Since beginning PSEL, I think more about my position and how I lead others. I have also observed other leaders and their leadership styles with a more informed eye.
One overarching conclusion that I have drawn is that it is important to always have “checks and balances” in your interactions (professional and personal) and to think before you speak.
The fall semester is fast approaching, and I realize that each year summer seems to pass by more quickly than the one before.
As a child, I anticipated summer vacation because it meant riding bikes, catching lightening bugs, swimming, playing outside, sleep overs with my friends, and a family vacation.
As a teenager the anticipation was more geared toward dates, hanging out with friends, the responsibility of a summer job, and the family vacation.
When I was a young adult, the summer didn’t present a specific “time off” but instead, meant a weekend getaway built in around the responsibilities and a full-time job.
As a parent, summer vacation presented a juggling act of camps, babysitters, planned activities and a return of the family vacation.
Now that my children are grown, I find that I am looking forward to summers spent doing some of the best things from summers past. I plan to go on dates, have weekend getaways, hang out with friends, and enjoy a family vacation.
Transitioning from one stage of life to the next is not always easy but it should be embraced as a new opportunity.
Following an upbeat and useful presentation by Jodi Himelright, I realize that networking is a necessary evil. I think that it is easy to “stay in your lane” and not branch out to meet other professionals. We can excuse ourselves from an event that we really don’t want to attend by using the go to “schedule conflicts” but we may be missing out on making a great connection. Over the course of the next year, I am going to make an effort to do more networking.
Leadership Philosophy
By using the first letters of my core leadership values, I have created an acronym that lends itself to the theme of my overall leadership philosophy.
Creativity – I believe that the ability to think outside of the box or to find a new way to solve an old problem is essential to forward momentum of a team.
Harmony – I believe finding joy each day improves health and creates a more successful work environment. I make is my goal to laugh at least once a day.
Achievement – I believe that achieving something is a boost to morale in both a personal and professional sense and I think that acknowledging others achievement creates a stronger team.
Integrity – I believe that integrity is necessary to a successful outcome. However, I believe that it is a value that can’t be taught since it is a part of a person’s very fiber.
Responsibility – I believe that one of the most basic steps in leadership is to promote responsibility and accountability for both successes and failures. I believe that a leader is responsible for their team and in turn each team member should be responsible for themselves. I think that people will make a stronger effort on a project when they feel owner ship of it.
CHAIR – Chair is a title that one is given when they take the leadership role of a committee or council. A chair is also a piece of furniture that provides support when needed and can be used to stand on when you are trying to grasp something that is out of reach. However, a chair is of no use to anyone unless it has a strong foundation; be it legs or wheels.
Since starting PSEL, I have become more observant of leadership styles around me in both my professional and personal life and I realize that the one constant is that there is no specific “one-size-fits-all” type of leader. Through my observations, I have noticed that leaders who enter into a new unit with their own theories on how to make things happen may not be as successful as the leader who takes the time to know his/her audience and is able to lead in a style that the team can understand, respect, and follow. Strong leadership does not have to be in your face. I have seen strong leaders create a productive and cohesive work environment with a laid back leadership style. I have also seen a relaxed leadership style result in an underwhelming team with no clear direction.
I think the ultimate goal for my leadership style is to inspire my team to contribute to the “big picture” while accomplishing their own personal development goals and having ownership of their choices and accountability for their outcomes.
I believe that leadership means embracing your role while allowing for fluidity dependent upon any given situation (i.e. stepping back so that another can have their moment in the spotlight). I have heard the phrase “natural born leader” but I think that anyone who possesses an independent nature, an enthusiasm for life, and a sense of accountability can be a leader. The key to successful leadership is to believe in what you are saying and to be ready, willing, and able to work side by side with your team. Validating others contributions, showing appreciation for a job well done, and individual recognition/praise boosts morale and encourages loyalty.
This blog has been created to track my year-long journey with the Penn State Emerging Leader Program (PSEL). Buckle up, it should be an interesting ride!
I am Central PA native but I spent 20 years living all over this beautiful country. Each time I moved to a new area, my goal was to embrace the local culture, history, and food (some local foods were easier to embrace than others). Although the mechanics of relocating every 2-3 years was difficult, it was a great experience and a chance to develop lasting friendships.
I moved to State College in 2006 and began working for the College of Nursing soon after. I love to travel, cook, and spend time with family and friends. I am the proud mother of two sons and one soon-to-be daughter-in-law and I share a home with a wonderful man who makes me laugh every day.