Stretch Lesson 2 Response

[Lori Hebert]

Stretch Lesson 2

Refer to the assessment that you invited your colleagues to fill out.


A. What were some areas where there were opportunities for your growth?

1. Delegate

2. Confidence in delegating


B. How might the feedback you were given inform your stretch assignment work?

All the feedback I received on the written tool and during the follow up meetings has influenced my critical thinking breakdown for the stretch assignment, I find value in using feedback from peers.


C. Please make a note of a few areas where you would like to improve based on your own assessment of your skills and those of your colleagues. Work with your mentor and share your thoughts on the discussion board.

I did not realize how challenging this would be, really reflecting and identifying a topic/function/process that is “uncomfortable” for me was hard. Gary was very helpful in breaking down my 360 results and helping me take a deeper dive into what truly gives me anxiety. He allowed me to brainstorm ideas on how to make a stretch within a PDSA format. And although I struggled with the concept, it was a great opportunity to painfully question and reflect, in a good way. The stretch we came up with, while it makes me nervous and uncomfortable, I also see the value of it and how it can support staff development, program growth and my leadership skillset.


D. How might being vulnerable improve YOUR leadership?

I believe that being vulnerable is necessary in being an effective leader. I also believe that this is scary for most, ego plays a major role in confidence levels for some. I also believe that those that fail often, face life adversity and overcome challenges find the value in vulnerability through life experience. In my life, I value vulnerability and make attempts to approach every situation, personal and professional, as a non-expert learning opportunity. This mindset, for me, came from facing serious life challenges and has changed my lens on ego. I no longer need to be the loudest, and smartest person in a room. I now strive to stand out by keeping a student’s heart, be a genuine listener and an authentic leader.


E. In what areas do you hold yourself back because of a fear?

Fear of failure for this program, has taken over my professional and personal focus over the last 3 year. I believe that fear has created a roadblock for letting go of some of the operational functions that are time consuming and possibly holding me back from opportunities.


F. What will you do to overcome that fear?

This assignment is going to push me out of my comfort zone and if it goes well could set the model up for improvement and expansion.


Check in with your mentor as you consider your stretch assignment. Post your stretch assignment on the board and describe how it will enhance your leadership.

My Stretch assignment is going to focus on my emotional connection to this program and one of the functions that makes me very uncomfortable in delegating.

[Marie Sabatino]

Hi Lori,

I really appreciated the reflection and sincerity in your post, particularly how you describe the (perhaps tedious!) process of taking a deeper dive on the part of this work which may cause some anxiety for you. I think is shows an open mind and heart that you were able to "painfully question and reflect, in a good way," as you put it, before determining your stretch assignment.

I also like what you say about vulnerability and letting go of ego, including the importance of keeping a student's heart and being a genuine listener (not just ANY listener). Similarly, in Christine's blog article that came out this week, she mentions the difference between someone who "listens to talk, or listens to understand." I thought this was so powerful and really stuck with me.

Look forward to hearing how you develop your stretch and bring it to fruition.

Thanks,
Marie

[gdidona]

Hi Lori - Like Marie, I truly appreciate your willingness to not stay on the surface, but to take a deeper dive into self-reflection. I have personally been witness to many instances (both in class and in our conversations) in which you have displayed the values of vulnerability, authenticity, and a "student's heart." I, for one, can say that it is not only gratifying to see your continual growth as we progress through Academy, it also is incredibly inspirational to me, as well. You are helping me recognize that a true willingness to stretch is contagious! It can be tough, but it can have profound impact on not just you, but on your peers, your program, the agency, as well as for those in your personal life.