my developing role of leadership
As an assistant teacher in the PPR refugee art class, I did not feel as though I significantly added to my leadership abilities. After observing great leadership from my two co-teachers, I feel that if I am involved in another PPR art class, I would be capable of taking on a role with more leadership responsibilities.
The elders mural book project definitely helped my developing role in leadership. I have always enjoyed working independently on creative and academic projects. In group project situations, if no one steps up as a leader, I usually will offer to take on the role. I am both a small and large picture person, am a tireless worker, and am relational – I can make feel people feel supported and comfortable, even when I asking something of them. When I am in big or small leadership positions, I always try to make sure the people I am working with feel as though they are supported and feel as though they are an important part of the team.
During the project, I tried to be sensitive yet firm when I requested information or a response from the other teaching artists. I was sensitive because knowing how busy I was with work, school, and practicum responsibilities, I knew that the teaching artists were likely just as busy. I tried to be firm, usually by communicating clear instructions with deadlines. I think since so much time had passed since mural project was completed and the first book rough draft was started, it was hard to get all of the collaborators to contribute more time and effort into this project. One of my greatest and most challenging tasks was to re-energize and refocus them on the tasks in which I was dependent on their assistance. I think I was able to easily delegate tasks in a timely manner, share my vision and direction for the book, and offer support and gratitude for their continued efforts in the project.
I see myself as a strong, quiet leader. I think this project, which had a nice balance of collaboration and independent work (both were integral), was suited to my personality. I relied on the excellent leadership of Dr. Corbitt throughout the project, as well. His advice and encouragement proved invaluable because of his experience in the field of community arts, project planning, and writing (including published books). Danielle Bossert, who was directly involved in the mural creation and development of the PPR refugee art classes offered additional support and leadership. I had a lot of responsibilities during the book project – at times I felt overwhelmed, but my general sense of confidence was largely due to the sense of trust and support from my fellow collaborators.
The elders mural book project definitely helped my developing role in leadership. I have always enjoyed working independently on creative and academic projects. In group project situations, if no one steps up as a leader, I usually will offer to take on the role. I am both a small and large picture person, am a tireless worker, and am relational – I can make feel people feel supported and comfortable, even when I asking something of them. When I am in big or small leadership positions, I always try to make sure the people I am working with feel as though they are supported and feel as though they are an important part of the team.
During the project, I tried to be sensitive yet firm when I requested information or a response from the other teaching artists. I was sensitive because knowing how busy I was with work, school, and practicum responsibilities, I knew that the teaching artists were likely just as busy. I tried to be firm, usually by communicating clear instructions with deadlines. I think since so much time had passed since mural project was completed and the first book rough draft was started, it was hard to get all of the collaborators to contribute more time and effort into this project. One of my greatest and most challenging tasks was to re-energize and refocus them on the tasks in which I was dependent on their assistance. I think I was able to easily delegate tasks in a timely manner, share my vision and direction for the book, and offer support and gratitude for their continued efforts in the project.
I see myself as a strong, quiet leader. I think this project, which had a nice balance of collaboration and independent work (both were integral), was suited to my personality. I relied on the excellent leadership of Dr. Corbitt throughout the project, as well. His advice and encouragement proved invaluable because of his experience in the field of community arts, project planning, and writing (including published books). Danielle Bossert, who was directly involved in the mural creation and development of the PPR refugee art classes offered additional support and leadership. I had a lot of responsibilities during the book project – at times I felt overwhelmed, but my general sense of confidence was largely due to the sense of trust and support from my fellow collaborators.