Journal Reflection: End of Week 2

Reflecting on the course material covered during the second week, I found the insights
drawn from the case studies of Mary Barra, Elon Musk, Kenny Moore, and Leymah Gbowee
particularly enlightening. These leaders, through their unique approaches and experiences, have
deepened my understanding of effective leadership, the importance of aligning personal values
with work culture, and the power of collective action. My preferred kinesthetic-visual learning
style aligns closely with Mary Barra’s leadership approach at General Motors. Barra emphasizes
practical experience, teamwork, and innovation, creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
This is conducive to my learning preference, where hands-on experiences and visual aids
enhance my ability to absorb and apply knowledge. Similarly, Kenny Moore's empathetic and
human-centered approach at Brooklyn Gas, where he implemented performance appraisal
processes with a deep understanding of personal experiences and emotions, underscores the
importance of a supportive learning environment. Moore’s use of symbolic actions, like the
memorial service for the "old" company, provided a visual and experiential means for employees
to transition and embrace change, which aligns with my kinesthetic-visual learning style.
In contrast, Elon Musk’s high-intensity, fast-paced work environment, while innovative
and dynamic, may not cater well to my learning needs. The constant pressure to perform and
innovate, as experienced at Tesla and SpaceX, might hinder my ability to thrive. This reflection
has reinforced my preference for a work culture that balances high performance with support and
collaboration, much like the environments fostered by Barra and Moore. As an INFJ, motivated
by strong personal values and a desire for meaningful work, Mary Barra’s and Kenny Moore’s
leadership styles resonate deeply with my personality. Barra’s commitment to ethical principles,
sustainability, and professional growth creates a respectful and motivating work environment.
Similarly, Moore’s journey from monk to corporate professional, where he leveraged his
background to implement empathetic and innovative organizational changes, highlights the
power of aligning personal values with professional goals. Moore’s approach to leadership,
which involved deep human connection and understanding, aligns with my INFJ personality,
emphasizing the importance of meaningful work and strong personal values.
Elon Musk, with his visionary yet demanding leadership style, presents a challenging fit
for my personality. While his drive for innovation is inspiring, the high-pressure environment at
his companies might not align well with my need for a balanced, value-driven workplace.
Leymah Gbowee’s leadership in the peace-building movement in Liberia, which emphasized
collective action and moral courage, also resonates with my values. Her ability to harness
personal resolve and unify fragmented efforts for a common cause illustrates the importance of
aligning work with personal values, further emphasizing the type of work culture I seek.
Understanding the role of motivation in job satisfaction and productivity, I find Mary Barra’s
and Kenny Moore’s leadership styles more aligned with my motivational needs. Barra’s focus on
professional development, recognition of achievements, and ethical management practices create
an environment where employees feel valued and supported. Similarly, Moore’s innovative
approaches, such as the "Open Space" meeting, which emphasized collective intelligence and
participatory methods, fostered high employee engagement and motivation.
 Elon Musk’s leadership, characterized by a relentless pursuit of goals and high rewards
for short-term achievements, offers a different kind of motivation. While this can be highly
motivating for some, I prefer a work culture that provides a healthier balance between achieving
ambitious goals and maintaining a supportive environment. Leymah Gbowee’s leadership in
WIPNET, where she emphasized the power of collective action and strategic, nonviolent risks,
further highlights the type of motivation that resonates with me—one that is driven by
meaningful goals and ethical principles. Reflecting on my learning style, personality, and
motivational preferences, I conclude that Mary Barra’s and Kenny Moore’s leadership styles are
better fits for me than Elon Musk’s. Working under Barra’s leadership at General Motors or
Moore’s empathetic and innovative approach aligns with my personal and professional values,
offering supportive and collaborative environments conducive to my growth. While Musk’s
visionary leadership is admirable and inspiring, the high-stress environment may not suit my
needs for a balanced and value-driven workplace. Similarly, Leymah Gbowee’s leadership in the
peace-building movement highlights the importance of aligning work with personal values and
collective action, further reinforcing my preference for leadership styles that emphasize empathy,
support, and ethical principles.