One word - owwwwwwwwwwwwww!
Watch the news story here below:
Happy July 4th! Be safe!
David
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RefBan
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Don't let this happen to you on your beach trip!: Woman impaled by umbrella
One word - owwwwwwwwwwwwww!
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Ryanair to sell £5 tickets for standing-room only flights
OK, just when you though air travel couldn't get any worse....Ryanair may be changing the game once again! And for those of you that don't follow the air travel market that closely, the things that Ryanair introduces in the European market tend to make their way to the U.S. market quite quickly (i.e. fees for checked baggage, boarding privileges, etc.).
Now, they've announced a once-unthinkable concept - standing-room ticketing for their flights. Is this coming to the U.S.? Would it be successful here? Why or why not?
Watch the video clip below from the Telegraph of London:
and for more detail, here's their news story on the Ryanair announcement:
Is this coming to Atlanta, Chicago, and Wichita? Would you pay JUST to go to the bathroom on the plane? This should draw some big discussion here on the blog - post your thoughts here and forward this on to your real - and virtual - friends (is there a difference anymore?).
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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
So, What's in that Stuff?: 10 Products Valuable Trade Secrets Revealed - at Least Partially
What is really in Coca-Cola? What is the Colonel's "Original Recipe"? What makes Google - and even WR40 really work so well? Well, here's a great article from Bruce Watson of AOL's Daily Finance that will help you find out about ten of the all-time biggest trade secrets in business. Read:
Very interesting and insightful piece! Comment here on the blog, and do share this blog posting from Wyld About Business with your friends and colleagues to start a real - or virtual - water cooler conversation (does anyone really do that anymore in an age of bottled water and Starbucks?).
David
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Top Ten Management on Managing The Cultural Environment: An Overview of How to Succeed Leading in a Nuevo Mundo
Image by lumaxart via FlickrThis overview of the cultural environment of business was prepared by Daranae Cola while a Health Care Management major in the College of Business at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Introduction
This article serves the purpose of providing information about the cultural environment in management. Information within this article may be beneficial to employers, employees and prospective employees and managers. Culture is very diverse and it what separates many individuals. Also within this article you will gain a understanding of different personalities, ethics and morals and how they affect productivity and the business.
The Idea in a Nutshell
Culture is one the major forces of an environment. Individuals of different cultures often portray differences in behavior and values. Employers look at the behavior and values of prospective employees to determine if they fit with the company’s mission/goal. Everyone wants his or her chance to shine and to be recognized. Most importantly they want to represent their culture and show off their talent. Universally, the four basic cultural skills include: planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the show! These four basic skills are a summary of how much time and effort it takes to be the most efficient and effective manager.
The Top Ten Things You Need to Know About Managing the Cultural Environment
1. Chain of Command is important because it allows associates to understand levels of management. If they are aware then they have an understanding of expectations.
2. Confidence and Courage can take you very far. In society you are motivated to be strong and assertive. If you step up to challenges you will be seen as competitive and frontal and perceived as a leader.
3. Human skills play a big role in many businesses and organizations. The Ability to work well with others and cooperate on one accord will aid in future success of the organization. Benefits of being cooperative and kind to others include rewards that may eventually lead to recognition amongst others.
4. Leadership and leading by example as a manager the best way to get positive feedback from your employees is to show them how it’s done. Set a goal and be involved so you can motivate them to develop into better employees and future leaders. Provide an example of how you would do things as an invitation for them to share their ideas.
5. Coordination is a key component. Just like fashion the business has to be together and precise. As a manager you must be able to sustain control and delegate task. Task must be delegated in a manner that embraces each employee’s cultural differences so they feel comfortable.
6. Versatility and globalism is a benefit to everyone involved in the organization. In today’s society globalism is considered a necessity. Ultimately one individual or a group of diverse people can inspire productivity because other cultures may sense competition; if they see others doing more than they themselves will also attempt to exceed expectations. The manager has to be wise and observational while dealing with diversity.
7. Identification, having a sense of gratitude and appreciate for the employee’s that are loyal and perform well. It is important to express thankfulness and provide recognition. The employee feels valued and will therefore continue to better the company.
8. Correspondence, when you communicate with employees make sure all proper research of employees has been completed. The research is essential because the management approach and leadership deliverance has to accommodate various psyche. Simply because people of different cultures and ethical backgrounds perceive things differently.
9. Support, in regards to support you want your employees to know you care. It is a tendency to tell employees when they are doing wrong and not so much when they are performing well. Positive feedback will keep the employees on the right track. Also by knowing what they are doing wrong and right it will give them an opportunity to improve.
10. Achievement, the manager’s ultimate goal. After setting goals, choosing the right individuals for specific task, proper training, delegating and coaching, recognition and success should take place. Feel free to inform your team of current accomplishment, so they can know they played a role in the company’s achievement.
The Video Lounge
This video discusses the cultural environment on a national level. Most importantly understanding the differences in organizations and how they directly affect failure or success. Also within this video is information about Hofstede’s theory, uncertainty avoidance and much more.
My Take
Embracing diverse cultures and experiment with the differences is extremely beneficial to any organization/ business and its success. When individuals feel more included and valued they tend to put an abundance of passion into their work. Today, I see an increase in cultural effects in the workplace amongst employers. There is no longer a stereotypical face in a lot of organizations/ business. In my opinion I believe that diversity and culture it’s the heart of success. There are many different approaches when taking on business. Combining them is like having a winning ticket. Cultural differences aren’t just physical but mental as well and multicultural environment draw a wide range of consumers to the business.
References
Robbins, S. P., & Coulter, M. (2009). Management. Pearson.
(2009, May 10). Social Cultural Considerations. Retrieved June 23, 2010, from: http://www.witiger.com/internationalbusiness/culturalconsiderations.htm
Heathfield, S. M. (n.d.). ABOUT.COM Human Resources. Retrieved June 23, 2010, from: http://humanresources.about.com/od/organizationalculture/a/culture.htm
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Contact Info
To contact the author of “Top Ten Management on “The Cultural Environment,” please email Daranae Cola at Daranae.Cola@selu or vryblssed@yahoo.com.
BIOGRAPHY
David C. Wyld (dwyld.kwu@gmail.com) is the Robert Maurin Professor of Management at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. He is a management consultant, researcher/writer, and executive educator. His blog, Wyld About Business, can be viewed at http://wyld-business.blogspot.com/. He also serves as the Director of the Reverse Auction Research Center (http://reverseauctionresearch.blogspot.com/), a hub of research and news in the expanding world of competitive bidding. Dr. Wyld also maintains compilations of his student’s publications regarding management concepts (http://toptenmanagement.blogspot.com/), book reviews (http://wyld-about-books.blogspot.com/) and international foods (http://wyld-about-food.blogspot.com/).
AN INVITATION TO WORK WITH US, TODAY!
If you enjoyed this publication, why not make one of your own with us! Are you a college or university student from anywhere in the world who would be interested in publishing your work in an edited online journal appropriate to your topic? Such a move can help put muscle into your resume and make a great impression on potential employers and graduate schools (and needless to say – and perhaps most importantly in the age in which we live – likely be the first thing that companies/universities view about you when “Googling” you)! If so, we can help you get that first publication for free (and more if you desire)! Visit Wyld Publishing Services (http://wyldpublishingservice.yolasite.com/) for details. We can work with you to publish your quality essays, research articles/papers, reviews, etc. – and even audio and visual media and PowerPoint presentations – given our network of edited publications and relationship with publishers around the world who want to work with you and your work. Contact us today at dwyld.kwu@gmail.com.
Read more: http://bizcovering.com/management/top-ten-management-on-managing-the-cultural-environment-an-overview-of-how-to-succeed-leading-in-a-nuevo-mundo/#ixzz0sKmlFzUS
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Top Ten Management on Situational Leadership Theory: An Overview of How to Match The Right Leader to The Right Group of Followers
Image via WikipediaThis overview of Situational Leadership Theory was prepared by Christopher Grady while a Accounting major in the College of Business at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Introduction
Exploring people’s behavior when they try to work together to accomplish a goal gives excellent insight into the role of a leader. How well a leader understands himself and those he wishes to lead can differentiate an effective leader from an impotent one. Leadership skills are especially valuable to those in charge large groups of people, especially in business. A theory, Situational Leadership Theory, was developed specifically to define and illustrate this practice. The theory examines the role of the follower and his capability and willingness to accomplish a task.
The Idea in a Nutshell
Situational leadership is a theory that looks at a group of people at different degrees of maturity and how each degree should be approached and handled from a position of leadership. It illustrates how involved the leader will have to be depending on the follower’s stage of ability and willingness. The theory was developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard during the mid 1970’s. They recognized that there was a connection in task behavior and relationship behavior, then determined that there were four distinct leadership styles. The styles include: Telling, Selling, Participating, and Delegating. When determining which leadership style to apply, you will have to look at the distinct level of maturity that will be appropriate for a specific follower. When examining a well rounded manager, consideration of the manager’s ability to analyze the situation and apply various leadership styles to shifting environmental position will determine the specific leadership style being applied.
The Top Ten Things You Need to Know About Situational Leadership Theory
1. Situational Leadership Theory brings attention to the role of the follower. A leader’s success is dependent on the willingness of the follower to affirm or abandon the leader. A leader is only as effective as the followers behind him, thus making a focus on the follower a true mark of a good leader.
2. The second dimension of the Situational Leadership Theory is the ability and willingness of the followers to perform a task. Exploring and defining the follower’s maturity is paramount in the decision of how to lead the followers toward a particular goal.
3. The Telling style is a high task-low relationship in which the leader explains the roles and assignments for each follower. There is a one way communication between leader and follower whereas the leader informs the follower of what task needs to be performed.
4. The Selling style is a high task-high relationship that deals with the leader still explaining the roles and assignments but asking for the follower’s insight. This uses a two-way communication, giving reinforcement so the follower will adopt the leader’s idea.
5. The Participating style is a low task-high relationship, in which the decision making process is shared. The leader takes part in the decision, but leaves it to the followers to make the choice on how the task will be performed.
6. In the Delegating style, the leader has a low task-low relationship with the follower. The follower makes the decisions and chooses the way in which he or she believes will create the best results. The leader is involved with the decisions, but mainly oversees the process.
7. The first Maturity level is a person that is unable and unwilling, meaning the individual might not have the skills to perform the task or the courage to take charge of the project. To get the response that the leader wants the Telling style would work best in this situation.
8. In the second Maturity level, the person is unable but willing. The person is not skilled to take on the task, but has a good work ethic and will attempt to take on the work anyway. A Selling style would be appropriate when attempting to convince the follower to gain the skill needed to complete the task.
9. Maturity level three will consist of people that are able but unwilling to do the task by themselves. The person has the experience and skills to complete the task, but lacks the confidence. The Participating style should be applied here by the leader. The leader needs to help motivate the follower to complete the task.
10. The most advanced Maturity level is a person who is able and willing. The person is experienced and highly skilled. The individual will be confident in completing the task. This type of person adapts to change. The Delegating style is used when the leader only needs to oversee the situation.
The Video Lounge
This video is of Dr. Paul Hersey speaking of how and why he came up with his theory. He focuses on how relevant this theory is in today’s marketplace with leaders being found at a variety of levels.
This clip is of Aubrey Warren discussing his use of Situational Leadership Theory in his leadership program. He draws attention to the benefits of this leadership style.
My Take
The Situational Leadership Theory is very easy to apply to all types of leadership challenges. The theory is adaptable and simple to use. This theory’s greatest strength being available to anyone with basic training and can be used immediately. The basic skill is identifying and diagnosing a follower’s capabilities, then applying the appropriate level of leader involvement. The obvious benefit is the flexibility to change as the staff changes. The theory is highly practical, and can be used at high level leadership, lower level leadership, and even parental leadership. The theory’s flexibility makes it even more relevant today due to the absolute certainty of change.
References
Robbins, Stephen, & Coulter, Mary. (2009). Management. New Jersey: Pearson Education.
Situational Leadership. (06-27-2010). Retrieved from [http://www.money-zine.com/Career-Development/Leadership-Skill/Situational-Leadership/]. (06-27-2010).
Situational Leadership theory. (06-25-2010). Wikipedia. Retrieved from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Situational_leadership_theory]. (06-27-2010).
What is the Situational Leadership Theory?. (05-28-2010). Retrieved from [http://businessmate.org/Article.php?ArtikeID=191]. (06-27-2010).
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Contact Info
To contact the author of “Top Ten Management on Situational Leadership Theory,” please email Christopher Grady at Christopher.Grady@selu.edu.
BIOGRAPHY
David C. Wyld (dwyld.kwu@gmail.com) is the Robert Maurin Professor of Management at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. He is a management consultant, researcher/writer, and executive educator. His blog, Wyld About Business, can be viewed at http://wyld-business.blogspot.com/. He also serves as the Director of the Reverse Auction Research Center (http://reverseauctionresearch.blogspot.com/), a hub of research and news in the expanding world of competitive bidding. Dr. Wyld also maintains compilations of his student’s publications regarding management concepts (http://toptenmanagement.blogspot.com/), book reviews (http://wyld-about-books.blogspot.com/) and international foods (http://wyld-about-food.blogspot.com/).
AN INVITATION TO WORK WITH US, TODAY!
If you enjoyed this publication, why not make one of your own with us! Are you a college or university student from anywhere in the world who would be interested in publishing your work in an edited online journal appropriate to your topic? Such a move can help put muscle into your resume and make a great impression on potential employers and graduate schools (and needless to say – and perhaps most importantly in the age in which we live – likely be the first thing that companies/universities view about you when “Googling” you)! If so, we can help you get that first publication for free (and more if you desire)! Visit Wyld Publishing Services (http://wyldpublishingservice.yolasite.com/) for details. We can work with you to publish your quality essays, research articles/papers, reviews, etc. – and even audio and visual media and PowerPoint presentations – given our network of edited publications and relationship with publishers around the world who want to work with you and your work. Contact us today to get published at dwyld.kwu@gmail.com.
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