Category: Unit 9

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Unit 9 – Response to Daneen

Hi Daneen,

I really enjoyed how you presented the arguments and points in your post. You asked the following question: “For those that use previously mentioned self-checkout at big box stores, are you happy that you can just get out of the store faster? Or do you even consider that by using it you are facilitating the advancement of technology and replacing actual people?”

I definitely prefer to checkout by talking to a person; however, if it is busy then I prefer self-checkouts. I thought it was really interesting that you posed the question in this manner because I have never given it much thought that by using self-checkout I am replacing actual people. However, this is the direction that large companies are heading. For example, Amazon has created a high-tech grocery store where people no longer need to go through a checkout (Reuters, 2018). This will likely disrupt and alter the retail business, putting many small grocers out of business that cannot compete with the technological innovation. The Amazon Go stores rely primarily on sensors and cameras to track what consumers pickup and what they put back (Reuters, 2018). Subsequently, customers are billed once they leave the store with the credit card on file (Reuters, 2018). By applying the same logic and choosing to shop at this grocery store, consumers will be prioritizing timesaving measures and thereby supporting technology that is replacing people.

Evidently, Amazon embraces the Possible foresight style of manageable because it value innovation, experimenting, risk-taking, and becoming a first-mover (Smart, 2017). The company embeds technological foresight into its culture to spur innovative ideas on how to add value by becoming more productive and more efficient for consumers. As a result, Amazon is one of the most technologically advanced retail companies in the world.

Thank you for your post, Daneen! I found it interesting to research Amazon and learn how technology is dramatically changing the retail market. In addition, your question also made me think about my choices and how it affects others (i.e. choosing a person or machine at the checkout).

Christina

 

References

Reuters, T. (2018, Jan 22). Amazon’s 1st high-tech grocery store opens to the public. CBC. Retrieved on November 24, 2018, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/amazon-go-grocery-store-1.4497862

Smart, J. M. (2015, April 8). John Smart – Leadership of Tech Change – WFS2013. Retrieved November 2018, from You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhdWqLNUJns

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Unit 9 – Learning Activity

Organizations are increasingly required to deal with uncertainty in our volatile, uncertain, chaotic, and ambiguous (VUCA) world (Hughes, Dinwoodie, & Beatty, 2014: 2014). It has become evident that innovation and change is the only way that an organization can have enduring long-term performance. Innovation is the introduction of something new or an improved way of doing something that adds value (ex. increased efficiency or productivity) (Henderson, 2017). In order for innovation to be useful to a business, the innovative idea must have the capacity to be replicated without costing the company too much (Henderson, 2017). Looking into the future requires a leader to analyze, interpret, and absorb uncertainties (Öner, Benson, & Göl, 2014: p.185). Foresight has emerged as a tool that leaders can use to facilitate and execute sustainability strategies to lead a desirable evolution of the organization (Öner, 2014: 185). According to John Smart, there are 3 fundamental foresight types including Possible, Probably, and Preferable (Smart, 2016). Technology has become a tool that organizations can utilize to create a competitive edge in their business model (ex. transactions or inventory management), predict future trends, and increase productivity. It is crucial that leaders embody foresight into their management practices.

Wal-Mart is an example of foresight in the Possible category because the company had to be innovative by creating the most effective virtual inventory management system. Wal-Mart focused on cost reduction and obtaining the lowest price for the consumer. Subsequently, Wal-Mart revolutionized the way companies do business. One negative consequence of Wal-Mart’s system is that it put many small businesses out of business simply because they cannot compete. This is exactly what happened in my hometown back in Pembroke; many family-owned businesses that had been around for decades were forced to shutdown because Wal-Mart came in. Wal-Mart is a positive thing for consumers as the company drives prices down; however, it is a negative consequence for small business owners.

In contrast, a company that did not properly harness technology is Canada Post. This company would fall under the Probable type of foresight because it focused on management, risk reduction, protecting and predicting (Smart, 2016). The company did not feel the need to implement technology into its business model. However, digital technologies have largely disrupted Canada Post’s business model. This reactive approach to technology could have been avoided if the company did not resist technology and embodied a foresight approach that encouraged creativity and innovation. In particular, Canada Post should have adopted Preferable foresight, more specifically, technology foresight by creating a foresight attitude amongst management and key decision-makers (Öner, 2014: p.199). By becoming an adaptive organization, Canada Post would not have been lost in the times.

Öner and colleagues (2014) argue that in order for enduring organizational performance, a company needs to strengthen competitive advantages by embedding foresight into the organization’s culture. If a company develops an innovative culture, it will nurture growth and sustainability regardless of increasing competition.

Christina

 

References

Henderson, T. (2017, May 8). Why Innovation Is Crucial To Your Organization’s Long-Term Success. Retrieved on November 24, 2018, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/05/08/why-innovation-is-crucial-to-your-organizations-long-term-success/#60ff0b563098

Hughes, R. L., Collarelli-Beatty, K., & Dinwoodie, D. L. (2014). Becoming a Strategic Leader. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Öner, M. A., Benson, C., & Göl Beşer, S. (2014). Linking Organizational Change Management and Organizational Foresight. Strategic Change, 23(3–4), 185–203. https://ezproxy.student.twu.ca:2420/10.1002/jsc.1970

Smart, J. M. (2015, April 8). John Smart – Leadership of Tech Change – WFS2013. Retrieved November 2018, from You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhdWqLNUJns

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Unit 9 – Light of Many Lamps – Response to Monica Grace

Hi Monica,

I would definitely agree with you that “living in the moment” has some limits, especially for a leader who is expected to plan ahead for followers. Great leaders are frequently known for their presence and being in the moment. For this post, I will examine the CEO and Managing Directors of McKinsey & Company, Dominic Barton, and how he relies on the art of being present to effectively direct the company.

Being in charge of a multi-million dollar company, Dominic Barton has a jam-packed schedule of meetings all day long. He understands that each meeting deals with complex information and has large ramifications for the far-reaching decisions that must be made (Hougaard & Carter, 2017). As Hougaard and Carter (2017) state, “Under these conditions, being present moment to moment, meeting after meeting, is a challenge.” Evidently, this is not an easy task but in Barton’s leadership position, presence is not a choice: It is a necessity (Hougaard & Carter, 2017). Barton emphasizes why it is absolutely crucial for leaders to be present because “if you’re not focused, if you’re not present, it’s discouraging to the other people. They lose motivation. If you’re not present, I think you may as well not have the meeting. It can sometimes be difficult to do, but it’s always important (Hougaard & Carter, 2017).”

It is the responsibility of the leader to look beyond fears and anxieties of the future and problems of the past because as Osler indicates, it is a “waste of energy” (Watson, 1951: p.216). Presence is important to leadership because it builds trust with followers, and trust is the foundation of leadership. Presence shows that the leader cares about the employee that he or she is willing to give them undivided attention to listen to their perspective (Schawbel, 2016). This is no easy task. It takes an incredible amount of discipline for a leader to ignore the nagging feeling of the mind that is fixated on other challenges and concerns. But it is crucial if we want to effectively build trust and lead others.

It was really interesting to read your take on this Osler’s perspective since I also responded to his story.

Christina

 

 

References

Hougaard, R. & Carter, J. (2017, Dec 13). If You Aspire to be a Great Leader, Be Present. Retrieved on November 22, 2018, from https://hbr.org/2017/12/if-you-aspire-to-be-a-great-leader-be-present

Schawbel, D. (2016, Feb 16). Amy Cuddy: How Leaders Can Be More Present In The Workplace. Retrieved on November 23, 2018, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2016/02/16/amy-cuddy-how-leaders-can-be-more-present-in-the-workplace/#4f390295731c

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Unit 9 – Light of Many Lamps – Response to Principal Morrow

Principal Morrow asked the question, “How often or in what way do you take time to retreat?”

In response to his question, I admittedly do not take the time out of my busy schedule for a retreat to refresh my mind. The word “retreat” in Latin means, “to pull back” (LaMuse, n.d.). Retreating and gaining clarity is becoming increasingly important, especially in today’s day and age. Whether the marketing machine or social media mediums, these manmade creations are designed to be more addictive and more powerful than ever with the goal to impregnate our conscious as they fight for attention in the attention economy. In essence, marketing is designed to impact our thinking at a subliminal level, whereas social media and TV are done on our own accord. However, they all take away our ability to be present and focus on what truly matters in our lives.

Although I do think that Thoreau’s actions were slightly drastic, I believe that there is truth and lessons that can be learned from his experience. By pulling back, we learn to re-strategize and redirect our energy into the spheres and venues that matter to us (LaMuse, n.d.). When our schedules become busy, our energies become dispersed in multiple directions, which greatly impacts our productivity and overall impact. By retreating, an individual can become aligned to their goals and aspirations that are most meaningful and fulfilling. It gives us a different perspective and as Albert Camus states, “In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion” (Goodreads, n.d.). Ultimately, they re-strategize on how to make their life more meaningful by becoming inspired. Inspiration is serendipitous moments that occur when we have a different outlook on life (LaMuse, n.d.). Therefore, retreats can spur up the creative juices and produce innovative ideas.

When I was taking my undergrad at the University of Ottawa, I would frequently go for walks around the Parliament buildings and up to Sir Samuel de Champlain point to clear my head and realign with what is important in my life. Since moving to BC, I try to take walks at Crescent Beach every now and then; however, this is a rare occurrence.

Thoreau’s lesson is a good reminder of the importance of retreating and realigning with the essence of our true character. When life gets busy, walks in nature are one of the first things that get cut. However, we take for granted its rejuvenating qualities that can help us to become more productive in our personal and professional spheres. Evidently, it can pay dividends to our productivity as well as our happiness and relationships.

Thank you for your post, Principal Morrow! I really enjoyed reading your valuable insights!

Christina

 

 

References

Goodreads. (n.d.). Retreat Quotes. Retrieved on November 23, 2018, from https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/retreat

LaMuse (n.d.) Why are Retreats Important? Retrieved on November 22, 2018, from https://lamuseretreat.com/retreats/why-are-retreats-important/