Victoria Johnson

HDF 190

April 10 2021

Vincent/ Boyd

Learning Contract

This semester I knew that I wanted to further myself academically, but also overall. I

knew that if I were to be successful in this my leadership skills would flourish. In my learning

contract I chose to meet with Robert and work on utilizing my strengths.

They are as following

VIA: Kindness, Humor, Spirituality, Fairness, and Forgiveness

Clifton Strengths: Connectedness, Input, Woo, Achiever, and Arranger

I wanted to learn more about my strengths, and how I can incorporate them into my daily life.

Through my three meetings with Robert we focused on larger concepts. Amidst meeting I

learned a lot about myself, and how I can grow as a leader even when challenges arise. My

goal was to learn how to utilize my strengths in everyday life. In particular my Clifton Strengths. I

would not consider myself an arranger, and I wanted to learn more about what these were

selected.

The definition of an arranger is “people exceptionally talented in the arranger theme can

organize, but they have the flexibility that complements this ability. They like to determine how

all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity” (Gallop, 2020). This

does not resonate with me, but I wanted to dive deeper because there has to be a reason

behind this.

We focused a lot on asking for help, when it is needed. This is not something that comes

easy to me as I tend to overlook this simple task. I also learned a lot about what role I hold as a

leader. I tend to be more outgoing which is reflected in my leadership styles. I can connect
personally to the Servant Leadership Model. I have found that this is very important in my

leadership style, and there are endless ways that I can apply this.

I am able to use my strengths along with the servant leadership model. For example one

of my Clifton strengths is Woo, and in my meetings I discussed how this can be a very powerful

strength. Woo is described as “people exceptionally talented in the Woo theme love the

challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking

the ice and making a connection with someone” (Gallop, 2020). These strengths I knew I had,

but I learned how to strengthen its purpose. I have the gift of talking, and I love to communicate

with others. Robert, and I focused on honing in on this to make my words have power and

meaning. I am involved in Greek Life where I am a sister of Sigma Kappa. Here I hold a

leadership position as the Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy Services, and I can utilize my

Woo here. I am putting forth my best effort within Greek Life to help me succeed. When I talked

with Robert we really focused on honing in on this.

Thanks to my knowledge that I have learned in HDF 190, and through meeting with

Robert I am able to transfer my leadership onto others around me. Kindness is one of my VIA

strengths, and I can help others around me become a leader through this. I am very patient, and

when you are dealing with service and helping others this is important. Robert and I talked

about the way I do things as I want everyone to be cohesive, reflecting kindness. Through this

value I have become a better leader, and this has inspired me to help shape other leaders.

Stated Goal

My goal when meeting with Robert really focused on exploring my personal strengths and

values.

Planned Method

As stated above I really learned how to use my strengths and values by meeting with Robert.

My initial plan was to meet with him periodically at 10:00 on Tuesdays. This was to check in with

where I am at in my life, and how my strengths can correspond to it. I also knew that I wanted to
see the being and doing model. Robert and my meetings had the intention of finding a balance

between the two, and then tying them into my strengths.

Evidence

Notes taken from meeting

Screenshot of a meeting invite

Reflection statement

I learned that I have so many strengths that I can use in leadership. My strengths have

shown me that I have a greater purpose than myself, and in addition to Servant Leadership I

can achieve great things. From working with Robert I learned that things are constantly

changing, and with this we are given the opportunity to grow. This can be seen in my case

through my sorority. In Sigma Kappa, and the Greek community, and in my everyday life. Robert

has taught me the art in leading, but also the beauty of leading by knowing when to do what.

When I was sick with COVID-19 it was only after having a meeting with Robert that I realized

that it is alright to ask for help. I am always more than willing to help others, and I realized that

people feel the same towards me. I also learned about being and doing. This concept is for

everything that I do I also have to be. This can mean a wide variety of things from going on a

walk by myself after a big exam to rewarding myself with ice cream after I give a tour. This

balance is something that I have a tendency to overlook.

I have learned to use my strengths for myself. For example as a leader I have always

been fair and kind to others. I am learning to do the same, but for myself. I can achieve great

things in a group with my sorority in my leadership positions, but I also am learning to achieve

great things within myself. This balance is helping to Woo come out internally and externally.

When it comes to leadership it begins from within, and I have learned the true value of this.

References

Gallup, Inc. “CliftonStrengths Quick Reference Card.” Gallup.com, Gallup, 12 Oct. 2020,

www.gallup.com/workplace/245090/cliftonstrengths-themes-quick-reference-card.aspx.

Komives, S. R., Lucas, N. and MacMahon, T.R. (2013). Exploring leadership: For college

students who want to make a difference. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass