Reply To: Exercise 1: Personal Essay
First Essay
What motivated me to take the course and do the exercises in the book?
In my undergraduate studies in Business School, I took courses that I thought would be essential to becoming a strong leader, covering topics like communication, ethics, and more. Later, when I began consulting, we had additional courses on leading teams and fostering an unbiased approach, particularly through diversity and inclusion training. These courses increased my awareness, but they often felt more like “for-your-information” sessions without real experiences or case studies to reinforce the lessons.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with people who hadn’t taken formal leadership courses yet were natural leaders, and others with MBAs who didn’t demonstrate the same level of skill. This experience made me curious to try a course with hands-on practice, where I could actively improve myself and become a better influence on both myself and those around me.
What do I expect to gain from the experience?
I want to become a more effective leader, capable of influencing others with or without formal authority. Through this experience, I hope to identify my strengths to leverage further and recognize areas of weakness that I need to improve.
What motivated me to pursue leading in general?
Throughout my career, I have worked with managers who were also great leaders, and I truly enjoyed those experiences. They created a positive work environment, and my career advanced during that time. I’ve also encountered managers who were solely focused on getting the job done, offering little opportunity for growth. I left jobs not because I disliked the work, but because I didn’t want to work under that type of leadership. My motivation is to help others and create an environment where people enjoy their work and have the opportunity to thrive.
What do I think about leadership?
I believe leadership is essential in all settings. We need someone to take charge; without that, situations can become chaotic, especially when everyone has their own ideas. It’s important to learn the skills necessary to align everyone’s objectives and achieve our goals effectively.
What are my models for leadership?
Collaborative Leadership: I admire leaders who prioritize transparent communication and foster collaboration among team members. They create an open environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback, which helps build trust and strengthens team dynamics.
Authentic Leadership: I deeply value authentic leadership, where leaders are genuine and transparent in their communication. I appreciate when leaders show their true selves, as it fosters a sense of trust and openness within the team. A calm and assertive approach in addressing challenges not only sets a positive example but also creates a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. For me, authentic leadership is about building connections and empowering others to thrive.
Who are my role models?
One of my biggest role models is my former manager, Luke. His calm demeanor really made a difference in our work environment. I remember working on a fast-paced and chaotic project at the client’s site, and Luke’s genuine personality helped keep both the team and the client at ease. As someone new to the group, I made my fair share of mistakes. Instead of getting frustrated, Luke saw those moments as opportunities for me to learn and grow, which I truly appreciated.
I also find inspiration in Ted Lasso, the fictional character from the Apple TV show. Ted, an American college football coach, was hired to lead an English soccer team despite having no prior experience. Many people laughed at him for it, but his positive attitude and friendly nature built strong team morale and trust. Watching Ted navigate challenges with such warmth and optimism reminds me of the impact a good leader can have on their team’s success.
What works for me when I lead? What doesn’t?
I find that leading by example and delivering quality work really resonates with me. For instance, when I was building trust and respect with a new client, I focused on exceeding their expectations with my deliverables. Once they recognized my competence, I earned my place at the table, which was incredibly rewarding.
On the flip side, I’ve learned that “voluntolding” doesn’t work for me. When people are told by my boss that they need to report to me, it often leads to slow or incomplete work. Even though I may hold a more senior position, if they’re not invested in the tasks, it becomes a challenge to motivate them. I believe that genuine buy-in is essential for effective leadership and collaboration.
Where do I want to apply my leadership skills?
I want to apply my leadership skills wherever possible—whether it’s in my alumni groups where I volunteer on the executive board, in my professional work, or in my daily life.
What is my history with leadership — first memories, best and worst memories, and so on?
One of my best memories of leadership was when we were organizing an event. I reached out to someone interested in helping, and together we quickly divided and conquered the tasks. The event ended up having a fantastic turnout!
On the other hand, my worst memory involves individuals who wanted to be free riders, simply looking to add a position to their LinkedIn profiles. They promised to contribute but never followed through and eventually stopped responding to my follow-ups.
What is the value in doing these exercises?
For me, the value comes from learning the basics and building a solid foundation. These exercises offer a safe space to practice, make mistakes, and grow.