Leading and Building Effective Teams Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Leading and Building Effective Teams - Essay Example are many issues such as ethnicity, race, age, work experience, aptitude, and values that hugely interfere with the team’s capabilities hence making it hard for them to get things done implying that the qualities that that trigger success also undermines success. The objective of this article is to examine the importance of leading and building effective teams in a diverse range of organizational settings as well as exploring team diversity and team performance. â€Å"Managing the diversified team: challenges and strategies for improving performance,† by Agrawal highlights some of the significant factors that require close attention for successful management of a diversified team. The author aims at providing business managers and executives with an elaborate framework of how to ensure utilization and implementation of teams in the organizations in a manner that leads to maximization of both internal and external variety of skills. Agrawal believes that there are essential diversified skills present amongst team members that should be tapped to achieve the best out of a team. The author has dwelt on the existing literature to collect and synthesize the views of other authors on the issue of managing a diversified team. Agrawal carried out SWOT analysis in evaluating and analyzing diversified team as well as strong inclusion of both primary and secondary research to strengthen his views and opinions on the issue of diversified team. I n conclusion, the author’s findings indicated that teamwork requires that members view themselves as a unit with common objectives for better results. This article has highlighted some of the vital information that leaders and managers may use in ensuring that diversity of team members is fully utilized to produce positive results. â€Å"Motivating and demotivating forces in teams: Cross-level influences of empowering leadership and relationship conflict,† by Chen et al., addresses team-level stimuli that include motivating

Hat Task Essay Example for Free

Hat Task Essay The population as of 2011 was totaled to 608,453. The majority of this population consisted of people between the ages of 15 and 44 years old. Kent County consist of mostly white persons at 83. 8%. The next larges group consists of African Americans at 10. 3% and Hispanics at 9. 9%. The median household income is $50,801, with 14. 8% of the population being listed below poverty level. The unemployment rate is at 8. 52% (2011, US Census Bureau). It is reported by adults that 13. 6% have not accessed healthcare within the past 12 months. 10. % of adults reported they have no healthcare coverage. It was also discovered that the county only has 29% of what is needed in the dental care community(2011, Michigan Department of Community Health). The second assessment piece is labeled cultural assessment. Once again this was information I collected on a County level. In Kent County there are slightly more females than males, 51% versus 49% respectively. The populations consists predominately of white Christians, while the subgroup is Roman Catholics (2011, Kent County Health Department). Obesity was noted to be on the rise due to lack of physical activity and inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. More specifically 31. 3% of adults are obese, and Michigan as a whole is the 5th most obese state in the US. 19. 7% of adults reported adequate physical activity with 23. 6% stating they lived a sedentary lifestyle within the past month, and 17. 8% report they consume fruits and vegetables at least 5 times a day (2011, Michigan Department of Health). African Americans voiced distrust among healthcare providers however they did support and agree for a universal healthcare system. Hispanics voiced concern for the lack of translation services due to language barriers and issues surrounding documented legal status and the difficulty this poses to accessing healthcare (2009, Michigan Department of Health). I discovered that in the area there are over 50 parks with various indoor and outdoor activities for all to enjoy. The third assessment piece is entitled neighborhood and community safety. This information was obtained from local agencies. I noted the Health Department and local hospitals are very involved in providing health services, education, and discussions for the community free of charge. The air quality for Kent County is considered poor. We have had at least 7 air pollution days per year due to fine particulate matter and ozone. The water quality in the last 5 years has been excellent. 0. 09% of public water supplies exceeded contamination levels during this time frame (2011, Kent County Health Department). The wild life in the area can cause a potential for disease, and the many surrounding lakes, rivers and streams can cause a potential for drowning. Due to the location of Kent County we risk potential severe weather events. The violent crime rate in the area was 0. 4% significantly lower than the national average. It was also noted that the local police and fire response is at or exceeds standards (2013, Kent County Sheriffs Department). The fourth assessment piece is the disaster assessment and planning status. This information was gathered on a City and County level. The disaster command is headed by the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security loca ted in Grand Rapids. They included the requirements of National Response Plan and NIMS. I discovered they are following all federal regulations by the Department of Homeland Security. 3 County, and other regional collaborations were noted in the planning. The Kent County area is at risk most for these natural disasters; severe winter weather, thunderstorms, tornados, riverine flood, and urban flood. The are is at risk most for these other disasters; electrical failures, communication failure, intentional acts, transportation accidents, and hazardous material. The city and county provide public education through CERT classes, brochures, and coordination with school districts to relay safety information at a young age (2011, Kent County Health Department). From the information obtained above I believe that Kent County Michigan is an overall healthy community. Areas for improvement would be to increase the access to dental care and healthcare for at risk and poor underserved families, to decrease the prevalence of obesity and ensure access to healthful foods, and to establish a plan to deal with language barriers for other populations living within West Michigan. This information that I have obtained and explained above is listed below in my community genogram. The genogram highlights the pertinent information in an easy to view graph with each assessment topic listed. It discusses once again the community as a whole from population and economic status, to the cultural assessment, to the neighborhood and community safety to lastly disaster assessment and planning. It provides an overview of the community as a whole, strengths and weaknesses. The community assessment is how I feel the community is and the areas that are at risk or I feel can be improved upon. Resources: 1. ) 2011. Kent County Michigan. US Census Bureau. Retrieved from http://www. uickfacts. census. gov/qfd/states/26/26081. html 2. 2013. Kent County Michigan. Kent County Health Department. Retrieved from http://www. accesskent. com/emergencymanagement. html 3. 2011. Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey. Michigan Department of Community Health. Retrieved from http://www. michigan. gov/brfs 4. 2009. Community Conversation Executive Summary. Michigan Department of Community He alth. Retrieved from http://www. michigan. gov/minorityhealth 5. 2013. Kent County Sheriffs Department. Retrieved from http://www. accesskent. com/lawenforcement/sherrif_emergency. htm

Free Essays - The Four Castes of Orthodox Hinduism in Siddhartha :: Hesse Siddhartha Essays

The Four Castes of Orthodox Hinduism in Siddhartha The four castes of Orthodox Hinduism are Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. These four castes are the four stages of a man's life and four legitimate ends that a man may pursue. Author Hermann Hesse applied each of these four stages to the different phases of Siddhartha's path leading to peace. The novel Siddhartha relates the story of a young man traveling the path leading to peace. This young man is Siddhartha. Throughout the novel, Siddhartha changes his religion and "thoughts" about the ways of the world several times. Other characters, who influence Siddhartha, are his father, the prostitute Kamala, the rich merchant Kamaswami, best friend Govinda, and the river merchant Vasudeva. The first caste, Dharma, is adherence to the holy law, careful performance of rituals, and avoidance of taboos. Siddhartha experienced Dharma while living with his father, "he performed his holy ablutions, his holy offerings" (Hesse 3). Siddhartha regularly performed the religious rituals. While he seemed content, he was not. He soon left his father to pursue peace. The second caste, Artha, is the acquisition and preserving of wealth. Siddhartha experienced Artha by the means of the rich merchant Kamaswami. Kamaswami asked Siddhartha questions and he learned how clever he was. Therefore, Kamaswami hired Siddhartha to work for him; "the merchant entrusted him with writing important letters and contracts and got into the habit of conferring with him on all important matters" (Hesse 60). Siddhartha soon acquired great wealth. The third caste, Kama, refers to the enjoyment of the world. Siddhartha did this with the help of the prostitute Kamala, "the man who learned love from her was an expert in many pleasures" (Hesse 65). By Kamala, Siddhartha had learned how to enjoy worldly pleasures. He soon became and expert. The fourth caste is Moksha, which is the final release from the long series of incarnations.

Three Skills I Need to Improve

Three Skills I need to Improve Part I Identify three skills for studying and learning online from Assessment 3. 1 that you would like to improve. Develop a brief action plan detailing the steps you will take to develop each skill. Part II Reflect on the people (friends, family, co-workers, social group, etc. ) in your life who support your choice to return to school, and answer the following questions: a. Who is part of your personal support system? Briefly describe each person/group. . How has each person or group of people supported and encouraged you in achieving your goals Identify three skills for studying and learning online from Assessment 3. 1 that you would like to improve . Develop a brief action plan detailing the steps you will take to develop each skill. Overcoming aloneness , Meeting deadlines, Enjoying relaxation I will be trying to work on how to talk with my words verses me always seeing people face to face. I started keeping a personal journal.I am working on deadli nes I seem to wait then realize that it’s more work than what I thought. Self-discipline is hard but its working for me with trying to get my work done on day to day. Relaxation I tried that at Panera Bread in the mall just to read over some work it was good. Part II Reflect on the people (friends, family, co-workers, social group, etc. ) in your life who support your choice to return to school, and answer the following questions: a. Who is part of your personal support system?Briefly describe each person/group. b. How has each person or group of people supported and encouraged you in achieving your goals? My husband and children are part of my support system. My daughter is very smart and says mom I can do your work. My husband helps me with understanding of this online school since he’s been doing this for a long time. They keep me encouraged because I get frustrated very quick. My husband says calm down and breath do this at your pace and you will get the hang of it .

Puritan Women’s Value of Piety Contradictory in the Crucible

The Crucible presents women on a narrow spectrum reflecting the culture of the Puritan New England and the â€Å"cult of true womanhood. † Many of the play’s central conflicts exist because of limitations on the rights of women, and their low status in society. The status of the Puritan white male allows the infringement of women’s fundamental human rights to be overlooked by the public. The role of women and the theme of misogyny or distrust of women is an undercurrent theme in The Crucible.According to the ideals of the â€Å"cult of true womanhood†, women were supposed to embody perfect virtue in four cardinal aspects: piety, purity, submission, and domesticity. Piety maintained that a woman is more religious and spiritual than a man. Yet, in Miller’s play women were more susceptible to sin. Eve’s corruption, in Puritan eyes, extended to all women, and justified marginalization them within social avenues. In The Crucible, the ideal of femi ninity is presented within the traditional role of subservience, lack of voice, and suffering.The two female characters, Elizabeth Proctor and Tituba, both subordinate to their husbands and master, respectively, and in the religious life of both home and church. The fate of both characters; Elizabeth Proctor’s loss of her husband, and Tituba’s execution as a witch, provides a standing critique of the Puritan ideal of women being superior in embodying the Puritan religiosity juxtaposing the subordination of their gender. The virtue of piety affirms that a woman is naturally religious. Consequently, it is a woman’s job to raise her children to be good Christians and keep her husband on a strait and narrow path.Wives are fully responsible if their husbands disobey the commandments, especially adultery. In The Crucible, this idea is reaffirmed with the character Elizabeth Proctor. Elizabeth is the ideal Puritan woman as she exemplified the principles of the piety, s ubmissiveness, and purity. Throughout the play, she proves to be moral, cold, and determined. As John states in Act 2, â€Å"Oh, Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer! † (Miller 53) Yet, the â€Å"cult of true womanhood† requires her to be predisposed to conceal the gentler emotions, while her manners are calm and cold, rather than free and impulsive.Abigail, the mistress, represents the opposite. She is young, attractive and brings forth a zest of life. A zest that Elizabeth lacks. John Proctor conveys this when he seasons the pot of stew Elizabeth is cooking. Within Act II, scene one opens with John Proctor walking into the kitchen. His wife is absent but there is stew cooking. He lifts the ladle from the pot, tastes it, and adds a pinch of salt. The significance of this short scene may justify his affair with Abigail and a contradiction of Puritan society. Elizabeth embodies the ideal of a Puritan woman, but her Puritan husband does not desire it.After she has s pent a few months alone in prison, Elizabeth comes to this realization: she was a cold wife, and it was because she did not show love to her husband that her marriage suffered. She comes to believe that it is her coldness that led to his affair with Abigail. Additionally, it is with this situation that builds up to her telling a lie to save her husbands reputation. â€Å"In her life, sir, she have never lied. There are them that cannot sing, and them that cannot weep — my wife cannot lie. I have paid much to learn it† (Miller 103). John Proctor states that his wife, Elizabeth wont tell a lie.However, she lies in an attempt to save his life. And as such, lying to save a family member’s life or reputation is justified. Throughout the play, Elizabeth is depicted as being one without sin. It is a scene in Act 3 she lies in court, saying that John and Abigail's affair never happened. This is supposedly the only time she has ever lied in her life. Though she lies in a n attempt to protect her husband, it actually results in his death. She is accosted in Act 4 to persuade her husband in giving the false confession of being a witch. But she refuses. Hale disagrees with this.He says â€Å"‘It is mistaken law that leads you to sacrifice. Life, woman, life is God's most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it . . . it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride'† (Miller 122). Hale implies that John’s death is a waste of life and â€Å"God’s most precious gift. † Thus Hale’s reasoning with Elizabeth is to let her come to terms with her responsibility with her husband's sin and let her be accountable for the affects of her decision in not lying again to protect him from the gallows.Besides gender inequality, racism was extremely prevalent in Puritan society. As such, the character Tituba is not only limited by her race, but also by her gender. She was the first person to be accused and confess to witchcraft in the village. At first she denied that she had any involvement with witchcraft, but was then quickly coerced into confessing to having spoken with the Devil. Tituba provides the following confession: â€Å"He say Mr. Parris must be kill! Mr. Parris no goodly man, Mr. Parris mean man and no gentle man, and he bid me rise out of my bed and cut your throat! They gasp.But I tell him â€Å"No! I don’t hate that man. I dont want kill that man. † But he say, â€Å"You work for me, Tituba, and I make you free! I give you pretty dress to wear, and put you way up in the air, and you gone fly back to Barbados! † And I say, â€Å" You lie, Devil, you lie! † And then he come one stormy night to me and he say, â€Å"Look! I have white people belong to me. † And I look – and there was Goody Good† (Miller 44). In the selected quote she lies and provides a false confession of witchcra ft as well as the name of another witch in town to hopefully save herself from being subjected to the gallows.Though Tituba admits her supposed sin, she is not given a free pass like the others who confessed. Instead, she is condemned to death. The fact that she was convicted at all shows that the Puritan society is inherently prejudice. In The Crucible, Titibua is depicted as an indirect object within an elite discourse of religious freedom and slavery. The Puritan society was obsessed with keeping up a veneer of religious piety and proper moral conduct. The play’s setting of the woods in the opening scene represents the epitome of an uncontrollable wildness.It is there where she held power and peril while she engages in incantations in the woods. Being an outsider makes her more likely to be in cohorts with the Christian Devil. Before being brought to Massachusetts, Tituba never considered her singing, dancing, and spell casting as evil. Such practices were spiritual and de scended from her African roots. Her spirituality had no connections to ideals of absolute good or evil. This is shown in Act Four, when Tituba tells to her jailer mockingly: â€Å"Oh, it be no Hell in Barbados.Devil, him be pleasure-man in Barbados, him be singin’ and dancin’ in Barbados. It's you folks – you riles him up 'round here; it be too cold ‘round here for that Old Boy. He freeze his soul in Massachusetts, but in Barbados he just as sweet â€Å" (Miller 113). The irony of the ill treatment of Tituba’s religious outsider status is the fact Puritans migrated to the New World to flee religious persecution. They sought to express their faith freely, yet equally boasted great suspicion to others who were different.And as such, it can be inferred that Miller’s belief is that despite the Puritans’ self-proclamation of individualism, they exude as much intolerance as the European powers that set out to control them. The Puritans fai led to learn from the persecution of their ancestors. The persecution of Tituba and her â€Å"heathen† religious practices reflect this conflict. In The Crucible, it was viewed that women were more likely to enlist in the Devil's service than was a man, and women were considered lustful by nature as seen with the character Abigail. Ironically, Puritan women are prized for having a higher sense of religiosity.Almost all the accused who were imprisoned and executed for the crime of witchcraft were women who were social outcasts or predominant in the community. Tituba was a social outcast as she was a slave and Black woman. Elizabeth Proctor was a virtuous woman but was marred by her husband’s affair with their house servant. The village's problem with Tituba’s different religious beliefs and expressions reflects the hypocrisy of Puritan intolerance, and John Proctor’s engagement in adultery highlights an inconsistency with the Puritan ideal of its women.