Inspiration from Ethan :)

Thinking about this week’s blog prompt proved to be difficult to pick from. We have had a lot of conversations throughout this class and it was hard to pinpoint one single comment, thought, or action that changed my view of leadership enough to write 500 words about. That would have to be one really strong comment, thought, or action to stick with me that much. So to find my perfect example, I decided to think about the class that we did the pipe and golf ball activity in. This class changed my view of leadership in such a strong way. It really affected me personally and I feel like I learned a tremendous amount about myself and others in regard to leadership. In this class I was personally complimented by both Stephanie Reddaway and Sandeep Sehbi in the group discussion. I would like to thank both of them for their offerings of such kind words to me. Those will definitely stick in my mind moving forward in my life.

Moving backwards to the beginning of the activity, however, I was personally amazed by Ethan Rhodus. His ability to grasp the leadership position in the group activity was impressive. What I thought to be a hard task was made so simple right before my eyes. I don't think he was really trying to become the group leader, so I don't believe he went into the activity with a strategy. If he was to use a strategy, however, it would have been to be genuinely nice to people. He also used the technique of positive reinforcement to inspire and encourage people to work together. His kind words, patience, and helpful instructions really brought everyone together and he had everyone on both teams listening to him and treating him as the natural leader. Ethan really showed what a great leader should resemble.

I really think that people take such acts of kindness and patience for granted. It is so easy to forget to treat people with this outward kindness. It is even more difficult to show patience in situations that are on a time limit. Ethan showed me and many others that to remember to use these courtesies is key in creating great leadership.

I personally struggle with my patience sometimes, especially in timed, large group situations. I will definitely remember this lesson learned throughout future circumstances. I now think that holding patience and kindness are the most important qualities of a leader. Without these, a leader cannot stand and gain the respect of their followers. They cannot gain the trust and quality hard work of their followers either. This simple positive reinforcement makes followers happy and willing to put forth their best effort.

The most important part of this technique is to be sincere. I hope that anyone trying to obtain this leadership quality will not think of it as a technique. Ethan’s sincerity really made people unite. I hope everyone in the class learned this lesson from Ethan as well, and I would like to congratulate him on his success.