background to the task jim collins stated that a company does not go f

Background to the task Jim Collins stated that a company does not go from good to great overnight but by relentlessly pushing a giant heavy flywheel in one direction, building momentum until a point of breakthrough. The power of momentum is evident in the Harvard Business Reviews (HBR 2017) ranking of the worlds best CEOs. Judged solely on the basis of financial performance the top leader would be Amazons founder Jeff Bezos. However the rankings are now based on not just financial but also on environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics. This resulted in Bezos coming in at number 71. According to the HBR researchers, the use of ESG information is driven by financial rather than ethical motives. FYI: The top spot for 2017 (HBR rankings) went to Pablo Isla CEO of Inditex and for 2015 and 2016 to Lars Sorensen former CEO of Novo Nordisk *Note: This is just to provide you with some background information for understanding the question. Essay Format and Structure Cover Page Introduction General Introduction of topic Some background of how organization operate in turbulent environment Some measurements that can be used to measure leaders success (both traditional financial metrics and the more contemporary ESG metrics) What essay is about Body (Refer to following slides for further guidelines) In todays turbulent world, how should the success of CEOs be evaluated? What are the challenges of focusing on just financial metrics to the long term success of organisations? What are the challenges leaders face in balancing financial and ESG performance metrics? Drawing on current leadership research (in the last 5 years) discuss how leaders should address these challenges. *Note Your essay discussion should be based on an overall critical analysis of the 3 questions posed above supported by clear examples of any 3 current leaders. You can apply the examples at any parts thought out the essay to show a clear integration between theoretical concept that you have learned in Leadership with the practical example Conclusion Reference List (Min 10 relevant academic sources) Task Key Requirements *Note: Important that you fulfil all the key requirements in your essay. The guideline below is just some suggestions. You may use any theoretical concepts learned that you may find suitable. Try to integrate with real life leaders examples as this is an application essay In todays turbulent world, how should the success of CEOs be evaluated? This is traditionally based on success of organisations and largely focused on financial metrics You could use an example of an organisation and CEO that demonstrates problems with this narrow definition of success. There are examples of organisations that have seriously damaged their reputation and lost the trust of stakeholders How should success be defined? Consider the broader definition based on needs of multiple stakeholders (financial, social, environmental and governance metrics) 2. What are the challenges of focusing on just financial metrics to the long term success of organisations? You may want to consider concepts from chapter 5 : how existing mental models may cause blind spots that limit understanding; the importance of systems thinking; and why poor relationship management (including relationships with multiple stakeholders) are problematic. 3. What are the challenges leaders face in balancing financial and ESG performance metrics? Drawing on current leadership research (in the last 5 years) discuss how leaders should address these challenges. Integrate examples in this section. Some suggestions that you may use as below Consider concepts from chapter 6 : pressures to cut cost, meet demands of multiple stakeholders and be successful requires moral leadership; consider the concept of control vs service between leaders and followers; and developing courage Chapter 12: Leaders need to use power and influence to manage stakeholder relationships and accomplish goals. You could consider hard and soft power and also influencing strategies Chapter 7: Another challenge Leaders face is the need to enhance the contributions of followers. Leading (not controlling) followers is challenging. What should leaders do? Chapter 8: How can leaders meet the higher needs of followers? Empowering employees is one way. Empowering employees and creating a thriving workforce by focusing the organisation and its people towards meaningful goals (not just financial ones) is perhaps the greatest motivator Chapter 10: In global organisations stakeholders and teams may be across many parts of the globe. Leaders need to be good negotiators and manage conflict 4. Use examples of three current CEOs (leaders), to support your answers to questions 1, 2 and 3. Critically evaluate how each leaders practice of leadership impacts the success of their organisation. 5. Use relevant theories and concepts from across the subject but especially from weeks 6 to 9 in addressing this task. 6. A minimum of 10 academic/professional references must be used Guidelines(not prescriptive) The following information is being provided as a guideline only, to give you some ideas on how to align topics and concepts, in addressing this assessment. You do not have to use all of these concepts and topics, just the ones you think are most relevant. This essay requires you to take a really critical approach of the theory and application and also look for alignment of relevant topics. The questions should provide direction. You should use an essay format not a Q & A approach. Guidelines Words do not have to be allocated equally to the questions at all! You need to use 3 examples of CEOs and their organisations within your essay. Try and integrate theory and practice in the same analysis. Apply relevant concepts to your examples This will save you a lot of words and allow you to focus on the analysis and raise strong arguments

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