By CATHY HADDOCK
Kimball Fisher was awarded the first “Distinguished Alumni Award” from William D. Dyer and the Master of Organizational Behavior program Friday.
Fisher was awarded a plaque and check for his accomplished work in the field of organizational behavior. Five other awards were given to students for their outstanding work in the organizational behavior program.
The mission of the Marriott School of Management is to “educate students with ethical values, management skills and leadership abilities needed in organizations worldwide.” Fisher was given this award because he exemplifies this mission.
Fisher thanked faculty members and his wife for the honor. He emphasized the importance of good theory and good practice in the workplace and focused his talk on legacy, teams and leadership.
Fisher has worked extensively in the field and has taught companies and individuals to better lead self-directed work teams. He teaches people how to lead more effectively. Members of the Fisher Group, a company Fisher and his wife started, have trained and consulted at least one-third of the Fortune 100 companies.
Fisher said good leaders will act like shepherds, not like sheepherders. Sheepherders use sheep dogs that nip at the heels of the sheep and scare them to move. Shepherds, however, lead and the sheep follow because they trust the shepherd and they know him. Likewise, a good leader sets an example and assumes others will follow without compulsion.
Fisher encouraged students to bloom where they are planted and make the most of opportunities. He spoke of the importance of setting and maintaining high values.
“Never settle or compromise you values. Don’t trade treasures for trinkets,” Fisher said.
Fisher also suggested creating a legacy.
“Celebrate what you are, don’t mourn for what you are not,” he said.
Because of the efforts of the MOB program, companies are becoming more effective and more compassionate. The MOB degree prepares students to analyze, manage and change systems to better meet the needs of the people and their organizations.
The first MOB class was offered at BYU in 1973. During that year, only a few students applied for the major. Now, about 80 students apply and only 25-30 are accepted.
“Organizations are increasingly turning to the Marriott School’s graduates because they emphasize values — ethics, international savvy and cutting-edge management techniques — that are becoming more and more important in today’s environment,” said organizational behavior professor Gary F. McKinnon.
“At the Marriott School of Management, we have high expectations. We expect to educate students who exhibit a particular set of values, professional expertise and commitment to leadership. These young men and women will become future leaders within their church and within their families, communities and professions,” said K. Fred Skousen, dean of the Marriott School of Management.
