An attempt to challenge yourself as a leader, or implement a unique strength.

This can be an event or situation that happened during the class or recently.
Ideally, use the concepts from class to challenge yourself in some way, and
then write about the outcome.

During a recent team project in my leadership class, I decided to challenge myself

by taking on the role of facilitator during our group meetings. Normally, I tend to
be more of a contributor, sharing my ideas and opinions, but I wanted to step out
of my comfort zone and try a different approach to leadership.
1. What happened?
During our team meetings, I took on the role of facilitator, focusing on guiding the
conversation, ensuring everyone had an opportunity to speak, and keeping us on
track with our agenda. I encouraged active participation from all team members,
asked open-ended questions to stimulate discussion, and facilitated decision-
making processes.
2. What were the results?
The results were mixed. On the positive side, I noticed that team members were
more engaged and participative during our meetings. They seemed to appreciate
the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the discussion. However,
there were also challenges. As the facilitator, I found it challenging to balance my
role as a participant with my responsibility to guide the conversation. At times, I
felt like I was dominating the discussion or struggling to keep the conversation
focused.
3. Why did this happen?
This happened partly because I wanted to challenge myself and develop my skills
as a leader. I also recognized that our team would benefit from more structured
and inclusive meetings, where everyone had a chance to contribute. Additionally,
the dynamics of our team, with members coming from different backgrounds and
communication styles, influenced how effective my facilitation was.
4. What class concepts are relevant to this situation?
One relevant concept from class is "group dynamics." Understanding group
dynamics helped me navigate the interactions and relationships within our team
more effectively. By recognizing individual strengths and communication styles, I
was better able to facilitate productive discussions and foster collaboration.
5. What did you learn from this?
From this experience, I learned the importance of adaptability and self-
awareness as a leader. While challenging myself to take on a new role was
beneficial, it's also essential to recognize and address any challenges that arise
along the way. Moving forward, I will continue to refine my facilitation skills and
remain open to feedback from my team members to improve our overall
effectiveness.