Where will my past take me?

Kyungae Won

November 14, 2022

OGL 482 Pro Seminar II

Dr. Janice Lawhorn

This presentation will showcase my journey as a person and leader through what I

have learned through assessments, assignments in previous organizational leadership

courses, and life experiences. The shared data are comprised of artifacts through

research papers and assessments relevant to this assignment.

Data Sources:

Interpersonal Communication: Comm 100 (#1)- this was an introduction to my journey as I learned the

impact communication could make in a relationship and professional setting.

Life Events: CED 250 (#2) – my very first self-reflection paper. First time I see myself written on paper.

Career Theories: CED 250 (#3) – gained knowledge and learned of different theories as to what can impact

our career choice.

Final Reflection Paper: CED 250 (#4) – Deep dive into where I am today versus where I was at the beginning

of my journey at ASU.

Occupational Outlook and Skills Journal Assignment: FAS 324 (#5) -Assignment allowed me to reflect on

my skills and knowledge in my role as the manager.

Network and Socialization: FAS 324 (#6) - Captured my ideal career and environment.
Data Resource Con’t

Future of Work: FAS 324 (#7) - Summary of realistic career choice based on my knowledge and skills.

Behavioral and Situational Approach: OGL 300 (#8) - Identified key attributes to various behavioral and

situational approaches and how it impacts the individual management style.

Transformational and Authentic Leadership Style: OGL 300 (#9) - Comparing and contrasting the two

leadership styles in my understanding.

Followership: OGL 300 (#10) - Capturing my understanding of effective and ineffective leadership styles

through explaining leadership theories discussed in the course.

Say Yes Mediation Skills: OGL 340 (#11) - Had the opportunity to practice mediation skills while providing

feedback to the professor.

Final Portfolio: OGL 360 (#12) - The purpose is to assist in developing a plan for me to achieve my goal

successfully.
My 10 Themes:The following slides will showcase my journey as an individual and manager. It will include

the behaviors and knowledge gained through OGL courses as I will reference the artifacts and data

resources.

My ten themes comprise the following:

Ø Team Development

Ø Insecurity as a Leader

Ø Building Meaningful Relationships

Ø Encouraging Teamwork

Ø Helping Others Succeed/Developing Others

Ø My Personal Goal

Ø Characteristics to Avoid as a Leader

Ø Setting Boundaries

Ø Mindfulness

Ø Effective Communication
Theme 1: Team Development
Theme statement: Strong team development is essential because no matter the industry, without a cohesive team, success will be
unlikely.
Supporting Data:
Ø In my review of training and development management, a leader tricking the follower by leading them to think they were earning
a flat wage when it was based on performance does not create a trusting environment. (#5)
Ø Using the organization's mission and values will support the leader's consistency in building a team. (#5)
Ø Intentional plan to execute successful training. (#5)
Ø Creating an environment of acceptance and safe space (#6)
Ø Leaders are responsible for motivating and encouraging the team to do their best and pushing each other to succeed. (#5)

Contradictory Data:
No data could contradict the necessity of solid team development in a successful organization because sustaining a successful
organization is not feasible without a team.

Reflection:
Team development is not easy, and it takes much effort from all involved, from the team members, leaders, and even the
stakeholders. Team development will come with losses and failures because finding those who share the same goal as the
organization is challenging. However, once a team is formed, there's no limit to what they can accomplish together.
Theme 2: Insecurity as a Leader
Theme Statement: There’s pressure placed on a leader, and this pressure and other external influences will create gaps and
challenges, ultimately affecting their leadership due to insecurity.

Supporting Data:
Ø Deviated from the rules and policies I saw as right or wrong. (#10)
Ø Misplaced priorities, neglecting relationships and responsibilities as a wife, daughter, and manager. (#2)
Ø Communication skills were received as over-communicating and, at times, overbearing. (#4)
Ø Inability to assess the situation and having a “knee jerk” reaction. (#7)
Ø Limited assumptions as a leader place the fear of failure to the surface. (#12)
Ø Hesitation for self-preservation due to fear and concern about what others would think. (#2)

Contradictory Data:
I am actively working towards overcoming my insecurities as a leader by practicing effective communication and building
meaningful relationships.

Reflection:
All leaders go through some form of insecurity because no individuals share the same skills, strengths, values, or knowledge. What
and how we overcome this challenge will define us as a leader or another follower. I have been fortunate to have a support system
from family and my learnings through the OGL courses to apply in my professional setting.
Theme 3: Building Meaningful Relationships
Theme Statement: Relationships are vital and the foundation of any organization and often determine the success or failure of a
leader or the organization. Sometimes, building a relationship is more than just an initial effort. Both parties must continue giving and
taking for the relationship to flourish.

Supporting Data:
Ø A leader with great concern for relationships is selfless and transformational, thus winning their follower's trust. (#8)
Ø A leader understands the importance of human connection and building of network system to avoid coming across as a
transactional leader. (#8)
Ø Through the support system built through meaningful relationships, I can find myself and focus on my career. (#2)
Ø Leader-member exchange theory supports the idea for the leader and follower to cultivate the relationship to work well together.
(#10)
Ø Fortunate to have someone to share our day's events with, someone whose opinion we value. (#1)

Contradictory Data:
I can't imagine data out there going against the importance of a meaningful relationship.

Reflection:
Looking back as far as we can, I am confident relationships between individuals or groups play a part when there's a failed society.
However, the term meaningful may not be shared based on the result of the parties involved. Regardless, for me, without a
meaningful, trusting relationship, what does one have?
Theme 4: Encouraging Teamwork
Theme Statement: Throughout my career in my organization, encouraging teamwork has always been a focus to foster
collaboration, respect, and dignity. Through self-assessments and reflections, a successful and sustainable organization requires a
strong foundation that encourages teamwork.

Supporting Data:
Ø A leader who promotes respect and dignity inspires and provides a desire to achieve positive change that will benefit the masses.
(#9)
Ø Leadership is driven not only by an individual but also by inspiring followers to do their best and allowing for growth. (#10)
Ø An authentic leader understands and appreciates their success primarily due to the great work of the followers through
teamwork. (#10)
Ø In any workforce, a leader is responsible for creating a positive environment where others feel inspired to stand up for equality.
(#7)
Ø My job is to create a safe space where the followers can be their true, authentic selves and share and welcome honest feedback for
the team's benefit. (#4)

Contradictory Data:
The only thing that could contradict the benefit of encouraging teamwork is when it's transactional and the relationship is not
genuine. A transactional relationship is often short-lived as the trust and sense of appreciation are kept secret.

Reflection:
As leaders, we are obligated to encourage a fostering and collaborative work environment. This will build trust, and the team will
encourage and inspire one another to be their best.
Theme 5: Helping Others Succeed/Developing Others
Theme Statement: A leader looks to uplift the lives of their followers and goes above and beyond what is expected of them to help
pave a successful path for others. Additionally, a leader promotes inclusivity and mindfulness to allow the followers to establish a
sense of well-being and contribution to the success of the organization.

Supporting Data:
Ø Sharing personal stories encourages others that anything is possible through perseverance and determination. (#2)
Ø My Personal Global Inventory (PGI) and Neo Personality Inventory (NEO-PI) suggest my personality matches someone who takes
pride in helping others while focusing on achieving results (#4)
Ø A leader with great moral values earns the trust and respect of the followers, which inspires them to follow and helps them
succeed. (#9)
Ø Humility is a strength allowing me to reflect and guide others by sharing my trials and tribulations. (#9)
Ø In my current role, I have learned to listen effectively to understand various forms of learning and communication styles. (#7)

Contradictory Data:
While a leader should be honored for an opportunity to develop and help others succeed, there could be a potential conflict of
interest if the mentee outpaces the mentor and the leader loses their desire to continue to help others.

Reflection:
Perhaps this is my weakness; however, as a leader, I see myself as a segregated parent whose desire and the goal is to ensure the
success of my followers or peers. The team mentality should always be maintained to continue to push and encourage one another
for continued growth and progress.
Theme 6: My Personal Goal
Theme Statement: This is an opportunity to share how my goals have remained grounded and realistic despite the experiences and
challenges I have faced since the beginning of my journey.

Supporting Data:
Ø Centering myself is very important because it does not allow outside interference to distract me from accomplishing what I had
set to do. (#11)
Ø An assignment about spitting out the hook, releasing the trap that can harness negativity, and understanding my emotional IQ
has helped me accept my trigger points and how to avoid them. (#11)
Ø Spend a lot of time traveling and exploring with my husband and family. (#12)
Ø Overcoming the perils and stress of work, I am listening to meditation on my way to work and making time for myself. (#7)
Ø In my career, the values necessary are not about being in power, financial wealth, or recognition but the emphasis on work-life
balance and moral fulfillment. (#4)

Contradictory Data:
I have found myself having to recenter by stepping away and disconnecting due to increased challenges at work.

Reflection:
Until I started the assessments and reflections, thinking of creating alone time for myself felt selfish and wasted. I was always
trying to take on more responsibilities and help others, neglecting the most important person in my life, myself. Practicing
mindfulness and capturing my day through reflections have helped me become a better person, wife, daughter, manager, and,
hopefully, student.
Theme 7: Characteristics to Avoid as a Leader
Theme Statement: Becoming a leader is challenging because you have many eyes on you and look to you for guidance and support.
I don't believe people get into leadership roles to avoid becoming a harmful, ineffective leaders. Unfortunately, not intentionally,
but I was once that unapproachable, weak leader.

Supporting Data:
Ø My first manager will only allow me to make decisions with her approval. She prevented any chance for my confidence to grow. She
was not approachable. (#9)
Ø My single most significant limiting assumption is what would happen if I failed. (#12)
Ø I take feedback and suggestions as personal attacks, which can lead to decisions based on emotions rather than facts. The ability to be
objective is compromised. (#12)
Ø Avoiding a difficult conversation because due to personal agenda or fear. (#6)
Ø I recognized the difference between assertiveness and aggression. Expecting others to be like me and have the ability to perform at my
level, disregarding their individuality. (#4)

Contradictory Data:
Through tough conversations with my loved ones and those who genuinely want me to succeed as a manager, I have been adjusting my
approach and how I show up to my team. Practicing empathy and patience has allowed me to reflect and assess the situation before
making any decisions. What's contradictory is that a leader who wants to inspire others and succeed as a team will take their
opportunities, learn from them and reset themselves as a leader.

Reflection:
It's not easy to accept and admit I was once a person who was a reflection of a leader I vowed not to be. I am grateful for the learnings
through my organization and OGL classes to help grow and remove my blinders.
Theme 8: Setting Boundaries
Theme Statement: For continuous growth and self-preservation, it's vital to have professional and personal boundaries.

Supporting Data:
Ø In an effort for me to continue to figure out who I am and what I can do to continue to have forward movement, there will be
moments where I will need to say "no." (#12)
Ø Focusing on what matters most to me; family, exercising, and alone time. (#12)
Ø My challenge is to figure out and understand the difference between supportive and coddling. This line can blur the boundaries set
for me to be an effective leader. (#8)
Ø Prioritizing what's important is learning to communicate without emotions because consistency will be difficult to achieve. (#2)
Ø Driven to work to negatively affect my mental wellness to ensure we succeed as a team and my leader is recognized. Not knowing
my limitation before my health is concerned. (#8)

Contradictory Data:
Even with set boundaries, as leaders, we need to know when to adjust to give more and when to pull back for the good of everyone. I
like to refer to the safety check the flight attendants have. Always yes, put your mask on first and then help others. This helps me
stay grounded and not overextend myself.

Reflection:
Boundaries are essential because it keeps your personality and goal in order. As leaders and followers, crossing the set boundaries
does not mean sacrificing as long as you can assess the situation and consider the outcome.
Theme 9: Mindfulness
Theme Statement: How we can stay genuine and create an environment for others depends on how we show up to our loved ones
and in the workplace.

Supporting Data:
Ø I need to take an authentic look into who I am as a leader to support my family and team. (#8)
Ø Taking a break when the sense of individuality was lost. (#2)
Ø It's okay to feel overwhelmed because this means you're growing and learning. (#2)
Ø Not allowing external influence to change who I am. (#9)
Ø Focus on my opportunities, and then I can improve my leadership skills. (#12)

Contradictory Data:
None

Reflection:
Looking back until recently, I can't even recall what I did to keep myself from "losing my mind" because of work, family issues, or
just life. I used to laugh and mock people who went on yoga or mindfulness retreats because it was a sign of weakness to me. I have
realized over these few years that I did not know how to put things into perspective truly. I've always thought I knew exactly what I
wanted, where I was going, and how I would get there. Mindfulness opened my eyes to what's truly important and brings me joy, my
relationship with my family. I don't want to have regrets, and understanding and to accept my life as it is now have given me peace. I
am grateful to have learned these various assessments and reflections not to have regrets, and that's what mindfulness means to be
me, accepting that I only have my actions and thoughts to control.
Theme 10: Effective Communication
Theme Statement: Foundation of all successful organizations and relationships is effective communication. As leaders, we must
adapt how we communicate with our followers and others to avoid miscommunication.

Supporting Data:
Ø The authentic leadership model involves building trust and two-way communication with an open-door policy. (#10)
Ø Honest feedback from being part of a safe environment where the followers can be themselves also creates an environment
where they feel empowered to share honest feedback. (#10
Ø )In addition to planning and prioritizing to be a successful leader, developing the skill to teach others through effective and
interpersonal communication will win the followers' trust. (#4)
Ø One of many reasons for our great marriage is our conversation is organic, and there's a dialogue. It's more than just
communicating how our day was but incorporating interpersonal communication by including the other person in and taking
each other on that journey. (#1)
Ø Effective communication can also be in agreement/action, such as building ground rules to create clarity and eliminate
ambiguity between two parties. (#11)

Contradictory Data:
None

Reflection:
Communication can come in many forms, verbal or nonverbal. However, it's essential to consider the perspective of others. As
one trying to relay information, it's that person's responsibility to ensure the one receiving is clear about what is being shared or
expected from them. For communication to be effective, the communicator and receiver must be willing and agree to what is
being communicated.
My Personal Vision Statement

I will continue to share my life experiences through effective communication and

storytelling for an opportunity to help others reach their goal. I will focus on building
relationships while being mindful and taking care of yourself first is okay. People will
follow you when you behave with respect and dignity while showing humility and
willingness to be vulnerable.

Reflection:

My professional journey has been filled with many forks on the road, and I had to
choose what was suitable for me then. I have no regrets but am excited I will be able
to incorporate my learnings and experiences to continue to help me make the right
decisions that will bring me joy and happiness with those necessary in my life.
My Personal Mission Statement

Through daily reflections, I will strive to be the best person I know I can be in each
moment.

Reflection:

A mission statement must be attainable and realistic while aligning with my values. I
can hold myself accountable to deliver and live my mission and values daily because
it’s who I have been, am, and will be.
Conclusion:

Referencing back to the beginning of my journey at ASU, I am grateful for the

opportunity provided through Starbucks and the College Achievement Program.
This course has broadened my horizon, allowed me to see beyond what is in front
of me, and how I view my life and career journey. As I turned 50 years old, I had not
considered the “what if” scenario and ventured away from 15 years of my time at
Starbucks. Starbucks has provided me with much growth and opportunities but was
it just a stepping stone for my career?
I am sure and confident of my storytelling abilities to share with future partners at
Starbucks or any organization because I can put it into perspective, not just from
my viewpoint but also as a barista who developed into the manager role. I have
much to be thankful for, support from my family, Starbucks, peers, and friends, and
feedback from the ASU professors to help me academically become who I am today.
Thank you!