Blog #9 Class Reflection

While scheduling classes, I was told by a peer to take Team and Organizational Leadership. I did not think that this class would be benefit my life in so many ways. I was a little hesitant to speak the first couple of classes because I did not know how my classmates would react to my life experiences. After a couple of classes went by, I began to feel more comfortable and welcoming by the class, so I began to tell my stories. The reactions I got from my peers made me feel comfortable telling personal stories about my life. I have also gained many new friends by taking this course. Team and Organizational Leadership has helped me go beyond my comfort zone and take risks.

One of the first things we did in class was take the StrengthsQuest quiz. I have never taken this type of assessment before, so I did not know what to expect. My results were very accurate and my top five strengths described my perfectly. My top two strengths were includer and woo. One of the many things I like to do is include those people who feel left out or unwanted. This makes me feel good inside knowing that person is feeling loved and cared for. It is very beneficial to know my strengths because I have many upcoming job interviews and those could assist me. Interviewees would be very impressed with how I can help and strengthen the company I am applying for.

One assignment that will help me now and in the future was the leadership plan assignment. This project helped me sort out of my short and long-term goals. I described each goal in depth and how I will achieve that goal now or later on. This assignment showed me that if I want to reach something, I need to work for it. I have completed some of my short-term goals and are striving to reach some long term ones. I am now aware of what tasks I need to perform in order to reach my desired goals. For example, one of my short-term goals was to receive a 4.0 GPA. I talked about how I lacked esteem and confidence and the only way I can achieve this is if I believe in myself. , “Esteem is enhanced if you can identify your strengths and weaknesses and know you are growing and progressing in the areas you want to improve” (157-158). I think this really does show that it is not impossible to grow and we should accept ourselves.

Lastly, this course has taught me how to be a leader and not a follower. We talked about how there are many leaders in our world, but a lot more followers. People believe that they should not speak up or take control in a group or work situation. They often just listen and follow the tasks of the leader. I have now taken control and spoken up in group or work settings. This makes me feel like I have achieved something that I have tried to accomplish all my life. In high school I was often scared to voice my opinion, but now I have matured and it is not a problem for me anymore. This class has helped me grow as a person and has prepared me for the future ahead.