As we come to the end of our semester with a final wrap up discussion assignment we were asked the following question to reflect upon our learning. “What is leadership? How have your ideas changed/stayed the same over the course of the semester? Why is that? What was the most valuable lesson and why? What was the most valuable assignment and why? What else did you get out of this class?” (Pennsylvania State University, World Campus, 2012) The one question I do not feel I effectively followed through was, “what else did you get out of this class.” That’s because it took reading a wrap up discussion posted by a fellow class mate that provides the perspective of new leader something which may long escape the memory of a seasoned leader.
In her blog she expresses how she observes other leaders around her and is attempting to determine if they were born with their leadership traits or learned the skills. She expresses her thoughts of a co-worker she feels has the ability to influence others no matter if she has skills and has accomplished this by honing their leadership skills through experience. However, she also shares her perspective where some people have the “innate ability to influence others.” (Betcher, PSU World Campus, 2012) She does recognize leaders are unique in their style and will always need to develop and grow to be good leaders.
As she wraps up her discussion she shares her positive takeaways from the course as a new leader and how she will apply them to aid her growth as a leader. However, she expresses the challenge of being overwhelmed with what appears to be her own responsibilities on top of fulfilling the role of a leader.
In response to her discussion and concerns of attempting to balance her new leadership role was to reassure her of the natural feeling of being overwhelmed and challenged by direct reports on top of carving out time for oneself to self reflect. This time may be through the simple fifteen mile jaunt home where a conversation of self reflecting of the day can occur with the windshield. Processing how we as new or seasoned leaders handled a particular situation or interaction with a direct report or colleague. Leaders with character recognize they are not perfect, take ownership to their mistakes, show their vulnerability, and find extreme value in continuous learning and evolving as a leader.
The gist of the message, no matter what leadership theory, behavior, trait or style we take away and apply from this course we must never forget carving out time for ourselves. As leaders we are humans too, we do matter and if we allow ourselves to be consumed by the negativity others wallow in we will be no different than they and lose credibility as a leader. As leaders we must inspire, empower and lead a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.
Reference
Betcher, Kathryn, PSU World Campus (2012). PSYCH 484 Lesson 15: Putting it All Together Discussion Forum. On December 8, 2012.
Pennsylvania State University, World Campus (2012). PSYCH 485 Lesson 15: Putting it all Together. Retrieved on December 1, 2012, from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/fa12/psych485/002/content/15_lesson.html.