. Check for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and usage. Citations should use APA style. You will find a template (GB600 Template – Unit 3 Case Analysis) in Doc Sharing.

Case Analysis Criteria

Your case analysis should consist of:

· A brief analysis of the situation and pending decision problem, as presented in the case, and as relevant to your answer. This should be exceptionally brief and you should assume the person reading the Assignment is familiar with the details of the case.

1

Unit 3 [GB600 | Leadership Strategies for a Changing World]

· Identification of the major issues surrounding the organization or individuals involved with the organization.

· Identification of alternate courses of action to address the issues identified.

· The decision or recommendation for action, with the appropriate supporting arguments.

· The case question(s) is designed to guide the direction of your analysis in the case. Your analysis should address and ultimately answer the question(s).

Case Analysis Grading(also see Syllabus– Focus Paper Rubric–for additionaldetail)

· 50% (25 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (15 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (10 points): Writing style, grammar, APA format

Case Analysis Tips

Avoid common errors in case analyses, such as:

1. Focusing too heavily on minor issues.

2. Lamenting because of insufficient data in the case and ignoring creative alternatives.

3. Rehashing of case data — you should assume the reader knows the case.

4. Not appropriately evaluating the quality of the case's data.

5. Obscuring the quantitative analysis, making it difficult to understand.

Case Analysis Submission

Before you submit your Case Analysis, you should save your work on your computer in a location and with a name that you will remember. Save the document using the naming convention: Username_Unit3_CaseAnalysis.doc

Make sure your document includes:

· Your Name

· Date

· Course Name & Section Number

· Unit Number

2

Unit 3 [GB600 | Leadership Strategies for a Changing World]

· Case Name

· Page Numbers

Submit to the Unit 3: Case Analysis Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 3 – Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Unit 4

Write a three to five (3-5) page paper (excluding title and reference pages) regarding leading a team-based organization that includes the following:

· Introduction

· Research on team-based organizations.

· Analysis of the effectiveness of motivating others through recognition.

· Recommendations for leading a team to achieve long-term business outcomes.

· Conclusion should briefly summarize the primary points of the paper and bring forward a call to action.

The Assignment will be evaluated using the Focus Paper Rubric located in the course Syllabus. Therefore, please ensure it is written with proper grammar, in APA format (including clear section headings), and includes at least three cited and referenced resources – one of which must be a peer reviewed (scholarly) journal article.

Note:There is a Focus Paper Template in Doc Sharing.

The point distribution for the Assignment will be as follows:

· 50% (25 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (15 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (10 points): Writing style, grammar, APA format

Submit to the Unit 4: Focus Paper Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 4

– Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Unit 5

Focus Paper

Setting: It is 5-10 years in the future and you have just been appointed to a highly desirable leadership role, one for which you have been preparing for many years. The organization has strong viability but is currently ineffective due to power struggles and an unhealthy organizational culture that is preventing it from reaching its potential.

Write a seven to ten (7-10) page paper (excluding title and reference pages) that includes the following:

· Introduction – include some background on the organization (real or fictitious) and the leadership role to which you have been appointed.

· Research on empowering leadership and its effect on organizational culture.

· Analysis of the influence of leadership on organization effectiveness, including the use of power and politics to accomplish goals.

· Recommendations for empowering your team members and subordinates and how you will use honest and ethical influence tactics to increase organization effectiveness.

· Conclusion should briefly summarize the primary points of the paper and bring forward a call to action.

The Assignment will be evaluated using the Focus Paper Rubric located in the course Syllabus. Therefore, please ensure it is written with proper grammar, in APA format (including clear section headings), and includes at least three cited and referenced resources – one of which must be a peer reviewed (scholarly) journal article.

Note:There is a Focus Paper Template in Doc Sharing.

The point distribution for the Assignment will be as follows:

· 50% (50 points): Content, focus, use of research, and organization

· 30% (30 points): Analysis and critical thinking

· 20% (20 points): Writing style, grammar, APA format

Submit to the Unit 5: Focus Paper Dropbox. This Assignment is due by the end of Unit 5

– Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. ET.

1