What’s the Buzz...Word all About?

What’s theBuzzword all about?

TRENDING…

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Jayme L. Burdiek, MBA, AIF® Lecturer of Management Washburn University School of Business

The constant inundation of buzz words or buzz phrases, which are generally of low substance or meaning and intended to impress the crowd, have a numbing effect on word value and consequently applied understanding.

Are there more questions or answers today? Which is of greater importance, the answer or the question? Is this factual? What does that mean? Where is the data? How was the study funded and by whom? Who fact checks the fact checkers? How will this make me the standout?

Does this barrage of jargon and pseudo information inspire a desire for quality or prompt an inclination to disconnect and a quiet acceptance of the status quo?

A quick online search for management or leadership buzz words will return a plethora of results. Resume gurus and headhunting recruiters suggest the latest and greatest differentiating terms and gimmicks to implement, virtually guaranteeing a job growth paradigm shift.

Yet the true meanings, the innate characteristics of management and leadership are not trendy. They are perpetual and worthwhile pursuits. They are destinations not glamourized titles and pay scales. People, countries, and cultures are built upon them. They are cornerstones in personal lives, public institutions, and organizations alike that society cannot afford becoming desensitized to.

MANAGEMENT—DEFINING

“In the words of both Peter Drucker and Warren Bennis, ‘Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.’ Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.” —Stephen R. Covey

At Washburn University School of Business, Organization and Management is a required core course for the Bachelor of Business Administration degree program regardless of major concentration. Students are presented with a comprehensive framework of management terminology, theory, and practical insights to recognize environmental and economic forces that affect business decisions and ultimately organizational success.

To begin laying the foundation for classroom and lifetime learning, a shared understanding of vocabulary, word meaning in context, is necessary for the transfer information to be effectively converted into applicable knowledge.

Focusing through the management lens, students are able to develop tools for understanding why organizations exist, how work gets done, who does the work, what role responsibilities are, and how to prepare to fill those roles. In organizations, it is paramount that onboarding and training programs define the }

policies, processes, expectations, and language of the firm because everyone manages something, somewhere, every day. Decisions made at all levels of an entity affect productivity, quality, and profit. Excellent managers continue to be students throughout their careers.

As technology continues to enable global opportunities for businesses, terminology management systems and careers are in demand, reaching revenue estimates of 30 million U.S. dollars annually according to Nimdzi. com. These systems enable consistency and boost effectiveness by eliminating misunderstandings internally between departments as well as externally with clients and prospects across countries and cultures.

Defining tactical objectives with clear and precise language, such as establishing a business glossary, fortifies organizational structure which otherwise is at risk of public damage by personal interpretation.

Practical management supports workers by defining and developing technical and industry skills, is concerned about staff and environments, solves problems, delegates, celebrates, and develops people.

LEADERSHIP—PRIORITIZING & INSPIRING

“I’ll tell you what leadership is. It’s persuasion and conciliation, and education, and patience.” —President Dwight D. Eisenhower Native Kansan and Five Star General

Leadership is the natural progression of an individual contributor who has grown beyond the skillset required to do job tasks and later rises above the role of a manager who accomplishes organizational goals through the staff they supervise. The manager is not yet by definition a leader because their effort remains focused on goal setting, administration, and achievement.

However, when a leadership position is attained, the leader does not forgo or relinquish management knowledge, they recognize that leadership is not management and strive to gain additional attributes, perspectives, and means of strategic thinking and design. Leaders prioritize, envision and create possibilities, carry themselves with integrity, and inspire others to do the same. Leadership is contingent upon influence and strategy, harnessing and applying the power of time and energy, creating an atmosphere of expectation.

Prioritization enables time and space for inspiration. Gone are the days when leadership theory focused upon being born with ideal makeup of personality traits, charisma, and intuition. Intention, study, and desire are the building blocks for today’s leaders.

The Washburn University Leadership Institute is a development program for students who desire leadership experiences and skills. Whether seeking a minor or a certificate, students study ethics, responsibility, and conceptual leadership, and gain an opportunity to mentor with active leaders during internships based upon their major or area of interest.

Extended study is available through the Washburn Transformational Experience (WTE) and Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership. WTE students serve while they learn about themselves and inspired servant leaders in the region and beyond.

Transformational leaders persuade followers to look past their own interests to band together in excellence for the betterment of the organization and society as a whole. As the WTE website states, “…they graduate from the University as citizens who recognize the abundance of leadership opportunities and are ready to accept the mantle of responsibility that comes with these opportunities.”

The strength and resilience that determined leaders and managers display as they prioritize, inspire, define, and develop, enable them to draw upon their mettle and spirit to effectively usher in change. New ideas become inventions, workspaces break from the confines of location and language, creative energy is fed by freedom to think and discuss, and impediments to change are removed for work groups.

The real work of management and leadership is what matters: integrity, understanding, and developing qualities in people that produce respect, enlightenment, improved standards of living and learning. The caliber of leaders today determines the opportunities our children will have tomorrow. And that is what the buzz is truly about. TK

LOCAL BUSINESS LeaderTopeka SPOTLIGHT PARTNERS

AWARD WINNING DAY SPA SERVICES

With over 26 years of experience in beauty and wellness, Owner Trisha Williams, along with her professional team, provide an experienced and personalized approach to all of your beauty needs.

So many great clients, friends and employees have supported the growth of this business which led to the 2022 purchase of an existing day spa, and the expanded name of Customskin Medspa @ his and her salon and day spa.

Customskin Medspa @ his and her salon and day spa is the perfect solution for individual, corporate, and group events or services.

Looking for gift giving ideas this holiday season? A gift card would be an ideal stocking stuffer!

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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS

MORE THAN JUST MUDJACKING

Kansas Best Mudjacking is a premier foundation repair, waterproofing, and mudjacking contractor dedicated to providing friendly and affordable services in Kansas. They strive to deliver unparalleled workmanship on every project in and around Topeka, Lawrence and surrounding communities.

Kansas Best Mudjacking offers more than mudjacking (which is lifting slab concrete). They also offer a wide range of repairs to concrete such as waterproofing, bulging walls, settling foundations and drain tiles.

Marty and Debbie Keating opened Kansas Best Mudjacking in 2013 and now have over 25 years experience in the field.

Being a family-owned and operated business has advantages. Kansas Best Mudjacking is always available to address your needs and concerns. Feel free to reach out any time of the day.

CLEAR CLUTTER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Topeka Habitat ReStore accepts donated new and used building materials, home improvement items and furniture from local businesses and residents.

Donated items are sold to the public at a fraction of the retail price and all proceeds support Topeka Habitat for Humanity.

Sales of donated items help Topeka Habitat for Humanity partner with local families to build and repair safe, decent and affordable homes in our community—a good deal for you, the community, and the environment.

Together, we can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build a better future while creating stronger neighborhoods.

For more information visit Habitat for Humanity's ReStore website or call the number below.

www.kbmudjacking.com 785-246-0799 www.topekahabitat.org 785-783-7670

Get expert business advice and up-to-date information on business in Topeka at

TKmagazine.com

Send your news releases to news@tkmagazine.com.

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