RESPOND TO TWO CLASSMATES POST WITH AT LEAST 200 WORDS…CITE ALL REFERENCES USED:

POST 1:

Lesson to be learned:
In today’s workplace, corporate sponsored functions are very common. Companies use these functions to help employees and leadership get to know each other better in a more casual environment. Even though it is supposed to be a relaxed atmosphere; people often forget to be at their best behaviors, especially when alcohol is involved. A company picnic is one type of event where employees tend to make mistakes. Perhaps this is the reason why the author decided to include Stanley’s story in this book. Technically, Stanley didn’t make any mistake. He didn’t drink too much, created a scene, or acted unprofessional; Stanley was too caught up with his new position at “The Company” on the day that he was supposed to shed his corporate “uniform” to mingle with crowd. Stanley forgot to be humble. Lucky for Stanley, his attitude on this particular day wasn’t enough to “blow it.”
How Theory Helps Explain Lesson Learned
We believe the theory that helps explain this lesson learned is servant leadership. According to the Robert E Greeleaf Center for Servant Leadership, “a servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.” Instead of Stanley bragging about himself during the company picnic he should of asked more about the person he was playing horseshoes with, instead of assuming he was just another worker-bee. If he would have asked the right questions, he could have learned a lot of information from this senior level individual.
If this behavior goes untreated, it could create a serious gap in effective communication between Stanley and his team. In the article found on Forbes.com, “Servant Leadership: How to Put Your People Before Yourself,” author Cheryl Williamson gives a few ways to obtain this kind of culture within your organization. A quote from this article that I think fits perfectly with this Rope is, “Being knowledgeable does not make you a good leader, being caring does.” This goes back to Stanley being more open to a two way discussion with Mr. Marsh. Another good point made in this article is “don’t place restrictions on your willingness to serve.” When Mr. Marsh asked Stanley if he was with the Sales Force, Stanley almost acted appalled, like he couldn’t believe this person would suggest that he’s a salesman. If Stanley would have said, “Oh no, I haven’t had a chance to work with the sales force yet out in Portland. With my job, I’m in charge of getting the Exandrium processing line up and going. Do you know anything about that?” This response, we feel, would have been more receptive and created the servant leader conversation that should have taken place.
Personal experience:
Linh’s Personal Experience:
Stanley was described as not an extrovert, but always willing to give it a try. I am also the same way. Often times, I might consider myself as an introvert. Being a public accounting firm, they have lots of firm sponsored events. I attended every event and did pretty well; except for the Christmas party. I wanted to show that I was outgoing. I was eager to make some new friends at work. I had a little too much to drink; and probably danced a little too much too. Luckily, it stopped at that. I didn’t make any mistake. But just like Stanley wishing he wasn’t too self-centered; I wish I wasn’t the dancing queen that night.
Tara’s Personal Experience:
A couple of Christmases ago, I had my first work Christmas party (which actually happened to be my last). At the time, we had a new supervisor who I happened to see while I was sitting at my table eating dinner. She wasn’t necessarily doing anything negative, but her attire was not the best for a work function. To me, I thought to myself, “Wow, this is going to be my new supervisor, who doesn’t seem to have much regard for herself or representing leadership at my company.” After this event, it took a lot of work for her to prove to me that she was interested in leading a successful team and took her own leadership role seriously.
Sources
What is Servant Leadership? Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. https://www.greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/. Accessed September 5, 2018.
Servant Leadership: How To Put Your People Before Yourself. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/07/19/servant-leadership-how-to-put-your-people-before-yourself/#5685e42a66bc. Published July 19, 2017. Accessed September 5, 2018.

POST 2:

Linh and Tara,

First of all nice job. I read your piece shortly after you posted it and I instantly thought to myself, nice job right out of the gate. It is difficult in some of these classes to be the first to make a post especially working as a team virtually. As I read the first rope and attempted to complete an analysis as you did I was struggling to come up with the term that you two stated, Servant Leadership. That is exactly what was being displayed or supposed to be displayed in this rope. The idea that the company had to have the managers be available for the employees to mingle with and get to know is a great idea. It is good to see your manager or your CEO or your Chairman as just a human being. I agree with your statement that Stanley didnt do anything terribly wrong however I would say that his opinionated statement regarding knowing what’s going on in the company if you want to get ahead was close to being inappropriate. In a sense he was bashing the communication style of the company and as a manager you need to keep those comments to yourself or bring them up to HR for action to be taken so things can improve. This was an immature mistake and I am hoping that Stanley learned his lesson.

I have not had much of an opportunity to participate in company functions currently but in a past company I did. I unfortunately witnessed the worst, embarrassment and inappropriate comments about and around our leadership. I tried to step in and stop the situation but I was too late. So just watching what happened has caused me to rethink what I do at company functions.

Again, nice work on the first analysis.

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