Communication in an Organization and Leadership

  
Participating on a Team  



Think about “Thinking Critically” questions 1-5 on page 223, then answer these questions:

-What qualities do you possess that make you a good member of a group? 

Two of my strongest qualities are positivity and strategy. I try to find the positive aspects of the group and project, and find new creative ways to improve them. I am a natural leader so I like to have structure in a group.

-What qualities do you possess that make you a good leader of a group? 

I want to get things done in an efficient way. I like to get straight to the point, and include all the group members. 

-When you become part of a group, do you generally prefer leadership or not?

It depends what the topic is. If it is something that I know a lot about, or am very interested in, I prefer the leadership role so that I can do things the way I prefer them. If it is a topic that I am not familiar with, I would rather let somebody else take the lead.

         



        

       
3 Styles of Leaders

Read Unit 11. Find the 3 styles of leaders and list 2 different qualities from the reading that each style would most likely possess.

1. The laissez-faire leader: close-minded, controlling

2. The democratic leader:open-minded, guiding

3. The authoritarian leader: independent, bossy

        

       
Models of Leadership

You are to pick two of your favorite leaders from the present or the past. You can choose from among athletic figures, historical leaders, politicians—anyone who you believe was an effective (or possible terrible?) leader. For example, Julius Caesar as leader of the Roman people.

        

Reflect on the styles of leadership they used. Compare their strengths and weaknesses. Your response should include the leadership styles and how they worked, and why these two figures ultimately succeeded (or failed). Who was more effective? If you could change something about the way these people led, what it would be?

Annie Palmquist was my high school volleyball captain my junior year. Annie was definitely a democratic leader. She was always wanting the team's input about how things needed to get done, and she would lead us in a positive manner to get the best possible outcome. The only problem was that she may have been too open-minded. There are times when a captain or leader needs to buckle down and choose, which didn't always happen. 
Ms. Benge was my high school choir teacher throughout junior high and high school. I loved her fun and outgoing spirit, but I would say that she approached leadership in an authoritarian manner. For concerts and programs, she would decide all music, and was never open to suggestions from the group. It was often times very frustrating, but we were VERY good and successful. 

I think both Annie and Ms. Benge were very effective leaders in their own way. I don't think either was better than the other because they lacked what the other had.  A perfect combination of the two would be an outstanding leader. With authoritarian leading styles, there is a concise structure that many groups need. With democratic, there is a sense of belonging and contribution which is also important in a group setting. 

Class Info- November 21

First: Meet with group and discuss the strengths and flaws in each resume. Prepare to revise them.
Second: Discuss theses/conclusions. Focus on the best one to use as your final speech idea.
Third: Discuss Group Project. When to present, how to present, how to build PDF.

Last class is December 12.
Can discuss grade with Rob.

My group is presenting Tuesday, December 10.
On that same day, all final speech documentation is due, along with the group project. Try to get Course Audit in that same week.

Thesis, Conclusion, Repeat

INTRO 1

Based solely on donations, families of sick children do not pay St. Jude’s a single cent. Treatment, housing, meals, and transportation are a few of the amenities provided for these families. According to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital’s website, 81 cents of each dollar donated goes directly to research and treatment of the child patients. The generosity of those who donate to the hospital is what keeps the facility afloat. On average it costs 1.8 million dollars to operate St. Jude’s for a single day. Without donations, the concept of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital is irrelevant, which is why with one million dollars, I would choose to donate the money to the hospital. 

CONCLUSION 1

St. Jude’s developmental protocols have assisted in increasing childhood survival rates in cancer patients from 20% in 1962 to 80% today.  With the results of these research methods, St. Jude’s can only improve these results, which in hopes will lead to full and healthy lives of children living with cancer. The donations of others along with the one million dollars will contribute to these methods, striving one day to eliminate childhood cancers completely.

INTRO 2

                IRC, the International Rescue Committee, is entirely committed to responding to the world’s most dire crises. In doing this, IRC aids to survival and rebuilding of the lives affected by these worldly disasters. In 1933 IRC was developed at the request of Albert Einstein, and since then IRC has expanded to helping 44 countries and 22 cities in the United States. Every dollar that the IRC spends, 90 cents is directly distributed to the refugees and communities that have been uprooted by wars or disasters. Each donation is greatly appreciated and used to its fullest potential. This idea gives confidence in giving the one million dollars to the IRC. This money would ultimately go to the greater good in benefitting those who have absolutely nothing left to give.

CONCLUSION 2

                The impact that the International Rescue Committee has made is exponential in the world. This impact has included health care, vaccinations, clean drinking water and food, schooling for children, along with counseling care to help rebuild affected individuals. The results of the IRC have truly inspired donations to go their way, which is why giving the one million dollars would be an excellent way to contribute to the world.

 INTRO 3

                Throughout 40 different countries, the International Fund for Animal Welfare is rescuing and protecting animals of various needs. These animals include species of dogs, bears, tigers, penguins, elephants and even turtles. Founded in 1969, the IFAW strives to saves individual animals, along with whole populations. Beyond the animals, the IFAW also looks to educate people on animal cruelty, including campaigns against commercializing species. These goals can only turn to action with the assistance of donations by IFAW members. With one million dollars, this program could flourish and reach its potential in rescuing helpless animals, and with my love for animals, I choose to accelerate the IFAW in donating the money to their cause.

CONCLUSION 3

                The IFAW is an excellent cause that reaches out to both animals and humans. While rescuing animals, the IFAW also looks for realistic solutions that can better both man and animals in communities. The team is built up of volunteers, veterinarians, scientists, campaigners and educators all with a common goal to better animal life throughout the world. I have always had a strong passion and bond with all sorts of animals, and by donating one million dollars to such a strong, impacting charity I will be dedicating that passion to the honor of the animal world.

Good and Bad Converstaions

       
Good vs. Bad Conversations



Write a short paragraph about a time when you had a really bad conversation with a person, or a really good conversation with a person.

-A bad conversation that really stands out to me, is when the topic of gay marriage came up with my friend Matt and I. I am extremely supportive of same sex marriages, and I know many people that are gay or lesbian. I believe in love, whatever that may consist of; Matt does not. He was saying things that upset me, and actually offended me. We still can't bring that up without there being hard feelings. I ended up leaving that conversation by storming away from the table. Not good.

Explain why the conversation was really bad, and what you could do to improve the conversation. If it was a good conversation, explain what made the conversation so good.

        

-That situation would be hard to better. Matt is an extremely stubborn person, and when I have a topic I am passionate about, I am also. I am an advocate for love, and when people don't understand that, I become rattled. I think it would have been better if we wouldn't have talked about it all, and left it at that. 

Relationship Characteristics

Relationship Characteristics   


What do you look for in a romantic relationship? Why are these characteristics important to you? What kind of lover do you consider yourself? (Eros, Ludus, Storge, Pragma, Mania, Agape) 

-In romantic relationships, I need somebody with similar interests as me, but is not attached to my hip. I need somebody who can hold their own, and understands that I need my space. I have been dating my boyfriend Christian for three and a half years, and he pretty much gets it. We don't have to be around each other constantly, but we want to be. It doesn't hurt that he is a tattooed baseball player...what?? 

-I would consider myself a Storge lover. I love the idea of a friendship and romance; that my partner is not only a lover but a best friend as well.

What do you look for in a friendship? What kind of a friend do you consider yourself? Give an example in your life of each of the types of friendships. (Reciprocity, Receptivity, Association)

-I just like somebody who I don't have to talk to communicate with. I love being able to sit in silence with somebody. This being said, I also have moments where I need to have that one on one talking time with a friend. I need somebody who I can trust, and truly has my best interest at heart. I like to think of myself as a friend of reciprocity. I like the equality on both parts.

-Reciprocity: my friend Salann. She is ultimately my best friend, and I always feel that we equally contribute to the friendship. When we are giving the other a present, like for Christmas, we always put extra effort in with a homemade craft to show the importance of the other.

-Receptivity: my volleyball coach and all of the players. She is putting in effort to better all of us players. Yes we put in effort, but Dana is in charge of all of us, and ultimately she gives up her life to watch us succeed.

-Association: this would be a friend from work, or from class. I don't necessarily hang out with them, but we always speak when we see each other, and we can hold a conversation.

         


        

Cultural/Media Impacts on Relationships

Cultural/Media Impacts on Relationships

What do you think relationships in the U.S. mostly emphasize? What things are important to a relationship in U.S. culture today? Is this a good or a bad thing? Why? 

-As far as relationships go, I feel that the emotional and commitment aspect are slipping away. Girls still love the romantic aspect, but often times will settle for less just to have somebody. The physical aspects are highly emphasizes in the U.S. Personally, I think it is important to have a good balance of both emotional and physical, and to have boundaries. I interviewed a German foreign exchange student, and he described the girls in the U.S. as extremely outgoing, and sort of "easy". This will often times translate into a relationship. I don't think it is necessary a BAD thing, but I do think it can become negative when there is no emotion in a committed relationship.

        

How does culture affect your own relationships? How do the media affect what people look for in friendships and romantic relationships?


-I wouldn't say that culture has affected my relationships. I am a very reserved introvert when it comes to relationships, so I am automatically selective in my choosing. I think more than anything, social gossip or things that I have heard can affect my relationships, as much as I hate to admit that. So, in a way, the culture that we live in with gossip has shaped me in choosing who I interact with. In media, I think The Bachelor has completely screwed our love world over. I admit to asking myself "why hasn't my boyfriend taken me on a midnight camel ride in the Sahara Desert with Justin Timberlake serenading me??" With media and dating shows, a true relationship is not represented, so it sets expectations a bit off course. 

Speech Ideas and Weed Documentary

Three Speech Ideas
-Ideas that I am passionate about
-Actions or deeds that I want to fulfill, or could go through with
-Due Tuesday

Weed Documentary
-"The Green Rush"
-Is marijuana bad for you, or is it good for you?
-What does it do to you, what does it do to your kids?
-Colorado: legal in the state with medical dispensers everywhere
-Military members cannot use marijuana
-Little Charlotte began having seizures without any medical issues, until the age of two when she was diagnosed with a form of epilepsy. She had a severe case, and was extremely affected by the disease. Began trying strong medications that nearly killed her. 
-Researched marijuana for Charlotte to control the seizures. Do they use it to help their child or not?
-Parents ultimately decided to use medical marijuana when Charlotte was only five years old.
-Used a low dose of THC, so that it would be effective, but would not cause a high.
-Stanley family grows marijuana with high contents of CBD and low doses of THC.
-Chaz Moore has had life saving experiences with marijuana, and believes it is better than pharmaceutical drugs
-What does marijuana do to the brain?
-Dr. Stacey Gruber is a doctor using high tech imagery to understand what goes on in the brain during smoking week.
-Weed supposedly makes you more creative with less inhibitions
-The prefrontal corex is the part affected in the brain
-High experienced weed users are not as affected as those who are infrequent.
-It is not a good idea to start marijuana use at a young age.
-No reports of marijuana overdoses
-Today's marijuana could possibly be more addictive
-The higher the percentage of THC, the more dangerous the drug can be.
-Charlotte began using marijuana because it was the only next step.
-Paid $800 for a small bag of marijuana
-After the marijuana use, Charlotte did not have seizures.
-Went from 300 to 7 seizures in a week.
-Research began in Israel 
-Marijuana does not only aid epilepsy.
-Results have been excellent 
-Charlotte's Web :) awww...
-All children who have used Charlotte's Web have shown medical improvements!