If we choose to live today

  If we choose to live today, as if this day is the day you will be remembered as a leader, you will lead differently - Dr. Joe Sanfelippo
 

          This quote by Dr. Joe Sanfelippo is reflective of not only of aspects of leadership but of the SI 2017 theme of transformation. It is the day to day that make up the events of one’s life and of one’s time at SI. To “live today” is to be an active part of the experience, to absorb the information that is being conveyed, to garner the greatness of those present and to learn from the inadequacies of self and others. 

            The concept presented by Sanfelippo that one can “change culture 30 seconds at a time,” was at first somewhat perplexing. The idea of making connections, looking people in the eye when speaking, trying to make someone feel like they are the only person in the room when you are speaking to them, are all traits that I try to incorporate in my day to day life. Not because they are a way to make personal connections but it is the way in which I would like to be treated. The idea that those 30-second conversations could change the narrative, the way in which people view a concept/place/state of being, was not in my purview. But the way it was explained and demonstrated not only clarified the concept but also inspired me to foster these types of conversations personally and to teach this concept in my courses. It also demonstrated that I was already implementing this concept within the context of my conversations and that I should be more mindful of those interactions.

            The concepts Sanfelippo lecture where reflect in the presentation given by Dr. Tonya Peterson. Although the presentation was reflective of Year 2 of the PhD program’s focus on transformational leadership theory it was a good review and presented additional aspects of the theories previously studied. Peterson’s statement that "to build tomorrow’s future, to build tomorrow’s leaders,  one needs to be an exceptional leader, and be an exceptional manager" was reinforced via the ideas and concepts she presented. One of the most poignant was the idea that one must not only understand the current and future state of leadership and the organization but that it is the examination of the “gaps” in-between that make a successful leader.
            Change is essential. Peterson used the following quote by JD Houston to emphasize the idea of change, “If you want something in your life you’ve never had, you’ll have had to do something that you’ve never done.” Leaders cannot force change on an organization and or people, there must be a commitment on all levels that the change is not only warranted but also possible. The questions that need to be asked of all involved are “what is holding you back?” and “what is pushing you forward?” If there is a clear understanding of these concepts then a mission can be implemented.

 

Listening to concerns of an educator while hosting a training program in Rwanda

A "30 second conversation" to change the narrative that "yes, girls can play soccer in Kenya."