Leadershape Catalyst

LEARNING REFLECTION

On March 5, 2015, myself and various other student leaders met in Koldus 144 on a Saturday morning to learn, develop, and strengthen leadership skills. The program was facilitated by Kimberly Bowie who flew in before form Arizona. The morning started with a very ecstatic introduction from Kimberly, who was so welcoming, energetic and honest to us throughout the program. We did many task such as evaluating traits that we show and hide from others, evaluating strengths and weaknesses in leadership from the past, and planning for the future and how to achieve leadership goals and getting help from those who will guide us there. We performed a DISC analysis and divided into our individual groupings and discussed how to work with others and where we need others to work with us. Through these different task and evaluations, I could see a defined leadership path, how to get there, and who to aid me in my upcoming leadership journey.
A leadership model that resonated with me was learning about DISC and how to interact with other types of leaders, as well as giving in to my own weaknesses and allowing others who aide strengths in those areas. I did the evaluation and received a tie between the S and I letters. S types are described as Steady and Cooperative; they are organized, help others and collaborate well, but lack quick decision making skills and the ability to communicate needs. The I types are described as Interested and Lively. They are persuasive, open to new ideas, enjoy working with others and are interested in enthusiastic work, but are weak when they need to be in a quieter
environment, they lack facts and short answers, and need to be more organized. I sided with the S types for this activity because although I tied the same score for both, my leadership style leans towards S types, but my personality is the I type. Depending on the group, I will choose which leadership style to use. In a more serious situation, such as in my high school student council, where the group is crowd and the events are very detailed and planned, S type leadership is necessary in achieving an efficient outcome, however in an organization like high school band, it is more causal and laid back. Everyone has practiced their part multiple times before a performance, so your job as a leader is not to facilitate the performance, but ensure that the performers are gaining a valued and fun experience from the program.
Knowing your leadership strengths and weaknesses is simple. Through time and practice, noticeable patterns will arise where you shine or you avoid. However, when you understand how others can benefit from your strengths, but can also aide you in your weak spots, you become a more valued, respected, and efficient leader. If a leader did not possess this knowledge, they would be arrogant in believing there is only one type of people and one style of leadership. Ultimately where they lack in leadership will lead to upsetting performance. A leader must be willing to accept help where they need it and also know where their help is most valued, appreciated and necessary.
Now that I am aware of the four types of behavioral groupings in DISC, I will be able to evaluate other leaders and their strengths and weaknesses. I will be able to work better with groups of people I did not previously understand how to work with before and I will be more open to providing aid to those who I know are reluctant to request it.
Leadership is a service to the people one is serving. I now understand that leadership is different for many different people and you may not always be able to predict their styles. This
experience has opened my eyes to the different theories that people use to lead and where their leadership may have lapses. I am now able to work with other types of leaders and collaborate with them now that I have knowledge of the different dynamics of leadership that peoples may fall into.
What is your guiding philosophy that makes you who you are or the overall principles that guide your team? Add a photo or two! Putting your face to your story allows your readers to connect to you. And here’s a little tip from the pros - write in the first person so your readers can relate to you on a more personal level.