Micky D's

http://online.wsj.com/video/next-generation-takes-over-at-mcdonald/F2D4506F-F796-4108-8F86-99CF18B549FB.html

This was a cool video about how the children of the franchise owners of McDonalds are stepping up and taking the leadership roles of their parents.   It will be interesting to see the new spins that these children will take on an already lucrative and very relevant business.  

Woman Power

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303990604577368344256435440.html?mod=WSJ_mgmt_LeadStoryCollection

Definitely a great article about up and coming women who are pitted to be taking over CEO roles in the upcoming near future.  Not that I have any desire to be a CEO of a company; however, I am always intrigued when women are.  I think I am a fairly strong woman...but I have no desire to be strong (typically a man buster) in that role.  I do appreciate women who can be, and are that way, in the workplace.  Not to say that I am passive and let everyone walk all over me; not the case.  However, I do not have the personality as such to be so demanding and up in your face that seems to be required of these positions.  

Week 10 Blog

OK, so I think I've posted on it before, but my friend has a blog (http://knowbsblog.com).  The post that caught my attention was entitled, "Is There A Shark In Your Boat?"  This post was about "sharks" that potentially could be in your boat.....even though they may not be obvious.  Some "shark-like" behaviors include lots of unproductive activity, trying to break up different relational dynamics, always waiting to be told what to do, or believing that they are irreplaceable.  


This is funny because when I read it, I immediately thought of one person at my job that is definitely a shark.  He is on his own program, he makes mistakes but blames them on others, he truly believes he is indispensable, and that honestly believes he is the most valuable player on the team.  The article suggests that the shark should be let go immediately; however, our company just tolerates his insolent behavior.  One must wonder why management tolerates it.

Week 7 Blog Post

Here is a great article forwarded to me from a VP of company in Waltham.  It is entitled "12 Most Convincing Actions that Get Senior Management to Listen".  It is pretty interesting, as I have been more in the management spotlight in our company recently (in a positive way) due to my new responsibilities.  As discussed this week in the audio clip, the addition of responsibility was a motivator for me to work harder.  Since I will now have more face time with senior management, it was beneficial for me to see and understand.  The most impactful one for me was #11.  I had never thought of it before...but it says to speak a shorter amount of time, rather than the allotted time.  I would never have thought that....I would have imagined it would look rude or unprepared if you didn't fill the time; however, this article seemed to negate that.  Here is the link for this article, in case you want to read it:   http://12most.com/2012/03/08/getting-senior-management-to-listen/

Who Moved My Cheese

I had read this book several years ago when I was involved in a church plant.  Our Pastor wanted us to read this book, as we were about to embark in a big change.  I picked it up again this past weekend and was reminded why I liked it so much.  The author did a great job of dumbing down the whole change process through the use of his fictional characters.  The basic premise of the book is showing the different character's responses to change (or in their case - the moving of the cheese).  Briefly, it shows that change is inevitable.  We just need to have a positive reaction to it....and not try to stifle it.  Anyway, it is a really quick read....but definitely powerful!  

OK...

Ok...I'm not sure if you can attach an article to a blog.....I see that you can add a photo or a video....but I don't see a way to attach it.  BUT...what I will do is comment on the article on my blog...and then attach the article when I put the link to my blog on the discussion board.


Anyway, this was a really great article.  I think one of the people in our class works for Yum! Brands, so this may be interesting for her to read.


It did have a great point that.....which was that leaders need to be teachers.  In order to get the best results from your staff, you should be more of a teacher instead of a dictator.  


Anyway...check out the article in the discussion board.  :)


~Jen

An Interesting Article

Seeing how much I enjoy the website www.pinterest.com; I was immediately drawn to this article while surfing the web.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204792404577225124053638952.html?mod=WSJ_mgmt_LeftTopNews

It's a prime example of why you need a solid business plan/model in place before you launch; so you aren't stuck in a place of overwhelming growth with no financial benefits.

If you haven't visited Pinterest, you should get right on that!  On the other hand, if you are in my Group, nevermind!  :)  You'll be sucked in for hours at a time...and won't want to work on our business plan!  :P  hahaha....