Listen, Learn and Act COBE Week 9

           

 At this point in the semester after working diligently on building relationships with my residents I now need to switch my focus to the next step in the “peace” pyramid, listening and learning. For the last couple weeks I have begun this process in regards to the company we all work for. I would constantly be asking for input from the residents that I could use in a weekly meeting with our direct supervisors. This form of representation proved beneficial for two reasons. First, it allowed me to know what was going on. I would hear about things as they occurred which allowed me to help people accordingly. The other substantial bonus to this method is that I could represent their needs for changes in the workplace. At first they were reluctant to share all of their thoughts because of the impacts they could have in the workplace, whether negative or positive.  But, when the ball started to roll because of the changes being implemented in part, due to the meetings, people’s attitudes start to change and the relationships grew because of the trust my residents were granting me.

            Obviously there are many different aspects in the LLC life that can be altered to make the students’ experience richer. One of the most critical aspects to focus on is also one of the easiest. When I pose this question, “What can I do to make your experience in this community a more beneficial one?”  I get a large variety of answers. This is because my relationship with each person has its own spin. To me the relationships are a language dialect that I can change. Not that my actions or goals are changing but the way I go about accomplishing them is tailored to each individual. This allows me to effectively get onto a one on one basis with each person in the community. Then I ask people questions that can allow me to better suit to their needs. When I get answers that take more than an immediate response to solve I try to write them down on my laptop home screen and take them to heart on a daily basis. While this doesn't work every time it has proven effective in the past.

            The most interesting thing I have learned about leadership from my students is about the different types of leaders. I didn't come to this with one student but it was more of a constant shaping over the course of my time working at BSU. Leaders that want to inspire others to reach their goal lead with a steadfast attitude that makes others change to their specific style. Leaders that want to support others in their individual pursuits lead by supporting and adjusting to specific people’s needs on a more personal basis. As the Program Assistant we must true to this style of leadership. Learning these things now and consistently improving on them through listening, learning and acting on our inclinations, is the only way to keep our hearts truly at peace.