November 1st Meeting Reflection Prompt

Diversity In Leadership

At this meeting I learned that:

• Each member of our FLI cohort has a very different Identity wheel that contributes to their feelings and opinions regarding everyday interaction and relationships.
• I also learned that there a various stages when dealing with the denial, recognition, and support of diverse traits and backgrounds in leadership roles locally (at BGSU) and around the world.
• Finally, I was able to apply what I learned by being asked to complete the final activity of real life situations. By taking part in these scenarios each of our personal opinions and "knee-jerk" reactions were put to the test in how we chose to react and handle the problem at hand. 

It is important to be culturally and socially sensitive as a leader because in order to enact the most change, see the greatest impact, and be effective in regards to the goals at hand there must be a priority to include all those involved on many levels. These levels go beyond name, appearance, and perceived abilities. This connection dives into cultural differences, heart-felt experiences, past expertise, and personal/group identity. I feel that politics and "being politically correct" on a daily basis applies to what we have learned at this week's cohort meeting. Political leaders are constantly trying to appeal to the majority in order to receive the most votes and be the most successful overall. These candidates research and speak about much more than the weather and demographics, they hope to truly get to know their voters inside and out. Those individuals who make that connection are usually the victor of their campaign. What I have learned in this meeting will definitely make me think more about how I react and choose to act in situations regarding diversity and relationships with others. 

Although I am someone who believes in being more value neutral when approaching most leadership situations, I also feel it is virtually impossible to always be that way. If you are apart of a group like FLI and are placed together in a cooperative group setting for an extended period of time, each individual's ethical values are bound to come out at one point or another. I side on being value neutral because I enjoy taking in others perspectives before my own and then evaluating all the facts. But by presenting our individual ethical values it usually gives the group a better understanding of its members and how they should proceed going forward. 

 

 

In honor of the upcoming Holiday season, I enjoyed finding a picture of this guy ^ Cannot wait for Snow, Sledding, & Snowmen (: