Prior to the Program...
- I had a leadership philosophy that focused on productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness: “I will successfully lead and manage teams by prioritizing efficiency through effective communication and cohesive teamwork”.
- I built my leadership style on experiences that were strictly goal oriented and required intense structure and analysis.
After the Experience...
- I realized the extreme merit behind authenticity in leadership and mindfulness.
- I need to focus more on leading through interpersonal connection with positive, humanitarian intentions.
- Team leadership development is built through strong team dynamics and vision.
- It is important to recognize when to "take a back seat" and appropriately relinquish leadership to others.
- I learned how essential flexibility and adaptability are essential to cohesive, receptive leadership.
- Adapting a fixed-growth mindset will create the perfect balance between structure and change.
Effective Team Development
At the start of the program, we learned about two relatable team development theories, The Step Ladder Theory and Tuckman's Team Development. The Step Ladder Theory is a linear path for team development: safety, trust, intimacy, goal, & vision. This concept exemplifies healthy growth: starting with respect and value, leading to confidence and comfort, striving for effectivity and shared visions. Tuckman's Team Development is a sequence of phases that are necessary and inevitable in team growth: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, & (occasionally) Adjourning. This cycle embodies the true growth pattern of teams: from low communication and awkwardness, to confusion and conflict, into confidence and momentum building, leading to initiative and proactivity, and sometimes reflection on areas of improvement and healthy separation.
This program was extremely unique by consisting of a large group that travels, lives, and studies together. We were, most of the time, successful in maintaining a positive and cohesive group dynamic. This was a difficult task as we were put in many demanding situations that required diplomacy, inclusion, and reflection. Reflecting back on our team's development, I can confidently say that we experienced the full effect of both theories. It was interesting to see the individual and separate leadership growth; in a large group, not everyone can be a leader at all times. I personally learned how to "take a back seat" and relinquish leadership to others. This was a humbling experience, as this skill has always been a large weakness of mine.
This program was extremely unique by consisting of a large group that travels, lives, and studies together. We were, most of the time, successful in maintaining a positive and cohesive group dynamic. This was a difficult task as we were put in many demanding situations that required diplomacy, inclusion, and reflection. Reflecting back on our team's development, I can confidently say that we experienced the full effect of both theories. It was interesting to see the individual and separate leadership growth; in a large group, not everyone can be a leader at all times. I personally learned how to "take a back seat" and relinquish leadership to others. This was a humbling experience, as this skill has always been a large weakness of mine.
I was fortunate enough to travel to Area47, the “Ultimate Adventure Playground”. My group and I toured their adventure park and had the opportunity to sit down with the CEO, Christian (Chris) Schnöller, and discuss global leadership and inclusive management practices. From these discussions, we learned about how he emphasizes a casual work environment, creative fueling, global mindset, constantly improving sustainability, and fluid adaptability. It was humbling to see a successful leadership style that is essentially polar opposite to mine. While the more relaxed environment of this adventure park warranted a more casual, flexible leadership style, it is essential for leaders to adopt a fixed-growth mindset that balances structure and flexibility. I plan on taking full advantage of this learning opportunity by implementing Chris’ emphasis on flexibility, team dynamic building, global mindfulness, and creativity into my leadership style.
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Leadership in Area47
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