Beginning+of+Program

=__Program Goals__=


 * 1. Envision and guide organizational change.**

I am in the very beginning stages of reaching this goal. I am typically not afraid of change when it comes, but I do not often envision and guide the change that occurs in my organization. One reason for this is because I do not hold a formal leadership role. I do think that I should not let this stop me from making small positive changes in the form of suggestions within my own department. These may lead to larger changes down the road.


 * 2. Communicate effectively, engage constituents, develop people and build community.**

This is another area that I have room to grow in. In general, I have received positive feedback on my communication skills, however, I would like to further develop my public speaking skills as I think this is an essential trait for a leader to have. Thus far, I have had limited experience in engaging constituents, developing people, and building community. I think that these opportunities will come with time, but I can also take small steps in smaller groups.


 * 3. Advocate and promote equity for diverse populations and respect for individuals.**

I see myself as accepting and respectful of diverse populations; however, I do not always take the opportunity to act as an advocate for the equity and advancement of these diverse populations. Right now I consider myself to be leading by example, which I think is an important step. In the future, I would like to act more as an active advocate.


 * 4. Integrate theory, data, research and ethical standards into the context of one’s practice through continuous learning.**

This is an area that has always been important to me and I consider myself to be fairly strong in. I see myself as a continuous learner, and like to look for ways that I can integrate what I learn into my business practices. Ethical standards are also of high importance to me and I like to reflect on my standards and values and make sure I am following them. I think that throughout this program, I will have the opportunity to not only obtain more knowledge, but obtain more research skills as well. I look forward to integrating my new knowledge and skills into my practice.

=__Program Dispositions__=


 * 1. Values change as the source of opportunity for improvement.**

For the most part, I value and appreciate change. I know that change is necessary to advance and often produces more efficient and better ways to do things. I can see that the changes that have already happened throughout my life have mostly been positive, which makes me less afraid of future change. Although I know that change can be a source of improvement, I do think that change should be carefully evaluated before it is implemented.


 * 2. Displays the ability to understand people and relationships and is receptive to the ideas of others.**

I am in the middle of the road when it comes to this disposition. I feel that I have at least a basic understanding of people and relationships, but still have a long way to go. This may be something that comes with time.I am usually receptive to and willing to consider the ideas of others, but I sometimes depends on the subject at hand. This is something I will need to become more consistent with.


 * 3. Shows a willingness to implement non-discriminatory access, accommodations and assessments.**

Given my background in business and Human Resources, non-discrimination is of high importance to me. I understand the importance of giving all types of people the same types of access, which includes providing accommodations at times. This allows diversity in workplaces/learning environments which is positive for a large number of reasons. One way I would like to grow in this area is by having more exposure to and interaction with people that are not like me. For example, people may have different educational backgrounds and work history, different hobbies and interests, different ethnicity, different skills, or many other different characteristics. This will help me learn how to work with different types of people and what types of access, accommodations, and assessments different types of people may need.


 * 4. Demonstrates empathic understanding of diversity in all domains.**

As mentioned in the disposition, I would like to grow in my ability to demonstrate empathetic understanding by interacting more with diverse groups of people. The more understanding I have of different types of people, the easier it will be to do this. Although I have the desire to accomplish this, I feel that the addition of knowledge and experiences is necessary.


 * 5. Regularly reflects upon the philosophical assumptions, ethical principles and rationales that guide one’s practice.**

This is something I currently do but would like to do more often in the future. Although I feel that these things guide my practice, I do not often actively reflect on them as much as I could. I do think it is important to do this, especially since changes may occur. The main thing I am currently doing but would like to do more of is maintaining active membership in professional organizations, both in my industry and profession. These organizations help me stay informed on the rationales and principles guiding my practice.


 * 6. Understands oneself as a learner and values learning as a core capacity.**

I appreciate learning and actively seek to learn more every day,whether that be through formal or informal means. I understand that learning is necessary to advance in both my personal and professional life. With every change and advancement is usually something new to learn. Even without changes taking place, learning can provide me with the ability to do what I am currently doing better. Having a wide range of knowledge provides me with the ability to look at ideas from several perspectives. I would like to continue learning throughout my life and value learning as a core capacity.

=__Statement of Leadership Philosophy__=

I believe that leadership takes place in all levels of an an organization. Not only is leadership an important part of an organization, but it is an important part of communities, governments, and even families. Although leadership is often thought to be synonymous with management, I think that leadership is a separate idea. It does not necessarily have to relate to a formal role, although it is more important to possess strong leadership in some roles than it is in others.

Some of the traits that I feel a leader should possess are as follows:


 * Honesty and integrity - When leading others, trust is of the utmost importance. Without honesty and integrity, it is nearly impossible to build and maintain trust.
 * Intelligence - Leaders are often looked to as an expert and expected to guide others. This makes intelligence important.
 * Strong communication skills - It is difficult to lead without the ability to communicate with others. Good ideas are not worth much if they cannot be properly communicated. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings.
 * Relationship-building abilities - A leader must be able to develop strong relationships with others, as these relationships may be the key to being able to guide change. A leader should also be able to help others build relationships.
 * Focus and drive - It is important for a leader to possess a strong focus and drive, since a leader is often the beginning point of projects and movements. If the leader is not driven, other people likely will not be either.
 * Willingness to learn, grow, and change - Leaders need to have the ability to move forward. A leader who remains stagnant may keep the entire organization stagnant. The leader should not only accept change, but deliberately seek positive change. In order to do this, continuous learning is important.

My current status as a leader is in the beginning stages, but constantly evolving. I see myself possessing all of the above traits on at least some level, but would like to develop all of them more. The majority of my leadership experience has been informal, although I have held formal leadership roles. Two formal leadership roles have come from serving on executive boards of student organizations as an undergraduate student. I would like to take the opportunity to take on more small scale formal leadership roles in the future, perhaps through volunteer or professional organizations. This will help prepare me not only for future formal leadership roles in my organization, but for informal leadership roles as well. Informal leadership roles can include acting as a team or project leader, guiding change, serving as a mentor. Taking on such opportunities, particularly when they are out of my comfort zone, can help me develop my leadership potential.