Week 13 Journal

November 17 9:40 am-11:00 am (1 Hour 20 Minutes)

During this class session, we went through an in depth discussion of Cyrus. We discussed his motivators, which were philotimia and philanthropia. Philotimia is the love of honor, and philanthropia is the love of humanity or people. We also discussed how his success in battle was a mark of the gods favor. Some of the motives of Cyrus’ followers were friendship, admiration, also known as thauma, relief, hope, gratitude, and the love of gain. Under hope we discussed Cyrus’ bravery as well as his good fortune. I enjoyed this part of the discussion because we went on further to discuss how jobs we’ve done compares to the motives of Cyrus’ followers, which was very interesting.

I compared working as an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay to these motives. Friendship is definitely a motive because I’ve gained so many different friendships through all of my Mary Kay sisters. Hope is a motive because I have hope that I will move up the leadership ladder and eventually become a Senior National Sales Director. Admiration is a motive because I admire my leaders in Mary Kay (my recruiter, my director, my senior national sales director). Relief is definitely a motive because I’ve been relieved from working behind a desk being bossed around. Now I am my own boss and have my own freedoms. Gratitude is a motive because I’m grateful for this opportunity and for my recruiter. Love of gain is a motive because I would love to gain a career working with Mary Kay as well as gaining leadership in Mary Kay.

We went on to discuss Cyrus’ versatility as a leader, focusing on his obedience as a grandson and nephew, as well as his versatility as an avenging son. We also discussed leadership problems, one of them being developing a strategy. Praotes is openness to disagreement and tolerance for rivalry. Pratoes gives information from multiple sources. Other issues with developing strategy include sifting through, deciphering genuine input and who to trust, how to handle dissent or conflicting agendas, the process of receiving information, and organization. Another leadership problem is maintaining moral as it relates to having more than one motive, as well as a variation of strength. We also discussed deferred gratification or rewards.

November 18 5:40 am-7:00 am (1 Hour 20 Minutes)

Compare and contrast Alexander to Cyrus, especially in terms of their character. What stories of Alexander, or themes of his early life, remind you of stories we have read of Cyrus?

Alexander the Great was a young leader who lacked wisdom, while Cyrus was slightly older, more diplomatic, and wiser. However, Alexander the Great was able to conquer more than Cyrus was.

November 19 9:40 am-11:00 am (1 Hour 20 Minutes)

During this class session we started our discussion on Alexander the Great.

November 20 5:40 am-7:00 am (1 Hour 20 Minutes)

Here is a job listing for the Dean of the college of arts and sciences at Clark University in Atlanta. Note that there is a long list of knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the role. Do you think Alexander would make a good candidate? Why or why not? What other characters from the Life of Alexander might be more qualified? Would you yourself expect to be qualified for this role in 10–20 years?

I’m not sure if Alexander the Great would have made a good candidate. He was young, and not very wise, which would have hindered his leadership capacity in this position. I feel as though, had Alexander lived longer, he would have had more time to develop his leadership skills, and thus would have been qualified for this position. Looking at the qualifications and the breakdown of the competencies, I would say, right off the back, I do qualify; however, even though I qualify, I don’t believe I would be fit for the position. Based off of my character, I feel as though I do not have enough patience to deal with all of the issues that would come with this position. I would like to say in 10–20 years I would be more fit or qualified, but I don’t really think I would be interested.