A vision of "Lived" Experances

As my cohort enters into its service year today’s speakers were quite apropos. The lived experiences reflecting the combinations of leadership and service were explanatory.

            Dr. Eve Hall’s life of service in non-profits was an inspiration, not only for the accolades that she has received but also for the humble manner is which she approached her path of leadership. Two quotes from her presentation that resonate with me have to do with the role of the leader in relation to those they are leading. “Leadership is not about “YOU” it is about the impact you make on the people you interact with; it is a responsibility and honor” (Hall, E. 2017) This statement is reflective of my personal leadership style: transformational servant leadership. Hall is a true a reflection of this leadership style; just like the title of her presentation “Be Prepared for Every Opportunity” she transformed her leadership to fit the positions and the needs that required attention.

            The second statement by Hall that resonates with my personal service is “as long as we are living let’s make an impact” (Hall, E. 2017). This statement is reflective of my personal philosophy: my ambition is to combine my avocation and my vocation for a life of service, purpose and growth of self and others. Although I have not had the opportunities to work in area that fuel my desire to service as Hall has, my life has afforded me the opportunities to serve internationally. I hope that my work is creating an impact with those that I work with and those whom I am training to carry on my legacy of service. Hall is an inspiration.

Training classes at the Milwaukee Urban League -   Dr. Eve Hall, President

 

            Dr. Anselmo Villarreal’s work of assessing the need for a school that enables Latino children to thrive and then making the dream a reality was awe inspiring. Reflecting on his journey is was evident that his passion for this project aided his development as an influential leader in the greater Milwaukee community. Villarreal’s statement that “as a servant leader we have to work together” is an embodiment of servant leadership that many people miss. It is not about the “leading” in servant leadership it is about serving first and leading second. I use the statement ‘We serve others to lift them up so they in turn may serve’ in the service classes teach. It is evident that Villarreal internalizes this statement in the work he does and the path he walks. 

La Casa de Esperanza, or House of Hope, founded by Dr. Anselmo Villarreal

            Rita Shor and Drs. Nancy Blair, Donna Recht, Tia Bojar, presented on the concept of polarities within decision making and application there in. The process, although very streamed lined for this presentation assessed a critical need in all organizations – a process for effective, and non-contentious, discussions. Those discussions may not lead to an immediate decision but begin the dialogue in so that every stakeholder is heard and hears others POV. Even though the tool maybe effective in practice, the presentation was quite unclear in the objectives and goals of the process. Additionally, the overarching presentation seemed very geared to people in education.