Strategic Management: Competitiveness and Globalization - Essay Example

Leadership Favourite Leader Paper Introduction The prime objective of the paper is to undergo a comprehensive research on a favourite leader. In thisregard, Alan Mulally the former President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ford Motor Company is being considered. The study on different leadership attributes of Alan Mulally facilitated in having a better a better understanding of effective leadership. This also contributes to the development of similar leadership skill among the readers (Lewis, 2002). Background Alan Roger Mulally is a US citizen by birth and his birth date is August 4, 1945. He primarily belongs from Dearborn, Michigan of USA. Regarding educational qualification, Mulally pursued his graduation from University of Kansas. He also possesses educational certificates of Master of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. He also pursued Master’s degree in Management and Fellowship from MITs Sloan School of Management (Hoffman, 2012). Alan Mulally began his professional career as an engineer in Boeing. He was also the President of commercial Airplane Development in Boeing. One of the major contributions of Mulally is with regard to Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ (BCA) renaissance against the major competitor Airbus. The renaissance of BCA in 2000 has signified the effective leadership skill of Mulally. Moreover, the effective leadership of Mulally is evident from his contribution to Ford Motor Company. Mulally joining Ford Motor Company has transformed the organisation into one of the leading automakers in the world. He has provided a compelling vision to the organisation as an effective leader. He has also incorporated several strategies in the business process of the organisation that signifies his effective leadership skill (Hoffman, 2012). How Alan Mulally become a Leader? Alan Mulally started his professional career as an engineer in Boeing. In addition, effectiveness and efficiency he has as an engineering professional in the organisation has led him to achieve several milestones in the professional world. In this regard, one of his assets that greatly assisted him in several milestones is his effective leadership skill. His leadership is also notable as the CEO of Ford Motor Company. Mulally became an effective leader through his collaborative approach of work. Mulally at the beginning of his career at Boeing had shown effective collaborative approach. This has influenced him to be an effective team-man. Moreover, another attribute of Mulally that has influenced him in becoming an effective leader is the accountability in his work process. From the beginning of his professional career, Mulally has showed evidences of accountability in his work. Additionally, Mulally possessed communication skill and optimism developed from assignments and curricular activities in universities. The aforementioned skills are the factors that are accountable to develop his leadership skills and to be an effective leader (Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson, 2008). Who/What does Alan Mulally lead? Alan Mulally had been the President of BCA and had led the organisation to a new direction of development. He also had been the CEO of Ford Motor Company. Under the leadership of Mulally, Ford Motor Company has attained the reputation of one of the leading automobile manufacturers around the world. Mulally has shown evidences of leading subordinates through communication, visionary and optimism skills have facilitated in conducting overall operations in a coordinated as well as innovative manner (Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson, 2008). Reason for Admiring Alan Mulally Alan Mulally has been one of the greatest and most effective leaders in the present day context. The prime reason for his effective leadership is because of some of the leadership attributes that he firmly possesses. This effective leadership of Mulally has influenced several people along with me to admire him. One of the attributes of effective leadership of Mulally that has influenced several people to admire him is his accountability in work. His accountability in professional work had led several people within an organisation and outside to admire. Moreover it is observed that the collaborative working approach of Mulally has also been one of the major reasons for admiration. He is a perfect team-man and hence, several internal stakeholders admire him. Besides these, one of the major reasons for admiring Mulally is his contribution of providing an effective vision to the organisations that he had led. Another decisive factor that has influenced several people to admire Mulally is his comprehensive planning and strategies. It is evident that Mulally has executed several strategies and planning that has led BCA and Ford Motor Company to attain its goal (DuBrin, 2012; Kang & Liu, 2009). Similarity with Alan Mulally There are certain personal similarities with Alan Mulally with regard to leadership attributes. One of such similar leadership attribute is the accountability in work. It is observed that alike Mulally, there are significant personal evidences of accountability in my educational career. This attribute of effective leadership significantly aids in personal development and professional excellence. Moreover, another leadership attribute similar to Mulally is the collaborative approach. This personal leadership attribute is of significant importance in developing team cohesion and teamwork during group assignments. This greatly aids in developing my professional career in future. Communication is also an important skill in leadership, which is possessed as compared to Mulally to a certain extent (Kaipa & Kriger, 2010). Difference with Alan Mulally Although there have been some of the most decisive similarities with Alan Mulally related to leadership attributes, still there are certain major differences. One of such differences is with regard to the incapability of providing effective vision. This aspect of effective leadership is present in Mulally and has led BCA and Ford Motor Company to perform operations with better excellence and sustainability. Further, it is observed that one of the most vital leadership attribute of effective planning is also missing. Planning is an important consideration with the aim of developing strategies for better personal and professional development (Kaipa & Kriger, 2010). Conclusion From the course of the study, it has been observed that Alan Mulally has certain leadership attributes that has led him to be one of the most admiring leaders in the modern day scenario. These leadership attributes include collaborative approach, accountability, visionary planning and communication. Based on an analysis of the leadership traits of Mulally, important factors have been identified in relation to skills possessed by me. Respectively, the leadership traits lacked in me should be enhanced with the aim of developing my personal and professional growth. Popular Press Leadership Book Review Introduction The objective is to review a leadership book and hence, undertake the essence of the book to incorporate leadership skill. In this regard, the leadership book considered is “HBRs 10 Must Reads on Leadership”, which is published by Harvard Business Review. The book contains 10 of the most important attributes of effective leadership (1Harvard Business Review, 2013; Goleman, 1998). Comparison of “HBRs 10 Must Reads on Leadership” to Leadership Similarities with leadership. The book, “HBRs 10 Must Reads on Leadership” is highly similar to the content of leadership. In this regard, it is observed that there are several attributes of effective of leadership are present in the book. One of such is motivation offered to others to gain excellence in professional and personal development. The book also reveals the importance of crediting others in order to motivate them. It includes the importance of team cohesion and bonding for effective leadership. In addition, the book contains the importance of provoking positive change, setting direction, increase of self-awareness that lead to effective leadership. Further, the book contains the importance of undertaking risk for the betterment of an organisation. This is also an important attribute of effective leadership. Another important aspect of effective leadership is the management in tough situations or circumstances. This also signifies of generating strengths in difficult circumstances. The traits that are essential for the leaders are present in the book. Thus, the book reveals higher degree of similarity in relation to essential leadership attributes (1Harvard Business Review, 2013; 2Harvard Business Review; Goleman, 1998). Differences with leadership. Although there are several of the attributes of leadership mentioned in the book, still there are certain differences that cannot be denied. One of such differences is with regard to the identification of problems or issues of an organisation. The leaders are highly responsible for identifying the issues that restricts an organisation to attain its goal and objectives. This attribute of effective leadership is absent in the aforementioned book. Moreover, another aspect of effective leadership missing in the book is accountability of the leaders. Accountability of the leaders is an important aspect in controlling and managing an organisation towards the vision for better accomplishment of organisational objectives. Although, the book highlights the importance of setting direction by the leaders, but it has not portrayed the importance of setting a vision by the leaders. Further, it notable that the importance of planning and strategic decisions is also not depicted in the book. Besides these, it is also observed that one of the major attributes of effective leadership relating to the evaluation of organisation process is also missing. Thus, there are some of the major differences of the content of the course i.e., leadership to the aforementioned book (1Harvard Business Review, 2013; 3Harvard Business Review Goleman, 1998). Do You Think The Book Is Helpful? The book “HBRs 10 must Reads on Leadership” is of extreme importance and helpful to a student and professional. The book has several attributes of leadership that are highly essential for the development of effective leadership traits needed for performing activities in the present competitive scenario. These attributes of leadership is of significant help to a student. The instructions of the book greatly support students to acquire leadership skill within them. The leadership skills among the students significantly attract the recruiters of corporate world. Thus, it is of extreme importance from the perspective of the students. Moreover, it is of equal importance to the professionals in order to develop their leadership skill. This would lead them to attain excellent professionalism and competiveness in the job market (1Harvard Business Review, 2013; 3Harvard Business Review). Would You Recommend It To A Friend? Considering the importance of “HBRs 10 Must Reads on Leadership” to a student in increasing the leadership skill, it is highly recommendable to a friend. This book would help a friend to develop leadership skill and hence, would lead to the development of his/her personal and professional life. Thus, it is recommended to share the content of the books to friends (1Harvard Business Review, 2013; 4Harvard Business Review; Goleman, 1998). Would You Require Your Employees To Read The Book? The book, “HBRs 10 Must Reads on Leadership” is an excellent resource for leaders to develop their leadership skill. Hence, it is advisable to share the contents of the book to the employees. This would lead to the development of the leadership skill of the employees. Further, it would lead them to gain professional excellence (1Harvard Business Review, 2013; Goleman, 1998). Will You Use Some Of The Material, Ideas, And Suggestions In The Book In Your Own Life? The book, “HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Leadership” contains several materials, ideas and suggestions that greatly supports in the development of personal life of an individual. The book comprises strategies and approaches through which an individual can motivate others. Moreover, the book supports an individual in increasing self-awareness regarding every aspects of personal life. It also aids in setting direction of an individual life. Further, the book contains several strategies and approaches that lead to positive changes in an individual. The positive change in the early part of life in an individual is decisive in bringing positive development. Furthermore, the book contains the importance of teamwork and cohesion, which is decisive in developing personal relationship. Thus, it is advisable to use ideas, thoughts and suggestions for the development of my personal life (1Harvard Business Review, 2013; 5Harvard Business Review; Goleman, 1998). What Did You Think Of The Book? The book, “HBRs 10 Must Reads on Leadership” contain 10 of the most important attributes of leadership. These attributes are highly essential in developing professional excellence. It is also important in personal development for gaining excellence in leadership skill. The book contains some major strategies and approaches through which the leadership skill of an executive develops. In addition, it is observed that there are several attributes of effective leadership are also missing. Despite the lack of some of the vital information in the book, still it is of excellent support to a professional as well as a student in order to develop their leadership skill (1Harvard Business Review, 2013; 5Harvard Business Review; Goleman, 1998). Conclusion The review of the book titled “HBRs 10 Must Reads on Leadership” greatly supports a student and an executive to develop in order to gain professional excellence. The book contains several strategies and approaches that would lead to the development of the readers to a large extent. Besides its importance in professional excellence, the book also supports an individual to attain development in personal life. Leadership in the Movies or Television Introduction The objective of the paper is to review a movie or a television program on leadership. In this regard, the 1998 US blockbuster movie “Saving Private Ryan” is considered. The movie is appraised by majority of the viewers. The movie signifies one of the greatest examples of effective leadership. The movie is of extreme importance from the perspective of a student as well as a corporate professional in order to develop leadership skill (IMDB, 2014). Short Summary The story of “Saving Private Ryan” revolves round Captain Miller. Captain Miller along with small unit had the objective of rescuing Private Ryan. In this regard, Captain Miller faces several challenges. However, the effective leadership of Captain Miller had led to the successful attainment of the goal of rescuing Private Ryan. Ryan was the last brother who was alive after the death of the others. The rescue operation of Captain Miller is fictional, but the tragic story of Private Ryan and his brothers are evident. The movie portrays the policy of sole survivor in the war from 1942. The reason behind the introduction of such policy is to avoid wipe out of an entire family in war (Smithsonian Channel, 2013; Owena, 2002). Leadership Component in the Film What leadership traits were evident? The main character of the movie “Saving Private Ryan” is Captain Miller who has revealed several evidences of effective leadership traits. One of such trait is the collaborative approach of Captain Miller. Captain Miller had a very small unit in its rescue operation to save Private Ryan. From the movie, it is evident that the unit has a very strong collaboration and team cohesion. This is primarily because of the effective leadership of Captain Miller. This is evident in several instances where each members of the team had supported others to attain their goal. Moreover, another leadership trait that is observed in Captain Miller is his effective strategies and planning to attain their goal of rescuing Private Ryan. It is evident from the movie that the rescue strategy of Captain Miller is effective. Besides these, another attribute of effective leadership observed in Captain Miller is his ability to direct his unit effectively towards their goal. Providing appropriate direction to the subordinates is a very important attribute of any leader for ensuring that operations are conducted in a planned manner. In addition, leadership traits relating to making tough decisions and empathy have been identified in the movie. These traits have been identified to be present in Captain Miller (Smithsonian Channel, 2013; Hasiana, 2001). Was the leader effective? Captain Miller who has been the main character of the movie “Saving Private Ryan” has been the leader of his small unit in rescuing Private Ryan. In this regard, it has been observed that the leadership skill of Captain Miller was highly effective. It has been identified that Captain Miller through his effective leadership was able to attain their goal of rescuing Private Ryan. In the movie, there have been several instances where the effective leadership of Captain Miller had aided the team to survive with his leadership traits that include decision-making and empathy. The scene where Captain Miller has planned to attack the place where the machine gun was placed. This scene revealed the trait of tough decision made by Captain Miller with the aim of winning the war as ultimate objective. Another scene of releasing captive depicted the trait of empathy (Smithsonian Channel, 2013; Ehrenhausa, 2001). Was the leader ethical? Captain Miller, the leader of his unit to rescue Private Ryan was highly effective in revealing his leadership traits. Moreover, it is important to note that Captain Miller being an effective leader is also ethically concerned in terms of rationalising his decision for the benefit of the team. The prime evidence of the ethical and moral concern of Captain Miller is his intention of rescuing as well as protecting Private Ryan. The goal of Captain Miller as portrayed in the movie highly signifies of the ethical and moral concern of him. Besides these, one of the major traits of ethical leadership observed in the leadership style of Captain Miller was during the conflict among the soldiers. In the movie, it has been observed that there had been instance of internal conflict among the soldiers of the unit. This conflict was taking a shape of a rebel from the soldiers to their leader Miller. The rebel amid the unit weakened the team spirit, which led to the chances of failure of the mission. However, ethical leadership of Miller led to the resolution of conflict among the soldiers. In this context, the ethical leadership of Captain Miller can be identified from the authoritative actions and tough decisions made in a cared as well as approached manner, which aided in conducted the activities of the unit in a coordinated way (Bodnar, 2001). Did The Leader Exhibit Traits You Wish To Emulate? Captain Miller, the prime character of the movie “Saving Private Ryan” has depicted significant attribute of leadership skill. In this regard, it is very important that an individual attain such leadership characteristics. One of the traits of leadership that is depicted in the movie is the collaborative approach of leading a team. This trait is extremely important for every individual and more importantly to students in their learning phase. Besides these, another important trait of effective leadership depicted in the movie is planning and strategic decision-making. This is extremely important for every individual in personal development. This aspect of planning and strategic decision-making aids an individual in every stage of life. Moreover, it is observed that Captain Miller also possesses the leadership skill of directing the team effectively. Effective direction had led the team to gain its mission. Similar to Captain Miller, it is also essential that every leader should possess directing ability. This skill of effective direction greatly aids a student to develop such skills among themselves. This is of greater significance to a student during the entrance to professional world (Owena, 2002). Do You Feel The Leader Could Have Been Just As Effective Using A Different Style Of Leadership? The leadership style of Captain Miller had been highly effective in attaining their mission of rescuing Private Ryan. It has been observed that effective and ethical leadership of Captain Miller had led to the resolution of internal conflict that aroused during the rescue operation. Considering the highly effective leadership style of Miller and depending on the circumstances, none of the other leadership style would have been more effective in protecting and rescuing Private Ryan (Discovery, 2014; Chilton, 2014). Conclusion From the course of the study regarding the movie “Saving Private Ryan”, it has been identified that the leadership style of Captain Miller had been highly effective. He had also portrayed the importance of ethical leadership in attaining the goal of the team. Some of the leadership attributes portrayed in the movie include the collaborative approach, effective planning and strategic decision-making, directing the team towards their goal and empathy. The leadership style depicted in the movie is a great learning to the students in order to develop leadership skill. This development in the leadership skill of the students not only aids to the personal development, but also to the professional development. Moreover, the leadership style depicted in the movie aids to the professionals of the corporate world to enhance their leadership style. References (Favourite Leader Paper) DuBrin, A. (2012). Leadership: research findings, practice, and skills. New York: Cengage Learning. Hitt, M., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. (2008). Strategic management: competitiveness and globalization, cases, volume 2. New York: Cengage Learning. Hoffman, B. G. (2012). American Icon: Alan Mulally and the fight to save Ford Motor Company. New York: Crown Publishing Group. Kaipa, P., & Kriger, M. (2010). Empowerment, vision, and positive leadership: an interview with Alan Mulally, Former CEO, Boeing Commercial—Current CEO, Ford Motor Company. Journal of Management Inquiry, 19(2), 110-115. Kang, Q. & Liu, Q. (2009). Credit rating changes and CEO incentives. Retrieved from http://moya.bus.miami.edu/~qkang/research/rating_incentive.pdf Lewis, J. P. (2002). Working together: 12 principles for achieving excellence in managing projects, teams, and organizations. New York: Beard Books References (Popular Press Leadership Book Review) Goleman, D. (1998). HBRs 10 must reads. Retrieved from http://www.eeaust.com.au/media/picture/HBR-10-Must-Reads-on-Leadership.pdf 1Harvard Business Review. (2013). HBRs 10 must reads on leadership. Boston: Harvard Business Press. 2Harvard Business Review. (2013). HBRs 10 must reads on managing people. Boston: Harvard Business Press. 3Harvard Business Review. (2013). HBRS 10 must reads: the essentials: the essentials. Boston: Harvard Business Press. 4Harvard Business Review. (2013). HBRs 10 must reads on change management. Boston: Harvard Business Press. 5Harvard Business Review. (2013). HBRs 10 must reads on collaboration. Boston: Harvard Business Press. References (Leadership in the Movies or Television) Bodnar, J. (2001). Saving Private Ryan and Postwar Memory in America. The American Historical Review, 106(3), 805-817. Chilton, M. (2014). Saving Private Ryan, review. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/11162039/Saving-Private-Ryan-review.html Discovery. (2014). The True Story - Saving Private Ryan. Retrieved from http://www.discoveryuk.com/web/the-true-story/about/saving-private-ryan/ Ehrenhausa, P. (2001). Why we fought: Holocaust memory in Spielbergs Saving Private Ryan. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 18(3), 321-337. Hasiana, M. (2001). Nostalgic longings, memories of the "Good War," and cinematic representations in Saving Private Ryan. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 18(3), 338-358. IMDB. (2014). Saving Private Ryan: Plot summary. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120815/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ql_6 Owena, A. S. (2002). Memory, war and American identity: Saving Private Ryan as cinematic jeremiad. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 19(3), 249-282. Smithsonian Channel. (2013). The Real Story: Saving Private Ryan. Retrieved from http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/sc/web/series/679/the-real-story/140631/saving-private-ryan Read More