Professional Leadership Portfolio Post #3

1. This semester in KNR 171, I’ve learned that confidence is a key to being an effective leader. Nobody wants to listen or put trust into someone who doesn’t even trust themselves. KNR 171 has effectively helped me develop more confidence when speaking to a group and being more sure of both myself and my ideas when presenting them. All of the group work we did in class really solidified these ideas into my head and have helped me for the better.
2. Every single member of the group has their own strengths and weaknesses and it’s to the benefit of the group to be able to identify these qualities among its members. Doing so will allow the group to work with more fluidity and overall cohesion. Even though we didn’t end up going through with our group facilitations, the things we learned in class relating to how teams work together really helped me out and will continue to help me out with group work in the future.
3. Facilitations take a lot of work if they are going to be successful and do the things you want them to do. You need to be extremely prepared and be ready for every possible contingency. Even though we didn’t act out our facilitations, getting all of the written information ready was challenging enough. Every detail had to be thought out. From the scripts to the layout of the space we were using, and especially the activities themselves. When I was writing my facilitation, I felt my greatest strength lied in the details. I realized how every little piece had to relate back to the theme and overall participant goal of the activities. I think I did a good job doing this and it was all due to learning from the professor, the mentors, and my fellow facilitators.
4. My answers about what leadership is haven’t changed. I still see it as the ability to bring people together around a common goal, and have the ability to act on that goal. What I have changed is how I see myself as a leader. I think throughout the semester, with help from everybody involved with the class, I have seen myself become more of an active leader, who has become more confident in using my voice and the ability to voice my opinions.
5. KNR 171 has contributed greatly to my potential goals. It’s helped me become more confident in a group setting, and shown me that you shouldn’t be afraid of putting yourself out there and letting your voice be heard. This sort of learning is important beyond the classroom because getting a career after college is all about networking right now. You won’t be able to successfully do this and make an impression if you don’t have any self confidence when dealing with a group and putting yourself out there.

AND

What specific steps will you take to continue your leadership growth next semester? During the rest of your time at ISU?

1. I’m specifically looking to continue my leadership growth by joining an RSO and getting more involved on campus. I think in doing this I can potentially become a more effective leader by putting myself out there more often.

What areas of improvement/builds would you still like to work after this semester? How do you plan on working on them?

2. I still want and need to continue working on my leadership skills. To do this I will join some RSOs related to my major and be more open to putting myself out there.