Well, I just completed my first interview this morning with Susan Sampsell, Director of Administration in the College of Ag Science.  Since this was my first one, I didn’t really know what to expect, but I found it to be very insightful.  Susan’s primary leadership focus is on interpersonal skills and building relationships.  It seemed that no matter what question she was answering, the response always led back to relationships.  She recommended a blog by Shari Harley at www.candidculture.com which discusses how to have candid conversations with co-workers.  Interestingly, I am reading a book for one of my independent studies by Shari Harley, called “How to Say Anything to Anyone”.  As I read these, everything seems like common sense, but it’s amazing how these types of conversations are so often avoided in the workplace.

To start with, this is the first blog I’ve ever written, so please bear with me.  I’m hoping as the year goes on these become easier to write and more exciting to read.

I’ve been working through the self-reflection activities required for PSEL over the past couple weeks, and just wrapped them up by completing my Reflected Best Self profile.  This has been a very eye-opening process for me.  As I worked through each activity, I began to see similar themes surface with respect to my values and characteristics.  Themes that make sense to me, but I doubt I would have been able to spout off if asked point blank before starting this process.  Working through the Reflected Best Self exercise really brought this to a head, as I saw several of the same themes  pop up in the responses I received, such as positive, collaborative, empathetic, and patient.  It’s good to know that others view the same qualities in me that I find important.

As I move through the PSEL program, and take these skills beyond into my career, it is essential that I continue to reflect on these values and apply them in all situations.  This will not only help me be a better leader, but a better person in general.