ELA Skill Development
Lesson #1- Self Image and Self Worth
A big thing that I have learned in this class is how important self image and self worth is. Self image is how we see ourselves. Based on how we see ourselves, our self worth will either increase or decrease. It is important to work on having a good sense of self worth. When having a good sense of self worth, others will see this in you as well. Having this, will prove to people that you can be a good leader. We talked a lot about self worth in class and I realized that sometimes, my self worth can hold me back. When I don't believe that I am good enough at something, that will show. When I have a good sense of self worth, that also shows. I am know working on having good self worth in every aspect of my life so that I can be a better leader and live a happier life.
Lesson # 2- Taking the Initiative to Lead
When striving to be a good leader, it is important to take the initiative to lead. There are characteristics that good leaders possess and it is important to work on those skills. For me, sometimes that means taking a step out of my comfort zone and taking the initiative to do something. In class we talked about when a person decides to lead and when they decide to follow. It is important to try to lead, when you are qualified to do so. Sometimes though, it's okay to step back and let another person lead. A time that this would happen would be if someone else knew more about the subject. I have realized that I am better at leading when I am comfortable with the people that I am leading. I want to work on being a good leader even if I do not know people as well.
Lesson #3- Connecting with Others
As a social work major, it is important to know how to connect with people and to build repertoire. When connecting with a person, it is important to listen to the person and to find common ground. When being a leader, it is important to connect with the people that you are working with. It will make the team atmosphere better as well as make the work that the team is doing better. I am a pretty shy person and sometimes it can be hard for me to connect with people that I do not know. Throughout my junior year, I worked on trying to come out of my bubble more and to work on connecting with people that I first meet.
Lesson #4- Team Building Skills
Working as team, and being able to help a team better work together is an important characteristic of a leader. The more that a team knows each other, the more the team will trust each other and the better work the team will put out. When working as as a team, effective communication is imperative. It is also important the people are okay with constructive criticism and have a common goal that they all want to reach. Being on University of Mary's swim team for the last three years, I have been able to see how important team building is. The better the team works together, the better the end result will be. People will have more fun on the way to the goal as well. The team leader is important in team building. They are the one that sets the mood for how the team will interact and the one who makes sure that team building happens.
Lesson #5- Personal Reflection
As a leader, it is important to know what you want, what you believe, and where you want yourself and the team to go. A big part of this is knowing what you personally need to work on in order to grow as a person and as a professional. By being able to reflect on what you need to change, you will be able to take the steps needed to grow. It is also good to know what is stopping yourself from taking steps towards improving and trying to work on it. As a leader, if you show your team that you are willing and able to grow, then the team will also be more receptive to feedback and will also grow. Personal reflection is important in all parts of life but especially if you want to be a strong leader. Sometimes personal reflection can be hard though. It can be difficult to think about the things that need to be worked on and to be a bit critical about it. But by doing this, a person can become a better person, professional, and leader.