This year in Emerging Leader's Academy, we discussed five elements of leader development while reflecting upon how we could grow into stronger leaders. These five topics were self-image and self-worth, leadership initiative, connecting with others, team building, and personal reflection.
Self-Image and Self-Worth
Self-image and self-worth are two important aspects of leadership. Self-image is how a person sees and feels about herself. People with a good self-image tend to be successful because they are confident in their ability to take on new challenges. They appreciate others while also respecting themselves. I have learned that having a good self-image helps me live out adventures and opportunities I have always wanted to achieve. I don't waste energy on negative thoughts and insecurities.
Self-worth is the opinion and value a person places on herself. I learned that it is not only necessary to have a strong sense of self-worth as a leader; a good leader should also see the worth of each of their teammates. As a youth minister and a prospective teacher, I strive to help teens find a strong sense of self-worth so that they know their value independently of what others think of them. |
Leadership Initiative
It is important to take initiative in leadership. Effective leaders pursue connection with their teammates and communicate their mission. They earn trust rather than expecting it. They inspire and empower people and encourage them to use their strengths. I learned that as a leader, I must delegate responsibilities to my teammates while working alongside them. Leaders cannot shy away from change or they will not be able to grow or take risks. They learn from their mistakes and take responsibility for their team's mistakes. As I continue getting experience in education, I am excited to embrace leadership opportunities. In the meantime, I have had the chance to work with and observe incredible mentors through this ELA program as well as my practicum experiences.
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Connecting with Others
I have always believed that the best way to connect with people is to listen to them with genuine interest. Though I have found myself distracted by busyness, this year I have worked on active listening in my conversations so that I can form deeper connections with others. By starting with my relationships at home and gradually branching out to my friends and acquaintances, I have developed habits that help me connect with others more easily. Connecting with people requires intentionality and being present in the current moment.
I used to think it was nearly impossible to connect deeply with people through technology rather than in the physical world, but the COVID-19 situation this semester showed me that connection can happen anywhere - even through a Zoom meeting. This year, I have enjoyed making authentic connections with peers, professionals, and students, and I look forward to finding more creative ways to learn from others in the future. |
Team Building
Good teams consist of different individuals that unite in order under a mission. Teams thrive when there is open communication, even when that means confronting uncomfortable disagreements. Team leaders need to delegate tasks to their teammates while having empathy when things don't go as planned. I believe one of the most important aspects of team leadership is being able to clearly state the expectations for each team member. It is also important to be self-aware. This year I participated in many different teams with a variety of roles. I enjoyed being a part of the pen-pal project by following the leadership of others. I also got to help lead and delegate the outreach program to other ELA classes. This leadership role was interesting to me because it required me to plan with and trust my co-leaders when I was not available to go into the other classrooms.
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Personal Reflection
Taking time to self-reflect is a very important element of leadership and personal growth. Personal growth takes place in activities such as reading and spending time with others, when new ideas surface for a person to meditate upon. It also occurs in times of solitude away from the distractions and responsibilities of everyday life. My education classes this past semester encouraged self-evaluation after every teaching experience, which helped me recognize that I spend a lot of time in self-reflection. Evaluating myself and planning ahead helps me determine my priorities and organize my personal goals. As a leader, it is very important to frequently step back and become aware of my habits - productive or unproductive - as well as my relationships with my teammates in order to ensure that I continue growing as a leader and a person.
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