Self-Image
Self-image plays a major role in how we develop as leaders. How we see ourselves often determines who we are. Having a positive self-image sparks our initiative to lead, enhances our ability to connect with others, and allows us to be an effective team member. This lesson allowed me to reflect on the person I am today and think about the person I want to become. I have a positive self-image. I know my strengths and am constantly trying to improve areas of weakness. I strive to be the person God created me to be. I want to radiate joy and optimism on those around me. Professionally, I want to become an educator that encourages children to grow not only as students within my classroom but as people beyond the classroom walls. Each day I wake up ready to battle my fear of failure in order to take the risks necessary to become better than the person I was yesterday.
Taking the Initiative to LeadThroughout life, I have grown to be someone who takes the initiative to lead rather than follow. Before I take the lead, I first take a step back and consider if I am the one who is best suited to lead in the given situation. I think about the skills necessary to be successful and if they are the skills I possess. I also consider if someone else is more qualified and better suited to take the lead. I have a tendency to take the lead in areas I am passionate about and know I have strength in. I would follow someone I trusted and knew had the drive to get the job done. There are several people in my life I would and do follow. These individuals have taught me what I need to do when it is my turn to take the lead.
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Connecting with Others
Connecting with others is the key to be a successful leader. I believe the best way to connect with others is by taking the time to get to know them. Only after getting to know someone, it is possible to make strong meaningful connections with them. I also find it important to be who you are when connecting with others. This will allow you to connect with those who share the same passions as you or allow for the exchange of incite with those who differ from you. I believe my strength is connecting with others. I am often referred to as a social butterfly. I love getting to know people and learn their stories. I believe my life becomes richer with every person I meet and therefore, strive to connect with as many people as I can. One obstacle I do face when connecting with others is getting past my own insecurities. However, I am learning that by being who you are, you are not only opening the door to create connections with others but giving them an opportunity for them to connect with you as well.
Team Building Skills
Leaders understand that success is not achieved alone but done as a team. I believe when a leader is open mined, displays humor, and is an active listener they encourage others to be apart of an effective team. Effective teams are made up of people who know their role in the team, have passion for what they are doing, have high expectations, and communicate and compromise. The skills I have that would make me an effective member of a team are encouragement, flexibility, and being present. I believe effective team building is made up of the following steps be aware of who you are and how you lead, get to know each of your team members on a personal level, know each team member's strengths and weaknesses, clearly define roles, responsibilities and expectations, give specific performance feedback, acknowledge and reward performance, and celebrate success.
Personal Reflection
I spend a great deal of time thinking about what I believe, where I am going, and how I can improve myself as a person and professional. I tend to think a lot about life. I spend quite a bit of time reflecting on where I am and where I am going. I pray often about my journey and where it is God wants me to go. I try to look to him to help me grow. An obstacle that prevents me from taking more time for personal and professional growth is my longing to be around others. I am a social butterfly. I am constantly taking any opportunity I have to be around people. This makes it difficult to take time for personal and professional growth. I need to get better about prioritizing and doing what will develop me into the person I want to be rather than momentary happiness.