Some days . . .

one of the many memes my cohort has created reflecting our time at SI

        

There are some days at SI that are more trying than others, not because the information is not as important but rather the delivery leaves a great deal to be desired. There are speakers within the presentations that are either stellar, mediocre and then for a lack of better words, horrid. This is not any fault of their own but the case of either not knowing the audience and/or not having a clear understanding of the information that needs to be presented. There is no blame to place. Nor is there a remedy to fix a speaker “gone bad.” But if SI were truly embracing what they are teaching within the context of leadership and learning, there are a number of things, as leaders, that should be taken into consideration.

            Within the context of organizational theory, leadership within the Stritch faculty and the speakers there is a disconnect. The query that arises is how are the educational needs being considered as well as the needs/desires of the students. The theory posited by Simon and March that “organizations are made up of individuals and groups with competing needs and interests, so decision making is key” it clearly evident in the process of choosing speakers (Bradley, 2017). If one where to apply the first steps of the Cycle of Change established by Prochasks and DiClemente it would be evident that the leadership at SI has no awareness of the issues taking place with the speakers and/or the audience. What is needed is for the leadership to move beyond pre - contemplation, contemplation, to preparation and maintenance and not relapse prior to making changes.

            I need to better emulate Prasad Gollanapalli and his gentle and accepting heart, but then again if one is walking in the steps of Gandhi one must work to change injustice. To me it is an injustice the speakers are not given the respect they deserve. Yet again, is it their fault? Where they vetted for their speaking abilities or we they asked to speak because they are Stritch grads? I do not have the answer but it begs to ask the questions and reflect on the words of Dr. Eve Hall that “leadership is wherever you are at that particular moment and you have the opportunity to make a difference of where you are” (Hall , 2017). Perhaps if I am able to transform myself, and attitude, to better reflect Hall and Gollanapalli my SI experience might be more tolerable.