10 answers
Sara
Student
Winter Garden, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What minor should I choose between Leadership and Supply chain/operations management if I'm majoring in Management and I plan to become an Operations Manager?
I have researched both of these minors and they both seem to have pros but I'm wondering other people's perspective of which one will be the most beneficial.
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10 answers
Jessica Hutchinson
Director, Organizational Change and Project Management
4
Answers
Greensboro, North Carolina
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
I highly endorse pursuing an undergraduate degree in Supply Chain & Operations, followed by a work experience of 5-10 years, and then returning for an MBA. Here's the rationale - initiating your educational journey with SCO will provide you with a solid base and comprehension that will set you up for a triumphant career start. During your professional journey, you can hone your leadership skills via development programs offered by your company, coupled with enriching your knowledge through leadership books. When you decide to further your education with an MBA, you'll find yourself leading the pack in your classes, as your firsthand experience will have already familiarized you with the fundamentals. I took a 20-year gap before pursuing my MBA, and I can confidently say it was a decision well made.
Thank you so much Jessica, this is very helpful and detailed plan!
Sara
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6130
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Sara,
Introductory Overview
When you're weighing up whether to choose a minor in Leadership or Supply Chain/Operations Management to supplement your major in Management, it's vital to think about the unique skills and insights each one provides. Both have their merits, but your final decision should hinge on your career aspirations, personal interests, and the specific demands of the job you're targeting.
Exploring the Leadership Minor
Opting for a minor in Leadership equips you with key skills that are indispensable for managerial success. Leadership courses typically hone your abilities in communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and fostering teamwork. These are all vital for effectively managing teams and spearheading organizational change.
By selecting a Leadership minor, you can boost your capacity to inspire and motivate others, navigate intricate interpersonal dynamics within a company, and propel strategic initiatives. These skills are especially beneficial for those aiming for leadership roles like Operations Manager, where leading teams and shaping organizational culture is of utmost importance.
Furthermore, a Leadership minor can deepen your understanding of organizational behavior, ethics, and diversity management – all of which are critical facets of successful leadership in today's fast-paced business world.
Understanding the Supply Chain/Operations Management Minor
Conversely, a minor in Supply Chain/Operations Management can furnish you with specialized knowledge and skills related to refining processes, managing logistics, and ensuring operational efficiency within a company. This minor usually encompasses subjects like inventory management, procurement, quality control, supply chain optimization, and operations strategy.
By opting for a Supply Chain/Operations Management minor, you can gain a more profound understanding of how companies manage their resources, streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. These skills are particularly relevant for those seeking operations management roles where overseeing production processes, managing supply chains, and enhancing operational efficiency are key duties.
Additionally, a Supply Chain/Operations Management minor can provide you with analytical tools and problem-solving methods that are vital for pinpointing operational bottlenecks, implementing process enhancements, and fostering continuous innovation within a company.
Making Your Decision
As you deliberate between a minor in Leadership and Supply Chain/Operations Management to complement your Management major, consider the following:
If your career goal as an Operations Manager leans more towards leading teams, spearheading organizational change, and refining your interpersonal skills, then a Leadership minor could be the better fit.
Alternatively, if you're keen on delving into the complexities of optimizing operational processes, managing supply chains efficiently, and boosting overall operational performance, then a minor in Supply Chain/Operations Management might be more advantageous.
In the end, your choice should reflect your career goals and align with your personal strengths and passions.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: This publication is renowned for its high-quality articles on leadership development strategies and best practices in operations management.
MIT Sloan Management Review: This review offers pioneering insights into leadership theories and innovative approaches to supply chain management.
Journal of Operations Management: This scholarly journal features research-based articles on various aspects of operations management, including supply chain optimization strategies and operational efficiency methods.
May God bless you, Sara!
JC.
Introductory Overview
When you're weighing up whether to choose a minor in Leadership or Supply Chain/Operations Management to supplement your major in Management, it's vital to think about the unique skills and insights each one provides. Both have their merits, but your final decision should hinge on your career aspirations, personal interests, and the specific demands of the job you're targeting.
Exploring the Leadership Minor
Opting for a minor in Leadership equips you with key skills that are indispensable for managerial success. Leadership courses typically hone your abilities in communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and fostering teamwork. These are all vital for effectively managing teams and spearheading organizational change.
By selecting a Leadership minor, you can boost your capacity to inspire and motivate others, navigate intricate interpersonal dynamics within a company, and propel strategic initiatives. These skills are especially beneficial for those aiming for leadership roles like Operations Manager, where leading teams and shaping organizational culture is of utmost importance.
Furthermore, a Leadership minor can deepen your understanding of organizational behavior, ethics, and diversity management – all of which are critical facets of successful leadership in today's fast-paced business world.
Understanding the Supply Chain/Operations Management Minor
Conversely, a minor in Supply Chain/Operations Management can furnish you with specialized knowledge and skills related to refining processes, managing logistics, and ensuring operational efficiency within a company. This minor usually encompasses subjects like inventory management, procurement, quality control, supply chain optimization, and operations strategy.
By opting for a Supply Chain/Operations Management minor, you can gain a more profound understanding of how companies manage their resources, streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. These skills are particularly relevant for those seeking operations management roles where overseeing production processes, managing supply chains, and enhancing operational efficiency are key duties.
Additionally, a Supply Chain/Operations Management minor can provide you with analytical tools and problem-solving methods that are vital for pinpointing operational bottlenecks, implementing process enhancements, and fostering continuous innovation within a company.
Making Your Decision
As you deliberate between a minor in Leadership and Supply Chain/Operations Management to complement your Management major, consider the following:
If your career goal as an Operations Manager leans more towards leading teams, spearheading organizational change, and refining your interpersonal skills, then a Leadership minor could be the better fit.
Alternatively, if you're keen on delving into the complexities of optimizing operational processes, managing supply chains efficiently, and boosting overall operational performance, then a minor in Supply Chain/Operations Management might be more advantageous.
In the end, your choice should reflect your career goals and align with your personal strengths and passions.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: This publication is renowned for its high-quality articles on leadership development strategies and best practices in operations management.
MIT Sloan Management Review: This review offers pioneering insights into leadership theories and innovative approaches to supply chain management.
Journal of Operations Management: This scholarly journal features research-based articles on various aspects of operations management, including supply chain optimization strategies and operational efficiency methods.
May God bless you, Sara!
JC.
Allen Kirby
Expert Member of Technical Staff
5
Answers
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Allen’s Answer
All I would add to what has already been stated is that Leadership skills are crucial regardless of your specific role or level. Supply chain might help you find a specific supply chain related job faster but leadership skills will help you perform and advance in any role. Perhaps you could figure out how to do both.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Thank you, Allen!
Sara
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
68
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Sara,
I would suggest Operations management. It's an area of interest to you and will give you more insights into a specialization you want to work in. In my opinion that is the purpose of a minor.
I would suggest Operations management. It's an area of interest to you and will give you more insights into a specialization you want to work in. In my opinion that is the purpose of a minor.
Thank you so much, Jason!
Sara
Amanda Spafford
CPA
5
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
I agree - supply chain would be my choice
The key thing with leadership skills is that you tend to learn these as you work in your role. You see what works from your own line managers and before you can be a really effective manager, you need to have the base technical skills to rely on so you can direct others.
To me, leadership cannot be learned in a text book. It requires practical, on the job experience which can be supplemented with training.
All the best to you
The key thing with leadership skills is that you tend to learn these as you work in your role. You see what works from your own line managers and before you can be a really effective manager, you need to have the base technical skills to rely on so you can direct others.
To me, leadership cannot be learned in a text book. It requires practical, on the job experience which can be supplemented with training.
All the best to you
Michelle Mitrione
Product Management
5
Answers
Darien, New York
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
I think the Supply Chain will give your specialized skills that can help build a strong resume. The leadership skills are imperative for growth and career development, but that can come with time and there are other options to gain leadership skills that include on the job training, free courses, watching ted talks, emulating others.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Sara
Kaitlyn Luong
Consulting
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kaitlyn’s Answer
Supply chain in my opinion. This will give you the skills and background needed for the job and the management position will come from experience and working in the industry for a while. Hope this helps and good luck!
Vladislav Krasnov
Management consulting
7
Answers
Queen Creek, Arizona
Updated
Vladislav’s Answer
I would say supply chain / operations management would help you better with your plan of becoming Operations manager. Good luck with achieving your career aspirations!
Sarah Schreiner
Client Experience Leader
5
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hey Sara! I have a liberal arts background so take my advice with that caveat :) Do you feel like you're learning Leadership skills within your Management major?
If no, I'd say to go with Leadership! Leadership skills are so important for any role you take. Plus, if you end up wanting to pivot out of Operations into a different part of the field or industry, your Leadership minor may be more relevant.
That said, if you feel like you're getting some good leadership skills in your Management degree, you can use the Supply Chain/Ops minor to specialize. And maybe sprinkle in a leadership class or two as you go! Good luck to you!
If no, I'd say to go with Leadership! Leadership skills are so important for any role you take. Plus, if you end up wanting to pivot out of Operations into a different part of the field or industry, your Leadership minor may be more relevant.
That said, if you feel like you're getting some good leadership skills in your Management degree, you can use the Supply Chain/Ops minor to specialize. And maybe sprinkle in a leadership class or two as you go! Good luck to you!
Thank you!
Sara
Noel von Mizener
Strategy Consultant
5
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Noel’s Answer
Lots of answers here, but what I would add is given your career goal to become an Operations Manager, a minor in Supply Chain/Operations Management might be more directly beneficial as it aligns closely with the core competencies of the role. It equips you with specific industry knowledge that can make you a more effective and efficient manager within operations contexts.
However, if you feel confident in acquiring technical operations skills through other means (like certifications, workshops, or on-the-job training), and you wish to strengthen your soft skills profoundly, the Leadership minor could also be a valuable addition to your education portfolio, enhancing your ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively.
Ultimately, the choice depends on where you see the biggest gap in your current skill set or interests and how you prefer to balance or integrate your technical knowledge with leadership capabilities.
I currently work in supply chain, and I focused my studies in my undergrad in supply chain. I feel it gave me a well-rounded experience to be both technical in operations, but also gain the soft skills in leadership!
However, if you feel confident in acquiring technical operations skills through other means (like certifications, workshops, or on-the-job training), and you wish to strengthen your soft skills profoundly, the Leadership minor could also be a valuable addition to your education portfolio, enhancing your ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively.
Ultimately, the choice depends on where you see the biggest gap in your current skill set or interests and how you prefer to balance or integrate your technical knowledge with leadership capabilities.
I currently work in supply chain, and I focused my studies in my undergrad in supply chain. I feel it gave me a well-rounded experience to be both technical in operations, but also gain the soft skills in leadership!