This is Goodnight and Not Goodbye

For my final blog post, my instructors have asked me to answer a variety of questions in multiple formats. I'll show you the questions too, just so we can keep everything in line. It's been a pleasure working with all of you in the past quarter, and I wish everyone the best, you're all great leaders in my book! So, without further ado...

How have you been able to apply what you have learned about leadership?

To me, everyday is a learning experience. No matter what I'm doing, I always believe that there is something to be learned, something to be gained from that event. This is true in all settings, but especially school where learning experiences are something that are the goal of the organization. That's why taking this class was so important for me. To me, a good leader is always willing and able to evolve, learn, and change, and that is what this class has let me do.

That being said, there were two key concepts that stuck out most in my mind throughout this course. Firstly, the relational leadership model is a fantastic tool that allows me and my peers to break down my actions into a more simplistic form. As leaders, we make decisions constantly, and the relational leadership model allows me to categorize and prioritze those decisions and actions that are made on a daily basis. It also allows me to easier explain these actions to my co-horts, as the steps and actions are all highlighted. The other main concept that stuck in my mind was the emphasis on change. In the past, I have been extremely reluctant to change and evolve, as I was stuck in my old ways. However, since taking this course, I have found the change is the only way to survive. Changes makes this better. And if you don't like the concept of radical change, simply evovle. I am doing that exact thing with my student organization right now, as while our mission has remained constant, the way we reach that is changing.

How are you more aware of yourself?

Being self aware is something that I lacked extremely thoughout my leadership life. I was always taught how to be an outward leader, and outward person, and how inward reflection was a waste of time. Fast forward to now, and those concpets are not only outdated, but can cause serious damage to your organization. Because of this class, I have set a variety of goals, as well as have learned a great deal about myself as a leader and as a person.

The part of the class that most helped me become self-aware was the STRENGTH's test. One great thing about STRENGTHs is that not only does it highlight your strengths, but also how to use them to the best of your ability. For me, I got Achiever, Arranger, WOO (Winning Over Others), Self-Assurance, and Communication, which are all themes that I've gotten in the past, but STRENGTHs broke it down even further in a Personalized Strengths Insight and helped me find what I'm good at and how I can improve.

What things do you now see differently? How are you changing?

As someone who has done things the same way for an extremely long time, this course has definetely allowed me to evolve and grow as a leader and as an individual. Let me background my leadership style first and then tell you how I've changed:

In the past, my leadership-style, while adaptive to the situation, has been very autocratic. It is a top-down model that I continuously employ. I expect others to heed my leadership and follow directions, and while creativitiy is encouraged, I only used it when I thought it was in the best interests to the organization.

Now, my style is constantly changing and evolving. I realize that doing things on my own, while seemingly productive, just brings down the team and the organziation around me as I crumble. I employ team-based decision making, democratic style, while still being able to make tough decisions. I surround myself not with like-minded people, but those who see things from an alternate perspective. I employ the upside-down pyramid model, as sometimes I'm there to lead, but often I'm there to support the actions of others.

This vision, while good, is and never will be complete. It needs to constantly change and evolve, as I do, in order to be effective.

How will you continue your learning about leadership?

Like I said before, one thing that I refuse to stop doing is learning. Everyday, every situation is a learning experience, and I will always force myself to have an open mind, even when I think I have everything figured out. I will employ lessons I've learned from past experiences in leadership, as well as lessons I've learned from the few leadership courses I

I will also make it a point to continue taking classes throughout my life. One downfall of being a leader is that there is no end-point. Your work is never complete. Because of this, I must always change and evolve to become the best leader and person that I can be. I must never stop learning, never stop changing, never stop leading.

What is your own philosophy of leadership?

This is probably the toughest question I've been asked in the class, however I find it increasingly easier to answer. At the beginning of this class, I always found it difficult to articulate my personal viewpoints, mostly because I made it a point to not discuss myself and to focus on others. Now I realize that a good leader focuses on himself intrspectively and other externally.

That being said, my philosophy is something that is difficult to define in a few short words. I believe in team-based leadership, where one person can't make decision and do things other their own. I believe in constant, real-time feedback in situations. I don't believe in negative criticism, or belittling someone for past mistakes. I believe in praise in public, and constant reminders of how important people are to the team. I believe in seperation of power, but also work-place seperation: a boss should never be too close to their subordinates.I will continue to build my knowledge by trying new things, reading some of the leadership books that weren't assigned to me, and seeking feedback from my co-workers and fellow officers.
Most importantly, I believe in me. I believe that I have the ability to do things that few others can. I believe that I can win in any situation, unless proven otherwise. I believe that every task should be done to the best of my ability, and to the best ability of those around me. I believe in excedding expectations, I believe in giving it my all, and I believe in me.

Lastly, one thing that my boss at Camp Christopher always says to me is "this is goodnight and not goodbye." Too often do we say goodbye. I believe that we should all start saying goodnight instead. Goodbye means we may never see you again, goodbye means the book is closed, and goodbye means closure. In leadership and at camp, we will see you again, the book is never closed, and we want you to hold on to the experiences and the things you've learned forever. This is goodnight and not goodbye.