Reading: Chapter 9: From Good
to Great to Built to Last
Assignment - Deadline: Friday, December 5, 2014
A. Post two paragraphs inspired by one or more of the study guide
questions/thoughts for the week.
B. Post two separate comments to one or more of your
colleagues reacting to their paragraphs.
Questions – From Good to Great to Built to Last
- What are your core values?
- What is your core purpose,
beyond just making money?
- What is your BHAG—Big Hairy
Audacious Goal?
- What is your first five-year
base camp on the way to achieving the BHAG?
- What practices and strategies
does your organization have that are dysfunctional and should be open for
change?
Source: “Jim Collins
– Good to Great: Discussion Guide.” http://www.jimcollins.com/tools/discussion-guide.html
Thinking about the core values of the U-M Detroit Center led me to revisit and redefine its primary objectives that emanate from its mission:
ReplyDelete“To mutually enrich University and Detroit communities through service, education, research and the exchange of culture.”
I reworked the mission objectives first articulated as a CEW Advanced Leadership project in April 2011 to now read:
The University of Michigan Detroit Center:
1) Serves as a visible symbol of the University’s commitment to the city;
2) Provides an accessible community center gateway to the University of city residents and its institutions;
3) Recognizes Detroit for its meaningful scholarship, cultural, and civic engagement opportunities;
4) Provides a central base to support and sustain research, learning and outreach programs conducted by University faculty, staff and students;
5) Facilitates authentic partnerships and collaborative initiatives between the University, civic leaders, community organizations and other educational institutions.
I really like the fact that this is question for this book: What is your core purpose, beyond just making money?
ReplyDeleteIn life, people can tend to focus on financial gains and material objects to signify their purpose and self worth. However, as important as money is (and as much as we all want it), I've always been a firm believer that the work I do (both professionally and personally), should assist in making the world a better place.
Outside of the professions most commonly associated with life changing work, there's still many things we can do in our lines of work and personal lives to make a difference. Sometimes it's as simple as helping someone you know get back on their feet after going through a difficult period in their life, or even donating your time and services to help someone reach their goals.
I know that when this life is over I won't be able to take any of my material items with me, but I do know through hard, selfless work you can leave a lasting impact; even if it doesn't show up in a history book.