Post #3: Negotiation

We are now getting into "Negotiation" and have already spent two classes on this topic. For each class, we were given a scenario and assigned to come up with the best resolution or agreement that can satisfy both or all roles in the scenario. The first one was "The Two Oranges" and the second one was "Louisiana Pine Snake Eggs". The common solution for these two scenarios was to give a part of the objects to one negotiator and give the other part to another negotiator. For the former, dividing into an orange peel and the inside (a juicy part) and for the latter, an egg yolk and an egg white. In other words, we could come up with a win-win solution for two scenarios.

Learning about negotiation skills reminded me of negotiators working at the Metropolitan Police Department. Their profession is obviously to negotiate. But it requires a number of skills and practices for them to be successful negotiators. Their negotiation is a matter of life or death; their task is to appease a criminal and persuade them to release hostages. What they aim for is only one outcome: Win-Win. Their loss signifies death.When this type of negotiation occurs, the situation is not usually calm; the criminal easily gets furious and agitated. However, negotiators need to stay calm and choose the best solution and responses that lead to it. In any case of negotiation, information is everything; every piece of information becomes a lubricant to make the conversation smooth.

Post #2: Ch.1 Vision and Quick Victories

Vision and Quick Victories

Although I finished reading only the first chapter of Leading at the Edge, I acknowledge that Shackleton was truly a successful leader. What he states about a long-term goal and a short-term goal is true because a big goal consists of a succession of small goals.This is like passing entrance exams for universities; if I only look at the final goal, which is to pass the exam, I wouldn't feel motivated. What I need to do is setting up short-term goals: identify my strengths and weaknesses and improve the score of subjects that I am poor at. Accumulating quick victories is what he is talking about.

In this chapter, one of the most impressive quotes is definitely "So now we'll go home." With the end of Endurance, every crew might have been depressed, and so was Shackleton. When a group is in a difficult situation, members tend to pay a close attention to what their leader says. This phrase symbolizes hope, comfort and briskness and it enhanced all crew's mental status. What I learned is that a leader should not expose his anguish, anxiety or stress even if he feels anxious and stressed the most. Vilhjalmur Stefansson, the leader of the Karluk, unfortunately became a perfect example of an unsuccessful leader. He could only focus on his own anxiety and needs. Of course, the outcome would be that his crew feel neglected and lose respect and credit for Stefansson. This is why a leader should look beyond his own needs for action. As I wrote on the last entry, I am currently in the position of leading others. I still feel nervous and worried, but I will be like Shackleton. My job is to set up a succession of small goals and keep them motivated, and to keep an eye on other members.

Post #1: Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal Communication

The first lesson on interpersonal communication given by Ken was interesting. This skill is required regardless of age, gender or nationality, but I believe it is especially important in Japan since it is what determines how well we can be connected to others. The first impression is extremely important; people tend to determine others' overall personalities from that first impression. If someone greets with a nice "hello" and a smile on his face, we think he is nice and amicable. On the other hand, if someone keeps his mouth shut and seems bad-tempered, we think it does not worth being friend with him. 

Another point that I considered significant is the biology of leadership. When Ken assigned us to read a Harvard article written by Goleman and Boyatzis, I thought it is coincidental because I am currently in the situation that I have to know how to be a good leader. I am a member of UNBRAND, the a capella group at ICU, and we are going to have Fall concert in Novemeber. This time I volunteered to be a band leader of one of the songs we are going to perform and I did its composition as well. The most challnging task is to give directions of how to practice and lead other band members. Excited to look for a hint, I started reading the article. In consequence, I found this intersting sentence: "So, if leaders hope to get the best out of their people, they should continue to be demanding but in ways that foster a positive mood in their teams." This was an eye-opening argument made by the authors. I thought a good leader always makes positive comments and makes others feel good but that is not how to effectively motivate people. What I should do is not only to make a positive comment but also to suggest what they can do to make an improvement. I will try my best to be a good leader and do the best performance!