Three Semester Review
Three Semester Review
Embedded Files
Understanding of Leadership
Over my time in Public Leadership, I have definitely become more aware of everyday leaders. Whereas before I pictured leaders as politicians or activists, I now realize that you can find leaders everywhere, from major league athletics to your own hometown.
My understanding of leadership centers on a person's ability to create a vision that inspires people and a person's ability to set achievable goals to fulfill that mission. A variety of different leadership traits can be applied to this philosophy, but I think overall I have noticed that my understanding of leadership is much more broad than it was prior to entering into Public Leadership.
Personal Leadership Style
My personal leadership style is a conglomeration of everything I have learned in PL. I aspire to be a transformational leader. I really latched onto the idea of servant leadership and working to serve those around you, while at the same time I aspire to be a supportive leader who helps those around me achieve their own goals. I really enjoyed learning about how to work in groups and understanding the different roles that we all play in teamwork. It helped me to hone my delegation skills and ensure that everyone feels they have tasks they can accomplish.
My leadership strengths include:
Communication & relationship building
Delegation of tasks
Receptiveness to feedback & criticism
Ability to teach & mentor
Accountability & Integrity
Confidence
Empathy
Problem Solving
Use of Leadership
Throughout my time at UMD and even at home, I have found myself using tactics I've learned from class. Leadership truly is everywhere, when you think about it. I have definitely used leadership skills in group projects I have faced at school to ensure that we are taking initiative and have a clear plan in mind. I have also used leadership skills in my internship, where I am constantly communicating with and responding to feedback from my managers. Further, COVID-19 has definitely given me ample opportunity to use my leadership. Accountability is everything now and Public Leadership has certainly taught me how to hold myself accountable in my work and my decision-making. Empathy has also come to the forefront as we all suffer, together, through this tremendously difficult time. Although leadership may not present itself in the most classical forms, I have definitely found myself applying my leadership skills to situations all around me.
ACADEMIC ARTIFACTS
ACADEMIC ARTIFACTS
Position Paper (Freshman Year)
"Concealed carry on UMD campus- yes or no?"
As a distinctly non-confrontational person, many people do not see me as a good argumentative writer, but this essay proves that I can take a strong stance and defend it properly with sources such that I can prove my point. This essay challenged me to write concisely and think in a logical, linear way about an issue that is so hotly debated currently. It facilitated a change in my leadership style because it forced me to realize that you can't always be soft on issues- sometimes, you have to make difficult decision and take a hard stance.
Leadership Philosophy Paper (Sophomore Year)
"What do you think makes a good leader?"
I have always enjoyed leadership roles, but I had never put too much time into analyzing different leaders. I chose to highlight this essay because it gave me a place to reflect on and analyze leaders I have admired all my life and pull out the traits that, in my opinion, made them successful and effective leaders. It was an exercise in self-reflection at the same time, which forced me to confront my own personal leadership style and how I can develop that. I began to compare myself to these famous and ordinary leaders who inspired me and tried to draw the parallels.
Memo/Professional Writing Paper (Sophomore Year)
"Strategy & Policy Planning"
Professional writing was completely new to me when I started my U.S. Diplomacy & Policymaking Class; however, I think this paper demonstrates my proficiency in professional writing and economy of words. Getting to be the Director the CIA for a day during this mock NSC meeting was challenging because it made me look at leadership and diplomacy from a whole new lens, but it was very fulfilling. It challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and apply leadership tactics that were far more authoritarian than I typically am. It gave me insight into the government workings and writing this paper helped develop me as a leader immensely.
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