In Dr. Cvancara's Leadership and Interpersonal Communication class, I had the opportunity to study theories of leadership and different interpersonal communication techniques that can aid or hinder leadership. Through the class, I gained knowledge of the many different leadership approaches that leaders use and the contexts that they may be appropriate in. Learning about different leadership styles, I began to reflect on and develop my own leadership style. I learned that I admire authentic leadership, which involves a leader being genuine and open with their followers. In my own leadership, I endeavor to be authentic. During class discussion and reflections, I also had the opportunity to critique leadership models. By exploring and critiquing leadership styles and models, I was able recognize the styles of leadership that I believe fits best for my leadership.

 

Through reflections, I considered the relationship between specific styles of leadership and interpersonal communication and how these techniques work in my own life as a leader:

Reflection_Skills and Listening.pdf

Reflection_Authenticity and Self.pdf

Reflection_Gender and Intercultural Comm.pdf

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I wrote research paper where I created a problem statement and a research question and then applied a leadership approach to solve the problem. In my research paper, I explored the problem of study abroad programs not adequately preparing their students for the study abroad experience. I apply an adaptive leadership approach to the situation. I also developed my own leadership philosophy that reflected personal elements that I considered to be important. The philosophy was used in the paper to help guide the situation featured in the problem statement and research question.

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Research Paper_Preparing Students for the Study Abroad Experience.pdf