Relational Leadership

Blog #2

There are five elements to the Relational Leadership Model: Purposeful, Inclusive, Empowering, Ethical, and Process-Oriented. Of these five, the leadership component that I feel most comfortable with is Inclusive.   

                       

I love Ohio State for many reasons, one of them being our diversity.  I think it is awesome how many organizations and clubs we have, how many countries are represented, all the great ethnic food around campus, and all the different faces I see walking through the oval. I especially love taking classes that have a discussion component (like our lovely 270.04 class) because everyone gets to speak, and hear each other’s opinions. It allows us to think about things in a way we may not otherwise have been exposed to. Because I welcome different backgrounds, opposite opinions, challenging concepts, and eye-opening discussions, I feel I am most comfortable with Inclusion. I think this is important in leadership because everyone has something to contribute. The group as a whole can be better if everyone shares and everyone grows together.

          I also feel comfortable with the idea of Purpose in leadership. I think because my outlook is positive, I can relate to Purpose well. I definitely think a “can-do” attitude is necessary in leadership, because your members want to see a objective and reach for it. I am a very hopeful person and when you get a group together working towards a common goal, the results can be phenomenal.

          One component of the Relational Leadership Model I would like to work on more is Process. Sometimes my mind is so focused on an end result that I lose sight of how important the process to get there is. Also, I would like to work on civil confrontation. Often times in a group, tensions can arise and I am never sure how to deal with them. I honestly really hate confrontation; I don’t like drama or conflict, so I tend to avoid it, which can get ugly. I would also like to work on giving and receiving feedback. I am a very sensitive person and perhaps I take everything a little too personally. I want to develop a thicker skin and realize constructive feedback is given to help me, not hurt me.

           One of the points made in Chapter 3 that I liked the most was about Cooperation vs. Competition (pg 105). I thought it was very interesting how being in a competitive environment can actually hinder your performance. “A person’s best work is done under conditions of support and cooperation, not under fear, anxiety, or coercion.” This really resounded with me. No matter what situation we’re in, shouldn't we be helping each other? After all, being competitive in the end may get you to the top, but you’re all alone. I’d much rather be successful, and see everyone else succeeding as well.

I couldn't be a better leader without the help of you all, so thank you.

Here’s a relevant quote :)

None of us is as smart as all of us.

-Ken Blanchard 

Leadershape 2011

Part One:

The most involving, ethical, empowering, and inclusive community in my life right now is my Leadershape community. I graduated from Leadershape this past summer with 59 people I didn’t know until the week we spent together. We were divided into families and spent the next few days learning about each other, ourselves, and our leadership style. We bonded during the program and developed a strong support network. We made a Facebook group and we still keep in touch. I see someone I went to Leadershape with every single day at Ohio State, and it is a great feeling.

My Leadershape friends are super encouraging. There are always inspiring quotes, motivational videos, and warm wishes being posted on the Wall. Whenever someone has an idea, they post it and receive tons of feedback. A friend just posted a link to her new Glass Decorating business; another just wrote about a new club he founded. We have had a reunion and many of us are still close friends. In fact, three Leadershapers just went to Israel together, and many of us are involved in the same organizations.

We all have a relationship with each other, and our bond has allowed for us to be open and honest in an inclusive environment. I am so lucky to be a part of this community!

Part Two:

Being optimistic isn’t always easy, but I would say I am a very optimistic person. I also value authenticity. I think it is very important to be genuine, and not just in leadership, but in everything you do. People can sense when you are being honest and real, and that helps me build relationships. I think the best way to nurture hope and optimism in those around me would be to have hope and be optimistic myself. I am a firm believer in leading by example, so I think when others see that I am a positive thinker and hopeful for a better future, they will respond positively as well. I think this is crucial in leadership; if you are not excited and looking forward to a better future, what is your goal? I think an integral part of being a successful leader is having faith in yourself and your members and I try very hard to always be genuine and optimistic.