This Is A Graded Discussion 30 Points Possible Due Sep 13 ✓ Solved

This is a graded discussion. Directions:

  1. Read the case study.

  2. Answer the discussion questions and post to the discussion:

    1. Initial Post: Respond to every aspect of the discussion prompt with originality. Demonstrate exceptional familiarity with the text and topics being covered and utilize text/lecture note/PowerPoint references.

    2. Respond to your initial post with at least 300 words.

    3. Post initial post by 11:59 p.m., Thursday, CT.

  3. Response Posts:

    1. Respond to peer posts with at least 100 words.

    2. Respond to two or more classmates by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, CT.

All posts are expected to use proper grammar and to be free of typographical errors and spelling. The following case study was taken from Chapter 7 of the textbook.

Case Study: Paying Attention Pays off for Andra Rush

Paying attention has been a key for Andra Rush. As a nursing school graduate, she was paying attention when other nurses complained about unfair treatment and decided she wanted to do something about it—so she enrolled in the University of Michigan’s MBA program to foster change. She then noticed a patient's experience in the transport business, which inspired her to start her own trucking business with minimal resources.

Rush financed her initial venture by borrowing money from family and using her credit cards, focusing on emergency shipping and accepting all available jobs, even driving trucks herself. She prioritized exceeding customer expectations and demonstrated creativity and resolve when the events of September 11, 2001, disrupted her operations. She sourced alternative transport to ensure timely deliveries, showcasing her commitment to her clients.

Rush's identity as a woman and a Native American in a predominantly male industry shapes her perspective on business. She acknowledges that her heritage provides her strength and informs her business approach. By emphasizing listening, understanding, integrity, and community, she cultivates an inclusive work environment, employing a diverse workforce.

Now leading a company of 1,700 trucks, Rush remains engaged with her staff, participating in driver rides and developing initiatives like literacy programs to support employee growth. Her commitment extends to broader organizational involvement, reinforcing her dedication to minority support initiatives.

Discussion Questions

  1. As we have discussed, competency models describe the behaviors and skills managers need to exhibit if an organization is to be successful. Consider the general competencies found in Figure 7.3 and apply these to Andra Rush, providing examples of how these competencies apply.

  2. How does the Leadership Pipeline apply to Andra Rush?

Paper For Above Instructions

Andra Rush exemplifies a dynamic leader whose entrepreneurial journey illustrates key managerial competencies. Competency models focus on the necessary skills and behaviors for managerial success, and Rush's ability to adapt, innovate, and lead by example showcases her effectiveness in the trucking industry.

One of the critical competencies exhibited by Rush is her ability to make decisions under pressure. In the chaotic period following the September 11 attacks, she demonstrated her resilience and quick thinking by finding alternative means of transportation to fulfill a crucial contract with DaimlerChrysler. This decision not only ensured business continuity but also reinforced her company's reliability in crisis situations. Her willingness to step into multiple roles—ranging from driving trucks to managing logistics—highlighted her adaptability, a vital competency for effective leaders.

Another competency illustrated by Rush is her commitment to customer service. By paying attention to customer feedback and exceeding expectations, she has built a loyal clientele base essential for business success. For instance, her focus on emergency shipping required exceptional foresight and dedication, recognizing clients’ needs in urgent situations. In many cases, her personal involvement in projects reaffirms her company's client-centric approach. This way of operating is rooted deeply in her heritage and personal values of integrity and community connection.

Furthermore, Rush’s commitment to diversity within her workforce is another significant aspect of her leadership. By ensuring that more than half of her employees are women and minorities, she promotes an inclusive atmosphere that aligns with modern organizational principles that value diverse perspectives and innovation. Her actions create a culture where varied backgrounds contribute to problem-solving, which is increasingly recognized as a driver of business growth and employee satisfaction.

The concept of the Leadership Pipeline directly relates to Andra Rush's career path, as it outlines the critical transition points leaders must navigate as they advance within an organization. Rush has effectively moved from operational tasks to strategic decision-making as her business evolved. Initially, she managed day-to-day operations, which included hands-on roles like driving and customer relations. As her company grew, she focused on broader leadership responsibilities, such as talent development and strategic partnerships.

Today's business landscape demands leaders who can transition seamlessly across various leadership levels. Rush's journey reflects this evolutionary approach; she continually invests in her employees' growth and empowers them to take on leadership roles within the company. This not only aligns with the Leadership Pipeline’s philosophy of developing leaders at each stage of their careers but also fosters a strong internal culture.

Rush's educational pursuits and engagement in professional organizations further illustrate her commitment to lifelong learning—a crucial aspect of effective leadership. By serving on various boards, she amplifies her influence and advocates for the interests of minority-owned businesses, demonstrating her understanding of social responsibility in leadership. She embodies the advocate role by utilizing her platform to uplift underrepresented communities while also reinforcing her company's mission of inclusivity.

In conclusion, Andra Rush's story reflects exemplary management competencies and adaptive leadership. Her ability to listen carefully, make informed decisions, prioritize customer needs, and promote diversity positions her as a successful entrepreneur in a historically challenging field. Understanding and implementing the competencies outlined in management models not only contribute to individual leaders' effectiveness but also shape the organizational culture—an essential outcome in today's competitive business environment.

References

  • Hughes, R. L., Ginnett, R. C., & Curphy, G. J. (2015). Leadership: enhancing the lessons of experience. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

  • Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage publications.

  • Kotter, J. P. (2012). Leading change. Harvard Business Review Press.

  • Goleman, D. (1998). Working with emotional intelligence. Bantam.

  • Mintzberg, H. (2009). Managing. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

  • Collins, J. (2001). Good to great: Why some companies make the leap... and others don’t. HarperBusiness.

  • Cohn, M. A., & Mukhopadhyay, A. (2017). Women entrepreneurs and leadership. Routledge.

  • Zenger, J. H., & Folkman, J. (2019). The extraordinary leader: Turning good managers into great leaders. McGraw-Hill Education.

  • Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational culture and leadership. John Wiley & Sons.

  • Robinson, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2019). Organizational behavior. Pearson.