A634.5.4.RB_IsMarketingEvil_LouBeldotti

A634.5.4.RB

Is Marketing Evil?

            When I was a recruiter in the Army, marketing was a great part of my job.  Along with the Army’s National marketing campaign, each recruiter is a walking, talking Ad Campaign.  Unfortunately, due to the autonomy of the recruiters, some of the “marketing” was tailored to the amount of pressure the recruiter was under at the time.

            According to Dr. Marty Nemko (2017), “Marketers use many psychological ploys to make you buy what you shouldn’t.”  Nemko also goes on to say, “Yes, sometimes, marketing is a worthy activity. For example, marketing people can help a company develop a more useful product. Also, marketing can help potential customers learn about a new product that's worth considering.

            But more often, marketing attempts to manipulate you into spending on something that, if you considered all the relevant factors, you wouldn't spend on.”

            I will have to agree with Nemko.  It doesn’t help that I am an impulse buyer.  I am drawn to attractive packaging and labeling.  Also, if something is a novelty, I may potentially purchase it.  Most of these things that I would not have ordinarily purchased.  As a matter of fact, a few years ago I made an impulse purchase of a Chihuahua because of how they had they kennels staged.  These are just some of the tricks of marketing.  

            While attending Touro University International, I wrote a general assignment on this exact topic.  Other marketing ploys are “Loss-Leader Pricing” (think four gas stations at a four way intersection), “Staging” and “Impulse Racks” (think Walmart), “Demonstrators” (think Sam’s Club), and “Business Intelligence” (remember the last time you did a web search for a product and then went to another website and saw the exact thing you were searching for in an Ad Banner?).  Because of demonstrator at Sam’s Club I actually bought two bamboo pillow and I hate them.

            According to Dr. Linda Ferrell, Marketing ethics define acceptable conduct in the marketplace (Ferrell, n.d.).  She also states (Ferrell, n.d., pg. ETH-2), “There are many reasons to understand and develop the most effective approaches to manage marketing ethics.  All organizations face significant threats from ethical misconduct and illegal behavior from employees and managers on a daily basis.  Well-meaning marketers often devise schemes that appear legal but are so ethically flawed that they result in scandals and legal entanglements.” 

            Dr. Ferrell (Ferrell, n.d., pg. ETH-10) concludes, “One lesson that every marketing student should understand is that most companies will engage in some form of misconduct.  As Warren Buffet has stated, ‘we just hope it’s small and that we find it quickly.’  Because marketers engage in behaviors impacting many varied stakeholders, their potential to do harm and opportunity to have a very positive impact is great.” 

            With all of this said:

1. Do you feel ethical guidelines make a difference to marketers?  Corporate guidelines should be set.  However, sometimes the individual’s view of ethics run afoul.  Regardless, ethical guidelines do make a difference to marketers.  Having guidelines in place may not totally eradicate wrong doing but it certainly will slow it down.  Damage control is more manageable and it is easier to pinpoint what was done wrong. 

2. How can companies balance the need to win with being ethical?  As earlier stated, when I was an Army Recruiter, I witnessed unethical behavior often.  The pressure to fulfill a “quota” would cause some recruiters to either walk the thin gray line or step directly into the black to “win”.  The same goes for companies.  Their pressure comes from “the bottom line”, pleasing the C-Suite, and stockholders.  To balance the need to win with being ethical, a company must have stringent guidelines with firm consequences for violating them, hire ethical employees, provide a quality service or superior product, and monitor, monitor, monitor.  Most of this is pretty easy to accomplish.  However, how does a company hire quality people?  And what is an ethical employee?  According to Mark S. Putnam (Putnam, 2006), “an ethically balanced person has values, perspective, responsibility, and character.”  I think that the most import of these is values and character.  According to Putnam, “Values are the fundamental principles or rules when lived by make you "ethical" or not. You must have deeply-held core values that show themselves visibly in the everyday moral decisions you make.”  Values can be ascertained by the interviewer asking pointed questions.  Putnam also states about character, “There must be a genuine self-awareness of who you are at your very core. What do you believe is right or wrong? This is the real you behind the façades and outward appearances. Your character should not change with the circumstance but be a constant moral anchor.”  One can see the character of an individual by his or her actions and deeds.

3. Is it ethical to track your buying habits or web visits to target you for marketing purposes?  I see nothing wrong with it but some people are irritated by it.  It known as Business Intelligent (BI).  According to Margaret Rouse (Rouse, 2005 – 2017), “Business intelligence (BI) is a technology-driven process for analyzing data and presenting actionable information to help corporate executives, business managers and other end users make more informed business decisions. BI encompasses a wide variety of tools, applications and methodologies that enable organizations to collect data from internal systems and external sources, prepare it for analysis, develop and run queries against the data, and create reports, dashboards and data visualizations to make the analytical results available to corporate decision makers as well as operational workers.”  BI monitors the web pages that are visited, the products that have been clicked on, and more.  I say, just ignore the ad banners that will follow you.  It would be a good idea for an opt-out, however.

4. As a leader, how will you manage the ethical aspects of your marketing efforts?  I feel that I am a very ethical person.  In secondary education, there isn’t much need for marketing efforts.  If I ever go back into the public or private sector, I will definitely you the practices that I described in number two above.

References

Nemko, M. (2017, January 17). Marketing is Evil. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/how-do-life/201701/marketing-is-evil

Ferrell, L. (n.d.). Marketing ethics.  Retrieved from http://college.cengage.com/business/modules/marktngethics.pdf

Putnam, M. S. (2006).  Ethical balance.  Retrieved from http://www.globalethicsuniversity.com/articles/ethicalbalance.htm

Rouse, M. (2005 – 2017). Business intelligence (BI). Retrieved from http://searchdatamanagement.techtarget.com/definition/business-intelligence

A634.4.4.RB_IsAffirmativeActionEthical_LouBeldotti

A634.4.4.RB

Is Affirmative Action Ethical?

                My definition.  Affirmative action is intentionally providing consideration and favors to those not in the majority of a society.  According to LaFollette (2007, pg. 87), “Affirmative action – the practice of giving special consideration to minorities and women in hiring and school placement”.  Very similar.

            As a society, America has gone through many transitions over the course of its existence.  Those that we refer to as “Pilgrims” left Mother England because of religion in 1620.  They fought for freedom from the crown for over 156 years.  But their freedom did not mean freedom for others.  I say this because a year earlier in 1619, subjects of the crown brought twenty African slaves to Jamestown, VA to tend to the tobacco crop (History.com, n.d.).

            So, most believe that the slave trade began in the South.  However, New England was a hot bed for slavery twenty years before the Southern Colonies.  According to Cliff Odle (2015), “In 1620, the Pilgrims reached land in the new world and set up a colony. Plymouth, as they called it, would be their new home where they could worship freely, separate from the Church of England. Four years later, a gentleman by the name of Samuel Maverick arrived with two African slaves. Their arrival marked the beginning of a trade that would last more than two centuries, and challenge the meaning of freedom even after the trade was abolished.

            In 1643, the Puritan citizens of the Plymouth colony joined forces with the Massachusetts Bay Colony, The New Haven colony and the Connecticut colony to form the New England Confederation. One of the first articles in the confederation established guidelines to legalize the slave trade, placing Massachusetts among the first colonies to do so. It would be nearly twenty years before the first southern colony did the same.”

            With that said, the principle that this country was built on freedom.  On July 4, 1776, the original thirteen colonies ratified our Declaration of Independence (from England) which states (USHistory.org, 1776), “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  Sadly, we did not view slaves as people but property.  They did not have certain unalienable Rights and were not entitles to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.    

            America has been a tempest in a tea cup since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the Civil Rights Act signed 101 years later in 1964.  Many people came to the realization that slavery was wrong.  Guilt set in.  The “sins” of our fathers needed to be corrected.  According to LaFollette (2007, pgs. 87-88), “Everyone except diehard racists now admit that systematic discrimination against blacks is wrong.  It was wrong to deprive people of jobs, housing, health, public benefits, and legal and civil rights merely because of their race.  Affirmative action, they claim, is wrong for the same reason: these programs discriminate against whites simply because of their race.  Two wrongs do not make a right.”

            I’m going to have to agree.  I believe that there should be absolute equality regardless of race, gender, sexual preference or religion.  Tossing a group a “bone” just because of these things or past treatment is just unethical.  Someone is adversely affected, no matter how you slice it.  The playing field needs to be leveled. 

References

LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics.  Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing

History.com. (n.d.). SLAVERY IN AMERICA.  Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery

Odle, C. (2015). The Rise and Fall of the Slave Trade in Massachusetts Part I. Retrieved from https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/educational-resources/article-rise-and-fall-of-slave-trade-part1.shtml

USHistory.org. (1776, July 4). The Declaration of Independence.  Retrieved from http://www.ushistory.org/DECLARATION/document/

A634.3.4.RB_The Harder They Fall_Lou Beldotti

A634.3.4.RB

The Harder They Fall

            Timber!  This is the call of the Lumberjack as the tree falls and make its rustling and thudding sound.  And the bigger the tree is, the harder it falls.  Just like trees are felled by the axe swing of the Lumberjack, so are Executives, CEOs, Business Leaders, and Politicians by their own folly.  And the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

            So, why does this happen?  According to Roderick M. Kramer (Kramer, pg. 58, 2003), “Throughout the 1990s, our society seemed to have a fetish for aggressive chiefs like Enron’s Kenneth Lay, Tyco’s Dennis Kozlowski, and WorldCom’s Bernard Ebbers…Scandal set in, and these once feted and envied leaders found themselves falling hard and fast…Yet just when they appear to have it all, these A-list performers demonstrate uncharacteristic lapses in professional judgement or personal conduct.”  A definite “fall from grace”. 

            After a little internet research, I came across an article on Time Magazines (Time, 2016) online site listing the “Top 10 Crooked CEOs”.  They are:

• Bernard Madoff, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, LLS.  Plead guilty on March 12, 2009 to eleven charges of fraud.

•  Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling, ENRON.  Convicted on May 25, 2006 of fraud.

• Dennis Kozlowski, Tyco International, LTD.  Convicted on June 17, 2005 of misappropriation of corporate funds.

• John Rigas, Adelphia Communications Corporation.  Convicted July 8, 2004 of bank, wire, and security fraud.

• Joe Nacchio, Qwest International.  Convicted on April 19, 2007 of insider trading.  Appeal pending.

• James McDermott, Jr., Keefe, Bruyette, and Woods.  Convicted April 27, 2010 of insider trading.

• Sam Waksal, ImClone. Convicted October 15, 2002 of security fraud, bank fraud, obstruction of justice, and perjury.

• Sam Israel, Bayou Group Hedge Fund.  Convicted of fraud in April 2008.

• Bernie Ebbers, WorldCom.  Convicted on March 15, 2005 of nine counts of conspiracy, securities fraud, and making false regulatory filings.

            All of these men were shining stars that rose to the top and then fell…and fell hard.  There seems to be an underlying theme with these ten…GREED.  With greater responsibility comes greater income.  The boys in their custom-made suits let money control them just like drugs control a drug addict.

            Greed affects many.  The once moral pastor stealing from his own congregation.  The dedicated employ embezzling from his or her company.  The investment banker stealing from his clients.  The mechanic performing unnecessary work on a car to pad the bill.   According to LaFollette (LaFollette, pg. 36, 2007), “The idea that inappropriate maxims are self-contradictory seems to work well for promises and lies.  It is doubtful that this could explain all moral judgments.  Moreover, although his [Kant] view capture the common idea that we must be leery of inclinations – since they often lead us to make exceptions in our own case – it is unclear why acting from inclinations is always devoid of moral worth.” 

            The top jobs and positions are few as Kramer describes.  Rising to the top takes a lot of hard work and dedication.  In some instances, there is only one winner who makes it.  According to Kramer (Kramer, pg. 60, 2003), “Researchers Robert Frank and Philip Cook have characterized such tournaments (vying for that one position) as ‘winner-take-all markets’ – a very few star performers generate most value and end up enjoying the lion’s share of the spoils…these winner-take-all markets creates players who suffer from a ‘winner-wants-all’ mind-set.  These elite performers expect everything – but often end up with nothing.”  This speaks directly to my “greed” comment.

            So, what about those leaders who do not fall from grace?  According to Kramer (Kramer, pg. 64, 2003), “They had different personalities and management styles, but they all seemed to retain a remarkable sense of proportion and displayed a high degree of self-awareness…I learned that each had developed a certain combination pf psychological and behavioral habits that helped them stay grounded.”  Some of these habits and traits were:

•         Keep your life simple.
• 
  
•         Hang a lantern on your foibles.
• 
  
•         Float trial balloons.
• 
  
•         Sweat the small stuff.
• 
  
•     Reflect more, not less.

(Kramer, pgs. 64, 66, 2003)

            As far of these type of dilemmas occurring in my life, I do my best to avoid them.  In all of my occupations (Army, Private Industry, and School Teaching), I was one of many.  Maybe that is what kept me out of hot water.

References

Kramer, R. M. (2003). THE HARDER THEY FALL. (cover story). Harvard Business Review, 81(10), 58-66.

LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics.  Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing

Time. (2016). Top 10 crooked CEOs. Retrieved from http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1903155_1903156_1903160,00.html

A634.2.4.RB_Theories of Ethics_LouBeldotti

A634.2.4.RB - Theories of Ethics

(MyKomms.com, 2017)

In Chapter 2, LaFollette (2007) discusses Consequentialism and Deontology. Discuss your thoughts on these two theories.

            According to LaFollette, “Consequentialists claim that we are morally obligated to act in ways that produce the best consequences.  It is not difficult to see why this is an appealing theory.  It employs the same style of reasoning we use in making purely prudential (wise, self-interested) decisions” (LaFollette, pg. 23, 2007).

            As a child, I had to learn about consequences for good and bad behavior.  The consequences were taught to me by my parents and teachers.  I quickly learned through corporal punishment the consequences of my wrong actions like writing on the walls, cutting my brother’s hair or catching my mattress on fire with a hot plate.  I learned other consequences through trial and error like sticking a butter knife into an electrical outlet, eating my first hot pepper, and cutting my hand with a razor blade.  So, what about good consequences for good behavior?  As a child, being rewarded reinforced good behavior.  Doing household chores like cleaning my room was rewarded with a monetary allowance.  Getting good grades in school was also rewarded with money.  Did I learn about morals in these situations?  Not so much.  However, these were lessons that taught me right and wrong along with good or bad.

            So, do we make decisions regarding our behavior based on a determined value or weight of a consequence?  LaFollette believes so.  According to LaFollette, “The consequentialist needs to know not only which consequences count, but also how much each counts.  A consequences weight is the product of the nature of the interests it affects, the number of interests affected, and their respective probabilities” (LaFollette, pg. 26, 2007).  LaFollette also indicates that the nature of the consequence is a determining factor of the weight of the consequence. 

            My morals are pretty well established.  However, I can understand the importance of weight.  I know it is illegal to steal.  But if my children were starving and I had no money, I may consider stealing.  If I had plenty of money and still stole to feed my family, the weight would be different even though the consequences would still be the same but my moral deliberation would be completely different.  In both situations, my family would be fed and happier.  LaFollette describes this as “Utilitarianism”.  However, the consequences of my actions would then cause unhappiness if I were sent to jail…like a double edge sword.  But does the end really justify the means?  It depends on the situation in my opinion. 

            Now back to my childhood.  As most children do, I lived in a world of “don’t do this” and “don’t do that”.  “Don’t run with scissors…you might put an eye out!”, “Don’t sit too close to the TV, it will ruin your eye sight!”, “Don’t eat too much or you’ll bet a belly ache!”, “Candy will rot your teeth!”, “Coffee will stunt your growth!”, “Don’t touch that!”.  So, if I ate candy, was I being immoral?  I thought so, plus I didn’t want to make Mommy and Daddy mad or have rotten teeth.  LaFollette describes this as “Deontology” (LaFollette, pg. 24, 2007). 

            I found consequentialism and deontology slightly similar…both have their nucleus as the knowledge of the difference between right and wrong.  However, LaFollette states, “Many consequentialists think their theory also permits – or even requires – moral rules: it is generally better if everyone follows the same rules than if they decide for themselves what is moral…Deontologist contend there are strict moral limits on what we can do to others.  Consequentialists do not.  That is the source of the most common objection to consequentialism: that if we consider only consequences, then we will eventually – and perhaps often – act immorally (LaFollette, pg. 24, 2007)”.

            At the end of the day, morality takes center stage.  However, I believe morality is subjective.  This is based on where we are from and who we are raised by regardless of age. 

            Enjoy this argument!

References

MyKomms.com. (2017). Consequentialism vs. deontology. Retrieved from https://www.mykomms.com/university/part-detail/consequentialist-or-deontological-justification~53wcDXK7qMSFQC0_p3Bj_Aq0oESxDN2EHWFFNq5UxhM?level=

LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics.  Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing

A641.1.5.RB_TheTrainDilemma:WhenNoChoiceIsAG

A634.1.5.RB - The Train Dilemma: When no Choice is a Good One!

How shall we live, as individuals in the face of decisions about right versus wrong? How shall we handle those occasions when none of the choices are attractive? Consider the following ethical dilemma and create a reflection blog regarding what you would do when having to make a choice in each train scenario. Justify your position and create a synopsis of your position and the implications.

The Train Dilemma

Scenario 1: A train is hurtling down the track where five children are standing. You are the switch person. By throwing the switch, you can put the train on a side track where one child is standing. Will you throw the switch?  In the 1984 movie, Star Trek III: The search for Spock, Captain Spock sacrifices himself by entering a radioactive chamber to repair the radiation breach.  Through a glass wall he says to Admiral Kirk, “SPOCK: Don't grieve, Admiral...it is logical. The needs of the many...outweigh... KIRK:..the needs of the few. SPOCK: Or the one. I have been...and always shall be...your friend...Live long...and prosper.”  (IMDb, 1984).  You can look at this two ways regarding this first scenario.  The switchman throws the switch taking the life of the one child and sparing the lives of the other five children.  The five children are the many and the one child is the few.  The other way of looking at this is a sacrifice is made by the switchman who throws himself in front of the train sparing the lives of all six children.  So, if I were the switchman, which course of action would I take?  The way I look at it is I have lived 53 years, at this point, and the children have many more years ahead of them.  There would only be one family mourning for me where there could be up to five families mourning for the five children or one for the single child if I threw the switch.  My family is smaller due to the passing of all of my grandparents many years ago and other older family members.  I could safely assume that the one child’s family had more surviving family members because of his or her age.  The impact on them would be greater.  I feel that death would be instantaneous so I would not suffer.  So, to answer the question…no…I would not throw the switch, I would sacrifice myself.

Scenario 2: Same scenario except: You are standing next to an elderly man. If you push him in front of the train it will stop the train and all the children will be saved. Will you push him?  This is very interesting.  Now there is someone that has lived longer than me and probably only has a few surviving family members.  He has lived his life.  What harm would it do, after all?  Well, it would be murder.  But wouldn’t pulling the switch, taking the life of the one child, be murder also?  I am sure that the families of the five wouldn’t think so but the family members of the one could quite possibly see it that way.  It also could be quite possible that the elderly man would take it upon himself to jump in front of the train.  Now he would be the sacrifice and I would survive along with the children. 

Scenario 3: Same scenario except: The one child on the side track is your child. Will you throw the switch to save the five children?  This version reaches deep into one’s emotion’s core.  A parent’s love for their child truly would over-ride ethical and moral thinking.  In this version I might consider not throwing the switch.  If the old man was present, I might even consider pushing him.  But I would only think this for a split second and again, jump in front of the train sparing all, but myself.  The most important thing is to preserve my child’s life, no matter the cost.

            Regardless of which version of the scenario became reality, I am pretty sure that I would react the same way each time.  However, not all people think like me.  According to a research study done at Michigan State University, “Research participants were put in a three dimensional setting and given the power to kill one person (in this case, a realistic digital character) to save five.

            The results? About 90 percent of the participants pulled a switch to reroute the boxcar, suggesting people are willing to violate a moral rule if it means minimizing harm.” (Navarrete, 2011).  That is nine out of ten participants!  I believe if they were given scenario 2, they would push the old man. 

            What truly amazed me was the number of participants and their choices.  Maybe they would have made different choices if it were children instead of hikers in their virtual reality.  “Of the 147 participants, 133 (or 90.5 percent) pulled the switch to divert the boxcar, resulting in the death of the one hiker. Fourteen participants allowed the boxcar to kill the five hikers (11 participants did not pull the switch, while three pulled the switch but then returned it to its original position).” (Navarrete, 2011)

            Sadly, each modification of the scenario still requires someone to die.  That is truly a dilemma!

            I realize that I may have created my own course of action based on what may have been the expected response but that is my view of what is ethically correct for this scenario and it’s variations.

References

IMDb. (1984). Star Trek III: The search for Spock. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088170/

Navarrete, C. D. (2011, December 2). Michigan State University: Moral dilemma: Would you kill one person to save five? Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201105443.htm

A641.9.3.RB_BecomingAResonantLeader_LouBeldotti

A641.9.3.RB

Becoming a resonant leader

            In this blog I have been asked to now begin to turn my desires from awareness into action by composing a reflection blog in the form of a letter to myself. In the letter, I briefly state my personal vision and list at least three learning goals, three milestones for each goal, actions steps for each milestone, and list key people who will support me to achieve the learning goals.

            I learned a lot about myself in the exercises found in chapter 6 of “Becoming a resonant leader” (McKee, Boyatzis, & Johnston, chp. 6, 2008) and throughout the entire text.  The first exercise entitled, “My Planning Style”, I discovered that I was equally “Goal Oriented” and “Action Oriented” (McKee, Boyatzis, & Johnston, pgs. 156 – 157, 2008).  According to Annie McKee, “Goal-Oriented planners tend to focus on very specific goals and outcomes, which are not always tied to the pursuit of a dream or fulfilling a mission” and conversely, “Action- Oriented planners live largely in the moment, foregoing deep thoughts about the future and long-term planning” (McKee, Boyatzis, & Johnston, pg. 154, 2008).  This outcome came as a huge surprise to me.  When I served in the Army I was definitely mission oriented.  Obviously I have over the last seven years.

            I chose mostly military leaders to be on my “Personal Board of Directors” (McKee, Boyatzis, & Johnston, pg. 160, 2008).  My choices are H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Colin Powell, my former Drill Sergeant Walter Gaylord, my former boss and friend Gary Schoolfield, my former guitar teacher Larry Cole, and my former Pastor Terry Knighten.  Schwarzkopf and Powell were great tacticians.  These great leaders led hundreds of thousands of Soldiers safely through many conflicts.  Gaylord created the Soldier I would become.  Schoolfield was my voice of reason and stability.  Finally, Knighten woke up my spirituality.  All of these men impacted who I am today.

            You are never too old to learn.  I have learned plenty will completing exercise in the “Becoming a resonant leader” text (McKee, Boyatzis, & Johnson, 2008).  In chapter 1, I was able to reflect on who helped me become who I am, as a resonant leader, over the years.  In chapter 2, I was able to identify who I lead and who I led, identify my beliefs, identify the traits of a good and bad leader including those that I have met, understand and identify my feelings, and decide whether or not I was a resonant leader.  In chapter 3, I was enabled to take a personal inventory, evaluate my mindfulness, find balance, evaluate my desire for intentional change, how I cope with pressures and problems, and identify my wake-up calls for change.  In chapter 4, I was enabled to discover and identify my noble purpose, create my bucket list, think about my ideal life, think about what my life would be like in twenty years, think about my fantasy job, identify my dreams and aspirations, identify the major themes in my dreams, identify my legacy, identify my passion, discover my calling, think about what people would say about me at my funeral, lay out my values, and create my personal vision.  In chapter 5, I was able to answer the question, “How did I get here?”, evaluating the rhythms of career, reviewing the transitions in my life and work, identifying my social identities and roles along with realizing my social web, identifying my strengths and weaknesses, and create a personal balance sheet.  In chapter 6, I was able to identify my planning styles, think about who I wanted to be on my personal board of directors, identify my learning edge, and think about my learning goals (McKee, Boyatzis, & Johnson, 2008).  There is more to learn from this text and its exercises.  I will continue to use it as I develop.      

   

Dear Lou,

            In the late 1970s and early 80s, you wanted to be a doctor because of the people in your family that died from cancer. You had set a learning goal of going to medical school and graduating by the time you were 30 but things in your life changed and you never achieved this goal.

            You joined the Army out of necessity.  You saw enlisting as a way to get money for college so that you could fulfill your vision of becoming a doctor.  However, after four years, you decided to make the Army a career.  You spent over twenty-seven years in uniform. 

            So, what is your vision now?  It has changed many times since you retired from the Army.  You have now set your eyes on completing seven years in Volusia County Schools and retiring.  That goal is still five years away but is well in your grasp.  Upon retirement you have stated that you want to move to the Florida Keys and open a restaurant.   

            You have achieved most of your educational goals before you retired from the Army.  However, a little over a year ago, you decided to go back to school and pursue a Master’s Degree in Leadership.  Each module in the classes are milestones that take nine weeks to reach.  There are nine modules per class.  You planned on attacking each module head on completing each module as early as possible. You intend on graduating, Summa Cum Laude, in September of 2017.

            You have consider fulfilling some of the items on your bucket list.  Besides all the traveling that you want to do, you have decided that running in a marathon and flying an airplane are attainable in the near future.

            You have run in four consecutive Army 10-milers in Washington, D.C. and know how to train for that.  A marathon is over two and a half times that distance.  Your plan is to train over the course of a year broken down into quarters.  First quarter, you will train three days a week achieving at least seven miles per training day.  Second quarter, you will train four days a week achieving at least ten miles per training day.  Third quarter, you will train five days a week achieving at least fifteen miles per training day.  Finally, fourth quarter will be staged over a three month period.  Week one will find you running five days per week achieving seventeen miles per training week.  Week two will find you running five days per week achieving twenty miles per training day.  Week three will find you running four days per week achieving 23 miles per training day.  Finally, week four will find you running two days per week achieving 26.2 miles per training day.

            To achieve your flying a plain goal, you will research where, when, and how to take flying lessons.  Once you have found the right program for you, you will establish a time-line.  Your goal is to solo within eight months of starting.  You will commit at least three days a week to your training.  You will also commit at least five hours per week to study for this achievement.

            Your board of directors will help you achieve your goals.  Generals Schwarzkopf and Powell will help you be technically proficient.  DS Gaylord will help you maintain your discipline.  SGM Schoolfield will assist you in staying grounded and keeping your cool.  Finally, Pastor Knighten will keep you spiritually grounded and calm so that you can achieve your goals.

            I have faith in you!  I know that you will fulfill and succeed at everything you set your mind to.

Sincerely,

You

            Becoming a resonant leader just takes opening your mind and a desire to change. According to the Teleos Leadership institute, “Resonant leaders use emotional and social intelligence skills to renew themselves, create positive relationships, and foster a healthy, vibrant environment to engage others toward a common goal. They do this through mindfulness, hope and compassion.” (Teleos Leadership Institute, 2017).

References

McKee, A., Boyatzis, R., and Johnston, F. (2008). Becoming a resonant leader.  Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press

Teleos Leadership Institute, (2017). Resonant leadership. Retrieved from             http://www.teleosleaders.com/howwedoit/resonant.php

             

A641.8.3.RB_PersonalBalanceSheet_LouBeldotti

A641.8.3.RB

Personal Balance Sheet

            It is often said that “you are your own worst critic”.  I will add that if you are narcissistic you can’t take criticism well and that, in itself, is a character flaw.  I must admit that I border on narcissism but do my best to keep in check.

            In the text, “Resonant Leadership”, the authors inform the reader that one must become aware of who they are now.  They must identify their “real self”.  “This is the next step in intentional change”.  “This is an important aspect of mindfulness and requires deep self-awareness and the willingness to be vulnerable” (Boyatzis & McKee, pg. 92, 2005).

            In this blog I have been asked to do the following:

Create a reflection blog that discusses your personal balance sheet that summarizes your assets and liabilities. Use the outputs from the exercises that you have completed in the course workbook and your reflections of those assessments as your guide. 

In the blog, discuss your assets:

• My distinctive strengths (Things I know I do well and strengths that others see in me).
• My potential Strengths (things I could do better or more often if I focused, or things I do well in some situations and could begin to apply more broadly).
• My Enduring Dispositions that support me (traits, habits, behaviors that I do not want to change and that help me to be successful).

Discuss your liabilities:

• My weaknesses (things I know I don’t do well and I want to do better).
• Weaknesses I want to Change (things I know I don’t do well and want to change).
• My enduring dispositions that sometimes get in my way (traits, habits, behaviors that I do not want to change and that sometimes cause me to be less effective).

(McKee, Boyatzis, & Johnston, pg. 150, 2008)

            Here goes…

DISTINCTIVE STRENGTHS                                           DO OTHERS SEE THIS IN ME?

I am an optimist and try to see good in everything                                       Yes

I am a critic thinker                                                                                        Yes

I am analytical                                                                                                Yes

I am logical                                                                                                    Yes

I am empathetic and sympathetic                                                                  Yes

I am organized at home and work                                                                  Yes

I am compassionate                                                                                        Yes

I am a forward thinker                                                                                    Yes

I have a great sense of humor                                                                         Yes

I am loyal                                                                                                        Yes

I perform well under pressure                                                                         Yes

            In chapter 8 of Resonant Leadership, Boyatzis and McKee lay out the importance of compassion in leadership.  They inform the reader that “Compassion is empathy and caring in action” (Boyatzis & McKee, pg. 178, 2005).  The entire chapter is peppered with words like understanding, willingness, social awareness, listening, competence, self-awareness (Boyatzis & McKee, chp. 8, 2005) and spoke volumes to me about my strengths and weaknesses.

MY POTENTIAL STRENGTHS

            I found this hard to answer.  Remember, I border on narcissistic.  I think I am a good listener but could do better.  I’m also patient but do reach my tipping point on occasion.  Because of my age (personal opinion), I feel I have wisdom but don’t capitalize on it.  I am very enthusiastic but when it comes to certain tasks I keep my enthusiasm in my pocket.  I am flexible but there are certain things that I will not bend on.  As a retired Soldier and now a JROTC Instructor, flexibility was and is used sparingly.  Soldiers and Cadets must be the flexible ones because of General Military Authority.  However, I could be more flexible with my Cadets because they are just children.  Finally, I am good at keeping records but I usual wait until things pile up.  They are neat piles but piles, none-the-less.  I have been pushing myself to file things as they are created.  It’s a work in progress.

MY ENDURING DISPOSITIONS THAT SUPPORT ME

            I am pretty content with who and how I am.  I have many traits, habits, and behaviors that I believe benefit me and enhance my strengths and potential strengths.  Here is my short list:

                        1.  Punctual – I am never late for work or an appointment.  If I am going somewhere to visit someone, I arrive at the prescribed time.

                        2.  Sociable – I get along well with whomever I meet.  I have never met a stranger.

                        3.  Articulate – I am well versed in the English language and have the gift of gab.

                        4.  Confident – I am very sure of my abilities.

                        5.  Energetic – I am always filled with energy and am up for any challenge.

                        6.  Humorous – I put “funny” into everything.  I am usually the one who will make people laugh in any situation.

                        7.  Perfectionist – Some may consider this a fault or a weakness.  Not me.  It has worked well for me over the years. 

                        8.  Accessible – I am very approachable.  In my current profession as a school teacher, my students know that they have unfettered access to me regardless of the situation.

MY WEAKNESSES

            I have weaknesses.  Sometimes I come off as rude.  It is not with malicious intent and I am sure it has a lot to do with my military experience.  Also stemming from my military experience is my level of strictness.  I am loosening up a bit these days though.  O.C.D. (self-diagnosed) has been a weakness of mine for years.  I am a firm believer that “every place has its thing and every thing has its place”.  I notice when things have been moved and I move them back.  However, it’s not the type of problem that has me flipping a light switch off and on fifteen times every time I enter a room.  I procrastinate on certain things.  I have a tendency to put unpleasant things off until the last minute.  I am pretty sure this is human nature.  Finally, I am overly forgiving.  However, I am not a pushover nor do I allow people to walk over me but I am quick to forgive, even if I know the individual did do something wrong.  I am sure that I have other weaknesses but these are the ones that are most prominent.

 

WEAKNESSES I WANT TO CHANGE

            This is a no brainer.  All of them, of course.  So, how do I change?  According to Minda Zetlin, there are six things that must be done to change weaknesses into strengths.

            1.  Recognize and accept your weaknesses.

            2.  Get guidance from someone you trust.

            3.  Be very prepared.

            4.  Hire the skills you lack. 

            5.  Get just good enough.

            6.  Look for ways to serve others with the same problem.

(Zetlin, n.d.)

            As a school teacher, I agree with five of these six things.  I am in no position to hire someone with the skills that I lack.  I am just going to have to overcome.

MY ENDURING DISPOSITIONS THAT SOMETIMES GET IN MY WAY

            My procrastination and over forgiveness are probably my biggest obstacles.  These things affect both my work and my home life. 

            An example of my procrastination just occurred.  It has been cooler in Florida over the past couple of months.  Because of the cool weather, I have been putting off maintaining my pool.  Each week, I would say that “I will do it this weekend” and the weekend passes and then I say “I’ll do it next weekend”.  This has gone on until yesterday when my pool started to look like the Chicago River on Saint Patrick’s Day.  My procrastination cost my $103 at the pool store to right my wrong.  All is well with the pool today but cost me labor, time and money.

            Over forgiveness is problematic because some of my Cadets believe that they can get away with just about anything.  I am of the opinion that my Cadets say and think, “I can do this or not do that and Master Sergeant will just let it slide”.  I have been working really hard at overcoming this.

            Finally, I feel that my strengths outweigh my weaknesses.  However, my weaknesses must be addressed.  This is something that I am working on and will continue to work on to perpetuity. 

            This exercise has been really eye opening.  Gentle reader, I would recommend that you give it a try!

References

Boyatzis, R. and McKee, A. (2005). Resonant leadership.  Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press

McKee, A., Boyatzis, R., and Johnston, F. (2008). Becoming a resonant leader.  Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press

Zetlin, M. (n.d.). How the most effective leaders turn weaknesses into strengths.  Retrieved from http://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/how-the-most-effective-leaders-turn-weaknesses-into-strengths.html