A635.8.3.RB - Transformational Strategies


               In both of the videos, leadership realized they had to make a transformational change and they had a lot to learn in the process. Both of these individuals learned a valuable lesson that cannot be taught in a textbook, they both learned lessons of leadership through real life experiences of trial and error, success and failure.

               McIngvale (2012) explained that he realized there was a need for change in his furniture store and transformational change was dependent on the company surviving. First, he did research and reading to inspire and motivate the change. Then, he trained his employees using up to date technology to follow up, communicate, and personalize individual experience in the store to bring up sales with customers. His change in business practice boosted sales immediately each month. Another change was to help his employees feel better about their selves; he added exercise programs at work to allow employees time to work out during the day. By understanding the personal drive of individuals to feel good physically and mentally, treat the employees well, and motivate them, the employees were willing to work hard to help the store improve and turn around. Brown (2006) explained that a strong culture is characterized by the organizations basic values being intensely held and widely shared; the more members share the basic values and their commitment to them, the stronger the culture. In addition (2006), explained that to manage change there are basic elements needed, this includes sharing the vision, reshuffle power or raise key people to positions important in implementing the new strategy, and reinforcing the new value system.

               On the other hand, McChrystal (2011) shared his experience for transformational change as a General in the Army, he had to take a hard look at himself, listen to others, and then work to make changes to improve his leadership skills. Stanley McChrystal was not always on point with his leadership skills and had to fail late in his military career to understand this. Hastings (2010) wrote an article on him in 2010, in the article McChrystal is represented as an arrogant, know it all military leader unwilling to listen, give everyone the middle finger and cuss him or her up and down. In the end, none of the tactics proved to be effective leadership skills, instead; it cost McChrystal his career and he had to step down. It was after his poor judgement in leadership that he realized he had to make a transformational change within himself to improve his leadership skills. McChrystal (2015) stated that we should all lead like gardeners, they plant and harvest, but more than anything, they tend. Plants are watered, beds are fertilized, and weeds are removed. This is transformational leader, where one realizes their mistake and works to improve the future.

               In conclusion, both individuals has to apply the strategies listed in the book to make changes to their leadership styles. Each took their own path to transformational leadership, which worked well in both of their favors after the changes were made. Transformational leadership change comes from a willingness and drive to make it happen.

Brown, D. (2006). An Experimental Approach to Organization Development (Eighth ed.). Upper Saddle  River, NJ: Pearson Education.

Hastings, M. (2010, June 22). The Runaway General The Rolling Stone profile of Stanley McChrystal that changed history. Rolling Stone. Retrieved from http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/ the-runaway-general-20100622

McChrystal, S. (2011, March). Listen, Learn, then Lead [Video file]. Retrieved from

McChrystal, S. (2015, August 1). General Stanley McChrystal: We should all lead like gardeners.Retrieved May 10, 2017, from Fortune website: http://fortune.com/2015/08/01/
     stanley-mcchrystal-leadership/


McIngvale, J. (2012, September 17). Influencer | Gallery Furniture Video Case Study [Video file].Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E20RW75Fhu4 



Comments

Popular posts from this blog