The Experience
The class activity was a wonderful opportunity for me because it equipped me with numerous ideas and concepts that can support my future career goals. As a group, we focused on the best values that can be applied in different settings. My teammates were responsive, charismatic, and willing to support one another. The group members shared their ideas and competencies in order to produce quality results. I was able to acquire new skills such as decision-making, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking (Morgeson, DeRue, and Karam 8). The group gave me a new opportunity to reexamine my potentials and experiences.
The planning and presentation of the group value to the class was a beneficial experience for me. My duty was to explain the targeted values to the class. My teammates were supposed to give numerous examples to support the importance and applicability of the targeted values (Ricketts and Bruce 24). The exercise made it easier to focus on the best communication skills. I embraced the use of the most desirable words. I also became more confident throughout the exercise. My teammates encouraged me to work hard and deliver the best information to the class (Morgeson et al. 13).
The opportunity encouraged me to think widely about the relevance of different group values. As a group, we were ready to portray the three major values presented to the class. These values included controversy with civility, collaboration, and common purpose. The group members were ready to embrace and use these values in their future endeavors. The uplifting experience, therefore, reshaped my understanding of group work (Schulz-Hardt 19). It is my strong belief that the ideas associated with the group presentation will continue to support my future personal and career objectives.
The outlined group values can be used to promote the best dialogues and conversations. Such values can also be used to address various conflicts and grievances. The most important thing is for leaders and educators to understand the strengths of their followers (Morgeson et al. 13). These group values can therefore make many groups and individuals successful (Schulz-Hardt 38). This fact explains why the values will continue to support my personal goals.
Reflection
This class exercise has made it easier for me to acquire new competencies. For instance, I have improved my communication and interactional skills. I partnered and collaborated with my teammates throughout the process. I was able to explore new practices that can support my future goals. The experience encouraged me to engage in similar group exercises in order to become a good communicator (Ricketts and Bruce 27). I also realized that different people can come together in an attempt to achieve the best outcomes. I also observed that teamwork was a powerful approach towards realizing every targeted goal.
Several lessons were also gained from the class activity. To begin with, we mentored one another in order to deliver the presentation in a professional manner. As well, the group members explored new aspects that can improve the way human beings communicate (Zaccaro, Rittman, and Marks 457). The team realized that listening was one of the vital tools for realizing quality results. Respect and concern for one another are powerful practices that can make a difference. Equal participation is another approach that supports the needs of different teams (Stonecipher 92). I also learned that individuals from diverse backgrounds have the potential to achieve the best goals. The important thing is for them to be aware of the anticipated goals. Such individuals should also respect the opinions of others.
The targeted group values also presented meaningful lessons. For instance, the presented content focused on the core values that can support the needs of institutions, teams, and organizations. The first core value was collaboration. As a team, we collaborated in an attempt to achieve the best outcomes. Collaboration is therefore a powerful practice that can make it possible for teammates to achieve their potentials (Trautman 2). The concept of common purpose ensures that more people focus on the same goal. This concept is applicable in different settings. I will always use this concept in an attempt to achieve the best goals.
The other meaningful lesson revolves around the third value. Stonecipher defines “controversy with civility as an approach whereby individuals willingly and respectfully engage in dialogues around various disagreements” (96). The group exercise made it easier for me to understand the relevance of this concept of value. As a future leader and educator, I will engage in meaningful dialogues without causing trouble. Any controversial topic should be discussed in a civilized and mature manner (Trautman 2). This approach can address the major differences and controversies associated with various issues. These lessons are relevant towards supporting my current educational and future career goals.
Action
My future goal is to become a successful educator. The lessons and ideas acquired from this class will definitely play a major role in supporting my goals. To begin with, I will always act in a diligent manner. It will be my responsibility to involve others. Specific concepts such as togetherness, listening, collaboration, mentorship, and guidance will be the cornerstones of my leadership philosophy. I will also use the power of teamwork in order to produce meaningful results within the shortest time possible (Trautman 3). My teammates will always be encouraged to promote the best skills such as effective listening.
The lessons gained from the exercise will also support my personal relationships. Since people are social beings, they should be ready to establish meaningful relationships and engage in positive dialogues. Controversial issues should be addressed in a civilized manner without causing unrest (Stonecipher 98). I will always use these values to support my relationships. It will be my obligation to mentor others and encourage them to focus on the best outcomes. This knowledge is critical because human beings will encounter numerous misunderstandings and disagreements throughout their lives.
The core values presented in class will also support my career goals. I will always listen attentively and guide my followers. I will also be able to promote the best environments for meaningful communication. My leadership approach will give others the opportunity to present their diverse opinions. Such approaches will support my career objectives and eventually make me successful. It will also be appropriate to guide, empower, and support my teammates (Zaccaro et al. 472). The concept of responsible leadership will make it possible for me to achieve every career goal. Finally, I will read more publications and embrace the power of evidence-based ideas (Morgeson et al. 28). The approach will equip me with new ideas and lessons that can support most of the above goals.
Works Cited
Morgeson, Frederick, Scott DeRue and Elizabeth Karam. “Leadership in Teams: A Functional Approach to Understanding Leadership Structures and Processes.” Journal of Management 36.1 (2010): 5-39. Print.
Richetts, Kristina and Jacklyn Bruce. “How Today’s Undergraduate Students See Themselves as Tomorrow’s Socially Responsible Leaders.” Journal of Leadership Education 7.1 (2008): 24-42. Print.
Schulz-Hardt, Stefan. “Group Performance and Leadership.” WOP Working Paper 4.1 (2012): 1-84. Print.
Stonecipher, Paul. “The Development of the Leader and the Spirit: Integrating the Concepts toward Meaning-Making.” Journal of Leadership Education 11.2 (2012): 88-101. Print.
Trautman, Karla. “Leadership for Today Managing Conflict within Groups.” Extension Extra 3.1 (2007): 1-3. Print.
Zaccaro, Stephen, Andrea Rittman and Michelle Marks. “Team Leadership.” The Leadership Quarterly 12.1 (2001): 451-483. Print.