Summary
The Leadershape Institute is a weeklong intensive leadership workshop. At first glance, it seemed similar to other leadership seminars that I had attended. I quickly realized how false this assumption was, however, when the institute got underway. The days were scheduled very tightly, and we all often found ourselves looking at our phones in awe when we realized it was only ten o'clock but it felt as if we'd already done a whole day's work.
All the participants were broken into "family clusters" for the duration of the seminar. These small groups served as an audience to bounce ideas around, and provided a group of friends where anything personal could be shared without the fear of it escaping outside the group. Early on, activities centered around getting to know each other, both in the family clusters and in the larger group settings. We quickly moved on though, to the main purpose of the institute, which was the creation of a long-term goal, or vision, for the future. The thrust behind Leadershape was learning how to make these goals become a reality.
Additionally, while at Leadershape, my perception of leadership changed. I have come to view leadership as a much more dynamic quality. A good leader has to be able to adapt to any situation or group that he may find himself leading. The way a person leads a particular group changes, and "good" leadership in one situation may not be the best way in another. For example, some groups or situations require very hands-on, direct leadership. Other situations (such as most of the problems at Leadershape, where everyone is a potential leader) require a very minimalist approach to leading, or even ceding leadership to someone else. Being able to identify which method of leadership is appropriate is the key attribute of a "good" leader. This idea was especially confirmed at Leadershape, where conventional leadership practices were inadequate to deal with our group problems.
All the participants were broken into "family clusters" for the duration of the seminar. These small groups served as an audience to bounce ideas around, and provided a group of friends where anything personal could be shared without the fear of it escaping outside the group. Early on, activities centered around getting to know each other, both in the family clusters and in the larger group settings. We quickly moved on though, to the main purpose of the institute, which was the creation of a long-term goal, or vision, for the future. The thrust behind Leadershape was learning how to make these goals become a reality.
Additionally, while at Leadershape, my perception of leadership changed. I have come to view leadership as a much more dynamic quality. A good leader has to be able to adapt to any situation or group that he may find himself leading. The way a person leads a particular group changes, and "good" leadership in one situation may not be the best way in another. For example, some groups or situations require very hands-on, direct leadership. Other situations (such as most of the problems at Leadershape, where everyone is a potential leader) require a very minimalist approach to leading, or even ceding leadership to someone else. Being able to identify which method of leadership is appropriate is the key attribute of a "good" leader. This idea was especially confirmed at Leadershape, where conventional leadership practices were inadequate to deal with our group problems.
Breakthrough BlueprintWhat ideal future do I want to create, and for whom?I wish to create a future where electricity is effeciently distributed to the whole world. This will pave the way for more technology into less developed areas.
What challenging goals will result in a breakthrough toward this ideal future?Challenging goals that I believe will help achieve my vision for the future are to start my self-sufficient own power company. I also want to join the military, as I feel I could learn valuable lessons from the experience and those lessons would be very helpful in moving forward later.
What realistic goals will help me get started on my vision?Some realistic short-term goals I could pursue are to talk to Dr. Mantei about undergraduate research. I also plan to join Engineers Without Borders, a student group that plans aid projects to Africa. My last goal is to start training for joining the military.
With whom do I need to connect to ensure success for my vision and goals?-Dr. Mantie
-Dr. Heikenfeld -German Partners -EWB What immediate steps will I take to jump-start this breakthrough?-Look up the training pipeline for SEALs and Pararescue Jumpers
-Contact Dr. Mantei -Join EWB |
Tomorrow's HeadlineToday, electric power has reached the very last areas of the world. The power lines were strung by Powered, a electricity distribution company based in the United States.
Powered offers discounted rates to areas that have no other power lines into the area. Communities were never given the electricity for free. By giving the electricity to them at a discounted rate, however, basic economic trade relations were established, leading eventually to larger and larger economies for these areas. Not only has electricity been effeciently and effectively distributed everywhere, but there are also trade relations going on throughout the entire world. |