Question 1

A leader who is all action and little vision is actually uninvolved.

Accepted Answer

A leader who is all action without vision may be involved in tasks, but they are not effectively leading or guiding their team towards a common goal. A leader should have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and develop a plan to achieve it, while also taking action towards that goal.

Question 2

Vision focuses on the current reality and maintaining the status quo.

Accepted Answer

Vision focuses on the future and creating a new reality, while maintaining the status quo is related to a lack of vision or desire for change.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is true of an organization's vision?

Accepted Answer

An organization's vision should be a view that everyone involved can believe in. It should provide direction and motivation for the organization's members to work towards achieving a common goal.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true of strategic thinkers?

Accepted Answer

Strategic thinkers are known for their ability to examine problems or opportunities from multiple perspectives, considering various viewpoints and potential outcomes. They are often able to see patterns and connections that others may miss. They also tend to question assumptions and mental models, challenging established ways of thinking in pursuit of new and innovative ideas. Avoiding signs of change that could hurt the organization (A) would be counterproductive to strategic thinking. Retaining one's own and others' assumptions and mental models (C) may hinder the ability to think creatively and outside the box. Accepting an answer rather than looking for patterns (D) is not characteristic of strategic thinkers, as they tend to explore multiple solutions and possibilities.

Question 5

Strategic leaders react to environmental changes rather than studying the events that have already taken place and acting based on their anticipation of what the future might be like.

Accepted Answer

Strategic leaders both react to environmental changes and study events that have already taken place, using this information to anticipate future trends and make informed decisions.

Question 6

A powerful vision frees people from the mundane by providing them with a challenge that requires them to give their best.

Accepted Answer

A powerful vision inspires people to rise above their daily routines and strive towards a greater goal, which can motivate them to perform at their highest level.

Question 7

Mission statements tend to grow and change in the face of changing technologies, economic conditions, or other environmental shifts.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mission statements tend to grow and change...

Question 8

Which of the following statements is true of strategic leadership?

Accepted Answer

Strategic leadership involves the ability to work with others to initiate changes that will create a competitive advantage for the organization in the future. Option A is incorrect because strategic leadership is concerned with the future and not just the current reality. Option B is incorrect because strategic leaders encourage diverse perspectives and welcome disagreement to make better decisions. Option D is incorrect because strategic leadership involves bringing change and adapting to new challenges rather than maintaining the status quo.

Question 9

A leader using the approach of excellence focuses on finding or creating something new.

Accepted Answer

A leader focusing on excellence typically aims to improve existing processes, performance, or products to achieve the highest standards, rather than primarily seeking to find or create something new, which is more characteristic of an innovative leadership approach.

Question 10

Strategy execution is the most important as well as the most difficult part of strategic management.

Accepted Answer

Strategy execution involves implementing the strategies planned by the organization, which requires coordination, communication, and leadership. It involves making sure every employee in the company understands the priorities and objectives and is working towards achieving them. Strategy execution is challenging as it requires aligning people, processes, and resources towards the common goal. Therefore, it is considered the most crucial part of strategic management.

Question 11

Which of the following is a difference between strategies and execution?

Accepted Answer

Strategies are plans or intentions, while execution involves taking action to make those plans a reality. Execution requires a solid organizational structure and processes to implement the strategy effectively.

Question 12

An effective vision:

Accepted Answer

An effective vision sets a standard of excellence and integrity for the organization to strive towards. It is not the property of the leader alone, nor is it always focused on the past. While it may happen naturally, it is important for leaders to intentionally create and communicate a clear vision to guide their team towards success.

Question 13

To be a(n) _____, one dreams big and transforms those dreams into significant strategic action, either through one's own activities or by hiring other leaders who can effectively execute the vision and strategy.

Accepted Answer

The question describes a leader who is able to dream big and effectively turn those dreams into strategic action. This requires more than just being a dreamer or a doer, but rather an effective leader who can both come up with great ideas and also lead a team to execute them. The term "uninvolved leader" does not accurately describe this type of leader.

Question 14

Focusing on core competencies and attaining synergy help companies create value for their customers.

Accepted Answer

Focusing on core competencies allows companies to excel in areas where they are strongest, while attaining synergy through collaboration and integration of various parts of the business can improve efficiency and effectiveness. Both of these strategies contribute to creating value for customers.

Question 15

A powerful vision:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A powerful vision:
...

Question 16

A vision is what the organization "stands for" in a larger sense, whereas a mission is ambitious desire for the future.

Accepted Answer

A vision statement outlines what an organization wants to be, or how it wants the world in which it operates to be (an "idealized" view of the world). It is a long-term view and concentrates on the future. It can be emotive and is a source of inspiration. A mission statement defines the organization's business, its objectives, and its approach to reach those objectives.

Question 17

To improve strategic leadership, leaders can:

Accepted Answer

Strategic leadership requires a strong set of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Leaders should identify their own weak points and work towards improving these skills to become more effective strategic leaders. Ignoring buy-in from employees and stakeholders, sticking to mental models and assumptions, and accepting answers without analyzing patterns can lead to poor decision-making and an ineffective leadership style.

Question 18

Leaders accept the easy answer rather than looking for patterns in what they see and hear.

Accepted Answer

Leaders often look for patterns in what they see and hear to make informed decisions, rather than accepting the easy answer. This approach helps them to understand complex situations and anticipate future challenges.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is true of vision?

Accepted Answer

A vision should not just focus on financial goals or the bottom line, but should also provide a sense of meaning and purpose to employees. This can help to inspire and motivate them towards achieving the vision, and also help them to see their work as something more than just a means to an end.

Question 20

Identify the correct statement regarding strategic leadership.

Accepted Answer

Strategic leadership is responsible for understanding the external environment and making choices about vision, mission, strategy, and their execution. It involves analyzing the current situation, anticipating future trends, and deciding on a course of action that aligns with the organization's goals. This type of leadership is not necessarily innate and requires a specific set of skills and knowledge. While it does react to environmental changes, it also anticipates them and plans accordingly. Strategy execution involves many different elements, but strategic leadership is a crucial component of it.

Quiz 13: Creating Vision and Strategic Direction