Leadership

The purpose of this project is to gain self-knowledge and apply that knowledge in an application for a leadership position.
Skill Building:
You are also completing this project to help you develop the skills of self-analysis, research, critical thinking, and writing a report intended for executive
review. Writing is critical because, in business, it is important to convey information clearly and concisely and to develop a personal brand. Developing a
personal brand is important because it is the ongoing process of establishing an image or impression in the minds of others, especially those in positions
above you. Having a strong personal brand can lead to opportunities that include promotions.
Skills: Research, Writing, Critical Thinking, Developing a Personal Brand, Self-Analysis, Writing a Report.
Outcomes Met With This Project:
Use leadership theories, assessment tools, and an understanding of the role of ethics, values, and attitudes to evaluate and enhance personal leadership
skills;
Assess the interactions between the external environment and the organization to foster responsible and effective leadership and organizational practices;
Develop individual awareness, style, and communication skills that enhance leadership skills;
Integrate and apply analytical principles and skills to make strategic decisions.
Background:
You have completed your role on the Succession Plan Committee. You and your Group identified leadership competencies for five internal positions, and your
group also recommended some internal candidates for consideration of those positions.
As you are putting away your notes from the Succession Plan Committee meetings, you come across this statement “These positions will need to be filled
over the next 12-24 months. There is not an immediate need for any of them currently, but vacancies will be imminent. The preference is to fill these
internally….”
You cannot help but wonder, “why not me”? The more you read the descriiption of the open positions, the more you are convinced that you should put
yourself forward as a candidate for one of these leadership positions.
Instructions:
Step 1: Course Material
For this project, you are required to use the case scenario facts and the course material. External sources are not permitted. You are not researching on the
Internet or using resources from outside the course. You are expected to answer the requirements identified below, showing the connection between the
case scenario facts and the course material. Using course material goes beyond defining terms and explains the ‘why and how’ of a situation. Avoid merely
making statements but close the loop of the discussion by explaining how something happens or why something happens, which focuses on importance
and impact. In closing the loop, you will demonstrate the ability to think clearly and rationally, showing an understanding of the logical connections between
the ideas presented in a case scenario, the course material, and the question(s) being asked. Using one or two in-text citations from the course material
throughout the entire paper will not earn many points on an assignment. The use of a variety of course material is expected to support what is presented
consistently. The support must be relevant and applicable to the topic being discussed. Points are not earned for mentioning a term or concept but by clearly
and thoroughly explaining or discussing the question at hand.
Step 2: Leadership Competencies Table
Review the Leadership Competencies Table completed in Week Two to accompany the Job Announcement. (You may also wish to review any feedback
received from your Instructor about your Table.)
Step 3: Upcoming Open Positions at Life Science Nutraceuticals, Inc. (LSN).
Position #1: Sales Director, Middle East
Location: Saudi Arabia
Reports to: Executive Director, Asia Division
LSN’s Asia Division will be opening its first Middle East location in Saudi Arabia in the next 12 months. A Sales Director will be needed to head up this new
division. A team of local salespeople will need to be recruited, hired, and trained by this leader. It is expected that this sales team may be largely men.
Two sources that are recommended for more information about doing business in Saudi Arabia are:Guide to Saudi Arabia Etiquette, Customs, Culture, and Business
Saudi Arabia Management Guide
Position #2: Director of Research and Development (R&D)
Location: Headquarters, Miami, Florida
Reports to: VP of Headquarter Operations
R&D is at the heart of LSN’s success, and, indeed, it is the future. The leader of Research and Development will lead a group of scientists and innovators but
does not need to be a scientist himself/herself. R&D is located centrally at LSN Headquarters because R&D coordinates with all other departments and
divisions. This is a high-profile position.
Position #3: VP of Headquarter Operations
Location: Headquarters, Miami, Florida
Reports to: President and CEO
The Headquarters houses R&D, HR, IT, Purchasing, and Finance. Each department has its own “subculture,” and each department is fairly distinct from the
other. The young, youthful subculture of IT often clashes with the conservative subculture of the Finance department, for example. Many of the members of
the Finance and HR teams are baby boomers and are near retirement. This leader oversees the smooth operation of all of these departments and ensures
the coordination of these departments with each other and with each of the four geographic divisions across the world.
Position #4: Executive Director, North American Division
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Reports to: President and CEO
This leader will head up the largest and most profitable division of LSN. This division is seen as the “flagship” by the other divisions since LSN roots are in the
United States. This Executive Director has the “ear” of the CEO and spends a lot of time with the Marvel family. This leader is faced with spearheading the
future direction of LSN in North America and is challenged with filling openings throughout the United States and Canada caused by fast growth and a
retiring Baby Boomer population.
Position #5: Director of Finance