HDF 190:

FIRST YEAR LEADERS INSPIRED TO EXCELLENCE

LEADERSHIP PORTFOLIO

Kara Turco
SPRING 2018

kturco@my.uri.edu
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Strengths
Values
Opening Statement SLIDE #4
Section 1: Self Leadership SLIDE #5
Section 2: Leadership Theories SLIDE #6
Section 3: Inclusive Leadership SLIDE #7
Section 4: Critical Thinking SLIDE #8
Section 5: Interpersonal/Organizational Leadership SLIDE #9
 Signature Strengths
Adaptability
Positivity
Strategic
Ideation
Achiever

Values In Action Strengths

Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
Curiosity
Humor
Love
Social Intelligence
 OPENING STATEMENT
Hello, my name is Kara Turco and I’m a Fashion Merchandising and Design major
with a minor in Leadership Studies. As a leader my mission is to remain positive no
matter what happens. If something bad happens I will find something good in it and
focus on that to remain uplifted. I also want to live life with love and use the love I
provide to lift others spirits and be there for others when they need me. Using my
values of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, Curiosity, Humor, Love, and Social
Intelligence I will be able to enjoy the little things and allow myself to gain happiness
from positive interactions with others from the use of humor resulting in love for them
as well as love for life. HDF 190 has opened the door to a life of leadership and I can’t
wait to see what else is in store.
 SECTION 1
SELF LEADERSHIP
Student will demonstrate personal, organizational, and academic examples of self-
discipline
Self-discipline can be a very tough value to possess. It can seem, at often times, like a waste to do certain
things. But in the end its important to have self-discipline in all areas of your life to remain well rounded
and to better yourself. For example, I have self-discipline when it comes to my academics. At certain times
it seems a lot easier for me to sit down and watch Netflix rather than complete an assignment, but I have
learned that is not the way. In my TMD 224 class we are assigned lengthy forums that are opened from
Monday to Wednesday every other week. We are required to post at least 5 posts for a C and also find an
accurate source to support each response. Usually I want to only respond about 3 times, once a day, but I
know I would fail. My self-discipline allows me to plan a way to post multiple posts a day in a timely
fashion. Besides academics, I use self-discipline in Club Lacrosse here. Some days I feel too lazy to attend
practice but with self-discipline I realize I must attend to better myself and not let down my team. Overall,
self-discipline is very important.
 SECTION 2
Leadership Theory and Models
Student will show knowledge of the “Servant Leadership” theory of leadership by Greenleaf

The Servant Leadership theory created by Robert K. Greenleaf states that in order to be a servant-leader you must
not only have the natural desire to serve, but also be a servant first. With that being said, the key to servant
leadership is compassion and without it one would have no true effect on others. In our packets we learned the ten
characteristics for servant leadership. Those are, listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion,
conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and building community. These
ten characteristics add to the natural drive to serve and help both receivers and givers experience the impact of
servant leadership. By utilizing all of these when serving others one will not only help the others to grow but also
grow themselves in the process.
 SECTION 3
Inclusive Leadership / Diversity and its application to leadership
Student will create a personal code of inclusive leadership

My personal code of inclusive leadership is as follows. I will understand myself enough to be

able to include others no matter if their views are different than mine or not. I will be
collaborative with others to make a change for the better and be kind and curious to find out
the best way to reach our goals.
 SECTION 4
Critical Thinking
Student will show knowledge of principles of critical thinking and fallacies (logic is used in this
minor)

Leadership requires a lot of critical thinking to make sure those you’re working with agree with you and
that you are all on the same page working toward a common goal. Some principles of critical thinking
include, logical reasoning, facts, analysis, and active listening. It is important that as a leader you are
listening to all points of view when critically thinking. Without doing so you are at risk of losing valuable
facts on the topic of discussion and logical reasoning behind the matter. Also, imperative that you analyze
all aspects and effects of each side to whatever the topic is. In this minor it is very important to recognize
all of these principles and be able to apply them to all situations when dealing with others and any
discussion.
 SECTION 5
Interpersonal and Organizational Concepts and Skills
Student will describe principles of effective peer leadership, as well as problems particular to
peer leadership

Peer leadership has proven to be a very effective leadership style throughout my experiences. The main
principles of effective peer leadership include, cooperation, fairness, and assertiveness. Peer leadership can
seem very simple in theory, but to properly run it takes a lot of effort and cooperation on all sides. The peer
leaders must also remain fair yet assertive. It is important to not favor one side over another due to closer
relationships. As well as assert dominance in certain situations to get the team back on track. I think it’s
very important for peer leaders to use these principles. Along with the benefits of peer leadership,
problems tend to arise. Because peer leadership calls for leaders that are the relatively the same age as the
participants, tension occurs. Someone may not want to cooperate considering the slight age difference but
in the end everyone must work together to really effectively practice peer leadership.