Leadership: Self-Reflection I Scored Low

Leadership: Self-Reflection

I scored low for the categories "Model the Way," "Inspire a Shared Vision" and "Encourage the Heart." I'm extremely aware of the fact that when it comes to education, leading by example is one of the most effective things that one can do. This is why I was disturbed by the fact that I scored low on "modeling the way" and want to work hard to improve this. According to Kouzes and Posner, the key to modeling the way revolves around setting an example by acting in manners that are consistent with collective values and the act of achieving small wins that foster regular progress and help commitment to grow. By acting like a balanced, kind, and dedicated athlete myself, who's not afraid of rigorous training or hard work, I can inspire these actions within my students as well. To be clear, one of the ways I can improve this is by bettering the manner in which I communicate with others.

Generally, I think of myself as a shy person who leads by example on the wrestling mat. I feel very comfortable demonstrating to my athletes the correct form and technique that one needs to use for specific maneuvers and strategies. However, this type of modeling isn't always effective with all types of learners. Some learners learn better with imagery or story-telling, others learn better with pictures or by going through the demonstrated routines on their own. If there's one aspect of modeling the way that I can certainly improve, it's by improving my communication skills.

The better and more effectively that I can communicate with my students; the more likely I am to reap results from them as athletes. Furthermore, I'll be able to offer them a higher quality of teaching via these improved communication techniques. In order for me to improve theses characteristics I feel I need to learn to be more sociable. I need to put myself in these social situations so I can become comfortable talking to new people and my wrestlers. Developing some kind of relationship would be ideal as it would allow me to create a bond of friendship and trust with my wrestlers which would empower me to a greater extent as a coach. While it's important for my athletes to know me as someone who sets a standard for hard work and discipline, the team will be behooved if they also know me as someone who all members feel comfortable talking to about ideas, fears and issues.

Communication will also help me to "inspire a shared vision." All of my athletes need to know that as members of the wrestling team, they're part of something that's larger than themselves and they have an opportunity to do something really heroic. They can inspire other students, act as role models for young kids and pave a future for themselves that can be full of bright opportunities. As Kouzes and Posner remind us, "Leaders spend considerable effort gazing across the horizon of time -- imagining what kind of future they would like to create. Through enthusiasm and skillful communication, leaders enlist the emotions of others to share the vision. They show others how mutual interests can be met through commitment to a common purpose." Communication is such an integral aspect of inspiring a shared vision as it will help me to find the most effective words and messages to call my athletes to action and motivate them to work harder, take risks and act with courage. I also need to take the time to really consider what I want the future of the team to look like and how I can act like more of a visionary coach for my athletes, taking them to even higher levels of performance, but also opening doors for them and introducing them to opportunities they would otherwise not have the chance to encounter.

When it comes to "encouraging the heart" I need to be bolder and more communicative in ways that I can express my appreciation to my athletes, and thus encourage them to perform at their best level. As this strategy involves the act of recognizing "individual contributions to the success of every project" and "Celebrating team accomplishments regularly" communication is clearly key. I definitely need to be more proactive and praising my athletes and talking about how important their hard work is to me, regardless of the outcome of the match. it's important for me to thank my athletes from time to time and express how much their courage and their risk-taking is inspiring to me and to the entire school. Such words can work wonders in boosting morale and helping athletes keep the "bigger picture" of events in their mind.

Essentially, all the key aspects of leadership are the areas that I need marked improvement on. "It really comes down to doing well by doing well and in doing so leaders provide their followers with an example of purposeful and principled living. People not only want to follow such leaders, but they also do so with great enthusiasm" (Baldoni, 2012). Inspiring others to work at their best by putting my best work forward isn't easy, but it's something that I'm fully prepared to do. Encouraging others from the places in their soul that makes them love wrestling and love the feel of pushing their bodies to perfection is another aspect that I can work on. it's important that my players don't feel like they're merely "punching a time clock" when they come to practice, but working to better themselves and the sport they love.