3 Chapter 3

My name is Heather Gerdes; I am a graduate student in the Leadership Education program with a focus on Organizational Leadership. I am graduating May 2017, and I value the education I have received here at Winona State University. I look forward to graduating and putting my learned knowledge into practice in my current role as the Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Intervention Coordinator at WSU.

Going into the Change Leadership class, I cannot recall any concerns that I had other than having an uncertainty of entering a new class. As a returning student to Dr. Holmes’s classroom, I had a good idea of what to expect. From experience in the Fall 2016 Scholarship class under the instruction of Dr. Holmes, I knew I would need to come to class prepared to discuss my understanding of the readings that would be assigned. I also knew writing assignments were going to need to be in APA formation, provide thoughtful and well planned out structure, demonstrate proper grammar and word choice. The challenge was and still is, writing in a scholarly fashion as this is not my preferred writing style. However, previously taking Scholarship helped with the challenge, and overall, I felt prepared.

Incoming graduate students to Change Leadership will gain an understanding of basic leadership theories and leadership skills. Throughout the course, students will learn how to examine case studies, and problem solves the issues presented. Northouse (2016) suggests leadership is a process where an individual influences a group to achieve a common goal. This paper is to provide advice to fellow graduate students of Change Leadership and how becoming a leader starts from within.

Change Leadership provided me with an understanding of what leaders do and who they are. Leadership is influencing behavior and working collaboratively. Leaders empower and advocate for others. Identify strengths and weaknesses you have and stand true to who you are. Respectfully lead by example and know how others perceive you. Knowing how others view you is important. Be someone who inspires, influences, and empowers others. Having self-awareness and practice self-reflection is important.

This course helped me define and reveal my personal values in regards to leadership. Gain perspective on these values and been my compass. Leaders push for a solution because it is the right thing to do, not because it is the easy thing to do.

We all deal with conflict and uncertainty at some point. Change leadership will assist in learning how to use leadership skills to handle these fiery situations. At the cusp of conflict, often two things happen: one, change will occur and two, growth will ensue. Uncertainty can be difficult. Use the uncertainty to your advantage and take the opportunity to pave the way. Make things happen. Create the ending you want. Push yourself beyond your safety zone and limits.

Expand horizons and learn from other leaders. Learn how you want to lead and how you don’t want to lead. Find balance- physically, emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, socially. It will help you to become the best leader you can be.

Change Leadership encourages curiosity and demonstrates how to assess situations. Know your assumptions and biases on topics and situations. The decision made will make a difference in the outcome. Remember to explore the situation through different lenses to gain the perspectives of many. Remain open minded and listen; listen to even the silenced. Many times, the unspoken word is the loudest, most true, and most vulnerable. Remember to listen to the nonverbal story; actions speak louder than words.

Remain adaptive. Flexible and adaptive leadership is making appropriate behavior changes for the situation (Yukl & Mahsud, 2010). It is imperative to gather the data, make observations, listen, and test understandings of circumstances. Be confident in your ability to see the big picture with clarity. When clarity is muddy, take a step back, breathe, and start again with fresh eyes and ears.

Make connections with people, listen, and nurture those relationships. Be patient, challenges and changes will arise, address the issue and hear what people are thinking, needing and feeling. Be genuine and guide people through the process, the way they need your support. Remember, not everyone needs the same guidance, and you will have to adapt.

Check-in with classmates and Dr. Holmes. Know and be comfortable with the environment in which you are in, and the situation you find yourself. Assess the situation. Analyze and strategize your next move. You and classmates may need to be motivated, inspired, disciplined, etc. Having integrity and being transparent will provide you with confidence and credibility.

In Change Leadership, you will acquire skills. Some skills you will excel, gain energy, and succeed with; others may] exhaust and challenge you. Don’t be afraid of the process. Be in tune with this and adjust whenever possible. It is what makes a functional and effective team. Be a person of purpose. Know your purpose and let others know it as well. Be persistent in your academics, complete tasks on time.

You will have group work in Change Leadership. When working in groups, it is important to make sure everyone is being heard and participating in the discussion. Take the initiative to reach out to classmates; be collaborative. Consider this an opportunity to gain knowledge and insights in something new and different. Build relationships. Having people, you can share papers and ask for feedback will help you in the long run. Have discussions with the people around you about your purpose. Find out what their purpose is as well. Find commonalities and shared ideas. Having a group focus on a shared purpose and goal can be exhilarating, rejuvenating, and motivating. Embrace the likenesses you share with others and work together to make a difference.

This class will provide knowledge and skills to be a great leader. In many ways and situations, you are already a leader. Take pride in where you have been and where you continue to go. Take risks, think big, and make possibilities into your realities. Share your knowledge and experiences with whoever will listen. When you want to give up, dig deep and find your motivation and inspiration. You are on your way to being the next great leader.

References

Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: theory and practice. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications.

Yukl, G., & Mahsud, R. (2010). Why flexible and adaptive leadership is essential. Consulting

Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 62(2), 81.