I’ve been thinking more and more about leadership.  What does it takes to lead? How do we measure leadership? Do leadership skills and habits ebb and flow? How often do we monitor progress? How often should we evolve and adapt? How do we learn and grow while we lead others? Well, I don’t have an answer for any of my own question but I do see myself reflecting more and more. I do however choose to stay with my metric and rating systems format because I do believe there is something to be said about consistency.

Week 3 we focused on laws of nature and leadership structures found among wildlife. One thing is sure, we are not much different than animals. We mimic their behaviors and mirror their leadership styles. The good and the bad. What I realized this week is I am no different either. Here are the 5 standards I ranked myself against and why.

4=Exceeding Standards, 3=Meeting Standards, 2=Approaching Standards, 1= Below Standards

Adaptability – 3

Just as seeds and sprouts adapt and flourish I look back and see that at every curve and obstacle I pivoted and adapted to new environments and grew even stronger from each experience. Almost like going through the process of mutation, permanently altering my emotions and skills necessary. Setting my goals on survive and prosperity.  When one environment becomes uninhabitable I move on. Therefore I rated myself 4, as exceeding this standard.

Collaboration – 2

Collaboration is integral part of leadership. Weather we collaborate with other leaders, other teams or own teams we benefit from cross functional efforts and idea cross-pollination. While collaboration can sometimes stifle progress and create spin and indecisiveness it always aids progress in some way. This past week I worked closely with my colleagues on timeline and workflow of projects we have to finish over the course of 2 weeks. I was then able to take some time off and do school work during the work day. At home I also worked with my husband and children on setting a set daily schedule and plan rotation of parental responsibilities, ensuring I balance school and quality time with my tribe. I believe I am getting better at collaboration. This metric in my mind is one that constantly needs improvement and change because it involves other people and entities that we have no control of.

Influence – 2

Influence was a big “aha” metric on my dashboard this week. I realized that as much as it is important to project influence onto others, it is just as important to be cognizant of how others influence us. Over the past couple of weeks I realized I allowed outside agents to affect my ability to function productively. I found myself struggling with sadness and disappointment. Overwhelmed I realized it was taking me little bit longer than normal to recuperate and get back on track. As I collaborated with trusted peers and family members I was reminded of power of self-control. When we have no control of outside agents we always have control of our reactions to what happens around us.

Personal Development and Growth – 3

It is important to lead by example. If our role is to lead others and help them grown and develop. We have to be able to show that learning and growth is part of leadership that never stops. We have to be able to learn along those we are in charge. Otherwise the skills we are using and teaching will become stale and development will become stagnant. I am trying really hard to balance personal growth in a workplace that has become just that. Stagnant. The company has been going through transition for the last couple of years and there seems to be no end in sight. Instead of waiting to see the chips fall where they may, I am taking charge of my own development by going back to school and keeping my options open.

Tactical Skills – 2

I would say that I am meeting standards of a tactful leadership. I tend to think through problems and remove roadblocks when possible ahead of time. I like to be proactive vs. reactive. I use diplomacy as much as possible and try to be considerate of others’ feelings and viewpoints. Even when I don’t agree with others, for example in this class when reading everyone’s assignments and posts it helps me step outside of myself and look at things from a different perspective as a way to validate or contradict my own beliefs.

I am looking forward to next week’s material and learning opportunities.