Entrepreneurial Blog – Week 9: Reflections on Leadership, Ethics, and the Journey from Good to Great

 Entrepreneurial Blog – Week 9: Reflections on Leadership, Ethics, and the Journey from Good to Great

This week’s learning journey has been deeply enriching, drawing from a variety of perspectives on leadership, ethics, capability, and organizational excellence. Several concepts resonated strongly with me, offering not only insight into effective leadership but also practical wisdom that I can apply in both entrepreneurial ventures and personal growth.

One of the most profound takeaways was from Carly Fiorina’s talk on leadership and capability. She framed leadership as a blend of three critical elements: capability, collaboration, and character. Her emphasis on continual learning stood out to me—reminding me that true capability is not just about what you know today but your willingness and curiosity to keep learning every day. This mindset is essential, especially in today’s fast-paced world where adaptability is crucial. Fiorina’s idea that asking the right questions, particularly listening to customers, is a vital leading indicator of business success, really broadened my understanding of how innovation and risk-taking are not just buzzwords but practical necessities for sustained growth.

In tandem, the discussion on hiring ethical people from Frank Levinson resonated with the core principle of treating others as we want to be treated. It reinforced the importance of hiring “nice people” who not only bring skills but foster a positive and collaborative team environment. Ethics and morality, he suggested, extend beyond rules—they include kindness, respect, and caring for one another, which are foundational for any thriving organization.

Jim Ritchie’s reflections on moving from good to great expanded on the idea that being “good” is often the enemy of greatness. This was a powerful reminder not to settle for mediocrity or comfort zones. The framework of having the right people on the bus, believing in your product, and having passion for it outlines a clear roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders. His description of Level 5 leaders—humble yet driven—gave me a new model to aspire to, one that balances confidence with humility.

Finally, the concept of leadership as taking people to higher ground, illustrated through stories of historical and modern leaders like Captain Moroni, Gandhi, and Rosa Parks, highlighted leadership as an act of courage, responsibility, and sacrifice for a greater cause. It reminded me that leadership is not about power but service and standing firmly for what is right.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to dive deeper into how these leadership qualities manifest in entrepreneurial ventures and how I can cultivate them within myself and others. I want to explore more about building teams that not only perform well but embody shared values and ethics, as well as how to foster innovation continuously without fear of failure.

This week has reinforced that leadership is a lifelong journey of learning, serving, and striving for greatness—not just for personal success but to inspire and uplift those around us. I look forward to continuing this journey with greater awareness and intention.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Entrepreneurial Blog - Week 10: Dreaming Big and Building the Right Mindset

 Entrepreneurial Blog - Week 10: Dreaming Big and Building the Right Mindset This week’s lessons really made me think about the importance of dreaming big and what it takes to actually make those dreams happen. The readings and videos pushed me to realize that having a big vision is only the start—you also need the right mindset, tools, and support systems in place to follow through. One thing that stood out to me was Taylor Richards’ story about his boat dealership making the top rankings in North America. It was inspiring to hear how he didn’t settle when he reached the top 100 but kept pushing until they became one of the best. It reminded me that success isn’t about being okay with just “good enough.” Instead, it’s about aiming higher and believing you can achieve more if you keep working at it. I also connected with the idea of “Your Emotional Fingerprint” from Jim Ritchie’s lesson. I never really thought about how understanding my own emotional drivers could help me make bett...
Read more

Entrepeneurial Blog- Week 12: Becoming a Change Maker

 Entrepeneurial Blog- Week 12: Becoming a Change Maker This week’s reading from the “What’s a Business For?” article offered deep insights into the role of virtue and integrity in the economy, as well as the true purpose of businesses. On pages 3 and 4, the author emphasizes that virtue and integrity are foundational to a healthy economy because they build trust between all participants—businesses, customers, employees, and society. Without trust, transactions break down, and the entire economic system becomes unstable. Virtue ensures that businesses act ethically, treat people fairly, and deliver genuine value, which in turn sustains long-term prosperity and social cohesion. Charles Handy, a respected thinker on organizational purpose, argues that the “real justification” for the existence of businesses goes beyond making profits. According to Handy, businesses exist to serve society by creating value that benefits not just shareholders but all stakeholders—employees, customers,...
Read more

Entrepreneurial Blog – Week 8: Embracing Challenges and Persistence

  Entrepreneurial Blog – Week 8: Embracing Challenges and Persistence This week’s study on overcoming challenges really hit home for me as I continue to build my photography business. One major takeaway was the importance of persistence and creative problem-solving in entrepreneurship. David Carrington’s story in Action Hero stood out, especially his point about how the best ideas often aren’t the first ones that come to mind but usually the third or beyond. This reminded me that initial attempts, whether in sales or marketing, might not work perfectly—and that’s okay. The key is to keep trying, think outside the box, and learn from mistakes. I also connected deeply with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message in Good Things to Come . His story about the family struggling with a broken-down car on a long journey was a powerful metaphor for entrepreneurship. It reminded me that setbacks are part of the process and that success often requires steady, patient effort, even when thin...
Read more