What is leadership?

Almost of all groups asked the question "what is leadership?" at the first of their presentation. Although we have learned the leadership during this term, we found it difficult to explain it in a word. It is because there are many types of leadership. And also because, in a different situation,  different age, what is required for leader is different. In other words, because we have learned a lot about leadership, we know that it is difficult to explain it shortly. 

Fortunately, I have got the chance to put my learning into the practice in my club. I started the leader of my cheerleading club as same times as the class begun. At first I was really worried about being leader. There were times when I wanted to give up my job. But this class encouraged me. The fact that I learned leadership in this class gave me some confident as a leader!  

So I am really glad to taking the course. I was stimulated from Ken, my great classmates and many leaders. The excellence of my classmates surprised me and sometimes I felt in a sense of inferiority, but it was really nice meeting. I appreciated dearly of our meeting! 
At last, I want to tell you the words that encouraged me most. 

Fake it, until you make it! 

To know oneself is very important, and it is necessary to accept one's weaknesses. But sometimes it grows my lazy mind. This phrase inspired me the way I am. 

Feedback of Brent's Lecture

Last wednesday, we had an interesting and stimulative lecture of Brent. 

He told us the importance of self awareness, and we did his mini test to know ours types of personality.There are four categorize of characteristics in his test. These are Integration, Development, Baser and Result type. I marked highest score on(?) development type. 

However, as I said to Brent, I'm not so creative, inspiring nor a long-term thinker. So at first I could not believe that I was a developer. But what was interesting was that my weaknesses were the same as people of development type! For example, fuzzy, time optimistic, careless and whimsical. Wow! It's me! 

In addition, although my essay theme is relationship between leaders and followers, I had lowest score on the Integration type that focus on followers most! Thinking about the result, I noticed that I was occupied with my own things so I don't have time (afford?) to worry about others. It is a serious problem for me writing about followers and as a leader of club, isn't it? The test was very enjoyable, but at the same time, it made me think about my weaknesses. 

After the class, I sent an email to Brent, and got his impressive reply.
He said many people focused on only their weaknesses, but people who are likely to success and enjoy their life focus on the strengths and natural talents while they regards their own weaknesses. Also he says, as a leader, it is important to be aware others' strengths. 

"Be proud of what you are." 
Brent told me that at the end of the mail. 
His mail, his lecture encouraged me. 
I thanked for him sooooooo much!

Maaarshmaaalollw Challenge!!

On Monday, we enjoyed marshmallow challenge! Because the theme of this class is  leadership, I did the challenge with thinking about leadership. 

In our group, I was not the leader. I waited to be told something by someone. Ei and Hiromi had ideas and suggested plans. I actually had no plan, and I left on others. In such situation, I'm really poor at conceiving of any ideas. I don't have creativity. I wanted to win the challenge, however, I tried not to disrupt. How negative attitude I was...! 

In the first challenge, we were the No.1, made 50cm marshmallow tower. 

But for the second challenge we failed to make higher tower. We build 40cm high. Why did we unable to make higher tower? 

Before the second challenge, Rab told us the secret strategies of success. For example, to look at other team, not to waste time to discuss or to ask whether we get more materials. 

We tried to put these strategies into practice, but we were a little bit too constrained these strategies. I thought we sometimes had better go our own way. 

Thinking of myself, I had to have my opinions. 

It is easier to leave making decision on others. 

However leaders should not avoid deciding when they face serious situation. 

I really enjoyed this challenge, however. I'd like to praise myself in this point...(^^;)>

Lighten up!

Strategy 8 is "Find something to celebrate and something to laugh about."  

In this chapter, the author says that even if celebration is the furthest thing from anyone when a situation is grim, it is crucial because celebration ( lighten up) break a spiral of depression and stimulate creativity. 

Shackleton had great ability to find something to celebrate. For example, "Empire day," " Dog Derby" and so on. These fun events contributed to the sense of cheerfulness and optimism. 

Such celebration is most important in the darkest days. I was impressed that Shackleton's act which he took when the 1 year anniversary of starting the expedition day came. At that time, their ship was crushed and they were in the disappointment. However he celebrated the day and  then the depression atmosphere turned better. Ceremony build hope, confidence, and morale, the author writes.

The author also says Shackleton had the ability to find something to laugh and had great sense of humor. According to the author, humor is consistently effective tool for dealing with adversity. Shackleton made the worst situation change by his a kind of black humor. 


Our cheerleading club likes to celebrate the event. On Halloween day, we put on the halloween color T-shurts and pants in practice. On Valentine day, Christmas, and so on we enjoy these coordinate. 
I want to continue this convention. And also the sense of humor, it is not my strong field, I try to learn to cheer members up! ( To tell the truth, there are more cheerful and interesting members than I, so I want to leave this role to them.)