It interests me, that leaders possess different styles, which might consciously and unconsciously be used depending on each situation.
While writing the first blog of 2012, I realize that much has happened. First of all we had three essential weeks of Christmas break in which many of us needed to recover from the hectic weeks flooded with exams and deadlines. A lot of students also went home to celebrate Christmas and to catch up with friends and family that they had not seen for a whole semester.
This new academic year was launched with a 3-week project, in which the freshmen orientate on different professions, while our project is devoted to leadership, sustainable leadership in particular. It interests me, that leaders possess different styles, which might consciously and unconsciously be used depending on each situation. Our project is quite diverse and includes a field trip, some guest lecturers and role-plays.
We recently visited the village of 'Schokland', which is an inspiring spot for many reasons. It was an island for many years until the reclamation of Flevoland (a Dutch Province). The atmosphere, which is characterized by its tranquility and stillness, allowed us to settle down and reflect on the project so far and the history of the surroundings.
Last week we had a guest lecturer from South Africa, in which she briefly introduced herself. It was a session that all of us will remember. We learned a lot about her, and her perspective on leadership, however, that was only the start. Through meditation, we discovered the passion within ourselves that was undiscovered until that very moment.
The tangible output of these three weeks will be several assignments in which we address sustainable leadership. However, this project is mainly focused on students' emotional competences, such as self- and social awareness. In short, the project allows us to evolve and find our own leadership competences within ourselves.
I wish you all the best for 2012, and hope to talk to you soon!
Seth