Monday, January 13, 2014

November 1st Meeting Reflection

1. Name of cohort meeting: Diversity in Leadership

2. What are 3 things you learned at the meeting?
-People are not one dimensional. We are created with a mix of characteristics and we define ourselves through the what are values are what we relate ourselves to.
-Just because somebody leads in a different way than you does not mean that they are leading the wrong way. They may be driven by different values that influence the way they lead. Men may lead in a different way than women. However, it's important not to alienate those that you are working with that may not share the same values.
-Being a truly good leader means you must have "intercultural competence", as nobody will ever be the same as you. Being able to work with those that are different than you, as well as being supportive of their values, are key aspects of leadership. Simply because you don't understand someone else's values doesn't mean that they are less important.

3. Why is it important for leaders to be sensitive to cultural and social identities? Can you make a connection between what you learned at the meeting and a current event? Do you think that what you learned at the meeting will help you confront these issues when they emerge?
-Today's world is far more globalized than what it was in the past, and it will only continue this way in the future. Therefore, our workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods will become more diverse. It's important to embrace this diversity rather than shun it, as having many different outlooks on a situation helps more than it hinders. Plus, we have to be sensitive to the values of others that differ from our own values. Being a leader means thinking of others above yourself. This concept is easier in some situations than others, but there are still many struggles that present themselves everywhere. Some colleges are criticized for not providing enough diversity, and shows like Saturday Night Live have been similarly criticized for having primarily white cast members. Although these situations are often out of the average person's control, I know that I can be respectful of others that are different from me. I want to stay very involved on campus and be an RA, and I'm sure situations will arise where I will have to confront such a problem.

4. Do you think leadership can be value neutral? Do you think that leadership is better when it is ethical? Why?
-I don't thank that value neutral leadership is possible. If you don't have values, what are you working towards? Values drive how we approach situations and determines what we situations we act upon. I think leadership is better when we lead ethically, but I don't think that leading by ethics simply makes it better than leading by values.

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1 comment:

  1. First very nice picture, it captures the first point you made that leaders are not one dimensional perfectly. Secondly, I really like how you included real life connections such a problems with diversity for colleges and SNL today because this topic is being discussed and criticized daily around the world. Lastly, your connection between ethics and values is very logical and I agree!

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