School of Business

Dean Brock reflects on School of Business and leadership skills

Jim Brock, Dean of the School of Business, spoke at the State Farm MBA Executive Leadership Series on September 24, 2008. Brock's lecture included goals for the School of Business, reflections on growth in emerging economies, and his views on leadership skills required for success in the global economy.  

Speaking to goals for the business school, Brock would like to see the PLU School of Business be more active and visible in the south sound and throughout western Washington. "I would like us to be seen as a community player and as an organization that helps to make a difference in the region," Brock said.

He would also like to continue to increase co-curricular opportunities for students. These include internships, various service projects, and regional and national competitions.

The majority of Brock's lecture focused on Shanghai, Dubai, and Macau, three rapidly growing economies in the developing world. He was struck by the enormity of development, the global focus that each brings, and the relative indifference these regions show toward the US. Brock believes that in a truly global economy, American competitive strengths will increasingly be education, ideas, and innovation.

In addition to “standard” leadership skills, Brock believes that successful global leaders also need four additional traits: global credibility, preference for diversity, technical savvy, and adaptability.

He describes the first trait, global credibility, as a combination of competence and confidence. "This is why study abroad programs are so critically valuable," Brock said. "Students who study abroad come back much more confident about themselves and about their ability to maneuver successfully in unfamiliar environments."

The second trait, a preference, not just tolerance, for diversity results in leaders who "are much more able to respect differences and seek to understand them."

Brock believes the third trait, technical savvy, is required in our world of fast-paced technological advancement.

The fourth trait, adaptability, speaks to minimizing preconceptions. "Use your intuition but don't rush to judgment," Brock suggests. "Seek to understand the culture, tradition, and values, have contingency plans, and be prepared to move quickly."

Photo courtesy of PLU Photo Services

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