Tag Archives: Purpose

Adaptation

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Adaptive leadership is something that leaders use to motivate their followers. This model of leadership focuses on helping and motivating others to complete what they need to do versus doing it for them. Adaptive leadership is based off how people change and adjust their actions to new situations that arise. These types of leaders have specific behaviors that they possess and are able to apply to their everyday lives. The first behavior is they navigate a perspective and see the bigger picture of the situation (getting on the balcony). They can see that there is a greater purpose to what is happening. The second behavior is identifying adaptive challenges. This means that these leaders identify, analyze and diagnose each situation and emphasize on adaptivity. Regulating distress is the third behavior that these leaders portray. They provide methods to keep consistency by providing direction, protection, orientation, etc. Maintaining disciplined attention is the fourth behavior. This motivates people to focus on the tough work and how to positively confront change. The fifth is for the leaders to give the work back to the people. The leaders must be aware of how they impact the people they are working with and know when they should step back and let the followers to discover their own potential and how to handle situations. The final behavior is protecting leadership voices from below. These leaders must carefully listen to everyone. Overall, it is very important for these leaders to identify, analyze, motivate others to adjust, step back and listen.  

Lunch Buddies is an organization that needs leaders who are adaptive and can apply this model to it. This organization is a mentoring program that Central Michigan University uses to provide elementary students with a mentor who helps motivate them with school, nutritional choices, physical activity and as a role model.  

This program is wonderful is doing great things for the elementary students of the Central Michigan community. As far as problems go, I am not able to identify one. The way that I would apply this model to this program is by educating the mentors of this organization. This model can be used and applied to anyone, hence why it is known as adaptive. Mentors should be educated how to motivate young students and teaching them how to be adaptive. They need to be aware of this because the students they are working with at one point or another will be in a situation where they will need someone to motivate them, guide them and educate them in a way where the student can better handle the situation on their own. 

Mentors should be required to undergo a day long training session (similar to those of other leadership trainings like Spark, Rise or Purpose.) Here they will be educated on how to apply this model of leadership. They will learn the six behaviors of an adaptive leader, the strengths and weaknesses and an overview of why this is the necessary approach they are using. The reason this approach is best is because it allows the mentors to have a relationship with their followers (students), to motivate them but also provide them with guidance to handle situations on their own because the mentor will not be there to provide for them in situations that occur outside of their meeting times. This is the one and only step that I would change about the Lunch Buddies process. 

Adaptive leadership is a very valuable model to use. It allows a relation between the leader and the follower to develop, education for both the leader and follower takes place, the leader is able to provide direction but ultimately the follower is given the opportunity to decide what to do.  

Identify

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There are many ways in which people identify themselves. People identify by race, gender, economic class, age, culture, religion, personality, etc. It is very possible for people to identify with multiple identities. There are identities that people can choose to identify by; however, other identities people are born with. Some of these identities give people power over others and some give others power over them. The identities people claim by help write their story and impact them on a day to day basis whether they realize it or not. I see myself identifying as a Christian, black and white, culturally diverse, open-minded, extraverted, outgoing, focused, young male. 

These characteristics have not only enhanced my way of life but also have impacted the way I lead. Some of them have given me privilege, while others have done the exact opposite. Ultimately, my identities have gaged me towards leading people to positive social changes. In the article, “Five Ways Leaders Can Reclaim their Identity,” by Glenn Llopis, the idea of leaders rounding their identity (or identities) around this spectrum of responsibilities and roles in leadership to help craft humanity and community is portrayed. These five areas help to open and grow leadership qualities through one’s identity and it will help to engage others and cater to their needs as well. This spectrum is universal which is great because people claim different identities and have different styles of leadership, making this all unique to our differences.

Many people today struggle with the desire and ability to be unique; however, this is what makes us special and different. It emphasizes the importance of our differences in identities which enhances our differences in leadership styles. Too often, people view leadership on one platform and that is an attractive white male with an extraverted, outgoing personality. Although I am not an attractive white male, I am still male with an extraverted, outgoing personality and this gives me privilege over other leaders. However, since I do not receive the privilege of being a good-looking white male, this diminishes people’s desire to listen to me. Due to the fact of my physical appearance, people are less likely to be open to approach me, listen to me, and trust me. Once people get over their ignorance, this is when the privilege I possess comes into play. After they see that there is nothing wrong with me due to the physical appearance, they are able to easily identify with me because of the characteristics of my personality. From the article referred to earlier, the first way a leader reclaims their identity is by defining their own style of leadership. To utilize the strengths of my personality and identities, I am a leader who builds other people up and creates a space of comfort for them. A leader’s style of leadership stems from their identities. The second way is for a leader to learn how to tell their story. This is important because it makes their style of leadership unique to others. This is another way of connecting to people. Through vulnerability, people feel comforted because leadership is a very personal thing and about serving others. Through one’s story, others are able to feel motivated and empowered. Leaders must allow others to connect to them through their story, which will express their identities and how that has impacted them.

Identity in leadership goes farther than one’s physical characteristics but how willing a person is to build others up, listen to them, and make them know that they are valued. For myself, I make it a point to engage with everyone who is willing to accept me for all my identities and empower them to be the best that they can be. Exactly that is what identify in, making others feel empowered, especially those who are too weak to stick up for themselves. It is important for leaders to surround themselves with people who are different from them. This will teach them to never stop growing and learning, which is the third point of the article. If leaders don’t surround themselves with others who are different than them and do show up with an open-mind, they will merely be the same person for their lifetime. Leaders have to identify in others, how they can help them and how others can help them. This develops a relationship with those who leaders are trying to lead. This relationship is very important because outsiders are able to see how a leader treats those who follow them. This ties into the fourth point of leaders needing to discover their executive presence. Leaders know they are successfully doing their job when their followers comfortably identify and trust them. 

Leadership is to ultimately serve others by empowering and creating comfortable settings for them. This is why leaders must possess identities that shape them to do this effectively and efficiently, which looks different for each leader because everyones journey and deeper purpose for leadership is different. Which is the fifth and final point, for leaders to identify the bigger picture, to see how their journey can help others and to fulfill their purposes within the leadership realm.

Works Cited

Llopis, Glenn. “5 Ways Leaders Can Reclaim Their Identity.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 22 Apr.

2013, www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2013/04/22/5-ways-leaders-can-reclaim-their-identity/#3471f3d9a7bb. 

The Power of Leadership

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Power is a word that is very flexible and is used both positively and negatively when related to leadership. It is obvious that there are many leaders who abuse the power they are given whether its in a formal or informal situation. Power is seen as the influence and persuasion that a person carries when being related to leadership and is a necessity to have as a leader.

Whether or not they realize it, all leaders have power. It is used dangerously by some and has the power to ruin relationships, economies and society. However, it should be used to motivate and build people up. This power is something that some people are born with but is also taught. For everyone who poses this skill, it is certain that they must continuously shape and develop their use of power. Throughout the remainder of this article, the following will be covered: the influence of different types of leaders and how it impacts those around them and how leaders leverage power effectively. 

As stated before, the power that leaders possess will either tear people down or build them up. There are different types of leaders that portray characteristics of one side or the other. A coercive leader is a person that possess leadership qualities and potential but is not truly a leader. These people are demanding and are corrupt. They use their power in a demanding way and influence people through manipulation. They have a great amount of influence and power but they do not use it to motivate people. More than likely this is someone who was born with or developed a sense of power at a young age and never sought to develop it. These people have closed/fixed mindsets and are do not seek to change. They demand things from those who follow them and are not willing to learn from anyone other than themselves. Examples of people who behave this way are a boss, teacher, coach, etc. who has had success doing things their way a good majority of the time and have never wanted to learn something different and grow. These people are generally not well respected or admired. On the flipside to that, there are referent leaders: people who lead out of respect for those around them, seeking to build up those around them who also have a mutual respect for the leader. It is obvious that these leaders, who are human, make mistakes, however, the difference is that these leaders are willing to stop, dissect, and reflect what they must change. They are aware of their power and are willing to learn from what others around them have to offer. It is clear to them that leadership is not a one-way street. Their power is developed by those who follow them but also by those who mentor them. They seek change, growth, and development. Those who follow them see this and develop a great level of respect for these people. Examples of people who lead in this way: a boss, coach, or teacher who listens to their followers, values what they say, and address/change their methods due to this. These leaders understand people and what it takes to get things done properly with a sense of self-fulfillment.

 Since power, in terms of leadership, is used for both negative and positive reasonings, it is valid that leaders are taught ways to use their power effectively. Many of the methods demonstrate a valid indication of others over self. This is key for followers to see from the one who is leading them because it develops the perception of humbleness and respect which is a positive form of power. The following are top methods used to productively use power: 

  • “Make relationships a priority.” Not everyone is meant to have a strong relationship with one another. It is valid for a leader to be connecting with the right people. Both people with similar and different interest. People that will build them up and assist them to make change in the lives of others around them. Gaining trust from others as well as trusting them and how the two parties influence one another is a key component of developing relationships.
  • “Develop your brand of charisma.” Leaders must be willing to change small things that consist of behavior, not major characteristic changes that jeopardize their authenticity as a person. Seeking a mentor to assist in changing or growing these skills is essential in this objective of powerful leadership.
  • “Tailor your power to reward others.” Leaders must recognize, acknowledge, and congratulate people who achieve success. Focusing on praising their process and journey versus their success in the end encourages them to continue to work hard and stay motivated. 
  • “Teach others.” It is important for leaders to not hold in what they have to offer. They must let it out and develop those who follow them so they will have the same power and build up others as well. 

These methods of developing a leader that used their power effectively are mandatory in doing so properly and in an impactful way. 

People are starting to see more and more how closely related power and leadership are, and how power is the rooted from persuasion. However, power and leadership are not the same. Everyone must seek a leader that motivates and empowers them to be the best they can be.

Works Cited

Bal, Vidula, et al. The Role of Power in Effective Leadership. 2008, http://www.ccl.org/wp-Content/uploads/2015/04/roleOfPower.pdf.

“Relationship between Leadership and Power | Public Administration.” Political

Science Notes, 31 May 2017, http://www.politicalsciencenotes.com/essay/public-administration/relationship-between-leadership-and-power-public-administration/13638.

Community Service

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Community service a person giving back to their community in anyway way, shape or form. There’s many different ways throughout the year that I have provided to the Mount Pleasant community as well as community back home in Muskegon. These community service events include cultural educational events, food drives and track events. Through these events I have become more educated on not only others but myself as well.

Through these events I was able to learn a lot. The things I learned from the cultural educational events I can apple to everyday life. These things live past the moment of interaction. Daily, I can continue to change the lives of other people instead of a one time encounter. Perhaps that is why these events are the most important to me, because they hold the most value. From volunteering my time at these events I learn how to interact with people better in situations where minorities, like myself, are made uncomfortable, left feeling hurt or misunderstood and how to overcome these situations. With hearing other people’s stories and wisdom I am able to help educate others on the same topic. Also, the food drive is an event back home in Muskegon where at my high school, Reeths-Puffer, we make over two-thousand boxed dinners for people on Thanksgiving Day. This event brings so much joy not only to myself but to so many other people because after this event, they feel as if they have a safe place on such an important holiday and they know that there are so many people that care enough about them to help feed them. Lastly, the track events are where people on the team volunteer our time to help educate younger people on track. These times are great because I am able to help educate people on something they love and are eager to learn about.

These are all great events and I have learned so much from them but now my job is continuing to grow. Pushing myself to volunteer in areas I’m not quite as comfortable in. An area where I am able to learn a lot more so I can continue to help shape myself as well as others. An interest I have is joining the group called Letter for Better next fall as well as Lunch Buddies. Writing has never been my favorite thing but it has a lot to offer and teach me and there is a lot of help I can do for others because community service isn’t about me, its about building and giving back to my community. Also, with Lunch Buddies I would have to go into a school that I have never been to, where I know no staff members or anything to help a kid in need. This would be huge for me because I enjoy being around people I know and having to be open with people I don’t know will be challenging but only for a short time. These are things that will help me as a person but more importantly my community.

LDR 200L Reflection

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This course had me very confused for about a month. I didn’t understand the flow for so long. Class began slowly syllabus week, as did every other class, then we got in to content but then class was cancelled multiple times during the horrible winter “bliss” we were so blessed to see, the syllabus was changed about six times.. I had nothing to feel other than confusion. However, this class was a turning point for me in the Leadership Institute. I began to feel more at home with my cohort, with the staff and in the LI in general. I began to feel a sense of belonging. The turning point was the day when Shamir spoke up in class and brought up a very hard topic to be discussed. The topic of minorities across the board being underrepresented in the Leadership Institute as well as on our campus. I am very proud of her for standing so boldly for what she believes in.

This for me was a call to action. Talking about it was no longer enough. Everyone is aware of the lack of diversity at Central Michigan University. This is no surprise since the school was founded as a “safe-white-school” where white students could attend and not feel threatened. After class I began talking with Nolan and Shamir. Slowly more and more people became interested once they saw us talking after class. For the love of the university, we want to see change, we want to see education, we want to see cultural inclusion. Our group is very grateful for everything that the LI has done since this day to encourage us by bringing in speakers and advisors to help us and guide us down this path of education and recruitment. We all have things to learn about each others  culture and to do this, we have to find people who are different from us and let them educate us. We must reach out to others and ask for their support through our ignorance. Ignorance is not always our fault; yet, we must still take responsibility and be vulnerable and go seek education on different cultures.

This group of students that has formed, plans to use models, approaches and guidance we have learned from this course to go out their, educate others and help give everyone and equal platform to get to be students on Central’s campus. This is an opportunity that everyone is given but not everyone is able to capitalize on due to lack of resources. Whether that is technology, counselors, family support, or whatever the case may be, our group wants to help people overcome these obstacles as much as a group of hungry students can. Another way of helping the environment of CMU’s campus is by educating people as much as possible on a day to day basis. Although challenging, it must be done, however, in a professional manner. It is key not to force information down someone else’s throat as well was putting someone else in too much of an uncomfortable setting. This group, through education and support of this course, plans to do great things to enhance the lives and culture at Central Michigan University.

LDR 100 Reflection

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Push. If I were to use one word to describe Leadership 100, it would be push. This class for me was a struggle. It required me to have to push through things that perhaps only few others did as well. These reasons that I had to push were normal reasons for someone, especially in their freshman year, to go through. The reasons why I had to push in this class were simple but still valid. The first was because I lived all the way across campus, so physically, somedays, I literally had to push myself out of bed or out of the door or out of practice to walk to Powers from East Campus. Simple but a true immature, freshman struggle. The second reason was time. I felt like I never had time to go to this class because of the time commitment to get in mandatory study hours through athletics, practice times, as well as studying for the 16 other credits that I was in. The third and final reason also had to do with me living away from the cohort. I felt a disconnect from the group. Everyone was beginning to get closer as I was only spending an hour with them each week.

The pushing I had to do in this class was very hard and a struggle at first. I didn’t understand why I was put in this place of struggle (although I never do during it), but I knew I had to be patient in it. Although it was very upsetting and frustrating, I’m happy for everything I was going through at the time. For reason one: This struggle helped me with pushing to go to all of my classes, whether I enjoyed them or not, because it’s why I’m here: to go to class and get educated. For the second reason: This exhausting schedule  helped to prepare me for future busy schedules. It taught me how to communicate with professors, advisors and coaches when I’m feeling flustered and need a break somewhere. Finally, for the third reason: Although I didn’t get to live with the cohort and missed out on loads of fun and memories, after time, more and more people saw the disconnect and more and more people invited me into their groups.

This time forced me to reach out to other people and seek help. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I’ve never had a problem communicating with people (obviously since one of my strengths is woo) but I have always had a problem with asking for help and telling people that I am struggling. This course, although not through direct content, taught me a lot about myself. This class was not challenging and did not require a lot of intelligence but it was more educating on getting to know yourself and the cohort. I learned about my strengths and have been educated on how to use them in day to day interactions to enhance leadership, relationships with people, as well as serving people. Learning all these different things about myself, I plan to use them all to build up others as well as myself wherever need be.

Connections Conference

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Connections was an experience far different than I had expected. I truthfully had many mixed emotions about going. It was a very difficult time in the semester where I was losing motivation, we had just recently switched to a new/harder training cycle on the track, and I felt distant from my people in LAS. This event took place at the Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City. The only thing that made me at ease going into this excursion was that one of my fifth year teammates (Shane Moffo) had committed to going as well. IMG_8803

When I had arrived to Powers to get on the bus, my perspective had already completely changed. Addam Claes and Mike Torres were so welcoming of me and it was very fun. Unfortunately after we got off the bus we found out we weren’t rooming together, but very fortunately I found out that I was rooming with Nolan! Nolan is a person that makes everyone feel welcomed into the group. Before I knew it, things were back to normal and I was comfortable with my LAS people. I was very excited to spend time with them at meals and during free-time at the water park, and late night. This experience was like no other when I say I was able to meet so many new people and make so many new connections. Everything we did, I felt like I was able to get closer to more and more people, which I am very thankful for. T.O. and I having previously knowing each other because we’re both from Muskegon also made me feel very comfortable, was very inviting, and helped me to meet many new people.IMG_8805

My favorite part of the conference was listening to the different speakers. They open your eyes to many new things that you might never have thought of on your own. For example, in Steely’s message about Disney characters that show leadership qualities, those are things as a kid you never think of but when someone shows you you connect yourself to them more and want to lead in ways like them. An example of this is Mulan. Mulan was a movie I enjoyed a lot growing up but I never knew why. After the session with Steely, I understood it was because Mulan and I both are very similar. Stubborn, optimistic, and willing to do whatever it takes to stand up for what is right. This session helped me remind myself of some of my core values. Faith: Mulan trusted her ancestors with a confidence that I have for my God. Vulnerability: She put herself out there even when people were against her. Lastly, grit: she was determined to do what was right no matter if the people were with her or against her. This was just a reminder to myself of how I am to be leading those around me and how to stay composed in times of difficulty. This experience really helped me finish my semester in a very strong way that I might not have been able to do without it.IMG_8807

Spark Leadership

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Spark was an event that I was very excited to participate in because AJ had not yet done it and I knew a lot of other people that were participating and I knew a lot of the people who facilitated the event. When we arrived the first of the three Wednesday nights, we were assigned a booklet with a number on it with a group number on it. At first I didn’t know anyone on my team but that was quick to change. I was the only guy that was on my team and the girls were very upset to find out that I was a cat person and very anti-dog when we did the five finger game. (I was voted off the island almost instantly.) My outgoing personality helped me to make quick connections to people within my group and others around us.

I was very comfortable in the space since the first two sessions were conducted in a familiar room, the Power’s Ballroom. My favorite activity that we did throughout Spark was on the first night when we figured out what color our personalities were. It was very exciting because we got to connect with other people that were the same color as us. (I was an orange.) Our group had a very hard time getting things done at first because we all wanted to talk and meet new people, hence the true orange coming out of us.  Ellen, a junior in LAS, was my group facilitator and we had a very great time messing with and getting to know each other. She was not surprised to see that I was an orange because of how crazy of a person I am. Although I don’t like dogs, I had a good time on the last night, in the Rotunda, making dog toys for dogs within the humane society because I like to make people and knowing that I put a smile maybe not on a human’s face but somethings face, made me happy.

This event made me feel very inspired to make an impact here on campus after we listened to the panel speak on the last night. The panel was comprised of wonderful people here on campus that are involved and play big roles here on campus and have the ability to change people’s lives, which they do. This inspired me to do the same. How exactly, I am not yet sure, but I know it starts with being myself and making others feel welcomed, included, and loved the way those leaders on the panel do.