Well, it's been a whirlwind winter break. I've been up to so much that I almost forget I'm heading back to school this week. I was able to travel home to Nashville for Christmas, drive up to Minnesota with my sisters for a cousin's wedding, and then hop on a plane for China. I just returned home to San Francisco after two weeks in Southern China, visiting a friend living and working in Guangzhou.This was my first trip to Asia, and an amazing one at that. I am fortunate to have been able to spend so much time in Guangzhou. A city most western tourists wouldn't go to, let alone most Americans haven't heard of. I was able to see the 'real China' as my friend said. At least 10 million Chinese, working hard, shopping, living, developing and not acting up. One of the most notable things about being in China, is how safe it is. There is virtually no threat of violent crime there, and although I watched my bag carefully, I felt no danger walking down a dark street, or that I would be harassed in the metro station. This made for a pleasant trip, despite the pollution and language barrier! The food was amazing to say the least, and most of our exploring was food related. (In my opinion the best way to get to know another city and its culture is through its food)
Now that I am working on this first entry and thinking about starting back up at Berkeley, I am eager to see how this semester goes. I definitely piled more on my plate this semester as I know I work more efficiently and effectively when I have more to do. Despite knowing this, I am a little anxious to see how I settle into my new full schedule. Devoting time to the leadership fellows program, working with my peers, mentors and also alone, will be a great compliment to the academic work I have ahead of me this semester. Who's signed up for more stats!?
The leadership prompt of the week:
Bring to mind an example of leadership that inspires you. What is it, and what's the lesson for your own leadership?
The most consistently inspiring form of leadership for me is working with those that lead by doing. "Role modeling" as I've heard it referred to. Those leaders, official and unofficial, whose actions inspire and push me to change my behavior. However, I would place equal importance on the leader's ability to invest in my development and growth. I've look back highly on those managers that were able to not only get down in the trenches and do the dirty work with everyone, but also took the time to mentor me and invest in my growth. Feeling like you are supported and valued makes for a highly rewarding experience in my book. Looking forward to continuing working on this as well as being exposed to other forms and styles of leadership.
The most consistently inspiring form of leadership for me is working with those that lead by doing. "Role modeling" as I've heard it referred to. Those leaders, official and unofficial, whose actions inspire and push me to change my behavior. However, I would place equal importance on the leader's ability to invest in my development and growth. I've look back highly on those managers that were able to not only get down in the trenches and do the dirty work with everyone, but also took the time to mentor me and invest in my growth. Feeling like you are supported and valued makes for a highly rewarding experience in my book. Looking forward to continuing working on this as well as being exposed to other forms and styles of leadership.
Markell,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had an amazing trip! I would love to see pictures!
I was not going to take any more statistics but unfortunately I have been suckered into it by my advisor who insists it "will be good for me" and that I'll thank her later. We'll see...
I'm glad we have a couple of classes together (including stats, I think) and will get to work with each other during the next several months.
I concur with you that when I have had supervisors or managers who have taken the time to mentor me and invest in my growth, I have been more committed to my work and willing and able to push myself to the next level. I find that those leaders who are able to strike a balance between trusting me to have some autonomy and work independently and at the same time take the time to respond to my questions and give me tools to grow are the most effective leaders.
Markell,
ReplyDeleteSounds like your break was awesome! I have always wanted to visit China, especially with all the changes the country has experienced in recent years. I also appreciate leaders that have invested in my professional and personal growth and gone above and beyond being simply a manager or boss. Inspirational leadership is so important and can really motivate you to grow and do a great job, no matter what the task or position.
Markell,
ReplyDeleteWow sounds like you really took full advantage of your break and got to do a lot of traveling. It's great that you got to visit China and explore places that are not the traditional tourist spots. I think it definitely gives you a better feel for a place if you can visit the "real" places that are not so focused on making things look good for the tourists sake. It must have been a great experience. I also agree with you that leaders who are "role models" and are genuinely interested in your own development are the most effective leaders and you gain a lot from the support and encouragement that they offer.
Food is definitely one of the best ways to get to know a place! I especially like traveling to places with an active street food culture.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about the importance of managers who really make an effort to get to know you. I feel lucky that I've had several bosses who have been great mentors and friends; they continue to inspire me!