Learning Through Others...

"Share our similarities, CELEBRATE OUR DiFfErEnCeS"

Everyone is different; people have different cultures, values, perspectives, characteristics, and the list goes on and on. It was very interesting reading many different blogs because it not only reinforces what you already believed in, but it opens up new ideas and ways to develop and improve yourself.  For example, I strongly believe that a leader should lead with values, have trust in their team, and inspire them to be or do something more than they can be. Good leaders are great communicators.  Tyler’s blog also talks a little bit about this idea of a leader who is always there for his or her team and always looking out for them.  Like me, one of his top archetypes is Jester. One major similarity between him and me is that we both like to enjoy life and bring out the best in everyone.  I learned that leaders who have this archetype would most likely try to form a special bond with their followers.

I also enjoyed reading one of Leanne’s blog that talks about how a crucial part of leadership is “understanding who you are before judging and helping others.” I agree with her on this. The main difference between us lies in our archetypes. One of her top archetypes was seeker, which was my 4^th on the list.  I see this archetype as an area of improvement in my personality and leadership style. Leanne likes to try new things and looks like is not afraid to take on new adventures.  I like that too but I hesitate a lot when looking for something new and at the very beginning, I am resistant to change. When I get comfortable in a situation or in a certain point of my life, I like to stay there. I would like to improve the way I act to be a little more adventurous and explorer like Leanne.

I also enjoyed reading Kurt’ response to the PMAI test and his thoughts about trait based leadership.  In this blog, he focused on the fact that there are many “shadow behaviors” that leaders have to be aware of.  Like him, I am grateful that in our HTM classes we are taking these types of tests to get to know ourselves a little better from the inside. Seeing on paper the results of a personality or PMAI test makes me say to myself: “No wonder I act this way,” or, “I should be careful not to do that more often.” Kurt’s blog also made me think about the fact that most of the times people will only focus on what their strengths are and not on their weaknesses.  If a leader has a shadow behavior that involved being cocky and narcissist, they should take the time and work on those shadow behaviors because leadership is about “US” and not about “ME.” 

Honestly, I did not find a specific blog that had a whole different way of thinking than me. On the contrary, I found that many of the blogs have many things in common but the idea that stood out to me the most was that a leader should not only lead but also inspire their team.