Moral Intelligence free essay sample

Your moral compass consists of moral intelligence, the ability to know the right thing to do, and moral competence, having the ability to do the right thing. In the heart of this book Lennick points out that there are four principle values to maintaining a balanced moral compass: integrity, responsibility, compassion, and forgiveness. This book successfully instructs leaders on the importance of being in tuned with their moral compass and what the positive and negative aspects of following or not following it are. After reading this book one could determine that these lessons can be applied not only to ones professional life but also to their personal life as well. This book does not just portray the thoughts and ideas of one person. Lennick and his co-author, Fred Kiel, performed extensive research on the topics of management and leadership before writing this book. They interviewed executives and top leaders of highly successful companies to test their theories of the importance to having a balanced moral compass. We will write a custom essay sample on Moral Intelligence or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Interviewees discussed what negative effects occurred not only to their companies but also to the morale of the employees when they did not follow their moral compass. John Simmons (pseudonym) realized his moral compass was misaligned when he was confronted by his fellow business partners regarding his rigid behavior at a meeting. After much reflection he determined why he was treating those that were for his ideas as if they were his enemies. This is a great representation of how everyone needs to take time each day to ensure nothing is in the way of keeping their personal values, goals, and actions inline. The first of the four principles in the book is integrity. The best way to describe integrity is â€Å"truthfulness† to ones self and others. Integrity is â€Å"acting consistently with principles, values, and beliefs† and is the primary moral competency. Integrity does not only involve telling the truth, it also means standing up for what you believe in no matter what the consequence may be. If one does not have integrity then they probably lack moral competency as well. This book provides an excellent example of a company president who decided it was more important for her to be upfront and truthful with her managers instead of hoping for a turn around that would possibly never happen. Cindy Carlson, former president of Capital Professional Advisors, told her managers that the company was likely not to make it to its third year and she would not blame them if they left. Because she put her own job in jeopardy be telling the truth, all of her managers respected this and stayed. The manager’s trust in her also helped with receiving buy-in from the other employees. What better way for the authors to prove the importance of integrity than with a true success story. Lennick proved the topic of integrity best by stating that â€Å"[a]cting with integrity means that you accept the risks that come with taking a principled stand because the moral consequences of looking the other way are unacceptable. † This is such a powerful statement showing leaders that you have to fight for what you believe in; being submissive for something you know is morally wrong should not be an option. The buck stops here,† as President Harry Truman was famous for saying, represents the competency of responsibility. Lennick says that effective leaders take responsibility for their own choices, admit their mistakes, and embrace the responsibility of serving others. I agree with the authors that the middle managers struggle with this competence the most because they are stuck between being responsible for those that they lead and the need to follow the orders of those above them. Anyone who has ever been in this position knows this is true. If an upper manager does not take responsibility for his own actions the middle manager typically takes the blame. Leaders must be willing to take responsibility when things go wrong. Pushing the blame off on someone else is a morally incompetent action. I agree with Lennick that admitting your mistakes can help the company grow by showing that â€Å"we all make mistakes. † By taking the responsibility for their own actions, they are leading by example. Others will feel comfortable coming forward with a failure instead of trying to cover it up. Out of the chapter on responsibility, I agree most with Lennick’s thought that taking responsibility for the growth of their employees is the act of a morally intelligent leader. What better way to support the growth of a company than through retention. When you respect your employee’s and support their goals they are more motivated to do their best for the organization. The third principle in the book discusses compassion and forgiveness. I believe this principle is probably one of the hardest for managers to stay consistent with on a daily basis. Through examples in this book, the power that compassion holds is deeply demonstrated. Brian Heath is an executive who says that compassion is when we take others hopes and dreams seriously and do what we can to help them achieve them. Gary O’Hagan describes compassion as challenging others to do their best, believing in them, and providing the tools needed for their success. Both of these examples show what all leaders ultimate goal should be. With all the daily task and deadlines sometimes the idea of compassion is lost. A different approach to compassion is shown by CEO Charlie Zelle who says that holding others accountable for unacceptable behavior is the most compassionate thing a leader can do. He is exactly correct, how can a leader expect an employee to change if they are not made aware what they are doing is wrong. It seems like a dirty job at first, but in the end the employee will be thankful because this feedback will help them grow. Compassion is a skill all leaders should have which leads into forgiveness. It is a fact that forgiveness is a part of life that is done daily; whether it is thru self-forgiveness or the forgiveness of others mistakes. A powerful statement by the author on this concept is that â€Å"[i]t is important to accept responsibility for what you did and commit to do it better going forward. † This principle holds true not only in our professional lives, but also in our personally lives as well. Human nature does not allow us to be perfect, mistakes are only natural. The final principle is emotions. Our emotions either hinder or help lead the way to using our moral compass and being morally competent in a challenging situation. Lennicks advice is to learn how to conduct self-awareness on ourselves to get to our true emotions. In order to do this you must ask yourself a few questions: what am I thinking, what am I feeling, and what am I doing? In order to be an effective leader there must be a balance of emotions. By taking the time to have a little â€Å"self talk† before overreacting will help reveal thought out responses, not just anger or disappointment. If a leader is constantly an emotional rollercoaster employees do not know how to approach them. Often times the employee will distance themselves from this person instead of having to play the guessing game of how will they react today. It is not possible for a leader to be effective if this is occurring. In conclusion, I believe this is a highly effective book for any leader to read. The authors proved their points thru real life applications from top leaders who have experienced them. In business today moral intelligence is a guide for leaders to achieve success. This intelligence is set out by the four principles discussed in this book. These strong principles all overlap; it is hard to imagine having one without the other. A moral balance is achieved because our moral competencies are constantly working together. An effective leader does not make up their values as they go along; they listen to the inner compass that has already instilled within each of us. The book shows evidence that moral intelligence plays apart in business success. â€Å"If you pay attention to your own moral intelligence and encourage development of moral intelligence throughout your organization, you inspire the best efforts of everyone-and your performance will outpace your rivals’. † I believe this statement is a very impactful reasoning and summarizes the overall meaning of the book.

Gun control or government cont essays

Gun control or government cont essays When you hear the term gun control, many things may come to mind such as school shootings, like Columbine or Rocori, kids killing kids, the Brady Law and second amendment rights. As Americans face an ever-growing problem of violence, these issues have all prompted a controversy over how firearms in our society should be regulated. We cant afford to ignore the damage that criminals are doing to our society and we must find a way to stop the violence. However, the efforts of some misguided individuals to eliminate legal gun ownership, does not address the real problem at hand and simply disarms the law-abiding citizens who are most in need of defending themselves. We must preserve the right of Americans to own and carry firearms. To fully understand the different reasons behind gun control efforts, you must understand the major role of firearms in the history of our country. The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States makes firearm ownership legal in this country and states that a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. This amendment clearly states that the citizens of America have the right to own firearms. When the colonists of early America felt that the burden of the British oppression was too much for them, they took up their personal firearms and went to war against the greatest military forces of the time. If these citizens had not been willing to form a militia to fight against the British Armies, we never would have won the independence that we have today. The founding fathers of this country knew that arming the general population was instrumental in fighting off oppression. This is why they made the right to keep and bear arms a constitutionally guaranteed right. As our country expanded westward into unsettled territo ...

Five Ways to Meet Deadline When Life Gets Crazy-Busy

Five Ways to Meet Deadline When Life Gets Crazy-Busy Whether penning a novel, a blogpost, or a magazine article, most writers work on deadline. But even with a due date, it’s easy to focus on life’s more pressing matters. After twenty years as a working scribe, I’ve discovered a few tricks to keep my productivity on track. 1. Schedule an appointment If we were in an actual office meeting, we would not be answering the phone, replying to e-mails, or folding laundry. We can use that same mindset to stay focused while working from home. Each day, set aside a specific time for writing. Block that time on the calendar as if it is for an important meeting, and allow no interruptions. 2. Maintain a Detailed Goal List Corporate employees are expected to write goals and report progress. We can follow that same strategy. First, we need to create a list of goals, assigning each to be completed   Ã‚     Week   Ã‚     Month   Ã‚     Quarter   Ã‚     Year Then we must don our †boss† hat and hold our â€Å"employee† accountable. It helps to keep a Daily List, too. Each night, select specific tasks to be accomplished 3. Find an Accountability Partner Teamwork! It’s very important to build a relationship with at least one trusted writing partner. Share monthly goals, set regular check-in times, and press for the best from one another. For those who don’t have such an acquaintance, consider joining organizations such as Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, etc. Many communities offer an arts council or writers organization, and libraries may host events, too. National Novel Writing Month is another excellent source of encouragement, with perks such as local Meet-Ups, daily wordcount check-ins, and more. 4. Go High-Tech Many online tools can boost productivity. For example, a service called Focusmate allows users to share a virtual cubicle of sorts. Each user schedules a 50-minute session during which assigned partners work quietly while they can see one another onscreen. Calendar apps can save time Brainwave apps use binaural beats to increase focus, attention, and productivity. Basically, users tune in to an online station, listen to specifically formulated music, and voila! The choices are endless, so it’s best to search â€Å"brainwave app† on the selected device and find the best fit. Voice dictation apps allow us to turn speech to text. This maximizes time spent in carpool lines, and it frees us from our desks. Google and Apple each offer a free and reliable voice-to-text service, while Dragon charges a fee and requires a bit more time investment on the front-end. 5. Earn Rewards We are all wired to work for rewards, but one of the best things about being the boss is that we control the reward system. When we add a new chapter, for example, we may earn a walk outside or a chat with a friend. But a finished novel may earn us a new piece of art or a weekend getaway. The greater the accomplishment, the greater the reward. And that keeps us coming back to the page. How do you keep your writing goals on track? Share your productivity ideas and let’s keep the conversation going via Facebook or Twitter.

Rise of modern state in europe, under international relations Essay

Rise of modern state in europe, under international relations - Essay Example These were the days of feudal system, wherein the royals were more indulged in trading wars and least attention was given to the poor and under-privileged class of the kingdom. In those times, the subjects of the monarchial kingdoms where less happy with their quality of life and yearned for the abolishment of unjust royal anarchy prevailed. During the 18th century, war broke out among various kings in European domains and all worked towards building of their own strong kingdoms. These fights also brought about a major change in the ruling structure of the European domain. Gradually, the Austria – Hungary monarchy also known as â€Å"dual monarchy†, soon reached to a compromising stage to gain a separate entity for each other. Apparently, during World War II the dual monarchy ceased to exist and a distinct Austrian empire came in to power under the kingship of emperor Habsburg. During later years, in the struggle to strengthen the Austrian Empire, the royals approached Hungary to negotiate for political stability. However, these times of royal ruling witnessed a long and hard suffering among much of the minorities existed in the country. Minorities in Austrian Empire The Austrian Kingdom during the 18th century faced numerous problems due to its wide territory and ethnic groups. According to(Propoganda,2007) â€Å"The Austrian Empire consisted of five principal components: The Hereditary lands, the Lands of the Hungarian Crown, the Lands of the Bohemian Crown, Galacia, Lombardy and Venetia in Italy. The Empire was ruled by Emperor Francis I. The Empire was difficult to manage because it was large and unwieldy, and it was difficult to treat each group fairly. Another problem was the problem of minorities†. Metternich the rule of that time of Austria experienced many problems in administrating the kingdom and the problem with minorities was the most crucial concern of all. The successful administration of the kingdom was an aspect of major di lemma and controlling all ethnic groups were far from reality. In order to get a hold on the minority issues, the ruler Metternich introduced the concept of local diets to promote the idea of provincial institutions. Additionally, he also encouraged the ethnic minorities to follow local traditions, cultural activities, history, language and literature. However, he was completely strong against any formulation of localized government or liberalization of minorities. However, encouragement in cultural identity gave much confidence to various ethnic groups and their started considering themselves as separate from German groups. The ironical part is that this transition initialized by the ruler. Metternich gave way to a major realization among the ethnic towards the importance of their culture and history. Eventually, different minorities with diverse cultural identity and ethnical values came forward for their liberalization and political freedom to form their own strong foundation. Tr eatment of Minorities in Austrian Empire The Austrian empire has a large constitution of minorities and the German was the main language of these groups. The empire consisted of a sect called Czech extremist too which was aiming for liberalization and integral freedom .â€Å"When a new law was passed requiring that all civil servants in the Czech lands be bilingual after 1901, the Germans in the Vienna parliament forced out the ministry, while Czech extremists began to talk

LOVE Individual privacy vs. national security Essay

LOVE Individual privacy vs. national security - Essay Example The project will therefore utilize findings from the country to establish the severity of the issues on a global scale. Due to its scope and importance, the project will be conducted using primary sources such as journals, reports from various agencies and newspaper articles. Scholarly articles required in this project will be obtained from the library while relevant reports will be obtained from the concerned agencies. Compromise of individual privacy in pursuit of national security existed before the September 11, attacks. At the heights of World War II, nearly 12,000 Japanese Americans were forced into concentration camps for reasons related to national security (ACLU, 2001). According to Avery (2004), the public feels that issues of national security compromise their privacy. Previous research findings on the issue have proved that intensification of surveillance by security agencies hamper formation of close relationships among people (Emanuel, 2004). To enhance security, the government has authorized all telecom operators in the country to install systems that enable government agencies to access private communications. These preliminary findings will direct the research project. Gross, E. (2004). The struggle of a democracy against terrorism—Protection of human rights: The right to privacy versus the national interest—The proper balance, Cornell International Law Journal 37 (1),

Eâ€commerce and management information system

E–commerce and management information system Question This report is based around an in depth critical appraisal of the use of information systems by an organisation of my choice. Choose an organisation Research the activities of the organisation and how it makes use of information systems to help it undertake these activities Critique its use of information systems Provide recommendations for the future use of information system by the organisation. Dr Ger (2010). Individual Assignment, from S708. E Commerce and Management Information System. London College of Business on April, 2010. Available from : Blackboard.( Access o 08/04/10) Answer Background to organisation My chosen organisation is Metropole College. Metropole College Ltd, trading as Metropole Learning is a private company, limited by guarantee. It was established in 1994 and started delivering government funded provision in January 2000, offering Basic Employability Training. In 2001, Metropole Learning started delivering contracts for the Employment Services now (JobcentrePlus) in Basic Employability Training (ESOL and Literacy). In 2003, they started delivering a range of workforce development, this had made the organisation to grow, and this growth continues today. The companys future plan is expand the current delivery and to also to offer teacher training for the new staff. http://www.metropolecollege.com/en/about-us/our-history Services The company render services ( in the area of lifelong learning sector) that are designed to enable adults to get closer to the labour market and to help these learners to maintained/sustained employment by given them long time support at work. They offer the following courses; ESOL, Literacy, Employability, Information Technology (IT/Computer) and give support or assistant in the following areas; Individual Learning Support, Information, Advice and Guidance (I.A.G). http://www.metropolecollege.com/en/our-services The companys services is actually in two sections Pre Employability Post Employability Pre Employability services: here the company help and give support to the learners by improving their language. Their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are improved through ESOL course. They also improve their employability skills in order to put them on the labour ladder. The learners achieve these skills through employability and IT/computer courses. http://metropole.test-host.net/our-services/pre-employability Post Employability services: metropole provides work based, and flexible learning solution for employed people. http://metropole.test-host.net/our-services/post-employability Aim and objective of Metropole College The ultimate goal of the company is to support the learners into sustained employment. http://www.metropolecollege.com/en/about-us/our-history Bibliography Metropole College (n.d) Our History. (WWW) Metropole College. Available from http://www.metropolecollege.com/en/about-us/our-history Metropole College (n.d) Pre Employability. (WWW) Metropole College. Available from http://metropole.test-host.net/our-services/post-employability (Accessed on 07/04/10) Metropole College (n.d) Pre Employability. (WWW) Metropole College. Available from http://metropole.test-host.net/our-services/pre-employability (Accessed on 07/04/10) Metropole College (n.d) Our services. (WWW) Metropole College. Available from http://www.metropolecollege.com/en/our-services (Accessed on 07/04/10) Metropole College (n.d) Our History. (WWW) Metropole College. Available from http://www.metropolecollege.com/en/about-us/our-history (Accessed on 07/04/10)

Red Bull’s current marketing strategies Essay

How should Red Bull market its brand in the future? I think, although Red Bull has been extremely successful in the past, times have changed and the company and products should change with it, otherwise we probably lose market share to the tremendous increased number of competitors in no time.At the height of early mornings and late nights, Red Bull energy drink became the fuel of choice for people from all walks of life. So how is Red Bull marketing its brand to meet the changing needs and budgets of its customers? How will the privately owned Austrian company expand its product line beyond the silver-bullet beverage that â€Å"gives you wings†? My conclusion is that we should focus on what the consumers want, need, and can afford and different marketing techniques. Red Bull founder, Dietrich Mateschitz, introduced his â€Å"tonic drinks† to the Austrian market in 1987. â€Å"Red Bull got off the ground in no time flat, giving people wings right from the start.† It wasn’t until ten years later, Red Bull charged into the United States, launching a new category of non-soda energy drinks aimed at burned out high school kids, college students, and overworked individuals. In my opinion Red Bull should focus not only on low cost marketing, but also areas of mass marketing. Red Bull is an energy drink with an amazingly clever marketing strategy, but could use an extra shove in areas. Since its inception, Red Bull has shunned print advertising in its marketing strategy. Red Bull has also chosen to eliminate billboards, banner ads, taxicab holograms, blimps, and Super Bowl spots as a form of advertising. It has not created one web-marketing campaign, and it hasn’t nipped or expanded its product line. This could be a good area to begin. Promoting the drink with prints or web-marketing campaigns could add to the many satisfied consumers. Red Bull’s website could also use renovations. The website, http://www.redbullusa.com/start.html, does not include an in-depth analysis on ingredients contained in the drink, whereas Dark Dog and Red Devil do. If consumers wanted to learn what was contained in the drink and how they benefit from the product, the information should not only be available, but in abundance. Also, Super Bowl advertising has proved to be very beneficial,  with more viewers than any TV program. Advanced communications technology is creating a generation where many individual can be touched by one visual. However, Red Bull chooses to use advertising that cost little or nothing. Red Bull has also adopted another form of low cost advertising. Red Bull sets its grassroots ethic into motion with a simple, yet masterful marketing force, student brand managers. In Europe, collegiate buzz junkies have been successfully addicting friends and classmates for years thanks to a foolproof branding plan; Red Bull provides the student representatives with free cases of its energy drink and then encourages the kids to throw a party. Red Bull could also use this technique with older individuals in high stress occupations. This will not only spread the word quickly and cheaply, but to more individuals of different ages. This would allow Red Bull to expand its target. â€Å"In terms of attracting new customers and enhancing consumer loyalty, Red Bull has a more effective branding campaign than Coke or Pepsi,† says Nancy F. Koehn, professor of business administration at Harvard Business School and author of Brand New: How Entrepreneurs Earned Consumers’ Trust from Wedgwood to Dell (Harvard Business School Press, 2001). â€Å"Red Bull is building a beverage brand without relying on the essential equipment of a mass-marketing campaign. Perhaps the indispensable tools of marketing aren’t so indispensable after all.† With the little advertising Red Bull uses, an extra push in one of these areas could prove very beneficial for the company. Resources: Brand New: How Entrepreneurs Earned Consumers’ Trust from Wedgwood to Dell (Harvard Business School Press, 2001) http://www.redbullusa.com/start.html http://www.plan-b.biz/pdf/Speed_In_a_Can.pdf http://www.darkdog.com/ http://www.reddevilusa.com/ http://www.safefoodonline.com/safefood/Uploads/appendix_I_stimulant_drinks_in_ireland%2520_trans_mgmt.pdf