Reference no: EM131961327

Need 175-200 words for each discussion.

Discussion 1

The Saddle Creek Deli had been so successful that Richard Purvis, owner and manager, hired a manager so that he could devote time to other business interests.

He selected Paul McCarthy, whose prior experience included the supervision of a small restaurant. McCarthy was paid a straight salary plus a percentage of the amount he saved the business monthly, based on the previous month's operating expenses. All other employees were paid a straight hourly rate.

McCarthy single-handedly decided to initiate a cost-saving program designed to increase his earnings. He changed the wholesale meat and cheese suppliers, lowering both his cost and product quality. He reduced the size and portion of everything on the menu. He discontinued the one-dollar meals for employees and eliminated the employee discount. Frustrated, the employees streamed out of the meeting and quietly grumbled about the changes. Tension mounted and resentment toward McCarthy grew.

How do you think Purvis could improve communications between McCarthy and the employees? Be specific in your recommendations. Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts.

Discussion 2

Fact 1: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. Like geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities, and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, or resources.

Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of the formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

Explain how the lesson from the geese applies to leadership strategy in a team setting.