Assignment 2: Discussion—Leadership Challenges in Today’s Environment

There are some who argue that leaders face unprecedented demands as we enter the 21st century. The pace of organizations is faster than ever due to technology advances and impatience in stakeholder groups. There is increased diversity due to globalization. The workforce is more nomadic; few people today spend their entire careers in a single company. This puts a lot of pressure on leaders and may demand new or evolved competencies.

Using the module readings, Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, including general organizational sources like the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, or Harvard Business Review, research the demands facing 21st century leaders.

Then, respond to the following:

• What are the challenges facing leaders in today’s environment? Consider both internal and external challenges within an organization.
• Describe the impact of those challenges on today’s leaders. Explain how leaders need to respond to them.
• Discuss at least three–four core competencies that you think leaders need to be effective in today’s environment. Explain how these competencies will address the challenges you identified.

Support your positions by citing at least two sources from your research.

Write your initial response in a minimum of 300 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

By Saturday, February 8, 2014, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through Monday, February 10, 2014, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses. Consider the following in your responses to make the discussion a rich learning experience:

• Contribute new and relevant information to the course discussion using the readings from your textbook.
• Comment in a positive manner.
• Build on the remarks of your peers or pose questions to them.
• Share quotes, Web site links, and other supplementary information.
• Demonstrate practical application of the module’s key concepts from your professional/personal experience by offering examples.