Blog 9

At the start of the semester, I wasn't really sure how I would feel about the class. I was excited to hear that it wouldn't be following the same class structure as usual, and would instead be  discussion based. While I did appreciate that, I also underestimated how much I would take away from the class as well. I learned quite a bit about what it means to be a leader, and how different leadership styles can lend themselves to different scenarios. Through this, I was able to evaluate myself and see what my shortcomings as a leader may be.

Through the weekly blog I began to be more critical of my ideas on leadership, while becoming more open minded to others. Reading other students blogs allowed me a glimpse of a situation I wouldn't normally be placed in, and I was able to see how somebody else reacted and how it worked out for them. This alone is something I plan on taking away from this class, as I've never really been good at looking at a situation from a perspective other than my own. By being able to better accomplish this, I have noticed that I began becoming a better leader, just by becoming a better listener. By sticking with this, I believe I will have an easier time leading groups in the future.

Another big take away from this class is the activity we did about two weeks ago; where we were divided into different cultures and had to build a town. I had never really thought about how or why some people may see the system as unfair, but when I was casted as a Black person I was exposed to it. I had always heard of the stereotypes, but never really thought about them or how they can affect peoples lives. I always believed that since I don't have any stereotypes going through my head, nobody else does, but that was incredibly naïve of me. I see now that just because it hasn't happened to you doesn't mean that it doesn't happen at all, which seems like a very selfish way to word it.

My final take away has to do with how I view others. Like I said above, I usually only saw things from my perspective, and wouldn't understand how other saw things. However, after a few moments in this class I realized that I must be able to do that. If I kept going in life only accepting my view then it would be impossible to be an effective leader. To me, a leader is somebody who can see all sides, and knows when to concede leadership to somebody with a better perspective on how to handle certain situations.

This class to taught me a lot about what it means to be a leader and how to best suite oneself for the role. Not only did I learn about what techniques and strategies leaders use to improve themselves, but also how I can improve myself in everyday life.