Synergy

An effective leader utilizes many different skills to influence and lead subordinates. Although each leader may place more emphasis on some skills than on others, certain core skills are the foundation of effective leadership. Exceptional communication skills are among these core skills. The leader must be able to portray a clear and concise message that is understood by the intended recipient whether it is written, oral, or body language. The leader should also have a certain level of interpersonal skills to encourage cohesiveness and camaraderie within the group. The leader should be an effective planner and decision maker, as well as a motivator and a mentor. This creates a synergistic environment.

There is a very large learning curve when considering the role of synergy in international or global corporate environments. Researchers note that effective leaders are constantly learning. Senge (1990) has devoted an entire book to the study of learning organizations.

On the basis of the readings and learning of the week, discuss any two of the following:

• Assess the characteristics that leaders as learners in learning organizations should possess. How will these characteristics help leaders establish and maintain synergy in a global environment?
• Explain how a business organization that embraces diversity in its domestic operations can become positioned to develop synergy and succeed in the international marketplace.
• Evaluate the difficulties of creating synergy in a culturally diverse organization. What problems will a leader face? How can these problems be overcome? Use examples to illustrate your point.
• Identify the values or principles that you would instill in yourself and your organizational culture to create an open yet cohesive organizational culture. How do you think these values or principles will help in the global environment?

Reference:

Senge, P. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. New York, NY: Doubleday.