Building of Leadership: Floor Plans (Part 1)

Tomorrow I will sit on a panel at my alma mater for their annual Leadership Summit.  The panel's focus revolves around how leadership experiences help shape values and how those values affect our actions.  It's a great concept and I am looking forward to the discussion! While I was reviewing some of the prompt questions, I was reminded of my Capstone interview for the Leadership Certificate I received upon graduation.  For the Capstone, I was told to do something different, to come with something new and that would set me apart from others.  So I conceptualized an idea, made a Powerpoint presentation, and brought props.

The overarching theme of my Capstone was "Building upon my Leadership."  Essentially I equated the components of my leadership to those of a building.  This made, and still does make, it easier for me to talk about my leadership as separate pieces and then to explain how they all work together.  The following was the first part of my presentation:

Slide 1: "Floor Plans: Goals and Dreams"
"Goals are different from dreams only if you have no plans for their implementation."

Here I spoke of how my goals and dreams are the floor plans of my "Building of Leadership."    I am a visual learner and the only way for me to make since of my goals and dreams is to map them out, in other words create a blueprint. While I explained more in depth with examples from my own experiences, I drew out a simple floor plan in front of them. I make it look however I want: I am the architect.

Up Next:
Part 2:  "The Foundation: Values Integration"

Falling Behind

I realized today that I am not working on my own professional development, well at least that it is not a priority.  This blog was supposed to help me keep up with it all, but because I do not put an entry in whenever I can I have fallen behind. There is so much to catch up on, and now I'm swamped with school work.  I will update you on the goings-on of the NASPA FL Drive-in and also of my experiences between then and now. Give me time, and this will be a regularly updated blog!

And the Door Opens...

**NOTE** I use letters instead of names. For example, Rachel would be R.

When I found out I needed to shadow someone in student affairs (SA) for one of my classes, I wanted to go to an office completely different than anything on campus: The Office of Student Life (Athletics).  I contacted the newly appointed Coordinator of Student-Athlete Development (used to be called Life Skills).  I had been in contact with L previously for other projects for my current grad assistantship and was very excited when he graciously agreed to let me follow him around like a lost puppy.  I am not nearly as cute and adorable as a puppy, nor lost, but I did follow L around for half the day.

I met L in his office and we discussed the details of my assignment, which are not very extensive, and then talked a little about the structure of the UAA (University Athletic Association, Inc.).  We did not stay in his office for more than 5 minutes before we were trekking to the stadium.  While walking, Levi gave me some tips from a new SA professional to a new SA grad.  His number one thing was to have fun with what you do. He stressed this several times throughout the day.  Next, he told me to truly get to know the people around me.  If I make an effort to get to know them, they are more likely to take the effort to help me out.   

The 'pizza lunch' occurs for every home football game in the stadium.  I didn't realize, until we got there, how rare it was for L to put me on the guest list!  Only student-athletes, UAA staff and faculty are invited.  I didn't recognize anyone, but L introduced me to quite a few individuals that I could tell were important figures.  A few of them were coaches and directors of other departments within the UAA.  We all got our own personal pan pizza and drink.  We sat in the stadium and chatted while we ate.  It was a little difficult to have a coherent conversation because everyone that walked by either waved or said hello to L.  It was interesting to see just how many people he is connected to!  

Our discussion while at the stadium, although interrupted constantly, revolved around leadership development of student-athletes and how that differs than other students, professional development for me, L gave me great advice on how to implement change even as a grad student, and also how to make meaningful connections while I network.  He also talked about leaving my mark, make change, and stand out.  He gave me some great advice on how to get others on board with some of my grandiose ideas.  L suggested to only share one or two steps at a time.  Others are more likely to get on board with smaller steps, not realizing that a master plan is at work.  Most people do not like drastic change, so taking it slow can ease the much needed process.

Back at L's office, we talked a little more about his schedule for the day which included one more meeting.  Off we went to the union to meet with the GGI committee.  It was kind of funny because my supervisor is in charge of GGI, so I saw her today unexpectedly.  L's part of GGI is setting up a panel on poverty reduction.  After we left the meeting, we shared our thoughts on some unsavory events that occurred.  I observed how L handled the situation: he just let it go.  I wrote down in my notes for the day, "Don't take things personally, just deal with it and move on."  I appreciated L's approach- respectful humor mostly- and I plan to use the same method.  It seems to me the healthiest avenue.

We headed back to L's office where we sat and discussed some of the initiatives OSL has implemented.  We also discussed one that L wishes to pilot: a leadership certificate program.  I don't believe that I have mentioned this previously, but I received the leadership certificate when I graduated with my bachelor's degree.  The entire process is what brought my interest into leadership as a study and my current goals include doing research on the implementation of a leadership certificate at UF.  You can imagine my surprise when L simply mentioned it in passing- I was floored. I couldn't believe that me jumping completely out of my comfort zone had landed me in exactly the right place at the right time.  L wants to pilot the program with student-athletes in the same way as the University of Michigan.  Now at Michigan, the program has now be adopted by the entire university.  <--- My goal for UF.

I told L of my past experiences with a leadership certificate program and of my interest in starting one at UF.  I think he was just as surprised as I was.  I decided then to tell him exactly why I wanted to come to the OSL.  I want to do my formal practicum there this coming spring semester.  Levi was very receptive of my wanting a prac and even when I mentioned that he would see my name next year when they interview for one of three grad assistantships with the OSL.  As our discussion progressed, it became clear to me that I could actually get the leadership certificate program off the ground before I finish graduate school! I've got two years and I feel that I had a breakthrough today.

I've decided to create a strategic plan for this semester:

                                              1. Observe class taught by L

                                              2. Keep in contact with L

                                              3. Show face in OSL every two weeks

                                              4. Solidify Practicum for OSL for spring term

                                              5. Research a little more about LCP and athletes (Throughout fall term)

Today a door opened that I didn't even know existed!

Giving It Purpose

         I started this blog to help keep a record of my own professional development. As a first year grad student at the University of Florida, my priorities lie in my classes and assistantship. My program of study is Student Personnel in Higher Education (Student Affairs).  My main interest is in leadership development of students, faculty, and staff.  I want to hold myself accountable in being an integral part of my own leadership development and take a proactive approach.  I will share my thoughts, anecdotes, and any information I use as a resource for those who want to read what I hope to be the writings of a future leading scholar in leadership development!

         My goal is to make this blog informative and enjoyable for its readers.  As I go along and gain some followers, I encourage them to respond to my posts.  Dig deeper into the research and then provide us with what you find! I am a strong believer in collaboration and look forward to discussions, debates, and of course development!