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Practices In the First 90 Days for A Platoon Leader: A Survival Guide For Second Lieutenants

Practices In the First 90 Days for A Platoon Leader: A Survival Guide For Second Lieutenants

Phat Nguyen | 2023

Abstract

The United States Army produces roughly 10,000 Second Lieutenants, most college graduates annually. With no professional working experience, they are still expected to handle many duties and responsibilities, such as leading a Platoon of up to 60 Soldiers and managing a property book with millions of dollars worth of equipment. Their management level is equivalent to a small business owner or an experienced manager of a mid-sized company. Therefore, they must prepare as they continue learning to succeed in the Army. Platoon Leaders often receive mentorship and coaching from their Company Commanders, First Sergeants, Platoon Sergeants, and sometimes their Battalion Commanders. This book is an additional resource that suggests practical tools and effective skills for them to implement within their first 90 days in the position. This timeframe is vital for many reasons. First, it creates a stronger impression on their units as these Platoon Leaders demonstrate a higher understanding and the skill sets needed to go above and beyond the duties and responsibilities. Secondly, it proves a more trustworthy leader with credibility that Soldiers can trust and follow. Lastly, it actively encourages Platoon Leaders to be more motivated and positive in their units as they enjoy serving in the Army. As a result, they become a new source of influence and inspiration for their Soldiers to become better versions of themselves. The Army currently has been facing an issue with recruitment. In 2022, the Department failed to achieve its recruitment goal by 20,000 recruits. This means the Army must prioritize its retention program to reduce the turnover rate, and it must start with leaders who have the ability to influence and inspire a culture of trust and loyalty. This book has the answers for these new Platoon Leaders.

Addressing Maternal Mortality: A Comprehensive Approach

Addressing Maternal Mortality: A Comprehensive Approach

Esther Dubique | 2023

Abstract

Maternal health outcomes in the United States are alarming, especially for Black women who face higher risks of death and complications from pregnancy and childbirth. Several national initiatives have recognized this urgent problem and called for action to address it, such as the recent statement by the U.S. Vice President (U.S. White House Briefing Room, 2021). However, the U.S. has not followed the global trend of reducing maternal mortality, which has declined by 45% in the last 25 years. Instead, the U.S. has seen a 58% increase in maternal deaths during the same period (Douthard et al., 2021). Moreover, this increase is not evenly distributed: Black women are 3 to 3.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes and more than twice as likely to suffer life-threatening events than White women (Creanga et al., 2017; MacDorman et al., 2021). The gap has persisted and even widened over the past century (Howell, 2018). Similarly, Black women experience twice the rate of severe maternal morbidity than White women (Leonard et al., 2019). The purpose of this project is to investigate the causes of maternal mortality and to identify interventions that can be implemented to reduce the number of maternal deaths. The research question is: What are the economic means to prevent maternal loss amongst African American and black families? This question explores the possible interventions that can reduce the disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity rates between African American and black women and other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The question is motivated by the evidence that African American and black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white, Hispanic, or Asian women, regardless of their income, education, or access to health care. The question also seeks to understand the underlying factors contributing to this gap, such as systemic racism, discrimination, stress, chronic conditions, and social determinants of health. The question is relevant for policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates interested in improving maternal health outcomes and achieving health equity for all women. The project will focus on the following objectives:

  • To review the literature on maternal mortality
  • To collect data on maternal mortality in the United States
  • To analyze the data to identify the most common causes of maternal death.
  • To develop and implement interventions to reduce maternal mortality.

Ministry Assessment Report for Trinity Youth in Cedar Hill, Texas

Ministry Assessment Report for Trinity Youth in Cedar Hill, Texas

Christian Ellis | 2023

Abstract

Trinity Youth is a vibrant youth ministry at Trinity Church in Cedar Hill, TX. Trinity Youth provides spiritual discipleship to middle to high school students through events, small groups, services, fine arts, and outreach. Youth gatherings are usually held on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. While serving as their consultant, the following was completed:

  • Developed an appropriate infrastructure – Lacking infrastructure previously, the new structure created a clear hierarchy through an organizational chart, job descriptions, and a leadership agreement for all leaders.
  • Developed a Student Leader Program – The Student Leader Program provided Trinity Youth with a structured way to assimilate, train, and develop student leaders. The program included training on topics such as leadership, communication, and discipleship.
  • Conducted an Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) and provided a consulting report – The OCAI is used to assist organizations in assessing their current culture and identifying areas where team members desire change. The consulting report provided Trinity Youth with actionable insights that they can use to improve their culture. This also encompassed in-person training sessions in Cedar Hill, TX, to share recommendations in-person and field questions in making those recommendations a reality.
  • Conducted a Strategic Team Review and Action Tool (STRAT) and provided a consulting report – The STRAT is used to help organizations assess their current strategic plan and identify areas of growth through listening to team members’ feedback. The consulting report provided Trinity Youth with actionable insights that they can use to improve their strategic plan. This also encompassed in-person training sessions in Cedar Hill, TX, to facilitate the group discussion, and meeting with Pastor Miller to go over recommendations.
  • Created a 20-week curriculum – The new curriculum provided for Trinity Youth serves as content for messages for their Wednesday Night services and Sunday morning teaching times. The foundation of the curriculum is scripture and would be relevant to the needs of the students.

Throughout my time with Trinity Youth, there was clear revitalization and restructuring that will make the organization sustainable for years to come.

The Problems of the Charismatic Pentecostal Churches in Africa: A Servant Leadership Approach

The Problems of the Charismatic Pentecostal Churches in Africa: A Servant Leadership Approach

Prince Frimpong | 2023

Abstract

Competent and reliable leadership is an indispensable component of any progressive society. With its numerous challenges, the rapidly changing African society calls for competent and reliable leadership. The most trusted institution, the church, has failed to offer this kind of leadership to the African community. Most of these challenges relate to how the Charismatic Pentecostal Churches can be contextually relevant beyond the church walls without losing their authenticity and identity in developing the Continent’s people. This manuscript eloquently and comprehensively walks the reader through many aspects of the inherent challenges. It also provides tangible takeaways, including vision and strategic development, both foundational elements of sustainable change.

Africans are facing tremendous challenges, both political and ideological. In practical terms, it is relatively neglected, and millions are abandoned to hunger and death and left without family, shelter, protection, or support. There have been despots’ and military dictators’ signatures beneath all the sufferings and disasters in Africa. There have been dark days when deviant leaders dragged their countries into conflicts in the name of self-serving ideologies. The deficit of ethical and political leadership crisis poses enormous challenges to the Continent. Bad leadership manifested by persistent human rights violations, lousy governance, dysfunctional institutions, patronage, electoral fraud, manipulation of ethnic differences, corruption, and personalization of power hinder the prevalence of peace and social justice.

One of the most significant challenges facing Charismatic Pentecostalism is its inability to become centrifugal. Centripetal churches tend to be inward-looking, using biblical teaching to channel human and financial resources into the church without consideration for social and human development. Centrifugally oriented churches must be encouraged among the charismatic Pentecostalism to engage in social and political activism. Instead of just pursuing spiritual means for its members, centripetal orientation must engage in the discussion against lousy leadership issues and fight against social injustices, marginalization, oppression, and other social problems. They must be willing to challenge bad leadership that undermines political, social, and human improvement while, at the same time, offering spiritual guidance. Charismatic Pentecostalism must shift from only providing spiritual solutions to solving sociopolitical problems practically.

This manuscript persuasively addresses the clergy and leaders of the African Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. It presents critical components of the current successful work done by some of the leaders of the Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. The manuscript further analyzes the problems and the areas of failure within these churches. The project provides and volubly walks the reader through a framework to understand the progression of possible solutions to these problems related to the servant leadership theory.

Keywords: Leadership, servant leadership, followership, human rights, social justice, building communities, poverty, politics

Gen Z Evolving and Leading Data Science Course 2ith Workbook:

Gen Z Evolving and Leading Data Science Course 2ith Workbook: “EXCEL-ing with Visualization

Kimberly Green | 2023

Abstract

Although the labor market is craving skilled data gurus and is willing to pay them a substantial salary, very few high schools offer data science classes as part of their STEM education program. In lieu of the Career and Technical Education built-in computer courses, Gen Z hopes to offer a wide range of high schools a new custom of career-focused high school courses focused solely on data sciences. Students will be able to discover real-world problems that a data scientist may solve, along with the appropriate techniques to use. This course should provide students with pertinent, first-class instruction and experiences that lead to industry-standard credentials and college credit, and in due course, power students’ progress to high-demand jobs in rapid growth divisions.

After completing ten (10) modules, GenZ 101 will offer a bonus course (workbook) at the end. This complimentary course, “EXCEL-ing with Visualization”, will introduce students to Microsoft Excel. The students will learn how to create charts, charts, and tables using this program. With most organizations requiring candidates to have knowledge of Microsoft Excel, this course will give students hands-on experience before leaving high school.

Fusionistic Leadership -The Merger of Feminine and Masculine Attributes

Fusionistic Leadership -The Merger of Feminine and Masculine Attributes

Richard Guzal | 2023

Abstract

We have reached a point in the workplace where we have lost our ability to maintain leadership norms preordained by God the Father. Society is forgetful of its past and has forsaken God, the church, marriage, and family. The manuscript calls out weaknesses created by the acts of American society and its continued embrace of COVID complacency. With today’s society and workforce, we have transitioned from a predominantly masculine approach to what could be considered feminine. The fusionistic leadership theory provides a solution to counteract today’s challenges.

The manuscript begins with a chronology of events that led the author on a path, highlighting the need for this manuscript. Following the author’s story, the manuscript provides Biblical examples of the feminine and masculine. Next,The Fusionistic Leaderexamines leadership from a Biblical perspective while embracing the styles presented in the acts of Jesus Christ. The works of Jesus some two thousand years ago continue to stand the test of time. The time since Christ’s journey on earth remains relevant and essential for theFusionistic Leader. Next, a historical perspective on leadership theories and styles lends itself to the potential of theFusionistic Leadershipstyle. TheFusionistic Leaderexamines leadership theories like the Great Man theory while acknowledging the advancements and achievements of women. The manuscript continues by presenting the Fusionistic leadership style and its relevance by assessing societal changes with a century of data sampling.

The Fusionistic Leadership style enables us to balance our leadership methods by utilizing feminine and masculine attributes, like those of Christ while encouraging the retention of our uniqueness as God intended. The Fusionistic Leadership style offers yet another tool for the leadership tool kit. In addition to providing tools for current and future leaders, the Fusionistic Leaderacknowledges God and the answers provided within the Bible.

Keywords: God, Jesus Christ, Church, Bible, Fusionism, Fusionistic Leadership, Masculine, Feminine, COVID Complacency

Coaching: A System for Building High-Potential Leaders to Fill Leadership Gaps in Major Industries of The Bahamas 

Coaching: A System for Building High-Potential Leaders to Fill Leadership Gaps in Major Industries of The Bahamas

Valderine Hamilton | 2023

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate leadership gaps in four major Bahamian economic sectors and create a leadership coaching system for building high-potential leaders to fill future vacancies. It is imperative that a supply of suitably trained and experienced leadership candidates is always available to fill leadership vacancies as they arise. The research question asked and answered was: Are there sufficient trained individuals presently available or being developed to provide strategic leadership that maximizes the potential and minimizes deficits within critical sectors of the Bahamian economy? The research used a mix-method approach that employed three primary modes: secondary research, interviews, and surveys. A review of secondary data on labor market statistics was conducted to obtain information on the various sectors. Leaders within the four sectors were interviewed to gather information on leadership gaps and to identify the critical traits, competencies, and attitudes leaders need to perform successfully in each industry. Lastly, a cross-section of supervisors, managers, and directors was surveyed to determine their views on the importance of good leadership. The significant findings about the environments studied indicate that there is no official system for identifying, tracking, or developing high-potential individuals; minimal investment is being made in human resources, and there is no strategic focus on the importance of leadership development. Key findings about the views of leaders working in the environments studied are that they value good leadership, they desire to be good leaders, and they overwhelmingly desire consistent preparation for future leadership opportunities. Based on the research results, the answer to the research question is no; there are insufficient individuals to fill the gaps. To change this, sector leaders must think strategically about leadership development and see the benefit of employing leadership coaching. The author recommends adapting the Coaching and Leadership Development System (CLDS) created as a part of this research.

Keywords: leaders, leadership, coaching, leadership development

The Book of Titus: A Leadership Primer for Truth

The Book of Titus: A Leadership Primer for Truth

Stacey Harris-Twyman | 2023

Abstract

Unethical behavior plagues America. A fundamental question for the Church is: Can God trust today’s pastors and leaders to represent Him in ministry and the marketplace? Virtually every profession has a written code of ethics to guarantee moral performance. To address the leadership deficit in Crete, Paul wrote a letter to Titus. Paul’s letter to Titus functions as a ‘leadership help guide’ to aid him in appointing elders. Although Paul set a patriarchal church order, the leadership qualities he wrote about contain universal principles such as faithfulness, trustworthiness, and practicing the common good.

The Book of Titus: A Leadership Primer for Truth is a corridor for emerging pastors and leaders seeking to synthesize teachings with behaviors while introducing the subject of truth. Chapter One lays a foundation for “What is Truth?” and presents an annex leadership theory. Since leadership and duty are synonymous, Chapter Two offers a practicum regarding “Responsibility to Truth.” Leaders might face unethical behavior from individuals in and outside their organization. As a result, Chapter Three helps leaders “Promote Truth” in every place they serve. The Holy Spirit is the great transformer, so Chapter Four addresses “Truth in Formation.”

Many African Americans have accepted Islam over Christianity because of Paul’s words, “Slaves obey your masters.” They believed Paul sanctioned slavery. Nothing could be further from the truth. Thus, Chapter Five is titled “The Liberating Truth.” Finally, Chapter Six encourages pastors and leaders to “Live in the Truth.” Reflection questions at the end of each chapter help pastors and leaders assess vital takeaways. The Book of Titus: A Leadership Primer for Truth offers practical solutions to remedy the leadership deficit in families, communities, and organizations. Furthermore, pastors and leaders can use this book as a primer to develop themselves and emerging leaders within their organizations.

Keywords: Chattel Slavery, Civic Values, Common Good, Emerging Leaders, Ethics, Leadership, Pastors, Paul, Personal Growth, Spiritual Development, Titus, Trust, Value-Based Leadership

Developing a Pipeline of Agile Human Services Professionals Training Series

Developing a Pipeline of Agile Human Services Professionals Training Series

Claudette Carter Henderson | 2023

Abstract

The Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division expects Americans older than 65 to increase from just over 49 million in 2016 to 77 million by 2034. In 2017, about 1.7 million Americans were addicted to opioids, adding to those requiring health and human services (United Nations, 2017). The need for human service provisions has exponentially increased. However, the decline in fertility and improvement in survival rates is creating a recruitment and retention crisis of agile professionals in the human services sector.

This project offers training modules to address human skills training for entry-level workers, leadership development for supervisors, and senior leadership through three training modules over eight weeks for two hours. The training modules designed for in-person facilitation will provide each level of responsibility with knowledge in self-assessment, ethics in the workplace, cultural competency, continuous learning, and communication. The remaining modules are information specific to developing worker and leadership skills.

Senior leaders are challenged with recruitment and retention and leading in a chaotic work environment, which can negatively impact the organization’s success and compromise the safety of clients. Therefore, the Developing a Pipeline of Agile Human Services Professionals Training Series will prepare human services workers and professionals in this sector at all levels of responsibility. Human Resource Development (HRD), trainers, and workers must form a triad partnership to build a pipeline of culturally agile human services workers and leaders.

Keywords: communication, continuous learning, cultural competency, ethics, trauma-informed leadership, self-assessment

GOVCON Foresight: A Strategic Foresight Framework for Federal Government Contractors 

GOVCON Foresight: A Strategic Foresight Framework for Federal Government Contractors

Michael Hitchcock | 2023

Abstract

Small businesses are essential drivers of technological advancement in the United States. However, small businesses operating in the federal marketplace continue to decline due to increasing cybersecurity requirements and contract consolidation. Although the federal government directs billions of dollars in contract awards to the small business community, small defense contractors often find it difficult to anticipate and prepare for the accelerated changes in federal contracting regulations and the tightening fiscal environment. Small but significant changes in federal regulations disproportionately impact small government contractors. Additionally, the disruptive changes in technology, demographics, and domestic and international politics enhance the level of uncertainty small firms must navigate to ensure success in this extremely regulated market.

GOVCON Foresight provides federal government contractors with tools and methods to systematically assess uncertainty and risk within the federal marketplace. The GOVCON Foresight model integrates scenario planning and business model innovation concepts to stress-test contractors’ current planning assumptions against emerging trends and uncertainties. The one-day workshop consists of three phases: Phase I introduces participants to basic strategic foresight methods, tools, and concepts. Phase II introduces participants to identifying trends and uncertainties. The final phase is focused on business model design and stress testing.

The workshop concludes with a robust discussion centered on the short-term impact on the firm resulting from the critical uncertainties discovered during the stress test. GOVCON foresight encourages participants to understand the impact of policy decisions developing at the agency and department level while closely monitoring emerging trends within the geopolitical environment.

Operating within the federal marketplace requires leaders at all levels to think and plan strategically. The GOVCON foresight framework provides the framework for leaders to understand and act on emerging trends before catastrophic events occur.