In the real world, functions are mathematical representations of input-output situations. A vending machine is one such example. The input is the money combined with the selected button. The output is the product.
Here is another example: The formula for converting a temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius is a function expressed as:
C = (5/9)*(F – 32), where F is the Fahrenheit temperature and C is the Celsius temperature.
If it is 77 degrees Fahrenheit in Phoenix Arizona, then what is the equivalent temperature on the Celsius thermometer?
Our input is 77.
C = (5/9)*(77 – 32)
C = (5/9)*(45)
C = 25
The equivalent temperature is 25 degrees Celsius.
To complete the Discussion activity, please do the following:
Choose your own function or choose from the list below and then provide a unique example of a function and evaluate the function for a specific input (like the example above).
Arm length is a function of height.
The circumference of a circle is a function of diameter.
The height of a tree is a function of its age.
The length of person’s shadow on the ground is a function of his or her height.
Weekly salary is a function of the hourly pay rate and the number of hours worked.
Compound interest is a function of initial investment, interest rate, and time.
Supply and demand: As price goes up, demand goes down.
The CEO should focus on fostering ongoing dialogue. Conversations must be 2-way and scheduled to occur on a regular basis with members of the leadership team to allow them to follow up on feedback from their staff and give them the support they need to perform their roles effectively. Individualized consideration is where the leader provides a supportive environment to help coach followers through the personal challenges (Manns). Consideration should be given for individual differences among the leadership team in order to provide better coaching experiences and delegate responsibilities more effectively. These discussions allow for concerns to be addressed immediately and a timeline for resolution and accountability to be established. Employees feel more supported by their leaders when leaders are concerned with their personal feelings and needs (Nouri, 678).
The CEO needs to set up and follow a plan of action about what specifically needs to be changed or improved in order to create a higher degree of performance. He should also communicate clearly the timeline in which the team is expected to accomplish these changes. The CEO needs to be more specific when assigning tasks in an effort to guide the leadership team toward more specific goals. These changes would lead to a focus on inspiration, which in turn will lead to higher performance. A transformational leader should have a clear vision of the future that is simple, understandable, and energizing (Manns)
The CEO needs to begin acknowledging problems and concerns from the employees within the organization and address them as quickly as possible in order to not let these issues grow before they can solved and increase the trust that the employees have for the leadership team. Having members of the leadership team on each unit make rounds at least weekly to discuss with staff any concerns that they may have about the organization or their current role and then having the leadership team debrief each other monthly on staff and environmental needs. Transformational leadership is based on having a clear vision of the future that is simple, understandable, and energizing (Manns) This process would follow the transformational leadership theory in that it would allow leaders to have a transparent view of the issues that are important to the employees and allow for the opportunity to quickly form a resolution or a plan for follow-up.