Last week I had the opportunity to fulfill a life-long dream and attend a Disney Institute program. Since I have taken on a leadership position as president of our Faculty Association over the past year, I was looking forward to spending time thinking about my role and how I could enhance my work. The following shares my interpretation of key points that really resonated with me during the Disney Institute course and I continue to ruminate about them:
It is easy to make decisions when you know what your values are.
I realize that when I’ve been struggling to act it is because I have not been grounded in, and honoring, my core values. This necessitates that one knows one’s value system, so taking time to reflect on this is critical. It is then necessary to take time to examine how one’s actions do, or do not, align with one’s values. This requires ongoing reflection and adjustment. Not for the faint of heart, but holds the promise to make leadership work much more fulfilling.
Change is inevitable, but should not threaten core values.
This was a lightbulb moment as I realized that when I, and others resist change (at an organizational or personal level), it is often because this amendment threatens values. So, what is needed is open and raw examination and conversation (even with oneself) and a deeper dive to understand how a proposed change does or does not align with core values. A more thorough review often reveals that elements of the change do in fact support one’s values and how elements that do not can in fact be altered (yes, this means changing the change) to ensure greater buy-in for, and implementation of, new ideas and processes.
Clear communication, with passion and conviction, is at the core of a leader’s role.
During an experiential exercise, I learned that although I think I am communicating to others I really may not be. Levels of bureaucracy and complex messaging often make it difficult for other people to buy into a vision and goals. A leader needs to be absolutely articulate about desired outcomes and do so in an authentic manner. Ongoing review of communication channels and messaging is therefore an important component of any leader’s work. When one thinks one is effectively reaching others one likely isn’t! This was a startling revelation as only when people understand can they truly contribute the required actions.
Every leader is telling a story about what they value.
Leadership is about intentionality. The footprint and impact of leaders should not be taken lightly. Over the past year I’ve often complained about the pace of my work and not having time to properly think through my actions and be strategic. I’m now reminded that this excuse will not suffice and that I need to find time to be more present with people and be more focused in the moment. Without this concentrated awareness, the rest of a leader’s work suffers. Further, a leader needs to be consistently intentional. Ongoing and unwavering commitment to others is at the heart of a leader’s work. I’ve been reminded that leaders leave a legacy and will continue to think about what I want mine to be.
And then……
I’ve left this personal development experience with new commitment to honor my passion for people. I’m going to continue to challenge myself to be a better leader, ever mindful of the story my work is telling. As such, while I graduated from the program the ending of the course is truly just the beginning. I look forward to “getting behind” others and truly supporting them so that my leadership story will have impact. This, at the essence of it all, is my dream or the wish that my heart makes.