Winning in a world where hard work and talent is not enough Essay

Winning in a world where hard work and talent is not enough - Essay Example This paper offers an analysis of Reardon’s (2006) work in comparison to and in relation to DuBrins (2007) work on Leadership on the basis of concepts, principles and themes. Winning in a World where Hard Work and Talent as not enough Introduction In the book, It’s all politics; Winning in a World Where Hard Work and Talent Aren’t Enough; the author’s main objective was to bring out the fact that, this is a time when politics is the most significant factor that enables people to attain top most positions in most sectors of life, paying attention to business and economics. It shows that the world we live in today is highly competitive, and not everyone who works hard gets the expected reward. The author explains that nowadays everything is all about politics. Those who are politically strong, in that, they say the seemingly right things at the right time to the right people are the ones who emerge as winners in the end. No matter how one works as hard as an ant, with talents that one can ever imagine, the result is that politics still reigns (Reardon, 2006). In fact, in work places, the bell that rings only produces the sound of politics. Discussion Reardon (2006) brings out the concept that politics does not entail one being sly and devious, but it involves being ready to listen to fellow workmates, creating a good relationship with them and also trying to make everyone improve on his or her goals. Through these relationships, one can hold strong ties with people who can be able to offer a ladder push in terms of hierarchical positions in the work place. Politics has a lot in it other than what people stereotype about it. It involves critical thinking, being open-minded and being socially active (Reardon, 2006). When combined with both hard work and talent, politics acts like the salt that makes food tasty. It can make a person who is talented and industrious to get rewards that one can never imagine. The key theme brought out by Rear don (2006) is the theme of leadership. Leaders have to have well-defined skill set to enable them rule effectively. A leader is a person that people in the society, home, workplace or school look up to in times of problems and despair with the hope of changing their lives positively. A leader is one who can help others to live to their dreams and expectations. Leaders should be able to familiarize with the people they serve, knowing what problems they undergo and how to solve each one of them (Reardon, 2006). They should be social beings who are ready to serve their people under whatever circumstances they go through. She brings out a principle that, people who are experienced in politics, should take time to learn and practice about so many things so that they are not caught unawares by any circumstance that prevails. They know what they are to say and should be remarkably flexible in terms of conversations so that they are able to discuss anything with anyone. Leaders should know when and how to twist a discussion so as not to say things that will later be put against them (Reardon, 2006). They should think first before acting, and they should not jump into conclusions. People with an advantage in politics are those who are keen to give an ear to what other people say, and do not pay more attention to what they tell others In the book, Leadership: Research Findings, Practice, and Skills, Dubrin’s (2012) main purpose is to show what leadership entails. He gives out the skills that one who is called a leader should have. He brings out a vivid understanding of what leadership and leadership principles involve or entail. He explains the meaning of leadership and explains what it does not

The Effects of Rap Music on Violent Behavior among African American Research Proposal

The Effects of Rap Music on Violent Behavior among African American Teenagers - Research Proposal Example Rap music is gaining popularity and momentum day by day, leaving parents, government officials and health authorities worried about the consequences of watching this form of music genre. This is because; this form of music has some components of aggressiveness and sexual activities in the lyrics and video which can instigate teenagers to perform immoral acts because of fantasizing and role modeling. The beat, rhythm and lyrics of the songs make the listeners listen to the rap songs again and again and make them feel that the content of the songs is the realistic form of the outside world. Many studies have reported various effects of rap music on the adolescents and youth who watch and listen to them. Some of the effects include aggressive behaviors, poor academic performance, health-risk behaviors and suicidal ideation. Of these, aggressive and violent behaviors are very important because, they can have a devastating impact on the society. Rap music has its origins from the African- American community and it is interesting to know what effects this genre of music has on the population from where it has come. Thus this research aims to explore the effects of rap music on the violent behaviour of the African –American teenagers. The study will be a prospective study over 12 months period. The enrolled participants will be asked to record the number of hours they listen to rap music or watch music video and the type of songs they view or listen. After 12 months, the outcomes will be measured. The main outcome that will be measured is violent or aggressive behavior. Other measures which will be measured include academic performance, sexual practices and behavioural problems. The data will be analysed using univariate and covariate analyses.