The Significance of the MundaneWritten by Robert F. Abbott
This article begins with a tip of hat to a scholarly publication called Journal of Mundane Behavior. Unlike other publications, which herald important issues, this one trumpets everyday, but rarely noticed, behaviors. It sees what rest of us overlook because that stuff is so, well, mundane (my dictionary defines 'mundane' as being ordinary or common).For example, I just read an article in Journal about beards and shaving, one that interests me because I've had a beard for almost as long as I've been able to shave. And while that subject may interest me, it doesn't mean much in great scheme of things. Today, I'm interested in connection between mundane and communication. In this article we'll explore how great strategies can emerge from observing not great, but everyday events. We'll use our understanding of seemingly insignificant things and behaviors to come up with grand strategies. Federal Express, for example, used to run humorous television ads that showed ordinary people, shipping clerks I suppose, and how scared they were that their shipments might not get to their destinations on time. Clearly, a case of using mundane to craft a great marketing strategy. That advertising strategy, coupled with a strong business strategy, led to one of entrepreneurial success stories of 20th century. And that business strategy might not have been so successful without advertising strategy. After all, most companies would have opted for commercials showing shiny cargo planes, pilots in crisp uniforms, or bright people figuring out cargo scheduling.
| | What is Your Leadership Style?Written by Michele Webb
There are countless numbers and types of leadership styles in organizations today. Unfortunately, many leaders today are ineffective because they are not motivators or because they have a warped idea about their role and purpose. As such, workers in these organizations suffer from inadequate leadership and likely have no energy, motivation or loyalty to organization. Leaders who honestly appraise their leadership style can effectively reinvent themselves in order to inspire and motivate those whom they lead, are to be commended. Here are five basic categories of leadership. Identify which category best suits your style and how you can best use your style to motivate and lead those who work with you. 1.Authoritarian. Leaders using this style are often harsh, demanding, and inflexible in their approach to others. Best stated as “It is my way or highway!” 2.Humanistic. This leadership style is characterized by someone who does not follow a precise plan. They allow others to set agendas. You may hear a humanistic leader say “What do you think we should do today?” 3.Charismatic. These leaders depend on personality and energy for success. You can hear them say “Wow! I am really excited about this!” 4.Democratic. Democratic leaders are always seeking a group consensus prior to moving ahead. Have you heard anyone say this lately? “Before we go any further, let’s take a vote.” 5.Mission-Driven. Leaders who are mission-driven build teams to help bring about organization’s vision and purpose. They may be overhead to say, “We are all in this together.”
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