GEN 300-010 Explorations In Leadership, Spring 2014
Instructor: Lissa Pohl, MA – Center for Leadership Development
TA: Tara McClintic, Graduate Assistant – Center for Leadership Development
Course Description
The purpose of GEN 300-010 – Explorations In Leadership is to assist you in developing a solid peer group with whom you can explore your leadership development with. The curriculum is focused on developing leadership skills and competencies in the following four leadership development areas:
1) personal leadership 2) interpersonal leadership 3) group, organizational leadership and 4) community leadership development. It will include interactive/experiential workshops on effective communication, listening, service and community asset mapping, as well as guest speakers, peer group discussions and writing reflections about leadership experiences both in this class and outside the classroom. Students in this class will be evaluated on the completion of their reflections as well as their participation and attendance. Each class is a leadership workshop that lasts two hours. This class will convene 10 times over the course of the semester for two hours each time starting Wednesday 3:00 – 5:00 pm August 27th, 2014.
Required text: “StrengthsQuest” by Clifton, Anderson, Schreiner and Barry which includes an online StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment
Location: Garrigus Bldg Room 701
Grading: Points to be earned:
Attendance and Participation 10 pts/class X 10 days 100
Reflections 10 pts per X 9 90 Final Presentation Proposal 10
Presentation 50
TOTAL POINTS 250
Grade A = 225 – 250
Grade B = 200 – 224
Grade C = 175 – 199
Grade D = 150 – 174
Grade E = below 150
*Unexcused Absences will result in losing both the attendance points and the participation points for that day and the 10 points for the reflection will also be lost (a total of 20 points which is one grade level!). TO AVOID LOSING POINTS Students must let the instructor know in advance of any prior commitments/ medical appointments that meet UK’s criteria for excused absences and/or bring in a doctor’s excuse for being absent no later than the following class period.
Points will be taken off your attendance grade for being late to class - 1 point for every 5 minutes that you are late. (Let instructor know if there are any logistical hurdles that will prevent you from being on time for class on a regular basis).
You will be allowed to make up points by doing extra credit work that is verified and deemed acceptable to the instructor.
Extra Credit Opportunities
Up to 25 points of extra credit may be earned during the semester by attending leadership events and workshops around campus. Reflections of these events must be submitted prior to Finals week. Examples include the Boxes and Walls challenge, sponsored by the Office of Diversity Education. You can check out the schedule of events at this link: http://www.uky.edu/Diversity/DiversityEducation/ . Another opportunity is the Herd Dynamics Workshop. (See the class schedule below for more details.) Other events, such as lectures or workshops by university or community leaders, may be approved by Lissa prior to the event.
Instructor office hours and contact information –I have a flexible schedule and can meet when it is convenient with you. To make an appointment email or call 257-2748.
Teaching Assistant contact information: Tara McClintic is a graduate student in the Department of Community and Leadership Development and will be the teaching assistant for this class. She will be taking attendance, reading/editing reflections and co-facilitating many of the workshops. Contact her at or through the Center for Leadership Development office at 257-2748.
Academic Integrity
Even though most of the writing you will be doing this seminar will be self-reflections and in your own words, as policy requires, I need to remind you about academic integrity:
Copying and pasting words from internet or print sources into your papers/presentations without a citation is cheating, and will result in a zero for the assignment and/or failure of the course. Scholastic dishonesty is not tolerated. Forms of scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to: plagiarism (copying or using someone else's work as your own), utilization of unauthorized materials during academic evaluations, and giving or receiving unauthorized assistance during evaluations. The first offense will result in a grade of 0 for that particular assignment. A second offense will result in failure of the course and reporting to the Dean. If previous evidence of academic dishonesty exists, then the first offense may result directly in failure of the course. For more information, see Part II Section 6.3 of “The Code of Student Conduct”
FINAL PROJECT
Part 1: Organization and Proposal (10 points)
Part 2: Presentation (50 points)
Your final project will involve your participation in an on-campus/organization. You will need to present your findings of organizational leadership in four areas; personal, interpersonal, team/organizational, and community involvement/development. Please see p. 7 for rubric
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If an emergency arises in this classroom, building or vicinity, your instructor will advise you of actions to follow to enhance your safety. If a situation requires emergency shelter (i.e., during a severe weather event), the nearest shelter location is in the basement of the Garrigus building If building evacuation occurs (i.e., fire alarm), follow posted evacuation routes and assemble outside the Garrigus building next to the bicycle racks so the instructor can help ensure their students have evacuated the building safely and they are not hindering emergency personnel access to the building. If you may require assistance during an emergency, notify the instructor at the beginning of the semester. In order to prepare for emergencies while on campus please continue to the below links for detailed emergency response guidelines: the UK Division of Crisis Management & Preparedness website (http://www.uky.edu/EM/emergency-response-guide.html) and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (http://www.ca.uky.edu/). To receive emergency messages, sign up for UK Alert (http://www.uky.edu/EM/UKAlert). Always turn cellular phones to silent mode when entering the classroom. If you observe or receive an emergency alert, immediately and calmly inform your instructor.
In case of an emergency on campus dial #8573
Workshop/Class Schedule
Time: TBD / What’s due?!Workshop #1
Course Overview, Reflection Writing and Fundamentals of Leadership
This workshop will introduce the basic theoretical frameworks of contemporary leadership and how to write a decent reflection. / TO DO FOR NEXT CLASS: Write first reflection
Workshop #2
Seeing How to Serve
Due: First reflection from workshop #1
This workshop teaches participants the importance of using all of our perceptual abilities to provide exceptional service to others. By increasing our awareness about the amount of information that visual cues give us we can provide a more holistic approach to customer service. From body language to subtle facial changes we can hone in on what another person’s likes and dislikes are and delight those we serve because we are paying close attention!
Participants will practice using questions that bring balance and vitality to others & learn what types of feedback make others feel like they are being seen & heard. / TO DO FOR NEXT CLASS:
1. Write second reflection
2. Take online StrengthsQuest Assessment (StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment). Assessment password found in front of StrengthsQuestbook. Bring in printed report as part of your participation points. Read Preface and Chapters 1-3 and Chapter 7 before class and read up on your five strengths found in pages.
EMAIL YOUR STRENGTHS TO TARA prior to class.
Workshop # 3
Strengths Based Leadership and Assessment
Due: Second reflection from workshop #2
Required text for this session is “StrengthsQuest” by Clifton, Anderson, Schreiner and Barry which includes an online StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment. Looking at how to leverage ones leadership strengths vs. focusing on improving ones leadership weaknesses will give us the keys of how to be a more effective leader and allow us to better understand how to develop integrated teams based on balancing strengths. / TO DO FOR NEXT CLASS: Write your third reflection
Workshop #4
Effective Communication
Due: Third reflection from workshop #3
This interactive and experiential workshop focuses on the importance of developing effective communication skills. Topics will include: Components of Communication, Gender differences in communication, listening to understand others, communicating in ways that inspire others and builds trust, communicating your message with purpose and clarity; and cross cultural ramifications of communication. / TO DO FOR NEXT CLASS:
1. Write your fourth reflection
2. Take the Listening Style Assessment handed out during class. Bring this completed assessment with you to class as part of your participation points.
3. Formulate your final presentation proposal.
Workshop #5
Listening to Get Results and Listening Style Assessment
Due: Fourth reflection from workshop #4 and your presentation proposals
Find out what your default listening style is and then apply this awareness in learning the secret to understanding and solving other people’s issues. By utilizing a system of inquiry and deep listening a person can effectively coach others to their own solutions. This is an interactive workshop that puts an entirely different spin on the art of listening. / TO DO FOR NEXT CLASS:
1. Write your fifth reflection
2. Read article handout on “The Elements of Moral Philosophy” – be ready to discuss.
Workshop #6
The Importance of Ethical Leadership in Today’s World
Due: Fifth Reflection from workshop #5
Ethical Leadership begins with personal values and character. Ethical decision making is critical to sincere and authentic leadership. Explore your own ethical principles via discussing case studies found in the reading and find out how personal values influence ethical decision making. / TO DO FOR NEXT CLASS:
1. Write your sixth reflection
2. Take the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument handed out in class. Bring your completed assessment to class for part of your participation grade.
Workshop #7
Leaders Take Action
Due: Sixth reflection from workshop #6
This workshop will be presented by the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center (VIP) and will focus on the ways in which taking a leadership action changes potentially negative outcomes to positive ones. You will be introduced to the campus’ Green Dot Program and learn how to become a proactive bystander and advocate against violence. / TO DO FOR NEXT CLASS: Write your seventh reflection
SEPTEMBER 13th
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY
HERD DYNAMICS FOR LEADERS
Earn 15 extra credit points for attending
Date: TBD
1-5pm
Maine Chance Farm (Newtown Pike and I-75)
RSVP to to reserve your spot!!!
Workshop Description:
Come experience Equine Guided Leadership Education: where individuals and groups collaborate with horses to learn leadership competencies like mutual respect, consistency, clear boundaries, integrity, intention and authenticity.
NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH
HORSES IS REQUIRED!
All training is conducted on the ground!
Carpooling available (need to arrange prior)! / To receive your extra credit points, write a reflection and hand it in to Tara prior to the last workshop!
Workshop #8
What’s in a Vision? And Identifying Our Assets and Mobilizing Them to Address Needs
Due: Seventh Reflection from workshop #7
The importance of having a clear, compelling and commonly held vision can make or break a leader. Learn how to identify your own and your group’s vision and learn the difference between this and the mission of your group. You have the vision and mission, now how do you put it into action?
Many times great intentions of contributing to a community are ineffective, not appreciated, or even counterproductive. Deciding on which approach and which projects are the most likely to make a difference begins with getting to better understand the community and their opportunities. This workshop will focus on Asset Based Community Development. / TO DO FOR NEXT CLASS:
1. Write your eighth reflection
2. Contact 3 people who are involved in your on-campus organization and have them fill out the Inventory of Organizational Assets. Utilize this into your FINAL PROJECT. Start working with the final presentation rubric.
3. Fill out Covey’s Urgency Index and bring it to class for participation points.
4. HAND IN ALL EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS!
Workshop #9
Team Dynamics
Due: Eighth reflection from workshop #8
ALL EXTRA CREDIT REFLECTIONS ARE DUE!
The importance of having a clear, compelling and commonly held vision can make or break a leader. Learn how to identify your own and your group’s vision and learn the difference between this and the mission of your group. You have the vision and mission, now how do you put it into action?
Many times great intentions of contributing to a community are ineffective, not appreciated, or even counterproductive. Deciding on which approach and which projects are the most likely to make a difference begins with getting to better understand the community and their opportunities. This workshop will focus on Asset Based Community Development. / TO DO FOR NEXT CLASS:
1. Write your ninth and FINAL reflection!
2. Get ready for final presentation to share your asset analysis and reflection of your on-campus/organization leadership experience. Prepare a 5 minute PowerPoint according to the rubric given in class. Get creative and have fun!
FINAL
Presentation on Organization
Due: Ninth/FINAL reflection from workshop #9
Present your 5 minute PowerPoint presentation incorporating your asset analysis of your on-campus/organizational leadership experience. Please use rubric! / HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
REFLECTION FORM & RUBRIC
-Name of Activity:
1. Briefly summarize the activity:
2. What knowledge or ideas about your leadership skills and attributes did you learn by being involved in this activity?
3. How did your involvement in the activity impact you (on a personal level)? Were you surprised? Disappointed? Frustrated? Confused? Encouraged? Why?
4. Why does this learning matter, or why is it important?
5. How does having more knowledge on this topic impact your future work in the community?
6. In what ways will you use what you have learned from this activity? Give an example from your own life.
Reflection Rubric / Points Possible / Points EarnedEmailed to Tara McClintic on time (before or on the day of the next workshop – see syllabus for due dates for each reflection) / 4
Each question answered concisely using complete sentences / 1
In-depth reflection on what you learned from the workshop – example: honesty about skills, gaps in knowledge, biases confronted, inspirations, personal or group challenges you noticed etc. / 3
SPELLING, Format, length, transitions, grammar, clarity, (APA or MLA in-text citations, and entire citation at end of reflection if needed) / 2
Total / 10
Please save and email all reflection files in THIS format