Week 2 – Discussion Forum 1

Cultivating Character from Crooked Timber [WLOs: 1, 2] [CLOs: 1, 2, 3]

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 3 of your Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow course text.

This discussion forum focuses on analyzing Case Study 3.2 (Cultivating Character from Crooked Timber) from your textbook. In at least one paragraph, supported by evidence in your text and from other research, respond to at least three of the five bullet points below.

• Explain if you agree with Brooks that modern Western culture makes the self the center of the universe.
• Explain the value of viewing humans as “crooked timber”. What might be the dangers of this perspective?
• Describe if humility is the foundation for character development. Why or why not?
• Explain which provisions of the Humility Code you agree with and take issue with.
• Do you recall other prominent leaders who struggled to develop their character while wrestling with their weaknesses? How did they cope with their flaws, and what virtues did they develop?

Week 2 – Discussion Forum 2

Poisoning Flint, Michigan [WLOs: 3, 4] [CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 4 of your Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow course text.

This discussion forum focuses on analyzing Case Study 4.2 (Poisoning Flint, Michigan) from your textbook. In at least one paragraph, supported by evidence in your text and from other research, respond to at least three of the five bullet points below.

• Explain if this is a case of administrative evil in action. Why or why not?
• Discuss if you think that the residents of Flint were treated differently because they are poor and African American.
• Describe how much blame the governor should accept for the crisis.
• Explain if governors should be able to appoint emergency managers who have the power to override the decisions of local elected officials.
• Describe what steps the state and federal government should take to repair the damage done to Flint and its residents, including children.