Post 1
After extensively getting to know/researching my chosen leader a question to ask onself is what does one take from this example. Mrs. Indra Nooyi was not a person wih a famous/well known name like other peers/CEOs (ex: Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg) but has left a mark with me. Her constant tenacity, innovation, accessibility, confidence, and contagious positive energy has advanced her to the position of PepsiCo. There are few women that have this position and successfully added to the culture, vision, and purpose to where all (ex: age or minority) want to work at this organization.
A common practice is to promote from within the company as the knowing the employee is a right fit within the culture (DuBrin, 2016). Mrs. Nooyi ascended through the ranks by asking for challenging assignments others were fearful of them while also being humble and approachable along the way. Sales/revenue growth through innovation is a goal but to combine it with establishing a(n) work environment (trust, respect, and support) was an added bonus.
There have been characteristics of her to take away and apply in my leadership style. For example courage to ask the tough questions, to not doubt/back down once decisions are made, be innovative, and constantly have clear communication. I have been tentative of confrontation and new things. The knowledge and example of this semester has made me evaluate my succession plan. This plan includes constantly looking for continuing education, webinars, or certifications in classes short/long term usefulness (ex: usefulness of social media, what consumers are looking for, or listening to subordinates/consumers needs/wants). Thank you and well done to all for the interesting research delivered on the panel of leaders, discussions, and practical insight.
Reply 1
Post 2
The result of my five strenghs was very true about me: focus, analytical, restorative, competitive and deliberative. However, studying Mary Barra throughout the course about her leadership makes me realize that there is still area that I need to improve. It is great to know my strong points as they are foundation for me to be a better leader in future. Being the first female CEO in auto industry is a challenge for Mary Barra, an industry which has been long known to be dominated by men. To show others male colleagues that she is capable of doing the job as well as others, the factors that make her stand out in that crowd are her leadership and management skills. Through my study about Ms. Barra, I would say I learn a lot about her great leadership style.
The most impressive ones of her are self-confidence, humility, core self-evaluation, trustworthiness and team builder. I learned that to be a great leader, I need to establish trust to my followers to show them my ability just like Mary Barra did to GM "She was great in getting jobs done, putting a team together and making sure that it's being done right. She was always the person who took charge." (Edmondson, 2014).
In addition, she understand team work is a core power of every organization. Without teamwork, it is impossible to create a strong workplace or resolve problems; and in this case it was about fixing recall scandal that GM was severely criticized. I admire the way she leads and resolves problems. She was very upfront and direct when she confronted issue. That is to me a smart way to deal with situations. Also I admire the way she link one problem to other problem to resolve them all together. For example, she pointed out the cause for the recall was no one spoke up, this is the result of a broken culture has existed for too long. Lastly is core self-evaluation, I agree with Ms. Barra's leader style which is great ideas don't always come from the higher management. If I become a leader in the future, I would definitely create an environment where everyone is encouraged to propose ideas and thoughts because they are important elements to create a stronger workforce and team.
Edmondson, A. (2014, Jan 14). Mary Barra Brings Teaming to General Motors. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review:
https://hbr.org/2014/01/mary-barra-brings-teaming-to-general-motors