Happiness is a way of travel, 

          not a destination.   

– Roy Goodman

that old time rock 'n' roll ..

Just take those old records off the shelf
I'll sit and listen to 'em by myself
Today's music ain 't got the same soul
I like that old time rock 'n' roll
Don't try to take me to a disco
You'll never even get me out on the floor
In ten minutes I'll be late for the door
I like that old time rock 'n' roll

Still like that old time rock'n' roll
That kind of music just soothes the soul

I reminisce about the days of old
With that old time rock 'n' roll 


<3






.. the good stuff - love a little "old time" inspiration =)

Learning Portal

 Check this site out: www.stumbleupon.com

choose your interests and "stumble" upon sites.  then "like" sites, so you can stumble upon other sites like that in the future. 

i came across this site: www.noop.nl/2010/04/top-150-management-leadership-blogs.html
also, great for leisure, travel, sports, etc. =)


"I make a decision, and if it's the wrong one, I make another one." - Dave Ramsey

Chaos?

         Contemporary leadership theories seem to focus more on a mutual and common purpose between leaders and followers, or collaborators.  As a result, both sides may have a higher level of motivation and morale to reach their goals. 

         It took me a while to really find a theory that I though I identified with, especially because some of the scholarly articles online were difficult to follow.  I used google and the SDSU library website to explore theories (search: contemporary leadership theory/ies).  Once I found theories, I searched those specifically (psychodynamic, attribution, symbolic, charismatic) to identify one I liked.  In the end, I chose..

The CHAOS THEORY.

         So, at first glance, I thought “chaos theory, really?”  How can someone name a theory after a word that means: complete disorder and confusion.  After digging a little deeper, though, I think I identify a lot with this theory.  In a recent post I discussed leadership as a part of nature versus a system or machine and I think this is along the same lines.

         The chaos theory recognizes that events are rarely controlled.  This is seen everyday in life whether it be weather patterns, traffic jams, flight delays, etc., however managers have usually assumed they could control their organizations.  So, the chaos theory suggests that when you give a group of people direction and set them in motion, they will each follow their specific set of a few rules or guidelines, but will also spontaneously self organize into something complex and unexpected.  Although this sounds unappealing, it is realistic- especially in the hospitality industry.  The chaos theory does not suggest the removal of a “leader telling, follower doing” atmosphere completely within an organization, but it allows for the follower to adapt and grow within that ever-changing organization.  It gives them the empowerment to use their best judgment and act as they see needed within the few set of rules and guidelines given to them.

         The chaos theory assumes that the follower has the skills, passion and values that match the organization to help make it successful.  So, it is necessary that the leader has developed the follower to a certain point to be able to use this theory.  The chaos theory is used in very decentralized organizations where there is a high level of relationship and trust.  The chaos theory is very relationship based, with very little task involved at all.

        

         I really identified with this theory because I truly believe that it is impossible for a leader to control every situation, every person, every procedure in an organization.  This is just as it is impossible to control Mother Nature.  But it is possible to set guidelines and rules to meet specific goals and allow a team to reach those goals.  This is just as humans prepare for nature. 

SELF

Yesterday at work I was discussing a new procedure with a supervisor and he said. “these are living, breathing checklists- they are not set in stone.”  Immediately, I thought to myself,  “Wow, I just read an article about leadership being a form of nature, not a machine- how interesting.”  I think this is a good start to talking about how I fell about leadership now because I really connected with the “LEADERSHIP IN LIVING ORGANIZATIONS” article. 

            At the beginning of the semester, I did think of leadership as a machine: a way to get from point A to point B.  However, recently, I’ve realizing that leadership is more of a growing process (as my group expressed in form of a flower for our leadership map).

            I think that I still value the same things in a leader: confidence, honesty and passion, but now I see the bigger picture and appreciate and understand other traits and values as a whole.  I see leadership as a more cohesive process.

            I have noticed a bit of change in my feelings in both trait and behavior theories.  I was very anti-trait theory before, but I now see it as a stepping stone to other theories.  I think that certain traits are necessary for a successful leader, but I don’t think traits alone make a great leader.  Additionally, I was very relationship oriented in the beginning and did not see the value in task related behaviors.  I have definitely altered my view on this.  I know see the value in setting a specific task- because otherwise how would something get completed in a timely manner?  I now see that a leader should be both task and relationship oriented to build trust with their team (I didn’t realize until now, but my new feelings on this are reflected in my “media” of choice).

            I feel that in my future I will utilize task oriented behaviors much more than I have in the past.  I do not think I will ever have a full grasp on how I will practice my leadership in the future because I think it will continue to change based on my position, situation, team and more!

THEORY

I think the midterm helped me learn a lot about the leadership theories as a whole.  Previously, I was able to read articles and have discussions about theories, but I was not able to actually see specific theories in action.  I think it is important to know that leadership is seen everywhere—places that you would never imagine! Leadership is seen in positive, uplifting situations and in negative, heartbreaking situations.  I think it is also very important to note that leadership theories are not “set in stone”, hence being called a “theory”.  Just because someone has created a theory, doesn’t mean other people will act exactly in the square of that theory.  A leader may use bits and pieces of different theories in their everyday roles. 

            Specifically, I think I saw a little bit of the trait-based theory in all the leaders I examined in Apollo 13.  Previous to this assignment, I did not think this way.  I sort of completely ruled out trait theories.  The movie helped me realize though, that most successful leaders have a ‘base’ of traits-- the rest of their leadership abilities sort of stem from these traits. 

            Also, throughout the course so far, I never really thought of the “skills and competencies” as a part of a successful leader.  Now that just seems silly.  A leader must have specific skills and competencies in their particular situation to be successful.  If not, how could they build a trusting relationship with their team?  Or why would their team respect them when they were assigned tasks?  I did not think of skills and competencies as a part of being a leader, but just part of being an individual.  I now see this differently.

            Previously, the path/goal theory was a little gray to me.  Seeing this theory in action in the movie helped me understand the mix between task and relationship that occurs.  As a result, I really appreciate this theory.  Although the task (arriving back to earth safely) was the most important goal, the team still was relationship oriented. 

            Overall, before the midterm I never really tried to apply leadership theories outside of the class room or work environment.  Thus, I only viewed leadership as a hospitality oriented or related concept.  The midterm expanded my knowledge to realize that leadership surrounds me everywhere!