Creating a Vision and Establishing a Constructive Climate

In the context of leadership, a vision is a mental model of an ideal future state. A vision can be generated by an individual leader or crafted by a team working together. A mission is how to get there – It is what people do in order to achieve the vision. Chapter 7 analyzes a leader’s challenge in developing a long-term vision that organizational members can share, of the future they seek to create together. The five characteristics of a vision as well as leadership skills necessary to translate a vision into reality will be explored. Vision plays a major role in how the leader influences others and how others react to his or her leadership.

In Chapter 8, climate is defined as people’s shared perceptions which includes people’s general thoughts and feelings about the activities, assumptions, and procedures of a group, which may fluctuate. A positive climate is shaped by the degree to which people feel they are supported, appreciated, and encouraged for their roles in the organization. A constructive climate is an atmosphere that promotes group members’ satisfaction and achieving their personal best. An organization’s culture develops over longer periods from the many interactions that occur within the group or organization and is reinforced by organizational members who have developed patterns of working together over time. This chapter will assess the four factors a leader should consider when establishing a constructive climate – provide structure, clarify norms, build cohesiveness, and promote standards of excellence (Northouse, 2021).

Unit Learning Outcomes

• Examine the leader’s role in a vision and mission (CLO 3 and CLO 4).
• Explain the connection between a leader and the organizational climate (CLO 4).

Directions

Review the unit resources and assigned chapters. Answer the discussion questions and submit for review. Primary post is due by Wednesday (11:59 pm, CST). Respond to at least two peer postings. Peer postings are due by Friday (11:59 pm, CST). Your peer responses should:

• State if you share their perspective.
• Explain your perspective on the issue.
• Support your perspective with reasoning or justification.

Please be sure to use supporting material from the chapter to strengthen your discussion and justify your answers. There is no length limit; however, you should answer each question thoroughly.

Discussion Etiquette

• You should consider the discussion threads as being analogous to the kind of discussions typical of a face-to-face class: strive to be yourself, have a voice, and to say things that are interesting, provocative, and respectful.
• Since this is an educational setting, you are encouraged to proofread, and to avoid the more slang- and emoticon-fueled discourse that appear on social media.
• One of the goals here is professional preparation; if you would not say or do something in the workplace, then you should not post similar material in a discussion thread.

Due Date

• First post due 11:59 p.m., Wednesday CT
• Respond to two or more classmates by 11:59 p.m., Friday, CT.

Discussion Questions

For Unit 4, you will address the following tasks in one discussion post (Primary Post):

• Chapter 7 – one opening question and one additional question of your choice.
• Chapter 8 – one opening question and one additional question of your choice.
• Critical Thinking – Complete the listed activity (What Matters More than your Talents) and share your findings.

Chapter 7

1. How do you define vision? How can a person develop vision?
   1. What are examples of vision from your own life?
   2. What are your visions for the future?
   3. Where do you want to be in five years? Ten years?

Choose one of the following additional questions to answer:

• Can group members be working toward different visions and goals and still be effective? Why or why not?
• Besides “climbing a mountain”, what other metaphors and symbols can you think of for leadership and taking on challenges? Alternatively, look for images that speak to you in some way and may inspire you to find a symbol or picture that captures your idea of leadership or the challenge of leadership.
• Why do people resist change? What helps them overcome their resistance?
• Our readings this week emphasize creating a vision for social good. However, throughout history there have been leaders who created visions for evil purposes. How does the visioning process differ for those who want to influence others for evil ends? Are the characteristics of the vision the same?

Chapter 8

1. Think of an example from your own life when you were in a group that lacked structure.
   1. How did that make you feel?
   2. How did the leader provide structure? Did it help?
   3. If not, how would a leader provide structure?

Choose one of the following additional questions to answer:

• How can a leader have a significant impact on establishing group norms? How can group members, in addition to the leader, have a positive impact on group norms?
• Why are norms sometimes difficult to change? Give a real-life example.
• How would you go about finding out the unique ways that each member can contribute to the group?
• How can leaders help groups become more cohesive?
• In a group, have you ever had the experience of putting aside your individual goals in pursuit of a larger, group goal? What led to that decision on your part?
• Give an example of how you have (or would) require results, review results, and reward results in a leadership situation.
• What are the main benefits of non-confrontational feedback? Do you have an example from your life of effective non-confrontational feedback?
• What are the most important steps a new leader might take in order to learn about the norms and values in an organization?

Critical Thinking Discussion

What Matters More than Your Talents

1. Watch Jeff Bezos’ commencement address at Princeton University at TED talks: What Matters More than Your Talents. (Links to an external site.)
2. Reflect on and address the following questions:

• • How does following one’s passion relate to leadership vision?
  • What have been the most significant choices you’ve made in your life?
    • How have they changed your life?
  • Is it possible for everyone to “build themselves a great story?”
    • Why or why not?
  • How does this concept relate to one’s philosophy about the nature of people?