The Servant Ch 6

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Questions and Answers

What does Simeon imply is the primary issue in troubled companies?

Problems primarily stemming from leadership (correct)

Inefficient employees in lower positions

High employee turnover rates

Outdated company policies

According to the dialogue about family dynamics, what is often misunderstood by parents?

Children acting up is usually linked to external influences.

Discipline methods are the sole contributor to children's acting out.

The educational system is primarily responsible for children's behavior.

The behavior problems of children are symptoms of issues with the parents. (correct)

What concept related to behavior did Simeon mention that contrasts with traditional thinking?

Behavior drives feelings rather than feelings driving behavior. (correct)

Behavior should be legislated to improve outcomes.

Thoughts are the sole motivators of behavior.

Negative feelings lead to negative actions.

How does Simeon view employee manuals filled with policies?

They are often ineffective at addressing real issues. Signup and view all the answers

What does the wise old general's quote imply about leadership?

Successful teams depend on strong leadership. Signup and view all the answers

How does Praxis suggest we can develop feelings for someone or something?

By committing to focus attention and resources on them. Signup and view all the answers

What does the practice of treating a spouse as they were treated during courtship aim to achieve?

To revive lost romantic feelings through behavioral changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about responsibility in leadership according to the content?

Effective leaders align their actions with their intentions and assume responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

What psychological issue is described as assuming too much responsibility for others' actions?

Neuroticism Signup and view all the answers

What phrase is mentioned that encapsulates the idea of acting to create feelings?

Fake it to make it. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson did the narrator express about personal responsibility in their experiences?

Everyone has the ability to choose their response to stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

According to the discussion, what is the relationship between determinism and individual potential?

Potentialities in individuals are actualized by their decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What significant view did Viktor Frankl develop during his time in a concentration camp?

Man has the ability to self-determine despite circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What did the teacher suggest is a key difference between humans and animals?

Humans consciously choose their responses to stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What was the sergeant's example used to illustrate different responses to the same stimulus?

Two veterans with the same background in Vietnam. Signup and view all the answers

What compelling statement did Mr. Caimi make to his class regarding homework?

Nobody can force you to do your homework. Signup and view all the answers

How did the teacher characterize the notion of freedom in relation to personal choice?

True freedom lies in the ability to respond to life's challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What does determinism assert about causes and effects?

All effects can be predicted if causes are known. Signup and view all the answers

How did Freud's theories impact the concept of free will?

They completely dismissed the idea of conscious decision making. Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates the nature versus nurture debate?

Conjoined twins sharing a body yet having distinct personalities. Signup and view all the answers

What does genetic determinism allow individuals to do?

Excuse their actions based on their hereditary background. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement exemplifies a misconception about personal responsibility?

External elements have no effect on an individual's behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What argument did the teacher make regarding Freud's contributions?

Freud's theories have caused society to avoid accountability. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the sergeant to the notion of personal responsibility in society?

He criticized the lack of responsibility in modern society. Signup and view all the answers

What paradox is presented regarding the concept of causation in relation to the creation of the universe?

There cannot be a first cause without prior causes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Importance of Action over Thought

Ruskin's quote highlights the primacy of actions over beliefs or thoughts.

Leadership and Behavior

Effective leadership focuses on the behavior of the leadership team, not just employees.
Problems in a company often stem from leadership issues. The same principle applies to troubled families.
A wise general's observation: weak platoons are a symptom of weak leaders.

Praxis and Behavior

Traditional thinking posits that thoughts and feelings drive behavior, but Praxis argues the opposite is also true.
Actions influence thoughts and feelings.
Cathexis refers to the emotional attachment we develop toward things we dedicate time and effort to (e.g., pets, hobbies).
Dehumanizing others (e.g., using derogatory terms) makes mistreatment easier to justify. Conversely, positive treatment fosters positive feelings.

The Power of Commitment

The concept of "fake it till you make it" is relevant to practice in emotional growth, creating positive feelings.
Focusing on behaviors for a set timeframe, as modeled by Dr. Campolo in marriage, can cultivate feelings.

Responsibility and Choice

Many people avoid assuming responsibility in order to place it elsewhere.
"I will change when..." implies that change depends on external factors, but true leadership is about choosing to change.
Different perspectives exist on responsibility in society, including neuroticism, character disorders, and the relationship between nature and nurture.
Determinism is the theory that every action has a cause.
Freud's deterministic ideas are contrasted, and the paradox of creation discussed.

Building Character and Habits

Developing leadership entails building character and cultivating positive habits.
Four stages of developing habits:
Unconscious and Unskilled
Conscious and Unskilled
Conscious and Skilled
Unconscious and Skilled
Leadership is about substance (character) rather than style or personality.
Examples of different leadership styles from various historical figures are provided.

Choice as Fundamental

Making choices is fundamental to leadership and life; you must be responsible for the choices you make.
The quote from Kierkegaard emphasizes that the act of not choosing is still a choice.

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Description

This quiz explores the significance of action over thought in leadership and behavior. It emphasizes how leadership quality can impact organizational and family dynamics, as well as the effects of actions on emotions and commitments. You'll reflect on concepts like Praxis and Cathexis as you deepen your understanding of effective leadership.