A630.2.4.RB - 21st Century Enlightenment

I think that this video was labeled "21st Century Enlightenment" because it describes ideas and actions that can and should be taking place in order for this world to make a smooth transition into a new era of thinking. The ideas and ways of thinking that have been used in the past, both in a personal and professional setting, may not work and do not create the effect that we want or expect going into the future. 

If we want to live differently, such as living with different principles, values, morals, standards, we have to change the way we think. These areas in which we will live differently need different priorities, they need different value, we need to deem them important, not important, or somewhat important. The word that comes to mind for me is open mindedness, our ability to think outside the box, at different points of view that are not considered normal or traditional. 

I think what Taylor is saying is to create an open mind toward different ideas, those that we have not tried before or are looked at as being strange by societies, organizations, family, etc. Often times these ideas turn out being beneficial, even though the thought of trying them was treacherous. My organization has one norm that they feel is effective, although not very orthodox. The senior leadership likes to put managers in very uncomfortable situations to help them with their leadership development. They know our weakness from regular developmental meetings and relationships, so they use these to put you outside of your comfort zone, whether you succeed or not it's good for development as a leader. I find it effective, but in the moment it seems cruel. 

I agree that we should be looking toward empathy, not away from it. Is this not a trait that we wish all of us would possess? What good comes from degradation? I think it's a good idea but not possible in a society where differences of opinion, values, character, morals, are so broad. Some people could care less degrading people, while others would gasp at the idea of it. I think empathy is something we should all work on displaying and using in everyday life.

I think the biggest take away from this video is that being open minded, accepting differences, and training yourself to think outside of the box is crucial to personal and professional survival in the future. Organizations are seeking individuals with the ability to think differently, act differently, in such a way that they lead others to do the same through results. It's not easy, but it's worth it. 

A630.1.4.RB - Board of Directors

In my experience, it is possible for an organization to become stagnant and not allow change from the power and authority of a few individuals in that organization. 

In my current organization, I was leading the #1 performing team in the building in regards to productivity, and our department was ranked #3 in the entire pyramid of distribution centers for Target. One of my team members came up with an idea to increase productivity even more in our department, enough so to take us to the #1 spot in a few months. The idea was a strong one, however, it would require everyone on our team to work a little bit harder and work outside of their comfort zones for these few months in order for us to gain the top spot. After communicating the idea to the team, everyone was on board except for 2 individuals who seemed very negative about the change because they wanted our routine to stay the same, and because they were not willing to put in the extra work needed to increase productivity. After talking with them one-on-one about the new initiative, I found out that they did not care enough about the organization or the rest of the team to work harder. Not only that, they thought that even if they worked harder the goal was still unattainable. This disappointed the rest of the team, but they eventually talked the 2 individuals into adopting the new initiative, despite the chance of failure. Productivity increased throughout those 6 weeks, but not enough to take the #1 spot from the other building. On a positive note, this idea was beneficial because it enabled the team to work together toward a common goal and test themselves and their abilities in their roles. They had fun with it and were proud of the work they accomplished. They changed a process for the betterment of the organization and team, and that process is still in effect today. 

I think that it is common, but not necessary, for an organization to have its power players, visionaries, and pessimists. I think an organization will always have them, but ultimately good employees are attracted to those that lead effectively, create good ideas for the betterment of the team, and communicate those ideas to the team in a way that keeps them engaged and interested. I have worked with both positive and negative employees in regard to organizational change, and I enjoy the challenges and brain power involved with this change.