Week 5_ Blog 4

In the final chapter, chapter 11, two different types of cultures are described. Individualist culture where they view the world from the point of view of the self and collectivist culture is when believe n the common good over self interest, value group and family identity over individual achievement. Referring to the cheer team that I coach, I believe that it is more of a collectivist culture and individualistic culture. If one girl looks bad, she makes the rest of the team look bad as well. This can be applied in any team since there is no I on team.

Week 5_ Blog 3

In chapter 9, motivation is the degree to which an individual is personally committed to expanding effort in the accomplishment of a specific activity or goal. A leader can communicate to its employees by providing information or feedback on tasks, goals, performances and also give them future direction or by communicating encouragement, empathy and concern. As a coach it is important that I motivate them especially in these forms. Whether they are doing a cheer, a routine, or a stunt, I have to give them feedback and constructive criticism so they know where and how to improve. I also must always give encouragements so that they would what to try harder and concern and empathy when it is need.

Week 5_ Blog 5

In the web lecture Democracy and Dialogue the term competitive democracy is referred to as individuals who compete for various positions in government that serve the interests of the larger group. We have a competitive democracy in cheer when it comes to electing a new cheer captain. At the end of every summer after they have had time to get to know each other the girls they nominate and the vote for whom they want as their captain. It is very competitive.

Week 5_ Blog 1

In Chapter 10 the term differentiation caught my eye. Differentiation is a popular business strategy that highlights unique and special qualities of a company’s product or service. Thinking back to my previous work experience I believe that I can relate this term to when I worked for Macy’s. The company really put an emphasis on “outstanding service”. For example, the correct way to answer the phone was by ending the greeting in “How may I provide you with ‘outstanding service’ today?” or when closing a sale we would end it with, “ I hope I was able to provide you with ‘outstanding service’ today”. At Macy’s everything was about the “outstanding service”.