Unit 1 Activity 3 – Blog Post – Leadership Reflections

As I reflected on the readings, my thoughts changed direction. I recognize leadership is less about age, gender, geography, or commitment, but more about the unspoken characteristics that draws a person in. Leaders I respect have attributes that builds connections, are community driven, uses storytelling, recognizes their responsibility, and offers humility. Those attributes are supported below from personal experiences and the readings.

First, connecting, as referenced by Wright et als. (2010), is a valuable attribute. It creates a community or a team among people (pg 2, para 5), for digital and in-person learning. In my experience, I am most engaged, when I can connect, and feel it is the same for others as connection makes people feel valued.

Second, a leader who is community driven, leads for the greater good of people versus individual wants (Wright et al, 2010). This stands out to me, as I have witnessed and experienced both those who lead for a community versus those who lead for oneself. My uncle Boogie (Randal) Pokiak, a born leader, was never concerned with a title, or about what he wore or what he had. He was more concerned with what others had, which included knowledge. He shared his knowledge with his community and was valued for what he knew. He was a man of words and wisdom and though he never sought leadership, he naturally connected people from past, present, and future. His knowledge continues to be passed on through digital technology and his wisdom continues to empower communities. Uncle Boogie’s voice, character, humour, humility, and stories will continue to be heard, with the power of digital technology.

The third attribute of a leader, in my mind, is one who is a storyteller, particularly of traditional knowledge. This attribute is a natural gift. Story’s can bring lessons to life and provide teachable moments, while engaging an audience. Stories can be told in person, over the phone, in books, and adapted to be shared through digital technology. My most memorable lectures are those that offer meaning, connection, and reflection on our own lives, experiences, hopes, and dreams. With digital technology, storytelling comes to life with digital art, tools leaders can draw upon to connect with their audience.

The fourth attribute is a leader who understands their responsibility. Responsibility, through generations, is instilling the gifts given, passing on traditional knowledge to the next generation. Reflecting on traditional knowledge I have been provided, I feel a deep responsibility as a bridge from the past to the future. This same value was highlighted in the results of the study by Julien et als. (pg. 7, para 10) who shared, one who sits in the middle of a circle, has a responsibility to past and future generations. A leader’s responsibility is heavy and entrusted by our ancestors. Digital technology is transforming leadership, as Castelli (2016, para 4) highlighted, known as transformational leadership. Digital technology can be used to support one’s responsibilities, engaging future generations and honouring past generations.

A final attribute, one that I have recently come to appreciate, is humility. Humility is a value that I have personally come to appreciate when faced leadership downfalls or accepting mistakes so meaningful change can occur, as Castelli (2016) explained. Humility can be humbling, offering reflection and self-awareness. Ukleja (2016) is quoted, “Contrary to popular belief, humility is not ‘thinking less of yourself’ – it’s ‘thinking of yourself less’” (para 2.) and this to me is a powerful reminder of what great leaders do. I first heard a leader, Paul Andrew (2021), an elder, talk about humility on reflection of his vision for the young generation before him and that left me with a powerful message. This attribute I saw in him made me realize accepting humility, which is embracing successes and failures as Ukleja describes, ultimately offers lessons and opportunity for future generations to succeed. Digital learning does not eliminate humility, instead it offers another path for a leader to do great things humbly and with humility for the benefit of future generations.

Overall, I believe digital learning supports change from traditional schooling to digital learning. Building connections, being community driven, storytelling, being responsible and accepting humility are attributes of leaders, in person or in digital learning environments. Digital resources can reach a greater audience and age, gender, and geographic region are no longer limits. As Sheninger (2014) highlights, transforming leadership into the digital age, with goals to engage and achieve, offers opportunities for learning to advance, bringing together people around the world.

References:

Andrew, Paul. (2021). Strong People Strong Communities. [Event Speech].

Castelli, P. A., (2016). Reflective leadership review: a framework for improving organisational performance. The Journal of Management Development. 35(2), 217-236. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1767544220?accountid=8056&parentSessionId=qp2mnPynHshjnIIWuxX6O1lommJ9LMbDvLOYv2OmhRk%3D

Julian, M. Wright, B., and Zinni, D.M. (2010). Stories from the circle: Leadership lessons learned from aboriginal leaders. The Leadership Quarterly, 21(1), 114-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.LEAQUA.2009.10.009  [retrieve from RRU library]

Pokiak, R. (Lifetime of Inuvialuit Traditional Knowledge).

Sheninger, E. (2014). Pillars of digital leadership. International Centre for Leadership in Education. http://leadered.com/pillars-of-digital-leadership/

Ukleja, M. (2016). 6 Attributes of healthy humility. [Success Blog Post]. November 25, 2016. https://www.success.com/6-attributes-of-healthy-humility/