LeaderShape 2015
LeaderShape Institute Reflection
Many dictionaries define leadership as the act of guiding a group of people. My definition was very similar to that before attending the Institute, a week long leadership retreat. Leaders were strong individuals who were in control of the situation and group. I never really viewed myself as a leader because this definition did not fit my own personality. However, after attending LeaderShape, I realize each one of us have qualities of a leader. During LeaderShape, we were given the opportunity to do a personality analysis, the DISC test, to find our standard leadership type. I scored very high for the ‘I’ category of influence and the ‘C’ category for conscientiousness. ‘I’ leaders have an emphasis on favorable impressions and influence by persuasion. As a person with strong people skills, this did not surprise me. ‘C’ leaders strive for accuracy and quality and are detail oriented; all traits for which I’m known. I scored very low for the ‘D’ category for dominance. My prior definition of leadership was primarily centered on people with these attributes of a ‘D’ leader: outgoing, immediate, and loud. The DISC analysis has developed my view of a leader and helped me identify myself as one. No one leader is fixed. Each is a collection of unique traits and has an individual spot on a team. While leaders vary in personality and style, I have learned there are unifying factors of a strong leader. They value a community atmosphere. In this community, they strive for inclusion and realize the value of each member. They have a healthy disregard for the impossible. This idealistic and revolutionary attitude allows leaders to bring their visions into realities. Visions are rooted in passion, another unifying quality of a strong leader. Leaders are at their best when they stand behind a cause close to their hearts. LeaderShape gave me a wonderful gift of a week to think of my passions without distractions from everyday life. It has helped solidify my choice of pursuing a career as a healthcare professional as well as my dream of bettering healthcare for all people from every walk of life. Attached is a copy of my Tomorrow’s Headline which outlines what I hope to see accomplished one day. Also attached is my Breakthrough Blueprint, an outline for how I will reach this vision. To follow this vision, I hope to take part in the Crossroads Volunteer Internship Program, an honors experience. By increasing my knowledge and exposure to this issue will help me to reach my vision. |
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