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The Value of Military Leadership Experience in Turbulent Business Environments
In today’s turbulent business environments, every leader should be concerned about how well his or her organization executes and how well it adapts to change. Execution has been on the list of top concerns of CEOs for years now. But the turbulent business environments of the past few years underscore the necessity for rapid adaptability and execution to survive and prosper in the new economy.
What’s the secret to executing in turbulent business environments and propelling an organization to the next level? There are many attributes that contribute to an organization’s success. But there is an often forgotten element that has gained increasing attention in the past few years. It may come as a surprise, but a powerful means to achieving success is to infuse your organization with military leadership experience. There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates just how important it is to have leaders with experiences that only military officers have.
Bringing Military Leadership Experience to the Private Sector.
In 2005, Korn Ferry International, in cooperation with the Economist Intelligence Unit, published an astonishing report that demonstrated the extraordinary value of military leadership experience in the private sector. The report Military Experience and CEOs: Is There a Link? unequivocally demonstrates that there is indeed a link between business success and military leadership experience. By “military leadership experience” we mean, specifically, officers. The report showed that S&P 500 CEOs, as a demographic group, are nearly three times more likely to have served as an officer in one of the four U.S. military services than the general population of U.S. adult males. It also showed that companies led by these former military leaders outperformed, on average, other S&P 500 firms. These CEOs also lasted longer in their positions by about 2.7 years on average. So, not only did these leaders perform better, they were more committed to their companies over the long haul.
Executing and Winning in Turbulent Business Environments.
In 2009, the value of military leadership experience in turbulent business environments was further punctuated by London Business School professor Donald Sull in his book The Upside of Turbulence: Seizing Opportunity in an Uncertain World. Sull, who adapts armed forces tactical theory to business management practices, asserts that turbulence will likely continue to be a quality that the global economy will experience for a long time. For Sull, it is rapid adaptation and execution toward small gains that lead to success, as in current U.S. Marine Corps tactical doctrine and in the tactical improvements for fighter pilots that emerged after the Korean War. The ability to debrief is highlighted as a core competency in adaptive organizations, just like in the U.S. armed forces. But it is the ability to translate strategy into action, supported by the ability to debrief and learn from doing, that is the secret to executing and winning in turbulent business environments.
The ability to make decisions and act when faced with new challenges and limited information is the skill possessed by those with military leadership experience. Whether these leaders fly aircraft, navigate combat ships or lead combat troops in Afghanistan or Iraq, their daily lives depend upon solving problems and executing their decisions under constantly changing, turbulent business environments. These are also the skills necessary for business leaders.
Prepare for Turbulent Business Environments with Skilled Military Leaders.
For anyone that is still skeptical about the value of military leadership experience, Dan Senor and Saul Singer make an even more compelling argument for its value in their 2009 release Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle. Although the authors attribute Israel’s phenomenal success to several factors, including a mission objective orientation and non-attributive debriefing, one of the most significant is that Israeli companies actively recruit individuals with military leadership experience. The authors scold American business leaders for their illiteracy regarding soldier’s resumes and their failure to recognize the value of military leadership experience in their companies. “Given all this battlefield entrepreneurial experience,” write the authors, “the vets coming out of Iraq and Afghanistan wars are better prepared than ever for the business world, whether building start-ups or helping lead larger companies through the current turbulent period.”
Every business in America can benefit from the experience gained from those serving as officers in the U.S. armed forces. In light of the current economic turbulence and the proven capacities of military officers to execute and excel in turbulent business environments, companies would be foolish to ignore the opportunity to draw upon their talents. These officers possess abilities to plan and set goals, communicate and motivate others that no business school can teach. They have practiced and honed their decision-making skills in life and death situations. In all, they provide a rich resource that is not inexhaustible. Companies that stake a claim on this rare commodity and actively recruit it will certainly position themselves to execute in the turbulent future ahead.
Chase Your Dreams With Personal Loans
Personal loans provide solution to many problems these days and can be used for a wide range of reason. Personal loans provide great freedom to the borrowers to fulfill their needs, wants and desires. Personal loans provide a lot of support to the borrowers looking for financial sustenance.
Personal loans are basically of two types – secured and unsecured. Secured personal loans require the borrower to pledge collateral to the lender. The collateral may be his home his car or any other of his assets. Unsecured personal loans do not require the borrower to pledge anything in return. Unsecured personal loans in today’s world are a better option than secured personal loans for those who can’t offer any security. No proof of any thing is required and also loans do get processed quickly. Unsecured loans typically have a higher APR then secured loans because the lender gets no security for his investment.
Now days there are many lending organizations which are involved in providing loans to the people who need money. They provide all kinds of services to their customers from different quotes to expert advice by their counselors. Every thing is done in a very short time according to the need of the customer. Customers are given every thing they require to make themselves acquainted with the situation. Due to increasing competition there are many organizations making these offerings at very reasonable price. Which basically means customer is the king. The rates of interest can also be bargained upon providing options which would have been difficult to get earlier.
Secured or unsecured personal loans through these organizations are approved very quickly. The organizations have relationships with banks which limit the time in which the loan is sanctioned so that the both parties are at ease with the situation. Apart from that there are few other benefits of personal loans through lenders
? people who are not sure about their stance can get expert advice by the experts
? the personal loan rates offered are quite low
? people can choose their own repayment plans with the flexibility of payment
While applying for loans online people must be careful. People often get charged extra commissions sometimes and get duped. Normally that sort of thing is very rare and depends on person to person and how they handle things. People usually get the best deals on personal loans which do suite their requirements.
Previously people who had bad credit ratings such as people with county court judgments, (CCJs), defaults, arrears and also bankruptcy had difficulty in getting a loan. Now days they can also get personal loans very easily and at very appropriate terms. Lending organizations provide proper guidance to people with how to improve on their reputations and help build a favorable condition for the future. They help in building a good credit score and other facilities as well. The services provided are also one of the best apart from that there are several fringe benefits such as they save a lot of time, very little effort is required by the customer and everything is reliably done.
You can use these personal loans both secured and unsecured for various purposes such as
? For debt consolidation
? For house construction
? For purchasing any assets such as car or machinery
? For purposes such as holidays
? For pay day purposes
? For wedding purposes
? For education purposes
The main aim of personal loans is to provide an option to the customers so that they can utilize their privileges and the opportunity that is available to them. To make their dreams come true and achieve what they want to achieve.
Does an MBA Mean a Bigger Salary?
I have 15 years’ experience of working as a senior level ‘head-hunter’ and running an executive CV writing business, dealing with MBA graduates, and in my experience the short answer is yes.
If one read down the lists of business school MBA programmes under various headings, many institutions are promising salary increases around 100 %. But is this really the case?
Reports released from Cambridge University’s Judge Business School, outline that the average salary increase recorded by the 105-strong full time MBA course graduate who finished last September was an impressive 66 per cent. However, according to Cathy Butles, MBA careers director at Judge, this masked some real extremes which should be kept in perspective
In her interview with the Independent in February 2011, she explains; “If we look closely at the salary increase split by pre-MBA region, the results from other parts of the world outside the US and Europe feature figures as high as 200 and 300 per cent. However, the averages of those from pre-MBA locations such as UK, Europe and North America, while not hitting former heady percentages, also reach beyond 50 per cent.”
Several factors that affect the statistics reported on salary increases are linked to the underlying reasons for embarking on an MBA. These include a desire to change career direction or geographical location, a desire to change industry, or a desire to change job function within a sector. To expect to achieve one or more of these by doing an MBA, and land a vastly increased salary at the same time, in my opinion would be ambitious.
Statistics from Cranfield School of Management show that the most recent group of MBA students, who graduated in September 2010 have seen their basic salaries rise by 33 per cent on average, which might appear modest. However, 82 per cent of the group in question achieved a complete change of career and job function and 64 per cent changed sector altogether. This puts weighting to my point above.
Diane Morgan, director of career services at London Business School (LBS) reports that salary increases are not immediate and graduate MBAs tend to see the largest growth in remuneration package around two or three years after an MBA.
She also reports, and I concur from my recruitment dealings, that there has been an observed a change in the mix of head -hunting firms and employers showing keen interest in hiring MBA graduates. As well as the usual interest from finance, accountancy and consultancy firms, there is now an increased demand from pharmaceutical energy and technology employers, seeking to fill board level gaps due to retirement.
In my experience, it appears that when students are considering firm job offers, the salary factor slips behind the exact nature of job and possibilities for the future. This matches the overall analysis of Simon Tankard, head of careers services at Oxford University’s Sa?d Business School.
“It’s not just the salary component that’s important,” he concludes. “Candidates are equally concerned to look at their career prospects, job content and the relevant sector experience that the opportunity will give them. And recruiters know that these factors play a key role in securing the best candidates.
Actuarial Science – A Sound Education in Actuarial and Financial Studies
If you’ve got a head for numbers and statistics then why not consider putting those quantitative skills to the test with a career in Actuarial Science. Actuarial Science involves the application of these skills to solve problems that normally involve risk or uncertainty, together with finance. It is a vitally important skill to boast, with the ability to be a success in investment management and financial analysis in the future.
BSc Actuarial Science courses are readily available from London business schools that have unrivalled links to the City of London – continually regarded as the epicentre of global business and finance. Studying at one of the world’s highly acclaimed business schools equips students with both the academic knowledge and the skills employers are actively seeking.
It is possible for students without A Levels to complete a one-year foundation course to prepare for the degree, covering maths, statistics, probability, economics and computational mathematics.
The basis of an Actuarial Science degree is to develop a key knowledge of the financial system and the actuarial and statistical subjects.
However, in order to qualify as an actuary, undergraduates are required to pass professional examinations of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Students will have specific modules in all three years of their degree giving them the opportunity to earn exemptions from eight of the nine core technical stage modules and a total of thirteen of these professional examinations.
Actuarial Science students are also in the enviable position of being able to receive a limited number of bursaries and prizes. Some London business schools offer a bursary which is guaranteed to all UK undergraduates who receive the full maintenance grant from their local education authority.
The majority of Actuarial Science graduates become actuarial trainees and study for the Institute of Actuaries’ examinations. Meanwhile others embark on careers in investment banking and investment management, or in accountancy, commercial banking, insurance and financial analysis. Needless to say London business schools provide the finest industry links for future employment after graduation.
Corporate Social Responsibility Meets Employee Engagement
Who hasn’t been in a meeting recently where the new buzz term ‘employee engagement’ wasn’t used? I suspect, like me, you’re getting pretty fed up hearing about it. What does it mean and why is it such a big issue?
Employee engagement means motivating your employees so that they are enthusiastic about the work they do (and so the theory goes) and as a result they are more productive. Employee satisfaction levels are at an all time low largely due to the financial crisis and ensuing economic downturn. People are questioning their commitment to work, especially at the expense of personal interests like health and family. And of course graduates list work-life balance as a key criterion for selecting their new employers.
The answer isn’t another offsite, or golf day. During last week’s lecture at the London Business School, Stephen Green, Group Chairman, HSBC Holdings plc, offered a different approach: corporate philanthropy or corporate social responsibility. Not the kind that sits separately from the rest of the business, but rather corporate philanthropy which is integrated into the culture and fabric of the organization, and where employees feel engaged as a result of their company making the world a better place.
We’re not talking about some fuzzy socialist model. Remember, Stephen Green is Chairman of a global bank – he isn’t suggesting that businesses should be run as charitable organizations. On the contrary, businesses need to continue sound business management practices: identifying your competitive advantage, delivering products and services which meet the needs of your customers, and generating a profit as a result of running a good business. (Note that profit is the result of a well-run business, not the reason for its existence.)
Today’s social and economic environment is much more complex than in Milton Friedman’s day when companies were only expected to focus on profit. Profit isn’t enough. Shareholders, employees, governments, communities expect businesses today to add value as members of the wider community in which they operate. Businesses need to think strategically about corporate social responsibility. Where should the company focus its attention? Where can it most effectively apply its resources where benefits can be gained on all sides?
If you want your employees to feel engaged, be clear about what value the organization is providing to the communities in which it operates and involve employees directly in these efforts as much as possible. The result is likely to be employees who bring fresh ideas and perspectives back to the office. Your recruitment efforts are also likely to benefit, not only from increased interest from graduates, but also from women who seek fulfilment beyond financial compensation, especially when balancing career and family.
A sustainable business depends on long-term relationships with your customers and other stakeholders, and those relationships in turn depend on employee engagement. The Banking Crisis has taught us many things. Focusing just on short-term profits leads to disastrous consequences, including a disengaged workforce.
Loans For Unemployed – Monetary Assistance to Resolve Financial Struggle
Termed as the worst phase, unemployment certainly makes you go through a lot of hassles. Since you are an unemployed, availing loans to meet your priorities and needs does not seem to be a possibility. The fact that you do not have any income of your own and failure to guarantee the repayment of amount prevents the loan providers from offering any financial assistance. This is why; lenders have come up with loans for unemployed. These loans are flexible and convenient enough to tackle your needs and demands.
These loans have been devised and crafted keeping in mind the specific needs of an unemployed person. As unemployed persons do not have any fixed income source, these loans benefit only those who have the means and are capable of repaying the loans. Further, these loans are approved with feasible terms and conditions such as comparatively low interest rate, flexible repayment schedule along with the ability to suit your budget and plan.
You get to avail these loans broadly in the form of secured and unsecured loans. Secured form of the loans asks for a security in the form of collateral for its approval. The amount approved under these loans is based on the equity value present in the collateral. Interest rate for the loans is comparatively low and has a long repayment schedule. Unsecured option of the loans, on the contrary are meant for those who do not have any asset of their own or are not in a posit ion to pledge any. The amount approved is limited and has to be repaid over a short period of time.
Usually, the interest rates levied are either fixed or variable. In the case of fixed interest rate, the payable amount remains same for the entire period of time and does not chance with the changing market rates. In the case of variable rates, the rates keep on varying as the market fluctuates.
Loans for unemployed are available with both traditional as well as online lenders. However, if you are looking to source the loans instantly and that too at competitive rates, prefer applying online. The processing is easy and simple and you have the opportunity to derive the loans from any place at any point of time.