ILAD 4100 Final PDLP

Business Proposal Of Brittany Miller

Addressed To:

I L A D 4

The Executive Board Of Company X

1 Personal Development Leadership Portfolio

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Introduction: Welcome to the business proposal aimed at persuading the Executive Board of Company X to consider securing the expertise and dedication of Brittany Miller for a position on the Board alongside all of you. The following pages provide a comprehensive examination of Brittany’s qualifications, strengths, weakness, and vision as a leader. By highlighting her unique skills, vulnerabilities, emotional intelligence, selfawareness, experiences, and potential contributions to your organization, this proposal aims to demonstrate the considerable advantages of welcoming Brittany onto the Board. As you delve into the specifics of this proposal, it will become evident why Brittany is the ideal candidate for the role and how her addition will enhance your team’s capabilities and drive collective success and future endeavors. This is her story....

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Table of Contents

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Component One Personal Purpose and Core Values Finding My Personal Purpose 90th Birthday Toasts 5 Core Values Formal Personal Purpose Reflection

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Component Two Leadership Perspective and Vision Leadership Definition Leadership Perspective Leadership Vision Exercise Leadership Core Values Reflection

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Component Three Assessment of Strengths and Weaknesses Interviews & Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment Insight Journal Summary Visual Summary

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Component Four Development Action Plan Development Outcomes

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Component One Finding My Personal Purpose This exercise allowed me to reflect deeply on my life experiences, beliefs, and values from the past, present, and future perspectives to uncover my personal purpose and direction. By exploring recurring patterns, motivations, and impactful memories, I was able to gain a sense of clarity on my core values and aspirations, so I will guide them towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life path.

About what have you always loved/cared?

From a very young age, I have always cared about being physically active. I loved playing sports, competing against my friends, field day was always my favorite day in elementary and middle school, and I was always described as athletic by my friends and family. I did dance, gymnastics, competitive cheerleading, track and field, and cross country all growing up and these activities were more than just hobbies to me. Incorporating physical activity into my daily routine was not just a habit back then, but it truly helped boost my confidence and gave me a sense of achievement in everything I would accomplish. I have always had a healthy competitive drive that allowed me to set goals such as hitting my routines perfectly or crossing the finish lines with new Personal Records, encouraging me to push past my limits and strive to be better. Physical activity is a fundamental aspect of who I am and something that I have continued to prioritize throughout my entire life.

What have you always known about who you are?

I always knew I was someone who didn’t have things figured out, but always wanted to try to find the way. As a child, I wasn’t scared to be wrong, but curious and creative in the way I approached things and that’s exactly how I navigated my life. When I don’t know things, I have a way of pulling them out of people or from my experiences, so I am not in the dark.

That is why I never struggled with wanting to go to school and learn because it was natural for me to want to go and get as much out of it as I could. I think a lot of this mindset came from my parents because they ingrained in me how important school was and that doing well in it would be rewarded. School helped develop my character, which expanded my understanding of the world and myself.

What has always felt true to you?

Something that has always felt true to me is that I have to work hard and put in e ort to get what I want. This belief was ingrained in me from a very young age, whether it was having to put my dishes away or do my chores to be able to have dessert after dinner or go hang with my friends, I always knew nothing came easy. I recognized early on that the e ort I invested

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into something was directly proportional to the satisfaction of accomplishment. My parents never gave me what I wanted, I had to show them I earned my privileges by taking responsibility and being motivated to do the work. An example of something they have used ever since I can remember was that if I got straight A’s I would be rewarded with money from them. This motivated me when I was young to do as well as I could, but now I realize it means even more because the reward isn’t the money, the reward is being able to get farther in life. They are such a big reason why I am determined to accomplish my goals and strive to succeed in life.

What has always come naturally?

The e ort of waking up, going to school, hanging out with my friends, going to practice, and coming home to dinner with my family always came naturally for me because I didn’t necessarily have to put in much e ort; it just was ingrained in me. I am more than grateful to have grown up in a loving family, attending safe schools, and having a supportive group of friends. Because my routine always came naturally, it provided me with comfort and stability, and looking back I am so fortunate to have had it this way. So, in a sense, my routine growing up was natural for me. Also more specifically, because of this environment, I found myself naturally doing well in school, exceeding in sports and P.E., and easily becoming friends with people and teachers at my schools. I feel like my answer is all over the place, but I guess the things I wanted to be good at when I was little, I put in the work to be good at them and doing that sort of came naturally to me because of the environment I grew up in.

When have you said to yourself, “this is the real me”?

I would’ve said “this is the real me” right when I stepped onstage at my cheer competition ready to perform and compete to win. My parents and family are in the crowd cheering me on, all of my hard work and dedication at practice is about to pay o , and I am standing up there with a smile on my face, doing what I love. The real me is someone who loves to work hard, accomplish goals, and to have my family right by my side to cheer me on and celebrate. It is not all about winning and being successful, it is also about the journey that it takes to get somewhere. The moment I am on stage waiting for the music to start, I think about everything leading up to that moment, feeling content, proud of myself, supported by the people around me, and ready to attack the challenge of my routine. There are many instances like this that I had growing up, and this is just one example.

What do you keep coming back to again and again?

As a child, I kept coming back to the things that brought me joy and comfort. Whether it was my favorite binkie, a hug from my dad, or attending sports practices, I always found myself drawn to familiar sources of happiness. In our world that constantly changes and is unpredictable, chasing the things that made me happy provided a sense of familiarity and

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brought me joy. I often found comfort in the routines and activities that allowed me to express myself and connect with my people, such as gymnastics practice and having playdates with my friends. Seeking out happiness was important in shaping my identity and provided me with a sense of belonging in my world.

What feels familiar and right to you no matter what?

What felt familiar and right to me no matter what was knowing I was always going to come home to my family in a warm and stable home. I would wake and have breakfast ready for me to eat with my family before we all went our separate ways for the day, then when we were all home again, we would have family dinner and all talk about our days. From as long as I can remember, we have always played the Highs and Lows of the day game at dinner, and that is something that I think is really special and will continue to do it when I start a family. Home cooked meals and familiar faces were a privilege and something I was constantly used to growing up with, and I am very thankful for it.

What things seem to always motivate you and give your life meaning?

Throughout my childhood, my parents were my biggest motivators. I always wanted to please them and make them proud of me. I was motivated to study hard to make straight A’s, perform well at all my competitions, win my track meets, help around the house, and just make them happy to be my parents. I loved the feeling when I succeeded, and my parents were there to see me because they would recognize me, reward me, celebrate me, and tell me how proud they were of me. Just knowing they believed in me gave me confidence to work hard and push beyond my limits. My parents gave my life meaning when I was young because they were constant and consistent in my life, they were in charge of me, and I looked up to them in many ways. I can say that the worst feeling ever growing up was not when my parents were “mad” at me, but when they told me they were “disappointed” in me.

What would be really important to you, no matter how the world around you changed?

My family and friends were most important to me no matter what was going on in my life.

Spending time together is something my family has always valued, so through whatever challenges we were facing, we would make time for each other and be present. I could always lean on them in times of challenges and count on them to cheer me on in every step of my life. As great as my family was, my friends were just as great in being an important part of my life. Although my friends and I would fight often, we would meet up and talk it out till we were okay again. So much drama happens with friends and especially girls growing up, so there was always something going on, but we would deal with it and that is what made us stronger. I was fortunate to grow up with a great family and set of friends, so no matter how the world around me changed, they are the ones I prioritize most in my life.

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What do you value most?

I would’ve valued my family the most as a child because they were all in my life growing up.

Outside of school and my hobbies, the rest of my time was dedicated to my family in one way or another. From early breakfast mornings to family dinners and game nights after, there were rarely any days when I wouldn’t see my family. They were always present for me, being my teachers, my biggest supporters, and my closest friends. No matter what mistakes I made or things I said, I always knew that they would always be there to o er forgiveness and love me anyways because of how strong our bond as a family was. My favorite person to get a hug from is my dad, my favorite person to share all my feelings to is my mom, and for all my siblings, they are my closest friends who always go above and beyond for me. As I have grown older, I have come to appreciate even more the sacrifices my family made growing up and the lessons they ingrained in me because they are the reason I am who I am.

Who am I really?

I was just a simple girl, living her life to the fullest and trying her best to find a place in world. As a child I would crave adventure, laughter, and learning. I loved to try new things as a child. I switched from dance to gymnastics to cheer all in a couple of years and ended up running on the Varsity Track Team, I loved taking my dog down in the woods to the lake with my dad on the weekends, and I even joined a crochet club when I was young. Found out I didn’t like crocheting that much though. I share all of this because I was an adventurous and happy kid. I was always up for doing things with my friends and family and making memories, and I believe it changed me for the better. I wanted to have fun, discover activities I enjoyed, and share all of my experiences with my people. No one ever has it right as a child, but the journey of discovering who I am has been shaped by these experiences and the people who have been there along the way.

What is my reason for being?

I feel like as a child my reason for being was to be the best at everything I could, do the right things in my parents’ eyes, and to enjoy all of my experiences. I thrived in all competitions growing up because I was super competitive and worked hard to be the best I could.

Whether it was designing a contraption to carry an egg to be dropped from the roof to see if it would break at school, competing at cheer competitions, playing games with my family, having numerous field day events, I always wanted to win and that is what fueled a lot of my energy. Making my parents proud backed a lot of my personality because if they were happy with me, then I would be happy with myself. It is never fun being in trouble with your parents, so I would always make sure I was doing the right things for the right reasons growing up. They pushed me to accomplish so many of my goals and are the reason I would be motivated and committed to achieving them. I believe my reason for being was to make

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it known who I was and who I wanted to be in my friends and family’s eyes through my accomplishments and dedication.

What is my personal mission and direction?

My personal mission and direction as a child revolved around curiosity, building relationships, learning, and having fun. I was naturally a curious and eager child wanting to explore the world around me by trying new activities, asking my dad way too many questions, and seeking out new opportunities. Being so young, it was important to me to be happy and have a lot of fun because that is what drove my enthusiasm for life. In the innocence of being a child, happiness for me was my way of life and I rarely found myself upset for long periods of time. The reason for this is also because of the amazing people I was surrounded by growing up with, shaping me into an adventurous and joyful little girl wanting to make life more fun and enjoyable for everyone.

Baby And Family Pictures

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The 90th Birthday Exercise This exercise pushed me out of my comfort zone in a sense that really made me sit down and think about the kinds of impressions and impacts I aim to leave on those closest to me. I wanted each toast to reflect my character, achievements, and enduring influence with heartfelt appreciation and admiration. My vision was a celebration of a lifetime of love, wisdom, inspiration, and fun, while also expressing how blessed I was to have these 3 amazing people raise a toast in gratitude to me.

A toast from my daughter: Hi everyone! Wanted to start o and say thank you to each and every one of you for being here with us, it could not be more perfect. Tonight, we celebrate not just a milestone of time, but a lifetime of love, wisdom, and inspiration embodied in one amazing woman, my mom. Words alone cannot describe the appreciation I have for you. The love you have poured into me, your family, your friends, your co-workers, and now my kids is something everyone wishes to have. From the moment I entered this world, you have been my rock, my biggest cheerleader, and my bestest friend. You have taught me the true meaning of resilience, compassion, and grace through your actions, your words, and your dedication to serving others. Even on days when I know I have ticked you o , your kindness and patience always shine through your fragile little heart. I always knew I was worthy and loved because you made sure to tell me that every day. One of the things I admire most about you is your commitment to being connected with the people you love, and it is so evident in your character. Whether it’s showing up to every one of my kid’s sports games at 8am or never forgetting to take out your best friends for their birthday lunches, you go above and beyond to be present in the lives of your friends and family. The way you value your family is something I grew up instilling in myself, and it’s because of you that my life is filled with so much love. You inspire everyone around you to chase after their dreams and never look back, which is what you spent your whole life doing. Lemme share one thing for those of you who don’t know, this little bundle of energy has run 5 marathons in her life, and I bet most of you here haven’t even ran one. Just saying, my mom is a beast. Anyway, I could go on and on about all the inspiring things you have done, but then we would be here forever, so I will wrap this up. I always hoped to become half of the mom you are to my children because you truly are something so special. You have given me the biggest shoes to fill and will always be my biggest role model. I never understood why I was so lucky to have you as my mom, but I sure as hell wouldn’t change a thing. You truly have changed my world for the better. Cheers to 90 years of the world being blessed by you. Here’s to 90 more! I love you forever.

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A toast from my co-worker: To Brittany on her 90th Birthday, I am filled with so much appreciation and gratitude that I was able to work alongside you for over 45 years. The amount of lessons and lectures this woman has given me is just too many to count. Brittany and I go way back. Believe it or not, when I first started at work, where she has been for almost 8 years, she was my mentor from the very beginning. We worked on the same Corporate Finance team, and that is when I really came to learn about Brittany’s character. Well to start o , has anyone seen this woman without a smile on her face, because I sure haven’t. You may not know this, but so many times when I would come to work with a lot of things weighing on my heart, seeing you happy and excited every day always made me feel better. I will say you never made work easy for me though, and I am so grateful for that. Every day, you would challenge me, push my limits, and inspire me to try new things. Your belief in my abilities oftentimes saved me from giving up and brushing something o , and that has not only made me a better professional but an even better person. Your dedication and support for my personal development shows just the kind of person you are. You always made it a priority to truly understand what I was feeling and making it known that you are always there to give advice, o er encouragement, and open your arms for a hug. She gives the best hugs if you were wondering. All that to say though, I never knew my job would give me a lifelong best friend and change my life, but it has. You have been so inspiring to me. I admire so many things about you; your dedication, work ethic, strong sense of integrity, persistent mindset, empathy, compassion, selflessness, I could keep going. All of the accomplishments in your life are a testament to your dedication and hard work, but your most important accomplishments, I would say, are the impacts you have made on each and every person here tonight. You are a light in this world, and I can’t thank you enough. Cheers to you, Happy 90th!

A toast from my husband: Brittany, it is hard to find the right words to express how much you have added to my life all these years because nothing can truly describe how privileged and lucky I am to be able to call you my wife. Life with you has been nothing short of amazing and I cannot have asked for a better partner to do life with. You are highly driven in both your personal and professional life, and I am so thankful to be able to see you thrive in every aspect. Even in times when there is so much on your plate, you always manage to get everything accomplished and make everyone around you feel appreciated. If we have a disagreement or go through a rough time, you always make me feel valued by listening with an open heart and never leaving my side. You always stress the importance of communication and make it a priority to communicate with me, even when neither of us want to, because that is the best way to build up our relationship and work things out together. Spending quality time together, making my favorite meals, taking me out on dates, just shows how committed to me and how much you pour into our relationship. Even now being as old as we are, you

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have never lacked in making me feel special. I admire your positivity and always seeing the good in people because that truly makes the world a brighter and happier place. I loved seeing the example you have set for our children and the impact you have made on them, but especially, I loved seeing them all embody your best characteristics. You have truly taught me how to be a great father to them, and I know they are so appreciative to have you as their mom. You have shown me true love, and I am forever grateful to be yours. So, to the woman who is my everything, Happy 90th, may your night be filled with friends, family, celebrating, and lots of co ee ice cream. Love you B.

Top 5 Values: From the earliest moments of my life, certain values have shaped my character and influenced every aspect of my being and that was reflected in the finding your personal purpose exercise. Below are my top 5 core values that have been at the core of my heart since my earliest days, revealing who I am and the path I walk.

1) Family: My definition of family extends long beyond just being related, but more importantly, my family is constant and consistent in my life, and they provide me with love, support, and guidance that make me a better version of myself. They serve as my primary source of motivation, encouragement, and support that have helped me excel and chase my goals. The emotional connection and bond I have with my family shapes my values, attitudes, and relationships with others. I know they will be there for me in every aspect in my life, and I will always be there for them. My strong family foundation has instilled in me values that will allow me to build meaningful relationships with my teams, inspire trust and loyalty, and prioritize their well-being so I can sustain e ective leadership.

2) Learning: My dad has always told me, “Don’t be intimidated by the things you don’t know but use it as an opportunity to learn”. I think this is a great way to put how I approach my everyday life. I am always open to new ideas and perspectives, recognizing that there is always more to learn and di erent ways to look at things. I get a sense of happiness and satisfaction through the process of learning something new, and I think this is an important value to have because at any stage in life, you always have to be willing to learn. Another quote that has stuck with me for a while was said to me by a Peloton instructor I run with, Becs Gentry. She shared that “FAIL is just an acronym for, first attempt in learning”, and I had never known that till I heard it from her. You have to be willing to fail every once in a while, because those are great lessons to learn from and grow from for the better. Being open to continuous learning allows me to embrace new ideas and perspectives so I can be more adaptable and innovative in my leadership approach. I view learning as a

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valuable lesson rather than a setback so that I can always be continuously improving as an e ective leader.

3) Hard Work/Achievement: Put my all into everything I do is a testament to how much I value working hard every day. It is not only about putting the hours into something, but also maintaining a strong work ethic, staying focused on my goals, and consistently pushing myself to improve. Hard work to me means never quitting and continuing to push myself forward because anything can be possible if you are willing to put in the work and stay committed. No matter what is thrown at me, I know that I can be trusted to get a job done and never give up. I would be lying if I said I didn’t like to be recognized for my achievements, but sometimes it is not all about reaching a milestone, but more about the growing, learning, and hard work it took to get there. My dedication to hard work shown by my strong work ethic, goal focused perspectives, and continuous self-improvement underscores my commitment to e ective leadership.

4) Dedication: To me, dedication reflects a deeper level of commitment and devotion to a cause or a goal. Being dedicated goes beyond the e ort something takes and involves more of a strong emotional attachment to what is at hand. My dad always says I am the most persistent person when it comes to something I want. When I become attached to something, I do not take my eyes o it. My dedication to the things that I care strongly about has had such a strong impact on my life and has allowed me to accomplish so many things. For example, I genuinely love school and learning in class. I have always been dedicated to every class I have taken, and that has positively impacted how I have performed in school, and I am hopeful and confident this value will help me succeed in my long-term career. Valuing dedication not only shows my commitment and emotional investment in my goals, but also develops a persistent and resilient mindset needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

5) Routine: As someone who loves to plan out their day and maximize their time, having a routine gives me a sense of control over my life. It not only allows me to focus on my priorities, but it truthfully reduces my stress and anxiety. I like to have stability and structure in my life and planning out my days helps me find that balance between school, my family and friends, leisure time, and my personal time.

When I check my schedule for the day and I have something to look forward to or even something I can’t wait to be finished with, I am motivated and committed to accomplishing everything on the list and that brings me a lot of happiness. Last class we talked about writing down the positives that happened in your day before you go to sleep and being able to wake up on good note, and I think that with loving to have a schedule planned out, I can easily work this in. Valuing a routine not only provides a sense of control and stability, but it also allows me to be more productive, reduce stress, and create a healthy work-life balance, which are all crucial for e ective leadership.

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Formal Statement of my Personal Purpose:

Formal Statement of my Personal Purpose: My personal purpose is to inspire others through my kindness and strong work ethic, make meaningful impacts by leading a Christian life, and to live life to the fullest with a happy heart

My personal purpose is to inspire others through my kindness and strong work ethic, make meaningful impacts leading a Christian life, and to live life to the fullest with a happy heart.

A Few Photos Of Me

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Reflection: After completing all elements of Component 1, I now have an impressive grasp on who I am at my core and there is a lot I can reflect on after finishing this semester. When I applied for this Leadership Program, I honestly had no clue what it was going to be like.

Now that I am gearing towards the end of this semester, I feel like I have learned more in this one class than I have in my entire college journey. Thinking about my true values, purpose for life, and the impact I wanted to have on this world has never crossed my mind before. This class opened all of those doors and opportunities for me to really take time and reflect on the person I want to be and want to become. My PDLP has helped me be more future minded and provided me with invaluable insights into my leadership potential.

By having a new sense of self-awareness and continuing to strengthen that, I am determined to continue growing and evolving as a leader.

At my core, I am just a girl who is trying to figure out this crazy life we live in day by day. What I have learned throughout this discussion is that while I prioritize a lot of di erent things in my life, my number 1 core value is my family and that will never change. Family has been my constant since day 1, and I owe it all to them for shaping me into the person I am today. Honestly, most of my values I take after them because I have watched them navigate life and looked up to them in inspiring ways. It is no surprise to me that this is the case because they truly hold the biggest place in my heart. Because of the people I have been surrounded by my whole life, I am a hardworking girl, eager to learn, dedicated to my journey, and encouraged and supported to reach my full potential. I’ve grown passionate about serving my community and have grown as a person and friend because of it. One of the most important things I have learned about in this class that helped me define what my ‘core values’ are, were the countless opportunities to challenge myself to uncover how I really feel about myself and be vulnerable to the fact that I am not perfect, but that I am motivated to be better every day.

The journey through this program has been transformative in ways I never imagined.

It has been a journey of self-discovery, prompting me to explore my real character and aspirations that were previously unknown. With each lesson, discussion, and assignment, I have dived deeper into understanding my core values and the impact I wish to make on the world. I truly believe that I am a values-based leader who serves my community and organizations in the best way I can. ILA fosters this supportive community where I feel comfortable connecting with peers, mentors, professors, and alumni who share the same passion for leadership. I have discovered my true potential as a leader committed to serving others, and I am beyond grateful for the supportive network that has guided me on this transformative journey of self-awareness. Before this semester I did not know who, I was at my core or who I wanted to be in the future, but now I have a clearer vision that serves as a starting point for me to push forward in the right directions and continue my journey of growth.

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Component Two Leadership Perspective and Vision This exercise allowed me to capture my vision of the kind of leader I want to be and what legacy I want to create as a leader and a human being. I now have future-looking goals that I can hold myself accountable to by reminding myself of my perspective of leadership and the leader I will strive to be for someone else.

Defining Leadership: True leadership is about inspiring and empowering your team to believe in a mission and strive to achieve common goals. No matter if you are leading a small team or an entire organization, the core roots of leadership remain constant in that leading revolves around building trust through e ective communication, inspiring a vision, supporting your people, and encouraging continuous growth and development. I definitely believe that in di erent leadership positions, people must adapt to certain leadership styles to fit the specific dynamics of the situation. Great leaders don’t just bring all of the best leadership qualities to the table from the start, they continuously grow, learn, and develop their skills based on personal experience, feedback, and changing circumstances. To me, leadership doesn’t have a set-in stone definition, but rather comprises of a range of qualities that I consider crucial for e ectively guiding a team.

First and foremost, I personally think vision is one of the most valuable qualities for a leader to have; someone who can see the bigger picture of where an organization or company is headed and what it is capable of accomplishing. They can use their vision to provide direction, inspire and motivate others, foster innovation, and build confidence in their team. Maintaining a positive mindset and commitment to the vision will keep team members focused and enthusiastic, while also reminding everyone of the purpose they are working towards. On top of vision, leaders who are successful can communicate well with others in a manner that is authentic. It isn’t about being the social butterfly and most talkative in the room, but more so, it is the ability to show compassion, engage in active listening, and create meaningful relationships with colleagues and the team.

Communicating openly, honestly, and empathetically with your team members will build trust and ignite passion and commitment within them. Allowing new perspectives and possibilities to emerge by being open to new ideas will encourage collaboration and creativity, ultimately leading to the best solutions and outcomes.

Leaders must go beyond just supporting teams work needs and become supportive of their life needs as well. Being empathetic to those around you shows genuine care, respect, and concern for their wellbeing, and creates an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and understood. When people experience tough times and lots of stress, empathy can be a powerful antidote and contribute to their ability to cope, engage,

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and navigate their challenges with more ease and understanding. It is not just about personally considering others, but understanding someone’s situation should turn into compassion and action. A popular saying I have heard lots of times throughout my life explains this perfectly; people may not remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel. A leader must also have a sense of dependability and responsibility. People want to see their leaders as reliable guides who can be counted on to lead the team through challenges, navigate uncertainties, and achieve collective goals.

Strong leaders understand the essential value of dedication and hard work and leading by example because, in the end, their strong ethic is what will set the tone for the entire organization.

True leaders know that perfection is impossible and that there is always room to improve. Whether you are the leader or an individual part of the team, committing to continuous improvement and having a growth mindset will set everyone up to achieve their full potential, both individually and collectively. “Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work.” Vince Lombardi said this quote, and it explains how leadership is not an innate trait, but rather a skill this is consistently being developed within leaders. I think the core of leadership lies in fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best, but also recognizing that leadership is a journey of ongoing growth and learning.

Servant Leadership is a leadership philosophy that emphasizes serving others first, prioritizing the needs and wellbeing of followers, and empowering them to reach their full potential. Servant Leadership is how I define a great leader, and this is the type of leader I aspire to be in the di erent roles I pursue.

My Perspective on Leadership: When I think of the most influential person in my life, it will always be, hands down, my dad. My dad leads by example every day, teaching me how to navigate through the

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complexities of life, instilling in me the importance of believing in myself and my abilities, and showing me that the success in his life comes from a combination of hard work, dedication, resilience, maintaining a positive mindset, and approaching life with kindness.

He serves as a leader to our family, guides his work colleagues and partners, leads his friends, and even influences people he has never met before. Three specific characteristics that my dad exemplifies in e ectively leading his personal and professional life are confidence, dedication, and mentorship.

Personally, I worry about little things in life, but I literally cannot think of the last time my dad was visibly worried or stressed about something. He has so much confidence in himself and his abilities that I am just in awe of. Just recently my sister got married, and I asked him, “Are you nervous to walk Brooke down the aisle”, and he responded with, “Nervous? Um no, I am excited.” I, on the other hand, was so nervous walking down the aisle as the maid of honor, for no reason, and I am sure you can imagine how I felt before I gave my reception speech to over 250 people. Watching my dad walk her down with the biggest smile and confidence is a testament to his composure, assurance, and calming influence that makes him a great leader. Confidence is such an important trait of being an e ective leader because if you don’t have confidence in yourself, how can you lead a team who puts their trust in you? Having confidence builds a comfortable environment, encouraging more people to take risks, share ideas, and push their boundaries for success.

My dad is dedicated to his family, his work, his friends, and his overall lifestyle.

Growing up, he came from very little and knew that he had to take initiative in his life if he wanted to be where he is now. He started his own lawn mowing business when he was 14, he got married 10 years later, he has been working at Ernst & Young since he graduated college, and sacrificed a lot for our family when they started having kids. He worked long days and nights, so that my mom could be home with the kids. He dedicated so much to his work, so when we started to grow up, he earned the flexibility of taking o work to spend time with us, coming home early to pick us up from school, cheering us on at our sports games, and so much more. He has taught me the importance of being a go-getter and committing to something because no one is going to do it for you. Dedication is a key driver to e ective leadership because it paves the way to achieving long-term goals. Leaders who remain focused on the bigger picture reflect a goal-oriented mindset, strategic thinking, and are dedicated to the mission and purpose of their goals.

Mentorship is a fundamental aspect to my dad’s leadership style. The number of times I have said to my dad, “Can we please have a conversation without you lecturing me,” is infinite, and I don’t mean this in a bad way. Whether we are tackling a project, enjoying a family meal, or at our UGA tailgates, my dad is constantly sharing with me and those around him life lessons that you wouldn’t necessarily hear about in a college class. As I reflect on the countless “lectures”, I’ve realized how each one of them has contributed to my growth and development into the person I am today. My dad is a great mentor because

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he prioritizes everyone before himself, selflessly focusing on their well-being, growth, and success. Living a mentorship lifestyle is a characteristic of e ective leadership because it strengthens relationships, encourages growth and continuous learning, develops future leaders, and creates a positive environment.

These characteristics collectively contribute to my dad’s leadership, shaping environments built upon trust, hard work, and support that encourages growth and the well-being of those he leads. My dad has always taught me how important it is to continuously strive for personal growth and learning because no leader has all of the answers. The experiences you have not only enhance your leadership skills, but also help shape you into a more well-rounded and adaptable person. Having this perspective motivates and encourages me to follow in my dad’s footsteps to become the leader I am meant to be.

My Dad

My Dad

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Leadership Vision Exercise: 15 years from now is a long time, and to imagine my life after that much time has passed is both exciting and daunting. As I sit here reflecting on my present self, my goals and the dreams I have, I cannot help but wonder how much I would have experienced and achieved by then. Career wise, I envision myself sitting in my o ice in a towering skyscraper, I hold the position of a Senior Financial Manager or Analyst, I lead multiple teams in our company, and I am entrusted with taking charge of our critical financial initiatives that drive our company’s growth and success. I want people to think of me as the friendliest coworker who is always smiling and someone that no one is afraid to pop in the door and say hello, ask for advice, or just sit and chit chat. I will have worked extremely hard to get to the place where I am and will focus on being a mentor for my coworkers going through the same stages I did. Life is about experiences and sharing them with other people is how we build each other up and deepen our connections with the world around us.

As a leader in my workplace, I want to create a welcoming environment that is based on vision, teamwork, commitment, support, and growth. I want this environment to both comfort and challenge my employees as a testament to our dedication to excellence and continuous improvement. I will have my values posted up on my walls, but the biggest piece of work in my o ice will be our company vision. I want myself and the people around me to be constantly reminded of the ‘why’ behind what we do and ‘who’ we do it for. This will be so impactful for so many people because it connects our actions to the bigger picture and helps validate how our next moves will bring us closer to our vision. Within all my di erent teams, I will instill this one word into everything we do, teamwork. No one leads an organization to success on their own, it is a collective e ort of many that builds success. Together we will leverage our diverse strengths and perspectives to overcome challenges, seize opportunity, and create optimal outcomes. I want to make it a priority that my teams know I am not just someone in charge, but that we are all on an equal level of the playing field and everyone’s inputs are valued and heard. We will celebrate success as a team and accept responsibility for failure as a team. We will consistently work hard to accomplish the goals we set together, support one another, celebrate our achievements, and continuously strive to learn more and grow as one.

Along with my values, I don’t want my employees to just know our mission, I want them to believe in it, I want them to be committed to it. As best as I can, I will dedicate time to understand everyone’s strengths and passions, allow the freedom to work their own way, build a culture of trust, reward success and quality of work, and encourage creativity, in hopes to inspire commitment and a drive for growth as a company. There are going to be many roadblocks and feeling like we are taking on the impossible but having built a team on resilience and dedication, I am confident that together, we can overcome any challenge and achieve remarkable success. Most importantly, I want my company to heavily believe

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in supporting and uplifting one another every day. Not just in a professional way, but also in a personal way. I would plan bonding activities such as fun outings outside of work, adventuring out somewhere to give back to our community together, or even plan once-aweek catered lunches where we all get together and enjoy the company without having to discuss anything work related. This will build more meaningful relationships and connections that will only help our team grow stronger. As a leader, I want my team to look to me for coaching, advice, and guidance. I want everyone to know how much I care about their well-being and want them to grow in every way possible. Supporting each other will also mean holding each other accountable. We will value the importance of holding each other accountable by checking in on everyone’s work and being there for one another in times of need. Accountability creates a culture of mutual respect and responsibility, where we hold each other to the same standards and expectations. When people look back on me as a leader, I want them to not only describe me as a leader in the field, but also as a mentor and inspiration to everyone around me.

Beyond the o ice, I aim to lead by example in balancing work and family life, prioritizing quality time with my loved ones and fostering a supportive and comfortable environment at home. My leadership journey extends far beyond the workplace, shaping not only the success of my career and work team, but also the well-being and happiness of my family. As stated in Clayton Christensen’s article, “How Will You Measure Your Life”, one of the key lessons he shared was “don’t over-invest in work or under-invest in relationships”. This serves as a reminder for me that while achieving success in my career in undoubtedly important, it should never come at the expense of pushing aside my relationships that bring me the most happiness. To make sure that I hold myself accountable, I will have everyone around me know that when I leave work, I am signing o for the day and the rest of my evening will be focused on spending quality time with my husband and kids. I think it is very important to communicate this in both my work and personal life, so that everyone understands and respects my boundaries and priorities.

In this vision of the future, my life is not just about personal and professional success, but more importantly about meaningful connections, purposeful contributions, and a legacy of positive change. I am going to decide what I stand for, and then stand for it all the time. As a servant leader, I will consistently tailor my leadership to my teams and the people around me.

My Leadership Core Values: 1) Empower: The leadership value of empowerment to me means giving individuals the confidence, authority, and support they need to thrive. Including the team in decision making, giving them the freeway to use their own innovation and creativity to come up with new ideas, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed, and supporting the growth and development of everyone is so

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powerful for a company. As a leader I want my team to feel empowered because I want everyone to be happy to come to work every day and be excited to attack the goals we set. Empowerment establishes trust and loyalty in the company’s vision, serving as a pivotal motivator for achieving excellence. Empowerment is not just a plus to have in leadership, it is crucial to a high performing team.

2) Growth: The leadership value of growth to me means constantly striving for personal and professional development, both for myself and those I lead. I believe it is important to put away time focusing on helping develop new leaders even when the workload may seem overwhelming. This involves creating an environment that encourages learning, innovation, and adaptation. By providing opportunities for skill development, it will ensure the continuity of strong leadership in the organization’s future. Valuing growth also serves as a reminder that not everyone will get things on the first try, which is okay. Being patient will help encourage people to learn from their experiences and continue to progress.

3) Communication: The leadership value of communication to me means clearly defining a vision in a way that inspires and empowers the people around me.

Communication is key to building a shared understanding and commitment to that vision. Communication helps employees understand what is expected of them and are more likely to deliver the desired results, which helps them enjoy their job more and boost confidence. When teams collaborate together to meet goals, it can promote e iciency, enhance engagement, and improve overall work performance.

Encouraging open communication within a team fosters an environment of experimentation, innovation, and risk taking. It is hard to imagine a leader without e ective communication being instilled in the foundation of their leadership style.

4) Teamwork: The leadership value of teamwork to me means thinking WE, not I leadership. It involves recognizing that collective success is achieved through collaboration, cooperation, and shared responsibility. This means promoting a culture where we rely on each other, leverage our strengths, and work together towards a common purpose. For me, it is important to realize when I am taking on too much of a workload, knowing that I have a team who I can delegate work to that are just as good as me is something I need to always remember. By embracing a “WE” mindset, I can inspire trust, build strong relationships, and empower my team members to contribute their best e orts toward collective success.

5) Commitment: The leadership value of commitment to me means committing to my promises, goals, and expectations and following through. Commitment in leadership earns the trust and loyalty of your team, and I would describe it as ‘infectious’. When people see for themselves how committed a leader is to the vision, it inspires them to commit to the vision wholeheartedly as well. When team members witness their leader’s commitment to achieving goals, they are more likely to match that dedication in their own work. I want a team who loves what they do

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and are passionate about it, but it is their job to find the motivation and dedication to get their work accomplished and I hope to be an inspiration for their drive.

Reflection: I have grown tremendously as a leader from this program I am lucky to be apart of, as well as from the leadership roles I pursued this semester. We have read many articles and watched multiple Ted Talks, but one specific article really stood out to me; “How Will You Measure Your Life?”. My biggest takeaway from this article was the importance of intentionally choosing the kind of person you want to become and then committing to that path. The article wasn’t necessarily giving the answers, but instead it provided guidance to me personally that helped me put things into perspective and become more intentional about building a happy life for myself. It really took self-reflection for me to an entirely new level. One of the lessons I really appreciated was “don’t over invest in work or under invest in relationships”. This was a great reminder to me that while I value achievement and reaching my end goals, it is really the people around me and relationships I build that are most important to me. This is a testament seen when I volunteer with my special friends at ESP because I am extremely fortunate to be able to pour into these amazing people every week. My leadership is seen not only in how I am able to be a great leader for these young adults, but in how I interact with each and every one of them and become a friend they have always wanted. It not only impacts their lives, but it impacts mine so much more and that is why I love doing what I do. In my future career, I want to measure my life not only by the success and achievements I am able to create, but more importantly, I want to measure it by the relationships I build and friendships I make that truly make everything possible for me.

I have discovered that at my leadership core, I seek to empower others. I seek to empower others by embracing growth, being an e ective communicator, leading everything through teamwork, and committing to a vision. Rather than solely focusing on personal achievements and individual success, this class has shown me that my priority lies in investing in those I lead and achieving collective success together. I want the people around me to believe in me as much as I believe in them because that will make everyone’s journey that much more exciting. I envision a legacy where the people I lead are not only inspired but also empowered to believe in themselves and their potential. I want to be remembered as someone who took the time out of their day to pour into someone’s life and o er advice, regardless of whether it pertained to work matters or personal challenges. For me, being a mentor and friend holds far more significance than merely wielding authority.

As stated above, servant leadership is about serving others first and this is something I am going to continue to remind myself because that is how I want to lead my people.

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Component Three: Assessment of Strengths and Weaknesses This exercise pushed me beyond my comfort zone, challenging me to accept honest feedback from those I have influenced, and even more dauntingly, to introspect on my own leadership abilities. This feedback has propelled me to pursue excellence in leadership and guided me towards leading a more purposeful and value-driven life.

My People: Forever thankful for each one of these special relationships that have influenced me into the leader and person I am today. Just wanted to give a glimpse into the ones who know me best and shout them out for the impact they have had on my life.

JEFF MILLER, MY DAD SUSAN MILLER, MY MOM BROOKE MILLER, MY SIS CARSON THRONE, MY BOYFRIEND The person I look up to the The mom I want to be when I grow I would choose her as my Truly the person that knows most as a leader and hard up, the one who is my role model, sister every time. She has seen me better than myself. Has who taught me how to love and be me at both my highs and lows worker. The one I have to challenged me to be thank for having the biggest present in the lives of friends and and is the one I can always vulnerable and grow in so family. My biggest cheerleader. influence on the way I lead count on. many di erent ways. my life.

ERIN ROESER, COLLEGE BFF

HK O’BRIEN, HOMETOWN BFF

The one who keeps me laughing and The one I can tell anything to. She keeps having fun. Truly couldn’t do life without my secrets and o ers me the best advice, her. even when I don’t want to hear it.

ELLA SAMMONS, MENTOR We inspire and challenge each other to reach our full potential. The one who guides me through life’s curveballs.

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Interviews and Asking for External Feedback I was tasked with interviewing influential people in my life that have experienced my leadership firsthand and were willing to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses. Following this is their relationship with me and their direct interviews describing my leadership.

Interviewer Descriptions:  This past summer, I held the position as a Corporate Finance Intern at AGCO Corporation, working under my supervisor, Michael Chan, who is the Global FP&A Sr. Manager for the company. I initially connected with him during the interview process and had the privilege to be a part of his team for a 12-week period.

We still keep in touch today, maintaining a professional relationship that extends beyond the internship and catching up with each other time-to-time. I chose Michael to reflect on my leadership qualities to gain insights from a work-related perspective.

 As an Alpha Phi Sorority member, I held a leadership position as banner chair on our marketing team, overseen by the VP of Marketing, Lindsey Benner. I dedicated a little over a year to this role, developing strategic marketing plans and ideas for various events in our organization. Lindsey, who is a year older than me and graduating this year, became a close friend after we met through Alpha Phi and has been a great friend to me through college. I chose Lindsey to reflect on my leadership qualities to get feedback from my involvement in an organization that I am passionate about.

 My boyfriend of almost three years, Carson Throne, has watched me evolve and grow from the early stages of our relationship to the present. He’s been there through my ups and downs and has observed how I handle myself and the people around me. We met in High School, attending di erent schools, but were introduced by mutual friends. At times, I feel he knows me better than myself, so I chose him to reflect on my leadership skills from a personal relationship perspective.

 My parents have both been my rock since the day I was born, and in particular, my dad, Je Miller, has played a pivotal role in shaping my life. He has been there for every stage of my life, experiencing the development of my character and my leadership abilities. He is a continuous contributor to the reason I am who I am, so having a parental perspective reflection will help me gain valuable insight into the roots of my leadership development.

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Interview Responses: Michael Chan: What are my 3 greatest strengths? Include specifical behavioral “evidence” for the strengths identified. Then, what do I do to demonstrate these strengths?

Brittany’s first strength is being an e ective communicator.

I.

Brittany structures concise email communications with our work colleagues, ensuring e icient and e ective communication that allows everyone to quickly grasp the intended message and details she has to share.

II. She is e ective at outlining key messaging when preparing for presentations to ensure the material flows, covers key points, and provides clear conclusions.

Brittany’s second strength is that she takes responsibility for her actions.

I.

She is the first to acknowledge issues/problems/errors if discovered in her work or work deliverables. She quickly develops action plans to rectify and sees them through to completion of resolution.

II. In team situations, she works together and is cooperative to help generate project/team outputs and results. For her part, she always reviews work reports and analysis with her team, and if there are any errors discovered, she takes responsibility to discuss and correct them e iciently.

Brittany’s third strength is that she is empathetic with others.

I.

Brittany gives others the benefit of the doubt or stands in their point of view before communicating any feedback. She does this in a thoughtful, constructive manner, and it showed in her character throughout the summer.

II. When a teammate is late in delivering assigned tasks, Brittany tries to learn of any issues which may prevent the assignment from being completed on time and o ers to help them finish their job.

What are my 3 greatest personal weaknesses? Include evidence.

I.

II.

Her first personal weakness is trying to take on too much responsibility herself.

She wants to be heavily involved in all the details to make sure work reports and deliverables are completed on time and with high quality but takes on too much herself. She should work on leveraging her team more and learning to be an e ective delegator.

Her second personal weakness is overly multitasking at times. Because she has multiple models and reports underway at any one time, she tends to jump from one task to the other quickly which can lead to having many open items.

She tries to utilize to-do lists to help her stay on track.

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III.

Brittany’s third personal weakness is not being able to refuse work. She enjoys aiding others and takes great satisfaction in helping them with requests, tasks and activities. However, she sometimes gets too involved with their work, rather than just supporting them, and assisting when asked.

How will Brittany’s 3 strengths identified influence her leadership e ectiveness? 

With her strengths, she can build trust with her teammates and work colleagues and use that to become a more e ective leader.

How might her weaknesses identified influence her leadership e ectiveness? 

Because of Brittany’s weaknesses, she may be missing opportunities to have a greater impact and being more e icient in her work.

Lindsey Benner: What are my 3 greatest strengths? Include specific behavioral “evidence” for the strengths identified. Then, what do I do to demonstrate these strengths? a. Timeliness: While leading as banner chair on our marketing team, scheduling and completion of tasks was never a question. You always showed up when you said you would, you made sure to set time aside to complete tasks, and you were always at meetings and contributing to our discussions. b. Willingness/Ability to work with others: You were always very good at working with whoever was willing to help. You took on tasks of communicating with outside members to achieve one common goal. You were able to get a larger task accomplished because you worked well with others. c. Your ability to adapt: Banner chair was a revolving door of requests, opinions, and close deadlines. You were always able to adjust and manage others to accomplish these changing tasks. It was always impressive how much you were able to accomplish as banner chair while being involved in a complex and always changing environment.

What are my 3 greatest personal weaknesses? Include evidence. a. Time management: While all tasks were completed, sometimes the deadline was close. You put a lot of stress and pressure on yourself to get tasks done when sometimes there was no one there to help you, and I felt there was a limit on the number of new opportunities we could pursue because time wasn’t managed e iciently.

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b. Miscommunication: As a team, sometimes I felt unsure of what was happening. While I knew the tasks were getting done, sometimes I was unaware of an order or schedule that you and your co-leaders had decided on. c. Changing team: While you always worked well with others, your leadership opportunities were limited due to your changing environment. If our leadership group was a bit better managed and more consistent, then you would have been able to accomplish a lot more and build on your leadership abilities more e ectively.

How will the 3 strengths you identified influence my leadership e ectiveness? a. You were a very skilled leader that always put the needs of the team over your own. You sacrificed time and other tasks to achieve a deadline. I believe being a banner chair allows you to gain social and professional skills when going into the workforce. You gained a better understanding of tough communication skills and di icult changing expectations that will allow you to flourish in a work environment.

How might the weaknesses you identified influence my leadership e ectiveness? a. Most of the issues or concerns we had as a group were ine icient communication. A lot of questions were not answered by leadership, like me, and some things were left unsaid. With better communication tasks could have been completed in a timelier manner, and we could have achieved and executed a lot more.

Carson Throne: What are my 3 greatest strengths? Include specific behavioral “evidence” for the strengths identified. Then, what do I do to demonstrate these strengths? a. In my opinion your 3 greatest strengths are your ability to put others before yourself, your easy-going nature and giving other people an opinion, and your undeniable ability to take a challenge head on and succeed.

Constantly I see you putting your own benefit after people and for many people this is so di icult. For reference, whenever someone needs something done you do it for them before doing any of your own work. Your ability to give other people a say allows for great cooperation in the people you work with. It also allows for the best decision to be made and not one for your own good. Finally, your ability to tackle di icult challenges is commendable and no complaints are ever made. A prominent case of all

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these strengths being seen is being maid of honor recently at your sister’s wedding. This was a very di icult challenge, you put her way over yourself and took other’s input when considering what was the best for her wedding.

What are my 3 greatest personal weaknesses? Include evidence. a. Personally, I believe your 3 greatest weaknesses or things to be worked on are sometimes being indecisive, speaking up, and trying to do too much when there are many people willing to assist. At times sometimes I feel you struggle to decide when you are highly intelligent. You are very good at being patient and waiting, but sometimes it isn’t always best to wait forever.

Regarding this in a group scenario you are not always confident to speak up or getting too nervous to say something. At times you have the best idea or have one that can assist those around you but do not always voice your opinion. Lastly, you should not be afraid to delegate or seek help if you need it. This will allow others to assist you through various tasks, and you should never be embarrassed because so many people want to help you.

How will the 3 strengths you identified influence my leadership e ectiveness? a. By understanding your leadership strengths, I believe you can recognize what you are good at and assist others in excelling in these ways as well. Following that I believe you can put them to the side and focus on some things that you or others may recognize as your weaknesses.

How might the weaknesses you identified influence my leadership e ectiveness? a. If you understand your weaknesses, you can put these things into practice and work on them in various scenarios. In addition, from assignments like these and others nothing should be taken to heart but only allow you to learn from it. Be willing to take feedback and tackle your weaknesses head on cause no challenge is too big for you.

Je Miller: What are my 3 greatest strengths? Include specific behavioral “evidence” for the strengths identified. Then, what do I do to demonstrate these strengths? a. Commitment and drive to achieve goals and objectives. Evidence e ective time management, focus and high-quality results. b. Strong responsibility and accountability. Evidence - takes ownership of outcomes, task requirements, on time delivery.

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c. Team-oriented approach. Evidence - high degree of collaboration, teamwork and coordination of activities and plan. Puts team success ahead of individual objectives.

What are my 3 greatest personal weaknesses? Include evidence. a. Perfectionist - Level of detail. Apply a balanced approach to completing tasks and deliverables. Don't let the pursuit of perfect overtake acceptable results based on each situation. Understand expectations and use judgment to meet and exceed those. b. Taking on too much workload. Leverage team members and other resources more fully to keep from becoming overwhelmed with accepting too much responsibility. c. Show more confidence. You have strong knowledge and experience to apply to every situation. Your judgment is sound, and your opinion is valuable. Don't be hesitant to speak up and share your perspective with others.

How will the 3 strengths you identified influence my leadership e ectiveness? a. Continue to focus on teaming and leverage of personal strengths and strengths of others. Always keep an open mind to other perspectives, while recognizing the styles and optimizing the skills of others for more impactful outcomes.

How might the weaknesses you identified influence my leadership e ectiveness? a. Recognize the opportunities you have to learn and grow, while adapting your style and approach to the task at hand, and the team you are working with.

Rapid assessment of each new situation is critical and be prepared to adjust and pivot as required while maintaining focus on the expected outcomes.

Take frequent inventory of your workload balance and always reassess and adjust priorities on a regular basis.

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Common Strengths and Weaknesses: Honestly, I feel like all of my interviewees gave me di erent answers to my strengths and weaknesses, and I believe this is because they are all present in di erent aspects of my life. One similarity in my list of strengths is the ability to take responsibility and

hold myself accountable for my actions. Both my boss, Michael, and my dad described how I take ownership for tasks and expectations, while also acknowledging when I make a mistake or error and correcting that. This is very true for me because it shows how I am aware of my actions and am committed to learning from di erent challenges. For example, at work this past summer, Michael taught me how to use their software platform called OneStream, which was very complex and complicated. I was dedicated to mastering it, but was never perfect, therefore I made a lot of mistakes. After reading several of my financial reports, Michael would give me feedback on errors I made and ways to improve my work, and I would always take it into account and strive to enhance my skills. I know I am a very accountable person because I am not ashamed when making mistakes, and I love taking challenges and turning them into opportunities.

One of my weaknesses mentioned by a couple of my interviewees was not having

enough confidence to speak up and share my ideas. This is most definitely my biggest weakness I believe I have because I am an introvert who gets nervous speaking in front of a crowd, and I don’t like to share a lot of things about my life. My boyfriend knows this about me because he has watched me hide my feelings and opinions many times. I am the type of person to try to handle things all by myself because I don’t always have the confidence to be vulnerable and speak up, so this is something that I can work to improve. It is also ironic that Michael listed one of my strengths as being an e ective communicator, but I think he was right to describe me in this way. When I came into the o ice on my first day, I told myself that I was going to take this internship and be the best intern they have ever had. I stepped out of my shell from the very beginning and tackled everything they gave to me with enthusiasm and confidence. I am sure if you asked my bosses and co-workers if they thought I was shy, they would’ve said no.

Another common strength mentioned was having a team-oriented approach and being able to work well with others. Lindsey can attest to this in many ways because our structure of management in the marketing department was all over the place when we took over. We are a newer sorority on campus, so we were still in the beginning phases of creating a name for ourselves and there was a lot of struggle and growth within our terms. I was always reaching out to people willing to help me accomplish our goals because I could not do as much as we wanted on my own. Life is a lot more satisfying when working with others and my ability to adapt and work with a constantly changing team showed how flexible and available I was for the people around me. E ective leadership

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comes from teamwork because you are leading a team and putting the team before yourself, which is crucial for success and the best results.

Michael and my dad both described me as taking on too much workload and trying to keep up with everything at the same time. During my internship, I was given many assignments - some that took weeks and others that I could finish by the end of the day.

Regardless, I wanted to work hard and e iciently to get my reports done and done well. At times, I overworked myself and this is where I think Michael is coming from. My bosses were always bragging about how I was an overachiever and were super impressed with my dedication, but they also knew I was doing a lot at once. I live a very busy life, so this is something I could work on to make things seem more easily attainable. Making schedules and balancing di erent priorities in life is the key to being happy and content with your life.

When I am feeling overwhelmed with tasks, I need to learn how to delegate work to teammates and communicate when I need assistance or how I am feeling.

My Life in TEAMS

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Assessment Insight Journal This journal includes personality assessments I have taken and deeply analyzed to become more self-aware of my tendencies, styles, and abilities. It is very extensive but gives such amazing insights into why I am the way I am.

Personality Characteristics

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Growth Mindset Description and Discussion of Scores Growth Potential:  I define growth potential as the belief in one’s ability to grow and improve. I scored a 16 out of 20 in growth potential, indicating I have a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. This score describes me as someone who approaches challenges with a growth mindset, viewing them as opportunities for learning and development. Just as I shared in one of the Exercises that I completed, my dad has always preached to me, “don’t be intimidated by the things you don’t know but use them as an opportunity to learn”. I have always kept this saying in the back of my head, so I can always be reminded to tackle challenges with curiosity rather than fear. Having high growth potential allows me to see every experience, whether positive or negative, as a chance to self-improve and grow. Growth potential lays the groundwork for a life filled with self-improvement, achievement, and fulfillment.

Growth Learning:  I define growth learning as the belief in the continuous development and enhancement of acquiring new abilities, intelligence, and skills every day. I scored a 19 out of 20 in growth learning, which is extremely high. This score suggests that I prioritize and actively engage in seeking new opportunities to enhance my learning and skill development. Having this growth learning mindset encourages me to take more risks without the fear of failure holding me back. While I do cave in occasionally, I truly try my best to see my mistakes as valuable learning opportunities that become a chance to gain more insights, change my approaches, and ultimately grow stronger. I have a strong desire to learn and push beyond my comfort zone, emphasizing how much I value my continuous improvement as a leader.

Fixed Mindset:  I define having a fixed mindset as the belief that one’s abilities, skills, and intelligence are static traits that are predetermined and unchangeable. I scored very low in this category with a 5 out of 20. The description of my results explains that a low number represents openness to feedback rather than being resistant to it, meaning that I encourage feedback and criticism from others. Straying away from having a fixed mindset provides me with insights into my strengths and areas for development, allowing me to understand where I can improve from different perspectives than my own. My score on this category describes me as someone who can be flexible and adaptable in my thinking and behaviors, willing to adjust my strategies and plans based on new information or changes that may occur.

Do your results “ring true” or appear to be true in your experience? How? Describe a time you have been aware of this aspect of your personality? If there is a discrepancy in perception, how would you explain that discrepancy?

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Growth Potential:  I believe my score accurately describes my results for growth potential. I don’t always get things right on the first try, so believing in my own potential to learn from my mistakes and use them to become better is something that I continue to value.

This commitment to learning allows me to build upon my existing capabilities and grow as an individual. A time when I showed my growth potential was while serving as head banner chair for my sorority. I was in charge of tracing and painting all of our banners for different events, fundraising, and activities that we put on. The frustrating part about it was that I had to wait until the graphic designs were made to be able to plan the painting schedule for my committee and start each project. For my 2nd banner, I was given the design for our social event 3 days before the event.

Being someone who thrives on having a plan for everything, I immediately created a schedule, assigned shifts to my committee members, and rearranged my personal calendar to accommodate as much time as possible for the painting process.

Despite all our e ort and dedication, we did not finish the banner in time for display at our event. However, I was able to show my growth potential in two ways. Firstly, I took responsibility for the outcome and approached my VP, apologizing for not meeting expectations and asking for feedback and advice to be better in the future.

Secondly, instead of becoming discouraged, I took this setback as a change to analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and develop a strategy to prevent shortcomings again. Additionally, I collaborated with our graphic designer and shared our struggles with time management, so we could create a more e icient process and have better coordination. These actions exemplify my adaptability, resilience, and commitment to continuous improvement, demonstrating my strong growth potential when faced with challenges. A discrepancy in perception might arise from differing expectations regarding the outcome of the banner project and my role in its execution. To explain this, I would emphasize how I took immediate responsibility for the outcome, and how I assessed the situation as a new opportunity to do better the next time.

Growth Learning:  I do believe my score describes me pretty well, but I feel like it might be a little too high than it should be. I am someone who has a big desire to learn, but a 19 out of 20 feels a little too perfect. In reality, there are definitely times when I take a step back instead of forward, so I just wanted to point that out. As someone who undoubtedly does not know everything, I do always strive to learn more and expand my knowledge. I volunteer every Tuesday afternoon for ESP (Extra Special People) which is an area of my life that is filled with a lot of learning and adapting to the circumstances. This program is something I have been part of since Freshman year, and I am very passionate about it and want to be the best I can at my role. From the start and even still today, I have to step outside my comfort zone and learn how to use the correct language, manage difficult participants, be patient and an active listener, and overall, just adapt to each individuals needs so everyone feels loved and important. I have learned a lot about not only my own growth learning mindset,

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but also how much I value the growth and development of the people I get to serve every time I volunteer. By providing encouragement and celebrating their accomplishments, I help bring a sense of confidence in my participants and this happens because of my commitment to learning and growing as a leader. If there is a discrepancy in perception regarding something like the effectiveness of my communication or management of difficult participants, I would explain it by emphasizing each participant has their own unique challenges, requiring me to continually adapt my approach and communication style to ensure everyone feels supported and valued. I would show how consistent I am with my commitment to growth and learning as a leader within ESP. Fixed mindset:  I believe my score pretty accurately rings true in my experiences because I don’t rely on believing that I always have the right answers or that my way is the only way. I say this because I know I can grow all aspects of my personality and life, so I do not limit myself to having a fixed mindset. This mindset aligns with the openness to feedback and learning that is a characteristic of a growth-oriented perspective. I actively seek out different viewpoints and perspectives, understanding that different opinions than my own can lead to better outcomes and my own personal development. One instance where I showed having a growth mindset was during my Corporate Finance Internship last summer. I encountered a reoccurring challenge when I had to familiarize myself with their complex excel platform called OneStream. My initial attempts at completing projects on the platform were far from correct; I didn’t get them right on my first or even second try. Rather than feeling discouraged and shutting down, I approached each piece of feedback with an open mind and a determination to grow as an analyst. Had I possessed a fixed mindset during these trials, I might have been resistant to change, sticking stubbornly to my existing methods and avoiding challenges that pushed me outside of my comfort zone. If there is a discrepancy in perception, I would reflect on my experience and how it exemplifies the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. I would explain how I approached each piece of feedback with an open mind and a determination to grow, showing my adaptability and resilience.

Based on these personality characteristics, how might people who scored differently than you behave?

Growth Potential:  Individuals who scored differently than me in the growth potential category may tend to avoid challenges or shy away from opportunities for learning and development. They can possibly be easily discouraged or intimidated when faced with unfamiliar or challenging situations because they may lack confidence to tackle new tasks or pursue new opportunities. If they are not intimidated or discouraged easily, their approach to growth and improvement may be more cautious, preferring to make progress at a steady pace rather than taking immediate risks. In my example of my banner project that didn’t get completed on time,

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someone who scored differently than me might have given up on the job, got super frustrated and took it out on other people, or maybe even blamed everyone on someone else.

Growth Learning:  People who scored differently than me in the growth learning category may prioritize maintaining the status quo and feel less motivated to seek out new opportunities.

They may value having a consistent routine and pursue activities and opportunities that are familiar to them. They could recognize the importance of learning and development but may not prioritize or even try to learn something new that may put them in an unfamiliar position. In my volunteering at ESP example, someone who scored differently than me might struggle to adapt to the changing circumstances or individual needs within my volunteering role. They could also be volunteering primarily as a duty or obligation rather than doing it for an opportunity to learn and make a huge impact on some really special people.

Fixed mindset:  Individuals who scored differently than me in the fixed mindset category may feel defensive or threatened with feedback that highlights their mistakes or shortcomings. They might have a fear of failure, so not getting something right on the first try could cause them to avoid similar challenges in the future. Instead of reaching out for support or help on a challenging task, they may struggle in silence, trying to figure it out on their own. In my internship example, someone with a high score in having a fixed mindset might interpret feedback on their work as criticism of their abilities and get discouraged, causing them to be reluctant to seek help or guidance in the future because it is a threat to their self-image. They might believe their abilities are fixed and unchangeable, so they will not prioritize their own personal growth and development.

How will the information you learned from this assessment help you be a more effective as a leader?

Growth Potential:  Understanding my own growth potential allows me to become more self-aware of my strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. As a leader, demonstrating a dedication to ongoing learning and development sets a positive example for any team I lead and creates an environment that encourages continuous improvement.

I have learned that it is important for me to take risks, ask for feedback, seek out new opportunities, and do all of this with a mindset of wanting to become a better leader and improve for those around me. It is important in leadership to have growth potential because without it, leaders will fail to adapt to changing circumstances and be resilient in the face of challenges which is crucial for success.

Growth Learning:

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My belief in growth learning initiates a cycle of personal and professional development within myself and those around me. As a leader, this mindset allows me to approach challenges with confidence and resilience, inspiring my teams to adopt similar attitudes, where setbacks are viewed as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. Reflecting on having a very high score in this category, I recognize the significant impact it has on my approach to leadership and reinforces my commitment of continuous learning and growth. I have learned that I not only want to grow as a leader for myself, but I also want to create environments where curiosity is encouraged, failure is seen as a learning opportunity, and every person that I lead feels supported in their journey of personal and professional growth.

Fixed mindset:  Having a growth mindset has shown me that I perceive challenges, setbacks, and opportunities as essential parts of my leadership journey. I have learned that challenges are not barriers to success because they allow me to stretch my abilities, push beyond my comfort zone, and expand my skills personally and professionally. This score serves as a reminder that my journey as a leader is not static but rather dynamic and always evolving. It reinforces my belief in the power of growth and learning, moving me forward in the right direction with confidence and determination to tackle whatever challenges and opportunities come my way.

Locus of Control Description and Discussion of Scores  I define locus of control as a leader’s belief of the extent to which they can influence events and outcomes in their life. People who have an internal locus of control believe they have a significant degree of control over their own actions and decisions. Conversely, people who have an external locus of control believe their outcomes in their environment come from external factors such as luck, fate, or from the actions of others. I scored a 2 on locus of control, implying that I have an internal locus of control mindset almost all of the time. This score describes me as someone who takes responsibility for my actions, is proactive, and believes that my efforts directly contribute to my success and failure. I grew up learning that I had to put in effort and hard work if I wanted to achieve something, so I believe my score of locus of control shows I still live by this mindset every day.

Do your results “ring true” or appear to be true in your experience? How? Describe a time you have been aware of this aspect of your personality? If there is a discrepancy in perception, how would you explain that discrepancy?  I think my score of a 2 in the locus of control category describes me very well because I am a go-getter. Being a go-getter aligns with an internal locus of control mindset. I go after what I want, I work hard to create successful outcomes, and I believe that my efforts and determination are key factors in achieving my goals. I like to be in control so relying solely on circumstances and luck would leave me

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feeling lazy, unempowered, and frustrated. An example where I showed my internal locus control mindset was during my 4 years of Yearbook in High School. Each year, I worked hard to prepare creative pages, consistently put in extra hours dedicated to designing the yearbook, actively sought feedback from my teacher and upperclassman to improve my work, and each year I was promoted to higher positions based on my experience. Freshman year I was just a staff member, sophomore year I was also on an outside yearbook committee, junior year I was the Student Life Editor, and senior year I was the Sports Editor, working closely with our Chief Editor. Each year, I made it a priority to learn as much as possible and apply my skills and creativity to my work to show my hard work and improvements, leading to a promotion each year. My go-getter mentality pushes me forward and reflects my proactive, self-directed approach to achieving your goals. If there is a discrepancy in perception regarding my role and contributions to each yearbook project, I would emphasize how I showed consistent effort in preparing creative pages, I would explain how I dedication extra hours to my roles, I would mention my determination to improve from gaining feedback from peers, and I would point out the progression of my roles within the yearbook team. All of this combined is evidence of my hard work, skills development, and the recognition of my contributions to achieve success.

Based on these personality characteristics, how might people who scored differently than you behave?  Someone who scored high in external locus of control, believing things happen outside of their control, would act differently in situations. They believe that their achievements are mainly due to luck or being in the right place at the right time, rather than from their own efforts and abilities. They may have a lack of initiative or motivation to take action in their character because they do not think their efforts will make a significant difference in their outcome. Using my yearbook example, someone with an external mindset would take a more passive approach, waiting for opportunities to come to them and attributing progress to luck or favoritism. They would sit back and do what they have to do, and if things work out in their favor, then great, and if not, they would have an “oh well” mindset. In summary, they would attribute their success and failure to external factors and show low levels of initiative, persistence, and resilience because that is how their brain works.

How will the information you learned from this assessment help you be a more effective as a leader?  From this assessment, I have learned that I do not wait for things to happen, I make things happen. This approach to my life as a leader allows me to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, identify opportunities, and adapt to changing circumstances with confidence and determination. I’ve learned I recognize that my choices and decisions have a direct impact on the success of things I am pursuing, showing that I take responsibility and will be able to inspire accountability in teams that I will lead in the future. I would want my team to take ownership of their roles,

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contribute to the success of the overall goals, and I would provide guidance, support, and mentorship to help them reach their full potential. One of the most important things of this assessment that I have discovered is that I do not start anything without having a vision and setting goals. I want to have a clear sense of direction and purpose so that I can be a go-getter and work hard to achieve success through an internal locus of control perspective.

Proactive Personality Description and Discussion of Scores  I define having a proactive personality as being a forward thinker, action-oriented, and always being ready and anticipating next steps in an approach to leadership. I scored a 35 out of 45 in this category, meaning I am on the get things done side of the spectrum. My score shows that I am strongly inclined to being a proactive leader. As a forward thinker, I have the tendency to think ahead and anticipate future opportunities and challenges. Rather than being passive or indecisive, I am driven by action to initiate and execute my plans to create progress and results.

Being a proactive leader often leads to increased efficiency and effectiveness in achieving goals because you are staying ahead of the game and taking proactive steps to achieve success, so I think this is a very positive score for me to have.

Do your results “ring true” or appear to be true in your experience? How? Describe a time you have been aware of this aspect of your personality? If there is a discrepancy in perception, how would you explain that discrepancy?  I would say yes, for sure, that my results line up with how I live a proactive life. My results align deeply with something my dad instilled in me growing up. He always showed and embodied how important and effective it is to have a high GSD factor; “Get S**t Done!”. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of setting ambitious goals and achieving them. While my score of 35 out of 45 indicates that I am not perfect at being proactive at all times, I do acknowledge instances of procrastination when they occur, yet I consistently prioritizing doing my best to remain focused on having a healthy proactive mindset. An example of my proactive mindset in my everyday life can be seen in all of my academics. Being a student at UGA can be overwhelming and demanding in terms of workload, classes, schedules, and so much more, so it is crucial for me to stay on top of everything and not fall behind. I approach each semester with a proactive mindset by ensuring I stay organized, manage my time effectively, and prioritize my work in an efficient and effective manner. Because I have a high GSD factor, I can set clear objectives, create actionable plans, and work hard to get everything done and done well for myself. I have to be proactive in the way I live my life because no one is going to do anything for me, and it is the only way I will be able to achieve my goals and reach my full potential. I believe I can shape my own future, and I will do that by being proactive. If there was a discrepancy in perception regarding my proactive mindset, I would highlight how I meticulously organize my schedule, set priorities, and execute tasks

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efficiently to stay ahead of my responsibilities. The evidence would be in how I perform, as well as my mood and happy heart when I get things done successfully.

My proactive approach not only helps me excel academically but also instills a sense of confidence and control over my life journey, setting me up for future success. As Dr. Kachi said in class one day, “Set goals and hunt them down”.

Based on these personality characteristics, how might people who scored differently than you behave?  Someone who isn’t proactive may react in many different ways. I think a big difference in mindset comes from a lack of organization. In my academic example, someone else could struggle to keep track of their workload, classes, and schedules, leading to disorganization and potential missed deadlines. They may procrastinate their important tasks, leading to last-minute rush and increased stress, which I am also guilty of. Instead of proactive, they are seen as reactive, meaning they wait for things to unfold rather than being ready for the unexpected.

They sometimes rely on others, such as friends, family, and professors to remind them of deadlines or help them out, rather than taking their own responsibility. This also can happen outside of just school and in the real world when schedules continue to pile up on top of each other. Overall, someone who isn’t very proactive may experience greater challenges in managing their responsibilities by struggling to adapt to unexpected situations, missing opportunities for growth, and feeling overwhelmed with the demands of life.

How will the information you learned from this assessment help you be a more effective as a leader?  Understanding my proactive mindset allows me to recognize opportunities for improvement and innovation within myself and future teams I lead. I know now how important it is to set goals, take initiative, implement strategies, and strive for excellence. Practicing being proactive will equip me with strong problem-solving skills, so I able to anticipate challenges before they happen, make early changes, and take control of the situation. Proactive leaders value their team and go to great lengths to ensure they can count on the people around them, which is the leadership environment I want to create. I have learned from this assessment that I am proactive in various aspects of my life, but there is still room for improvement to become even more consistent as a proactive person and a leader.

Intolerance for Ambiguity Description and Discussion of Scores  I define the intolerance for ambiguity as an individual’s discomfort or unease when confronted with situations, ideas, or experiences that lack clear direction and certainty. Overall, I scored pretty average of 54 out of 80 showing a balanced approach to uncertainty. This indicates that while I may experience some discomfort with ambiguity, I also possess a level of tolerance and adaptability in

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navigating life’s challenges. I feel like this can be advantageous for me because it will allow me to effectively manage ambiguity while also recognizing the value of structure I crave. I scored the highest in intolerance for ambiguity in the novelty category, an 18 out of 20, which means I prefer routines, familiarity, and predictability, and so I struggle feeling comfortable in new and unexpected situations. Acknowledging this is the first crucial step in changing and recognizing the potential impact it can have on my comfort level and decision-making and doing something about it. I scored a 9 out of 15 in the insolubility category, meaning I have a moderate level of difficulty in finding solutions to problems or resolving conflict.

My score of a 27 out of 45 in the complexity category demonstrates my ability to navigate moderately complex challenges effectively with the potential of encountering hurdles when tackling highly difficult situations. In summary, my assessment results reveal a balanced approach to ambiguity, with a moderate level of discomfort in navigating life’s challenges, and this is something I want to work on.

Do your results “ring true” or appear to be true in your experience? How? Describe a time you have been aware of this aspect of your personality? If there is a discrepancy in perception, how would you explain that discrepancy?  I would say yes, my results pretty much “ring true” for me in the category of intolerance for ambiguity. My scores do vary category by category but reflect on my character well. All my life I have valued structure and stability and prefer clear guidelines and expectations in various situations, but when I came to college, I witnessed a shift in my perspective. I began to embrace ambiguity as a source of growth and opportunity rather than solely seeking structure and certainty. This shift allowed me to adapt more readily to the unpredictable nature of college life. This is a good example because while college will throw surprises at you, I have learned how to adapt to each one by leveraging my strength of establishing structure and planning. It proves that I am open to change and growth as a leader, while also highlighting my commitment to maintaining a sense of organization and direction. I recognize that this can lead to being reluctant to step outside of my comfort zone, so I am going to make it a priority to work on this. I would love to move towards a low intolerance for ambiguity and see things from a different perspective. If there is a discrepancy in perception regarding my approach to ambiguity and change, I would explain it by highlighting the evolution of my perspective and growth over time and how I value working towards being more open to change and uncertainty. It is not as easy said than done, but with this mentality, I can bridge my gap and become more flexible and adaptable.

Based on these personality characteristics, how might people who scored differently than you behave?  People who scored di erently in terms of intolerance for ambiguity and adaptability may exhibit contrasting behaviors. For instance, individuals with a higher intolerance for ambiguity may struggle more with unexpected changes or uncertain situations. They may prefer clear guidelines and structure and may find it

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challenging to adapt to new or unpredictable environments, like college life. I have a friend from high school who experienced this when she went o to a distant college as she struggled to adjust to the significant change, and ultimately had to return home because she found it di icult to adapt to the new environment. In contrast, those who are more adaptable and open to ambiguity may embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth. They may thrive in dynamic situations, quickly adjusting to new circumstances and finding creative solutions to challenges.

Conversely, I have another friend who faced challenges during high school but has since flourished after attending a distant college because she has successfully embraced change and adapted remarkably well to her new environment. Overall, di erences in tolerance for ambiguity can significantly influence how individuals respond to change and uncertainty in various aspects of their lives.

How will the information you learned from this assessment help you be a more effective as a leader?  Understanding that I balance both intolerance and tolerance to ambiguity from completing this assessment, I am now aware of my tendencies and can work on being a more e ective leader. I can leverage my self-awareness to confidently handle situations where clear direction is lacking, be more adaptable and flexible, and show resilience within myself and the teams I lead. Additionally, being aware of my intolerance for ambiguity helps me identify situations where I may struggle and seek support or strategies to make positive decisions and progress. This leadership style acknowledges both my strengths and limitations and can create a culture of transparency and open communication within my team. I now understand the importance of flexibility needed to lead e ectively in dynamic and uncertain environments and can use this reflection to hold myself accountable.

My Family

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Highlands Ability Battery (HAB)

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The HAB speaks to two personality characteristics--introversion/extroversion and generalist/specialist. Describe what these characteristics are and how they influence your behavior.  Under the personal style category, I learned a lot about myself in our class discussion. A generalist is defined as a group of people who respond the same in certain situations. They know how people are going to react, they work well with shared responsibilities, and are interested in many different things. Our HAB expert explained this group as going a mile wide and a foot deep. On the other hand, a specialist looks at things differently. They work independently, are uni-purposed, and like to be the go-to person for delivering finished work for a group. Our HAB explained this side as a foot wide and a mile deep. I scored in the mid-range for both categories (38% generalist and 62% specialist), showing that I can work well in both sides in certain situations. She described my approach as being the translator or mediator for both groups and wanting to relate to both sides. An example of this in my life would be how I am motivated to deepen my knowledge in my finance major classes, while also prioritizing broadening my knowledge in other areas outside of finance. The downside of being in this category is that I want to be both a mile wide and a mile deep, and there are just not enough hours in a day to be an expert on both sides because I will burn out. This influences my behavior because I need to be aware that I can’t make everyone happy sometimes and that is okay. I need to work on prioritizing what is most important and pick one side or another that is going to be most beneficial in different situations. While I was in the mid-range, I did score slightly higher as a specialist, which implies that I may have greater motivation to focus deeply on specific areas of interest or expertise and use my specialized knowledge to excel in my role. Introversion and extroversion also fall into the personal style category. I am 70% an introvert and 30% an extrovert which is pretty accurate in my book. An introvert is energized by alone time, they process their thoughts internally, and like to stay behind the scenes. An extrovert is energized by others, they process their thoughts out loud, and are not scared to share their opinions. An interesting distinction she shared with us is that introverts would say “close the door behind you” and extroverts would say “leave the door open.” Being labeled as mostly an introvert does not come as a surprise to me because I am a very independent person who likes my alone time to be creative and refreshing. I find myself most productive when I have time to reflect and work independently, away from outside distractions. While I enjoy social interactions and love working as a team, I often need that alone time, behind the scenes, carved out into my day at some point so I can reenergize and focus on myself. An everyday example of this in my life is when I come home from class, and I go straight to my room so that I can refresh my mind by myself. Once I give myself that time, then I can come out, spend time with my roommates and friends, and build relationships while enjoying the company. A downside to my introversion self is that a lot of times I find myself being shy and not speaking up. A lot of times this is okay because I am a great listener, but when I think about my career after college, I know I am going to face challenges of

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speaking up to share my feelings and get points across. I am glad I can reflect on it now and become more self-aware to become a better leader for the future.

What was the biggest "ah ha!" discovered about your natural abilities and skills and how they might differ from others?  I feel like I had numerous “ah ha” moments during our class because the HAB expert explained everything so well. When she would describe each category and the different areas in it, I was sitting there going “wow, that describes me perfectly”.

One particular moment was when we were talking about idea productivity. I scored in the high range with a 99%, which basically says I have a big strength in generating ideas. Being in the high category says that I am a brainstormer, meaning one idea will trigger another and another and there is no off switch. It is funny though that this is the case since I am a big introvert. It was an “ah ha” moment because I generate the most ideas when I am by myself which is so true and makes sense. When given alone time, my ideas flow naturally, allowing me to analyze and assess each one to determine the best outcome. Conversely, someone with high idea productivity but an extroverted nature might prefer to vocalize all their ideas in front of others. This realization highlighted the importance of self-awareness and understanding individual differences in how ideas can be generated and processed. While I thrive on my own, others may excel in collaborative settings, benefiting from the exchange of ideas and different perspectives. There were also “ah ha” moments in multiple categories where I scored in the mid-range just because when both sides were being described I could see myself in both shoes. It was so interesting learning about myself and what comes natural to me because it is something I have never thought too hard about.

What three lessons did you learn from this Highlands Ability Battery assessment and learning experience that may have an impact on your leadership and personal effectiveness in the future?  1. I learned how I energize myself, my learning and work styles, and overall how to understand myself. Through self-reflection on my own time, I have gained clarity on how to maintain my energy levels and maximize my productivity. By understanding my learning and work styles, I can tailor my leadership approach to suit my strengths and preferences to ensure I am optimizing my performance and success. Overall, the assessment has empowered me to lead with authenticity and effectiveness, using my strengths to achieve greater impact and fulfillment in my professional career and future.  2. I learned a lot about my passions and goals. This assessment has helped me identify my core passions and align them with my long-term goals. By gaining clarity on what truly motivates and inspires me, I can make more intentional choices and pursue opportunities that compliment my values and aspirations. The insights gained from this assessment have been impactful in shaping my path forward and ensuring that I stay on track to fulfill my aspirations and realize my full potential.

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3. Lastly, I learned that it is okay to not be perfect because there is no such thing. Life is a continuous unexpected cycle that will present challenges, and the more you are self-aware of how you handle things, the better you will be equipped to navigate them. This assessment was made to help people become more selfaware of how they can leverage their strengths and navigate their weaknesses effectively. By understanding my own values, personality, motivation, and decision making, I can cultivate greater control over my actions and reactions in various situations. My results have shown me to embrace my imperfections and focus on my strengths and interests for continuous growth and improvement as a leader, and I believe I can make a positive impact on others because of it.

How will this feedback information help you in your academic and leadership endeavors?  This feedback will help me in my academic performance and success by giving myself more confidence in my abilities and having the power to influence my outcomes. For example, tailoring my study methods to suit my learning stye and leverage my strengths, I can optimize my studying efficiency and become better at making decisions for my academic path. Additionally, maintaining my energy levels and maximizing productivity through self-reflection will help me effectively balance my academic workload and other commitments, ensuring that I can excel academically while also maintaining my well-being. I have learned that successful leadership is grounded in self-awareness. Becoming more self-aware because of this assessment, I feel like it has contributed significantly to providing an accurate representation of my personality, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. I can lead with authenticity and effectiveness, leveraging my strengths to inspire and motivate those I lead, Additionally, understanding my own tendencies and preferences will enable me to adapt my leadership approach to different situations and effectively navigate challenges that may arise.

My Friends

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Emotional Intelligence (EiQ)

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What are your greatest EI strengths? What appears to be your most significant area for EI improvement?  My greatest EI strength is in the emotional management category, and the two subcategories that follow closely behind are emotional understanding and ego maturity. These three categories make me believe that I am skilled at recognizing and regulating my own emotions, controlling my emotional responses, and maintaining a sense of composure in different situations. My results say that I am very content with my life and how I cope in different circumstances, but there are still some drawbacks to these scores because my results also describe me as having trouble asserting myself and staying true to the way I feel. I scored the lowest in the Emotional Identification, Perception, and Expression category and the Emotional Facilitation of Thought category which tells me that I am sometimes in tune with my emotions, but these areas need improvement. It also explains that I am not totally at ease with dealing with my emotions, and I don’t tend to ruminate on my problems at all. My biggest room for improvement is in the Emotional Facilitation of Thought category, and it was consistently brought up in my results that I need to become more comfortable with my emotions and be more assertive.

Does this feedback “ring true” or appear to be true in your experience? How? If there is a discrepancy in perception, how would you explain that discrepancy?  This feedback truly resonates with me because I tend to internalize my emotions as a means of maintaining control over my reactions. While I am good at recognizing my internal emotional state, I struggle with expressing those feelings to others and being vulnerable. In one of our discussions in class, we talked about the misconception that sharing emotions burdens others, when in reality, people often want to support and provide guidance. Despite this understanding, I often default to the mindset of dealing with my emotions alone to avoid burdening others. However, I realize that this approach can inadvertently hurt those around me, as they may not be aware of my emotional state and therefore cannot o er support. This is something I really struggle with, but in a way, handling my emotions on my own makes me feel better and gives me a sense of relief. A good example of this is in my relationship with my boyfriend. He is incredibly open about his feelings and enjoys sharing everything with me. While I know I can do the same, I often struggle to find the right words or explain my emotions e ectively, leading me to bottle them up instead. He truly understands me so well, so he can sense when I'm holding back, and he makes an e ort to encourage me to express myself so he can o er support.

His actions have challenged me to grow emotionally, and I've developed a greater understanding of my feelings through our relationship. If there is a discrepancy in perception regarding my emotional expression in any of my relationships, I would explain that discrepancy by highlighting the di erences in our communication styles and emotional processing. Being vulnerable about how I tend to struggle with verbalizing and expressing my emotions e ectively will help bridge a gap in understanding between myself and the other person. Ultimately, just talking things through and being honest is very crucial to becoming emotional intelligent.

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What are the main EI-related challenges you think you might face in your professional and personal leadership experiences?  The main challenges I think I may face in my professional and personal leadership experiences are struggles being assertive and independent, as well as handling emotional situations and interactions. Since I struggle with assertiveness, I may find it di icult to assert my viewpoints, delegate tasks, or address conflicts assertively, leading to ine ective leadership and interpersonal dynamics. When I first start my career, I could lack independence and rely heavily on others for direction and validation, leading to indecisiveness, micromanagement, or an inability to take risks and innovate. Handling emotional situations and interactions is crucial for e ective leadership and if I struggle in this area, I may experience emotional challenges that could lead to static relationships, conflict, and reduced motivation and morale.

Addressing these challenges requires self-awareness, self-confidence, and ongoing development of communication and emotional intelligence skills, and I think I am on the right track to becoming a better leader.

How will the information you learned from this assessment help you manage your emotions more effectively as a leader?  By identifying specific areas of strength and areas for improvement in emotional intelligence, such as emotional management, understanding, and ego maturity, I can develop strategies that will positively shape how I perceive, interpret, and respond to emotions in both professional and personal contexts. For instance, I need to practice and understand how to regulate my emotions during high-pressure scenarios, enhance my empathy to create better connections with team members, and be more self-aware so I can recognize my impact as a leader. Additionally, I can seek feedback from colleagues and mentors to gain insights into areas where I need to further develop my emotional intelligence, thus empowering me to continuously refine my leadership skills and abilities. By prioritizing emotional intelligence, I will not only strengthen my ability to navigate and manage complex emotional situations, but also set a positive example for others to follow.

In light of what you have learned from your EI feedback, what two areas/dimensions of emotional intelligence do you want to focus on to enhance your personal and leadership effectiveness?  Two areas I want to focus on to enhance my personal and leadership e ective emotional facilitation of thought and emotional identification, perception, and expression. My lowest scores on the graph of each individual characteristics were emotional reflection and assertiveness, which I believe brings down those 2 broader categories. Increasing emotional reflection involves becoming more aware of my emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Things I can do to improve this would start by dedication time to self-improve. This could involve journaling, meditation, or simply taking moments throughout the day to check in with myself. By gaining insight into my emotional reactions, I can learn to recognize and regulate them more e ectively

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in the future. Increasing my assertiveness means developing the ability to express my thoughts, feelings, and needs confidently and respectfully. I can do this by being more open in my communication, while also advocating for myself and my boundaries. Setting small, achievable goals that involve asserting myself will build my confidence in expressing my emotions more vulnerably. Additionally, set small, achievable goals for asserting yourself in various situations, gradually building your confidence in expressing your emotions assertively. By focusing on improving my emotional reflection and assertiveness, I can navigate interpersonal interactions more e ectively, foster stronger relationships, and lead with authenticity and empathy.

My Running Journey

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Stress and Stress Management

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What kind of stress are you currently facing? Is this stress likely to get in the way of effective leadership?  Honestly, I would describe myself as a stress-free person who doesn’t let daily pressures overwhelm me. While there are certainly moments when stress arises, I find ways to address and manage it e ectively so that it doesn't persist or interfere with my overall well-being. Currently, I find myself stressed by various factors, including tight deadlines, the pressure of schoolwork, and occasional conflicts in relationships. Additionally, I experience long-term stress when contemplating my future, career path, and life after college. While I trust that everything happens for a reason, I still struggle with anxiety about the unknown. To address this, I do my best to proactively take steps to set myself up for success. I seek guidance from mentors, networking with professionals in the Finance field, conducting research, interviewing with di erent companies, and planning my desired future to ensure I am well-prepared for what lies ahead. I would say the most prevalent source of stress in my life stems from uncertainty. I thrive on being prepared and having a clear understanding of what I am facing. Therefore, when unexpected events arise, I often find myself feeling stressed. While I recognize that uncertainty is inevitable, I acknowledge the need to improve my coping mechanisms and learn how to better navigate the unknown. I also find balancing all aspects of my life causing me stress because sometimes I pile too much on myself. These instances of stress can get in the way of my e ective leadership by hindering my ability to focus on my important tasks and priorities. Additionally, when I am feeling overwhelmed, I may struggle to delegate tasks or collaborate with others e ectively which will impact overall performance. If I allow stress to take a toll on my mental and physical well-being, then that will a ect my ability to maintain resilience and make the best decisions as a leader. Finding strategies to manage my workload and prioritize self-care is essential for overcoming these challenges and maintaining e ective leadership e ectiveness.

Keeping in mind the cognitive appraisal model of stress, how can you better manage your stress? What are three to four primary, secondary and tertiary stress management techniques that you can implement in your life?  The cognitive appraisal model of stress emphasizes how individuals perceive and interpret stressors. By utilizing primary, secondary, and tertiary techniques, I can better manage my stress and handle the impact on my personal and leadership effectiveness.

Primary Techniques:  Primary stress management techniques are defined as preventative measures aimed at reducing the occurrence of stressors or minimizing their impact before they occur. Three techniques I can implement into my life are time management, problem solving skills, and healthy lifestyle habits. Time management will help me to prioritize tasks, set goals, allocate sufficient time for my activities, and create a structured schedule to reduce feeling overwhelmed. Practicing problem-solving

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strategies for stressors directly will help me identify the root causes of my stress and brainstorm potential solutions to gain a sense of control over my circumstances. Lastly, I can maintain a balanced lifestyle by prioritizing physical health through regular exercise, eating healthy, and getting an adequate amount of sleep.

Secondary Techniques:  Secondary stress management techniques are defined as coping strategies used in response to immediate stressors or challenges, so effects on individuals mental and emotional state can be managed. Three techniques I can implement into my life are using relaxation strategies, seeking social support, and challenging my negative thoughts. Implementing stress reduction techniques such as breathing exercises, journaling, and meditation will promote relaxation and decrease tension associated with stress. Seeking support from friends, family, or mentors during times of stress will offer me empathy, guidance, and encouragement so that I am not alone. Lastly, challenging my negative though will help me look at stressful situations in a more positive light to help me navigate through stress more effectively.

Tertiary Techniques:  Tertiary stress management techniques are defined as interventions that are designed to alleviate the effects of stress and facilitate recovery to develop longterm coping skills. Three techniques I can implement into my life are considering professional counseling or therapy, experiencing self-care activities, and striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance. A qualified professional can help provide me personalized support and guidance in navigating challenging situations. Enjoying self-care activities like engaging in hobbies and spending more time outside can contribute to stress management and my emotional wellbeing. Striving to maintain a healthy balance between work, personal life, and leisure activities will help me set boundaries that protect my time and prioritize what is most important.

My Pups

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Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI)

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Are the SDI results valid for you? Overall, does this SDI assessment instrument depict your true motivational value system - blue, green, red, hub, etc. - accurately? What is your “evidence” that this color is “you” when calm? Use examples directly from your online feedback and the information in the points of comparison columns.  This assessment definitely makes a lot of sense to me. I've always been inclined towards independent discovery, carving my own path, and taking proactive steps to pursue my goals. It accurately reflects my belief in the importance of maintaining control over my life and emotions as a measure of success. For me, success isn't just about achieving external milestones but about feeling empowered and in control of my own future. This aligns perfectly with my personal values and how I approach my life. I align very similarly with the motivational value system of greens.

Greens are characterized by their drive for meaningful order and their tendency to carefully consider their decisions. They prioritize pursuing their own interests independently, valuing practicality and fairness in their actions. Personally, I resonate with these qualities as I find fulfillment in creating order and structure in my life. I am motivated by the opportunity to think critically and strategically about my goals, ensuring that my actions are both controllable and purposeful. This category describes me as someone who is cautious, keeps my emotions under control, and is an ahead planner. The motivational value system of greens is titled “analytic-autonomizing” which perfectly describes me as wanting structure and wanting it independently. Evidence that green is my personality emerges when I am calm and focused, as I naturally organize all of my tasks and make thoughtful decisions that align with my values and goals. When I start a semester, I go through all of my classes to see how they are run, what is expected of me, and I plan it all out in my calendar. Having a clear, structured plan is just how my brain works. I feel best about what I am doing when I am able to pursue my own interests without having to take direction or help from those around me. The points of comparison columns are pretty spot on. I am highly organized, analytical, and independent which is evident in my preference for logic, order, and fairness in all aspects of life. I excel in planning and strategizing, often double-checking facts and preparing alternative plans to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. These descriptions prove that I thrive in environments where I am in control and can plan out my own journey.

What are two strengths of your color that you think will contribute to your leadership effectiveness? What are the downsides/drawbacks if you overuse these behaviors in conflict?  Two strengths of being a green with will positively contribute to my leadership effectiveness are being self- confident and cautious. Self-confidence allows me to trust my abilities and decisions, instilling a sense of assurance in those I lead. It enables me to communicate e ectively, delegate tasks confidently, and inspire others to follow my lead. This trait fosters a positive work environment where team members feel empowered and motivated to achieve common goals. My cautious nature ensures that I approach situations with thorough consideration and attention to detail. I meticulously evaluate risks and weigh alternatives before making

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decisions, minimizing the likelihood of errors or setbacks. This careful approach instills trust and reliability in my leadership and people will perceive me as a thoughtful and responsible decision-maker. Overuse of my self-confidence may lead others to perceive me as arrogant or having too big of an ego, potentially resulting in increased resistance to my leadership. This can undermine trust and collaboration within the team because they don’t feel as valued or cared about.

Overly cautious behavior may result in indecisiveness, as I may become overly focused on analyzing every possible outcome or risk. This can delay conflict resolution and lead to frustration among team members who are seeking decisive action. It also may cause me to miss opportunities for innovation or growth, as I may prioritize risk avoidance over exploration and experimentation. This can limit the team's ability to adapt to change and seize new opportunities for improvement.

While self-confidence and caution can be valuable traits in conflict management, relying too much on these behaviors may negatively reflect on my leadership skills and hinder organizational growth and development. Balancing these traits with flexibility, openness to feedback, and willingness to take calculated risks is essential for successful conflict resolution and leadership e ectiveness.

What is your conflict sequence according to the SDI? How might your conflict sequence help you as a leader in times of conflict? How might it “get in the way”?  My conflict sequence is G-B-R; meaning I start by analyzing, then I accommodate, and lastly, I assert. This implies when faced with conflict, I first want to carefully examine the situation. If that does not work, I want to defer to other people in the interest of coming to an agreement and working things out. If that does not work, I may feel compelled to assert myself, possibly in a confrontational manner. In times of conflict, my sequence will help me gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation, identify underlying causes, and evaluate potential solutions before taking action. Then choosing accommodation as a conflict resolution strategy shows my ability to prioritize my team and demonstrate empathy and a willingness to find mutually beneficial solutions. In situations where accommodation alone may not resolve the conflict, my willingness to assert myself can be crucial. As a leader, assertiveness can help me maintain authority, uphold standards, and address issues that will increase team performance. By leveraging these approaches appropriately, I can navigate conflicts more e ectively and foster a positive and productive work environment for my team. While my conflict sequence of G-B-R (Analyze-Accommodate-Assert) can be advantageous in many situations, it may also present challenges in certain leadership situations. In times when I may over analyze or over accommodate, I recognize that I might not be operating at the highest level of e ectiveness and e iciency for my team. Overanalyzing situations can lead to delays in decision-making and action, causing missed opportunities or slower progress toward goals. Overaccommodating may result in neglecting my own needs or failing to assert necessary boundaries, which can compromise the team's overall e ectiveness. To address these challenges, I will strive to hold a balance

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between thorough analysis, collaboration, and assertiveness in conflict resolution at appropriate times.

What is the most important insight you “got” from this assessment?  One of the most important insights I got from this assessment was understanding and learning various conflict styles and stages. With the knowledge gained from the SDI assessment, I have a deeper insight into how people approach conflict resolution, enabling me to navigate situations more e ectively towards mutually beneficial resolutions. Recognizing the diversity in how people handle conflict allows me to adapt my approach and use communication and cooperation to reach agreements. For example, when trying to solve conflict with someone who has a BG-R (Accommodate-Assert-Analyze) conflict sequence, I can leverage my understanding of their preferred approach to begin a resolution process. By aligning my actions with their conflict sequence, it will foster a more e icient and collaborative environment. This adaptive approach not only promotes smoother conflict resolution but also cultivates stronger relationships built on mutual respect and understanding. I think it is super interesting to not only read about my results and reflect on them, but also to learn about my friends and how their results reflect in their character. Having an open mindset in areas of my life like this are important for me to grow as a leader.

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Conflict Management Styles

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What kind of conflict management style does the assessment suggest you primarily use? Do you agree with the results? Please give examples.  My typical conflict management response is deflecting, meaning I might avoid directly addressing an issue or redirect the conversation. My most used conflict management style is accommodation, with compromising and avoiding falling shortly close behind. Accommodation indicates that I prioritize maintaining peace and pleasing others over asserting my own needs or viewpoints. Comprising and avoiding conflict are also some of my frequently used strategies which explain a tendency for me to seek the middle ground or swerve in a different way to avoid confrontation. I agree with these results perfectly. I absolutely avoid conflict at all costs because it is something that I find uncomfortable and, a lot of times, unnecessary. Along with hiding my emotions, I also avoid getting into conflict because I find both situations can make me quite sensitive and vulnerable to having my feelings hurt. Although I recognize the drawbacks of this approach, such as being “walked on”, missed opportunities, or unresolved issues, it has become my longstanding coping mechanisms in dealing with myself and others. Observing frequent conflicts unfold around me every day only reinforces my hesitance to getting involved, as it oftentimes creates so many negative impacts. For example, my friend group loves to be adventurous and do fun things together. However, this often leads to conflicts over small matters like choosing a restaurant or deciding what our entire plan is going to be. In these instances, I naturally gravitate to a mediator role, seeking out everyone’s thoughts and helping make an agreeing conclusion where everyone will be happy. The specific choice of restaurant or outing we want to do matters little to me, I just want to ensure everyone is content.

Here, I show my accommodating approach, acting as a leader to avoid conflicts and facilitate a consensus. This is also a testament to how I deflect confrontation and seek compromise because I believe that is what is more important. I prioritize building up my relationships over asserting my own preferences and that is what personally makes me happy.

Think about how conflict was managed in your house growing up? How does your style relate?  Conflict resolution in my household revolves around open communication and common ground. My dad, much like me, prefers to address conflicts head-on and avoids unnecessary confrontation. In contrast, my mom tends to approach conflicts with heightened emotions, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues in order to prevent any emotional escalation. Drawing from experiences from my older siblings, I have also learned valuable lessons in conflict management from experiencing the way they handled situations because I always looked up to them.

Our family’s strong Christian values underscore the significance of kindness, forgiveness, and support in resolving conflicts. This is something very important to me because my family and I are super close, so we can always find the right to end any conflict. Ultimately, we recognize mistakes are going to happen, so it is never worth it to be trapped in a cycle of conflict when our goal is to find an

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understanding. My conflict style mirrors the way I was raised. My parents instilled in me the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully, which is why I tend to approach disagreements with an accommodating attitude and prefer to avoid them altogether. Growing up, my parents never resorted to yelling, so the idea of engaging in a highly intense conflict with someone who becomes heated is likely to make me feel extremely uncomfortable, unsure of how to react, and likely shut down.

Avoiding handling conflict in this manner stems from my upbringing, where I learned to peacefully deal with conflict and address it as soon as it arises.

What criteria should you consider when choosing a conflict management style? Do you? If so, please give examples? If not, how can you begin to do so? 

Different situations definitely have stronger styles needed to come to a resolution, so a lot of factors need to be considered when deciding the right way to handle a situation. I typically begin by evaluating the conflict’s severity, considering the individuals involved, clarifying the desired outcome, and leverage my skills and abilities to address the conflict effectively. As much as I can say this and want it to go this way, sometimes conflict is not as straightforward, and you don’t have time to think before you act. In such cases, I rely on my instincts and adaptability to navigate the situation to the best of my ability. A good example of how I successfully handled conflict in this exact way was over an argument with my roommates about chores. When we first moved in together, we encountered issues related to cleanliness and unequal distribution of chores, leading to frustration and tension among us. To address this, I reflected on potential solutions using all of the factors I mentioned above. I then decided to collaborate with my roommates to develop a weekly chore rotation system, so everyone equally contributed and shared responsibilities fairly. Implementing this system holds us accountable and come to an understanding about our roles. By proactively addressing the conflict and finding a solution, we were able to prevent further escalation and maintain positive relationships. On top of this, I acknowledge the importance of assertiveness in certain situations to avoid being taken advantage of, so moving forward, I need to work on prioritizing the development of this skill for future conflicts. It is also important to note that everyone handles conflict differently and being aware of that is crucial to success. I believe with more practice and self-awareness; I can continue to gradually develop my ability to effectively manage conflict in various situations.

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Strengths Discussion: Accountable, this was one of the first themes that emerged from my interviews and assessments, and it is no surprise. I take great pride in holding myself accountable and high standards because it pushes me to reach my full potential, as well as take responsibility for actions I make. This commitment to accountability extends beyond just meeting deadlines or fulfilling tasks; it is active in every aspect of my work and personal life. I understand that accountability is not just about admitting mistakes but also about actively seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. By consistently evaluating my actions and decisions, I can learn from both successes and setbacks, fostering a continuous cycle of development. This mindset not only benefits me individually but also contributes to a culture of trust and reliability within teams and organizations I'm a part of. I scored high in having an internal locus of control which explains this strength perfectly. I believe in my ability to influence the outcome of my actions, so attributing success and failure to my own decisions, I demonstrate a strong sense of accountability.

Teamwork, this is a common theme that I will forever value. I thrive in collaborative environments where diverse perspectives converge to achieve shared goals.

Recognizing that accomplishments are not always achieved alone, I seek opportunities to collaborate with others, leveraging everyone’s unique strengths and expertise to create something amazing. Not only this, but it’s just more fun when you invest a bunch of time, energy, and hard work into a goal shared with others and can watch it all unfold and pay o together. Most activities, organizations, and events that I am apart of all embody some sort of a team, so I believe I am a true team player in many di erent circumstances. This is an important strength in e ective leadership because promoting teamwork creates an environment where people will feel empowered to contribute their best, knowing that their e orts are appreciated and respected. It also keeps you humble knowing that you aren’t forcing authority over them but working together on an equal play field. This strength cane be seen really all throughout my assessments in my journal. Specifically, in my Personality Assessment, I scored high in growth mindset, growth learning, and growth potential. This explains that I can be adaptable in team settings, I want continuous improvement for everyone, I am open to all feedback, and I want to collaborate and work together which all aligns with the characteristics of a team player.

Achiever, this is a strength I take most pride in as someone who loves to chase something and follow through to the end. Whether it's a personal goal, a project at work, or a team activity, I am driven by achieving success. I set high standards for myself and am committed to surpassing them, pushing boundaries and overcoming obstacles along the way. I believe this drive to achieve not only fuels my own growth and development but will also inspire those around me to strive for greatness. I thrive in environments that challenge me to continuously learn, grow, and improve, always seeking new opportunities to expand

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my skills and knowledge. My dedication to achieving results not only propels me forward but also fosters a culture of accountability and performance within my teams and organizations. There is no greater feeling than finishing a job and finishing that job well. I scored very high in the proactive personality category which explains my go-getter mindset.

Because of this, I am driven to set ambitious goals and actively pursue them with determination and initiative to propel me towards achieving them.

Empathetic, this is a strength that I hold close to my heart. I prioritize the wellbeing of others and feel a strong calling to dedicate my life to serving them. The people in my life hold a special place in my heart, and I am passionate about their happiness.

Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing I have made a positive impact on someone’s life. This is why I believe in servant leadership because it aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations. I want to empower those around me and serve others with humility, integrity, and compassion, so that I can create supportive and joyful environments where everyone feels valued and heard. This rings true on my emotional intelligence results as I scored high in positive mindset and empathy. My high score in empathy reflects my ability to connect with others on an emotional level, allowing me to understand their needs and feelings. Having a positive mindset further amplifies my capacity to uplift and inspire others.

Adaptable, this strength emerged from my interviews and assessments, yet there are moments in my life where I feel I lack it. I am generally an easy-going person and enjoy going with the flow, so it is easy for me to adapt to changing environments and circumstances when the stakes aren’t super high. However, one of my core values is routine, so when faced with significant life changes, I do not always adapt so well. This tendency to struggle with adaptation during major life transitions has led me to recognize the importance of embracing change and developing strategies to navigate through it more e ectively. Life will never be perfect and go the way you want it to, so being able to adapt to changes is something that is crucial to being an e ective leader. My personality characteristics assessment backs this strength for me because I scored low in having a fixed mindset, meaning I have a high growth mindset. This allows me to embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth instead of a threat.

Weaknesses Discussion: Lack of Confidence, this is a weakness of mine that doesn’t come as a surprise but is something I really want to work on to improve. When I doubt myself or hesitate to take action due to a lack of confidence, it can hold me back from seizing opportunities and reaching my full potential. Confidence is not only crucial for making decisions and taking risks but also for e ectively sharing ideas, influencing others, and navigating challenges. I sometimes second-guess my abilities, hesitate to voice my opinions, and shy away from an opportunity which not only undermines my own progress but also limits the impacts I can

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have on others. I recognize this, so I want to make it a priority to step outside my comfort zone more often and find more confidence in myself and my abilities. This proves true for me in my results on my conflict management assessment. I have a deflection conflict response style, as I often shy away from confrontation and asserting my needs. I have a lack of confidence in advocating for myself because speaking up can become uncomfortable for me. This is also seen in my emotional intelligence results because I tend to hide my feelings and keep things to myself because I am not always confident enough to bring them to light.

Overwork Myself, this is one weakness of mine for reasons such as I do not like to say no and I love to stay busy. While my hard work and dedication drive me to take on more tasks and responsibilities, it can sometimes lead to burnout and being unproductive.

By constantly saying yes and taking on more than I can handle, I risk sacrificing something like quality over quantity. Neglecting to set boundaries and prioritize self-care can negatively impact my performance and ability to contribute e ectively. I want to practice more self-awareness and assertiveness, learning to say no when necessary and prioritize tasks based on importance. Taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance will help me sustain my energy, focus, and enthusiasm over the long term. This weakness appears evident in my stress management results, as despite considering myself mostly a stress-free person, I find that the pressure stemming from the abundance of work in both my personal and professional life can become overwhelming. This tendency to overcommit to work explains my stress levels and encourages maintaining a healthier balance in managing my responsibilities.

Perfectionist, I look at this as both a good and bad thing. It can be good in a sense that it drives me to strive for excellence and ensures that I deliver high-quality work.

However, it can also be a double-edged sword, as it sometimes leads to excessive selfcriticism, procrastination, and unrealistic expectations. When I fixate on achieving perfection, I can become overly focused on minor details, causing me to lose sight of the bigger picture and potentially lose other opportunities. Additionally, the fear of making mistakes or falling short of perfection can hinder my creativity and innovation. Recognizing the need to strike a balance between striving for excellence and accepting imperfection, I am working on enhancing my growth mindset and embracing the learning opportunities that come with making mistakes. My Highlands Ability Battery Assessment has been instrumental in challenging my perfectionist mindset. I have come to understand that life isn’t perfect, and striving for perfection is not only unrealistic but also counterproductive.

Time Management, there are times when I have great time management and times when I am ineffective with my time management. In group settings or team-oriented projects, I excel in managing my time. This is primarily because I am driven by a sense of responsibility towards my team members; I am deeply committed to ensuring that I contribute effectively and do not hold any of us back. However, when it comes to managing

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personal time, I encounter challenges. Procrastination often gets the better of me, resulting in a backlog of tasks that I cram into tight timelines. Consequently, I find myself overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. My journey through college has definitely allowed me to refine my time management skills and taught me lessons that I now use to be better at managing my schedules. Although I still encounter challenges with time management on occasion, my growth potential score from my personality assessment serves as evidence of my commitment to self-improvement in this area. My banner example shared in my reflection illustrates how a setback transformed into a significant learning experience, highlighting the strength of my growth potential and motivation to enhance my time management skills.

Visual Strength and Weakness Summary

Strengths To summarize my strengths and weaknesses, I chose this picture of me surfing that looks as if my strengths are soaring high in the sky, representing aspirations to strive for, while my weaknesses are below my board, suggesting that I don't need to dwell on “fixing” them. A crucial lesson from this class was to prioritize focusing on your strengths and expertise, rather than worrying about your weaknesses.

Recognizing that perfection isn't attainable, I learned the importance of embracing imperfections and understanding that there will always be someone more qualified in areas where I may be lacking.

ACCOUNTABLE ACHIEVER TEAMWORK ADAPTABLE EMPATHETIC

LACK OF CONFIDENCE OVERWORKED PERFECTIONIST TIME MANAGEMENT

Weaknesses

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Improvement Areas for My Development Action Plan: Strength characteristics that can be considered as my development outcomes for my PDLP are my commitment and drive, adaptability, responsibility, selflessness, and e ective communication. Having the ability to set goals provides direction for the team, developing motivation and a driven purpose. Being flexible and taking responsibility allows for greater adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges that may arise. Selflessness builds trust, empowers others, and contributes to a positive and high-performing environment. Prioritizing open communication demonstrates a commitment to keeping everyone in the loop and making their opinions feel valued. These strength characteristics collectively enhance my leadership e ectiveness and I know I can learn to build on them even more.

Weakness characteristics that can be considered as my development outcomes for my PDLP and be worked on are my confidence, time management, my perfectionist mindset, and overly multitasking. Having confidence in yourself first is important to becoming a leader, and e ective time management is essential for decision making and goal achievement. Attention to detail can be important for a task, but having a perfectionist mindset can lead to missed opportunities and unneeded stress. Multitasking can be seen as very impressive, but sometimes focusing on one task at a time can led to better results and asking for assistance can be more e icient. These weaknesses can get in the way of my leadership development, so taking the time to improve upon them will only help me in the long run.

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Component Four Development Action Plan Development Objective #1: I will obtain my Project Management Certification (PMI) 2 years post-grad.

Motivation: My motivation to obtain my PMI stems from a combination of career advancements, increased promotions, professional development, networking opportunities, and professional recognition. One of my core values is Learning, therefore pursuing a PMI certification will allow me to deepen my knowledge and skills in project management, which aligns with my commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. It is no surprise that my high scores in growth potential and growth learning align with this goal as well. Through the certification process, I will gain a comprehensive understanding of project management concepts and techniques, enabling me to become a more e ective and e icient project leader. Having a PMI certification will help advance my finance career with essential project management skills, expand career opportunities, and enhance my leadership abilities.

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Development Objective #2: I will put a down payment on my own house by the time I am 27.

Motivation: My motivation for putting a down payment on my future home stems from a combination of financial aspirations, personal goals, and the desire for stability and independence in my life. By putting a down payment on a house, I will be able to invest in my future and create a foundation for long-term financial well-being. Achieving this goal will serve as a huge milestone in my personal development and growth, as it will allow me to start a family and bring me happiness, which is what I value the most. Putting a down payment on a house is a testament to e ective leadership, showcasing my strengths of strategic vision, resilience, and independence in my ability to shoot for this life milestone.

Though the future scares me, committing to this goal and being accountable for it will serve as a guide and help me move through life with a purpose. It's exciting to envision my journey ahead and the fulfillment that will come with achieving such a big goal.

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Development Objective #3: I will complete 4 more marathons by the time I am 26.

Motivation: My motivation to complete 4 marathons by the time I am 26 stems from a combination of personal, physical, and emotional factors that are driven by a desire for self-improvement, accomplishment, and connection within the running community. My role model is a woman named Becs Gentry, and she just recently completed the “Six Star Finisher” having ran all 6 World Marathon races. She is truly inspiring not just by her running ability but by every single Peloton run she leads because her words are so powerful and impactful. I ran my first marathon earlier this year and crossing the finish line was the most exhilarating experience that I want to feel again. The running community is like no other, and I am thankful to be surrounded by such supportive people every day. One of my top core values is achievement and this goal is a 100% direct reflection of that.

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End of the Semester Reflection Looking back on the semester, I have come to realize who I truly am at my core.

Through introspection and exploration focusing on my self-awareness, leadership abilities, core values, and purpose, I've gained profound insights into my identity and aspirations.

I've uncovered the strengths and values that define me as a person and discovered the purpose that drives me forward in both my personal and professional path. This journey of self-discovery has been transformative, empowering me to embrace my authentic self and align my actions with my deepest values and aspirations. This course has been one of my favorite classes during my time here at UGA because of the impact I am leaving it with. My feelings come from a place of life experiences, course materials, and understanding that is all finally coming full circle. What I have learned through this class is that being a valuesbased, impact-driven leader does not end here. It is a lifelong journey of learning and growth that I will continue to embark on every day.

To end my reflection, I am going to quote a couple lessons Dr. Kachi mentioned in class that I will always remember:             

“Take the message, forget the messenger.”

“No one is self-made.”

“To lead is to initiate.”

“Emotions are contagious.”

“Willpower to do what is right is not limited.”

“Always go to bed writing 3 good things down that happened that day.”

“See a challenge as a challenge, not a threat.”

“Leadership is a product of today’s actions and yesterday’s groundwork.”

“Start conversations with... I could be wrong but.”

“Set a goal and hunt it down.”

“Live a fail proof life.”

“Feedback is a gift.”

“The nail that sticks out is the one that gets hammered down.”

And that is my story....

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Conclusion: Concluding this proposal, it's evident that Brittany Miller's expertise, dedication, and vision make her an invaluable asset to Company X's Executive Board. Her unique combination of skills, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness positions her as an ideal candidate to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and lead the organization towards its goals. By welcoming Brittany onto the Board, Company X stands to benefit from her strategic thinking, proactive approach, and commitment to excellence. Her addition will not only enhance the team's capabilities but also contribute to a culture of inclusivity and forwardthinking. In closing, I urge the Executive Board to consider the immense value Brittany Miller brings to the table and to seize this opportunity to secure her leadership for the benefit of Company X and its stakeholders. Together, let’s embark on a journey of growth, success, and collective achievement.

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