Values

Leadership could not exist without values. Values of the leader and those of the followers may differ but a mutual respect for each other’s values is key to a successful group. When a group shares similar values they may be able to relate quickly and complete assignments at a rapid pace. In the situation that a group does not share similar values, the group may be opened up to new ideas that could benefit the effort. It is critical for leaders to consider the values of others in their group. If a leader only pushed her/his values, the followers may stray away. I have observed in class that many of our values differ but we respect others when they speak. I find it enjoyable learning the values of my classmates and find myself to open myself up to new concepts. During activities (especially who has the zebra, who drinks the water) conflict of ideas have risen which may be related to the values we each have. In the end the value of respect is restored and apologies are given. As the semester continues, I see more of our values emerging for classmates to see. This may help during class activities to understand each other better to complete tasks successfully. Understanding our own values and those around us will create harmonic groups. The values of each member of a group shapes the leadership style that is used.  

My personal values have taken time to develop. The values I had before college were similar to those I have now but there has been some fine tuning as I am exposed to more knowledge. I find that treating others as you would like to be treated is my number one value. It is difficult at times to comprehend how people could be so heartless to one another. You know that they wouldn’t want to be treated the way they are treating others. These people would make poor leaders in my opinion. The leader is supposed to treat the followers as equals. I also value working hard. Things are not always going to be given to you and this is why working for what you want is important. I recently went on a vacation to Florida and a friend told me that “I was lucky”. I responded to the comment, “I’m not lucky, I work hard”. The value of working hard is important in a group effort as a leader and a follower. The leader must work hard to organize the group effort and the followers must work hard to complete tasks. Dead weight is not good in a group. I find openness to be an important value. Growing up in a small town, I would not have defined myself as open. As I have lived in a larger city I have found myself to open up to new ideas and experiences. This willingness to put aside your beliefs to learn about others is beneficial in the development of one’s character. I find that my values have been rooted but as I expose myself to more knowledge these values I hold may continue to be fine-tuned or could change completely. Life is a learning experience that shapes who we are.

Why I'm Here

Initially I enrolled in ESHESA 2570 to bring myself back to being a full time student. In the second week of spring semester I dropped my online accounting class because I could not give the class the time it demanded. I am in my fourth full year of college and am majoring in nutrition in industry. I am currently focusing on the marketing portion of my degree which is more challenging than the nutrition portion. There were not many classes for the second session of spring semester that looked remotely interesting or fit into my schedule. At the last moment I came across ESHESA 2570 which had not been available when I was looking previously. The class fit my schedule very well and kept my schedule to only being on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays I am in class from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Thursdays from 8:00am to 7:00pm. I have two long days in addition to working 3-4 nights at a bar. At one point I thought I was going to have to enroll in a fish ecology class to come back to full time. The class may have been interesting but I believe that a leadership class will benefit me more. I am now full time and hope to regain the Scarlet and Grey Grant.

Leadership to me is being able to listen to those around me and taking into consideration other’s ideas to complete a task. I feel that confidence is an important part of leadership. Your followers must trust that you are making good choices for the entire group. I find myself to be a leader more so than a follower. I believe myself to be strong at analyzing a situation and looking for possible solutions to a problem. I am not afraid to be the first to do something, especially if others are. I find motivation to be another key factor in relation to leadership. The leader should motivate the followers to push forward in a given scenario. Leadership is a redeemable trait that is noticed by the people around you. Being a follower is equally important. Not everyone can lead at once. If everyone led at once, less would be accomplished.

I would like to gain knowledge on becoming a stronger leader but also a stronger follower. There are going to be scenarios that I must be a follower and currently I lack the skill of being a follower. I feel when I am a follower that I am not contributing as much as the leader. I currently have the concept of a leader and a follower incorrect. I want to learn how to talk to people about topics that are not necessarily easy to communicate. I want to open myself up to new ideas that I may have passed up before. I am happy to be part of ESHESA 2570. I feel that this class will change my perception on what leadership is and can be. I expect to come out of this semester with a better understanding of myself.

 P.s. I miss the beach.