Psyc305: Week 1

PSYC305: Week 1 Assignment

1. What personality traits do leaders like Todd McFarlane possess that distinguish them from other individuals?

By using trait theory as an example it is easy to identify the initial three leadership qualities listed that are intelligence, values, and energy (Manning & Curtis, p.54). McFarlane’s intelligence is evident in that he became one of the top paid and most recognized artists in the comic industry. When he left Marvel he did not by himself and took others with him to begin a new company this created a strong starting base and also further proof of his intelligence in knowing he was not going to be able to do everything alone. McFarlane’s values show in that he cared about the quality of his work and the rights to adjust and change that work as he saw fit. Lastly his energy is evident in that he had hundreds of rejection letters and even when he did finally get a position he had to work his way up from the absolute bottom. He is also not afraid to take a risk which at the end of the day anyone that’s considered successful has had to do at some point.

2. How have global competition and technology advances changed business conditions and leadership challenges?

The main things that have significantly altered the way we do business now are the advent of cellphones and the internet. Over the last fifteen years the use of cellphones has changed from something only the very wealthy had and used to something that even many children have. The internet is similar in nature 15 years ago the internet was in its first large growth spurt with more and more homes getting connected through email and the web. With the increasing use of home pc’s on the internet businesses began to target those audiences for everything from news to consumer goods. Leadership in those companies had to adjust rapidly and not always successfully to the changing consumer demands. Recent examples of companies that failed to keep up would be...