What does being an effective leader and reflective practitioner mean to you?
To be an effective leader not only involve the complex interaction between the vast range of professional and personal experiences but also is rooted in personal reflection. Through reflection, a leader may explore, examine, and understand academic materials, personal experiences, and interpersonal relationships. Reflection is a critical component of being an effective leader. “Pausing for reflection allows the space to separate logic and emotions; it allows us to understand all of the contributing factors and dynamics and to separate the personal from the systemic” (Young, Boulton, & Liddell, 2016, p.42). As a reflective leader, I can challenge my assumptions, asks relevant questions and endeavor to make sense of my experiences. Being an effective leader is of paramount importance to me. As an effective leader, I can reflect to improve, effect change for the betterment of an organization, and hold integrity as the mantra of my leadership style. The use of structured reflection is central to sustain and enhance professional and personal effectiveness.
How do leadership characteristics and strengths impact your definition?
The leadership characteristics that resonate with me are empathy, consistency, honesty, flexibility, communication, and conviction. These characteristics have influenced my perspective of what it entails to be an effective leader and reflective practitioner. Creating a sincere