Leadership is a
term that I find changes on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes it can be referring
to a large team project, and sometimes it can be something so simple that it
will not even look like “leadership.”
From the beginning of this class I have found that the definition I have
of the word leadership has grown and become a much larger and broader
definition. I see leadership not only as
a characteristic, but an attitude and perspective. One does not have to be the assumed loud and
forceful person that is expected to take on these leadership roles. However, it does seem that those are the ones
that are noticed the most. From this
class and my own progression I have found that I am able to be an effective
leader without being bossy, in charge, and noticeable. This class has also taught me to learn from
my own mistakes. Before I would push my
mistakes under the rug and try to hide imperfections. Now I see that mistakes are not only necessary
but can make an experience memorable and interesting. For instance the gold ball tube exercise was
dreadful but we all remember it and can now look back and learn from that
mishap. I have been able to practice the
other side of a manager and lead with encouragement or by example. It is not always about telling others what to
do or having my hands all over each aspect of a project.
As for my own
“relational leadership model” I am learning that it needs to be almost less
structured. While I think having a
purpose and a goal is key and always should be the primary focus, I would
surround that goal with variability. The
ability to hand ambiguity is also necessary.
The saying rolling with the punches comes to my mind because a lot of
the time there are wrenches thrown in a plan and additional obstacles that come
to the surface. Additionally, ethics
should always play a role and have an influence on anything whether it is from
an individual or group perspective. Lastly
I would label a large part of my philosophy as team collaboration. I say collaboration because then it is not
one persons opinion verse another, but a joining of the two to creating an all-encompassing
outcome. From the group activities, and
especially the “who owns the house” and “marshmallow/pasta challenge” I
experienced this collaboration. Our groups
had a purpose and were able to take on the new twists that were added as the
challenges progressed. Furthermore, we
were successful when we put our heads together versus when one person’s word
was the definitive answer.
In the beginning I
believe the role of leadership was more about myself as a person. From these experiences and class discussions
though, I can see now that it is not really just about me, but it is about the
process and the group. It is so much
more than an individual. The main take
away I find is that it needs to be more about the participation and influences
of others on me and my input helping others.
I can see now why people say, “two heads are better than one.”
