Leadershape Institute
The first week of winter break following my first semester of college, myself and dozens of other intrepid individuals participated in a 6 day long leadership seminar known as Leadershape. Entering the experience, I had a feeling of nervous excitement as, despite hearing only good things about the institute, I was unsure what to expect. I also came in with the idea that leadership was about communication, character, and a few other aspects, the institute in some ways challenged these notions while in other ways secured these beliefs in way I had not expected. The institute's mix of activities pushed my introverted nature to the front and help me not only meet new people but also to better understand myself and my leadership style.
One of my favorite activities was one called StarPower, which was a simple game of coin trading that evolved into a perceived model of class ideals and how power can change people. After the first round of trading, we were separated into a group based on points earned and were given buttons to denote this. I was a part of the high scoring group and in the last round we were able to make the rules for the future rounds. Rather than being devious or calculated as may have been anticipated from our group, I spoke up and demonstrated what rules would be best served for the whole group due to help from an economics course I had taken in the fall. Despite this effort, our group's good intentions were not demonstrated in the larger group discussion which was frustrating for me. Thankfully I was able to explain our aims in my small group, but this moment crystallized for me that sometimes in leadership, good intentions will not be seen and leaders should not seek gratification for smart decisions, but have the character to make them regardless of who saw or heard of the choice. In this way, the Institute solidified my idea of character and integrity as leadership keys.
In the second half of our week we focused on creating visions for a better future. Through careful thinking I found my passion was to create a world in which people are proud of where they are from culturally and geographically. This translates into my intentions with the Student Alumni Council, of which I was extended membership before attending Leadershape, which is to increase pride in the university and awareness of great culture that exists in the city of Cincinnati. I look forward to pursuing this passion through SAC, but through all the things I participate in at the University of Cincinnati. The city is something I am proud of and I look forward to determining how to best help share this passion with others. Regardless, I am fortunate to have participated in the Institute, learning many lessons of leadership and capturing a vision that will help lead me throughout the next years I spend at UC. Leadershape helped to emphasize the importance of integrity in leadership but also the need for diversity of thought and making sure I have my view heard in order for my leadership to make the complete impact that I desire.
One of my favorite activities was one called StarPower, which was a simple game of coin trading that evolved into a perceived model of class ideals and how power can change people. After the first round of trading, we were separated into a group based on points earned and were given buttons to denote this. I was a part of the high scoring group and in the last round we were able to make the rules for the future rounds. Rather than being devious or calculated as may have been anticipated from our group, I spoke up and demonstrated what rules would be best served for the whole group due to help from an economics course I had taken in the fall. Despite this effort, our group's good intentions were not demonstrated in the larger group discussion which was frustrating for me. Thankfully I was able to explain our aims in my small group, but this moment crystallized for me that sometimes in leadership, good intentions will not be seen and leaders should not seek gratification for smart decisions, but have the character to make them regardless of who saw or heard of the choice. In this way, the Institute solidified my idea of character and integrity as leadership keys.
In the second half of our week we focused on creating visions for a better future. Through careful thinking I found my passion was to create a world in which people are proud of where they are from culturally and geographically. This translates into my intentions with the Student Alumni Council, of which I was extended membership before attending Leadershape, which is to increase pride in the university and awareness of great culture that exists in the city of Cincinnati. I look forward to pursuing this passion through SAC, but through all the things I participate in at the University of Cincinnati. The city is something I am proud of and I look forward to determining how to best help share this passion with others. Regardless, I am fortunate to have participated in the Institute, learning many lessons of leadership and capturing a vision that will help lead me throughout the next years I spend at UC. Leadershape helped to emphasize the importance of integrity in leadership but also the need for diversity of thought and making sure I have my view heard in order for my leadership to make the complete impact that I desire.
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