Part A Instructions
Each week, you will be presented with a series of critical thinking prompts and application prompts.
Please copy/paste the prompts into an offline document (Word, for example) and compose your responses offline (be sure to save your work). Then click on the “Submit Assignment” button above, copy/paste your work into the text box (
please be sure to include the prompts prior to your responses), and click “Submit Assignment” at the bottom of the page.
Each question is generally worthy of,
at a minimum, at least 250 words (2-3 well-written paragraphs) in response for the open-ended types of prompts. Be sure to connect with (and informally
cite in-text) the applicable readings/videos from the module’s learning materials.
A note on in-text citing and connecting with the learning materials:
As a graduate student, it’s
very important that you offer perspectives and arguments that are grounded in the literature –
NOT simply personal opinion or anecdotal evidence. I don’t want a works-cited page, but I do want you to clearly cite your sources in-text for the various connections you’ll be making between the learning materials and your application thereof. For example, one might write,
“While I marveled at the uncanny ability of the psychic to tap into my true personality, the Barnum Effect
(Aronson, 2022, p. 117) could have well explained my feelings…”
Be sure to use these informal in-text cites to make your arguments and to support your perspectives.
These are all open-ended prompts/questions, each deserving of a well thought out response. Again, that generally means two to three well-constructed paragraphs (about 250 words on average) per prompt.
The following exercise includes the following four prompts:
Critical Thinking/Application Prompt 1:
Go online and do a bit of research. Locate two case studies that illustrate an organizational leader with low EI who has wreaked havoc on a team and/or organization. Preferably explore studies that relate to your own field (either the one you are currently working in or a field you intend to move into soon – i.e., after graduating with a graduate degree). Summarize and comment on the cases. Finally, if possible, comment on any ethical implications connected to the leader’s behavior.
Critical Thinking/Application Prompt 2:
1. Read the first chapter of
On Dialogue:
“On Communication.”
2. Based on what you have read — in both Senge and Bohm — share your analysis of David Bohm’s explanation of what leads to ineffective listening. What are we doing when we are not listening effectively? What exactly do we need to pay attention to? What is the process by which effective listening goes askew? Be sure to share your own thoughts on Bohm’s views. I am looking here for a summary of Bohm’s perspective and your own thoughts on the matter.
Critical Thinking/Application Prompt 3:
What the hell is “the proprioception of thought” and why does it matter to a person interested in developing leadership through emotional intelligence?
Critical Thinking/Application Prompt 4:
With regard to the field of “organizational leadership” specifically, go online and examine a couple of scholarly articles related to “the application of EI in organizations” — preferably related to your own field (either the one you are currently working in or a field you intend to move into soon – i.e., after graduating with graduate degree). Describe what you found and share what you learned.
Resources attached for part A
Instructions Part B
In each module, you will have the opportunity to participate in an online discussion forum.
For this week there is again only one initial prompt that you need to address. Respond to at least three classmates; and again, try to make some connections to folks that you have not chatted with yet this semester.
Hot Tip:
It might be helpful to copy-paste the discussion prompts into an offline document (Word, for example), compose your responses offline, and then return to copy-paste your responses here.
NOTE:
Please include each discussion prompt prior to your responses — or use topical headings or numbers to make it easy for readers to see that you’ve covered all of the prompts/items.
Initial Post
Based on the Module Five readings/learning materials, what do you consider to be the most salient topics with respect to improving your leadership skills? Describe a specific strategy you will use in the coming weeks/months in order to “operationalize” these ideas in your own personal or organizational life.
Write at least 400 words. (Word counts are minimums – do feel free to exceed.)
