Psychology of Leadership

6.2 Discussion: Synthesis and Reflection

Getting Started

Research strongly supports the idea that much learning occurs when we devote time to reflecting upon our learning. Too often, leaders find it challenging to set aside time to reflect since it appears to many to be “down time.” In this final discussion forum, we will take time to reflect and to synthesize our learning into practical ways that will enhance our leadership skills and abilities moving forward.

Author Ines Wichert (2018) in HR Magazine wrote:

Reflective learning provides us with several benefits:

·

· Learning faster and getting up to speed in new situations more quickly

· Not making the same mistake twice

· Being ready to deal with unfamiliar circumstances by recognizing connections between seemingly unrelated situations

· Questioning our assumptions and making better decisions.

When we are practiced enough at reflection we can start to reflect in the moment as a situation unfolds, making us more aware of our own and other people’s actions, feelings and assumptions. Furthermore, if we are taking a reflective learning approach with our teams, we move from simply trying to fix problems and possibly attributing blame for things that went wrong, to creating joint insights and learning. Finally, as active reflectors, we act as role models for our teams who will benefit from this skill too, and in turn become more effective and faster learners. The ultimate benefit of reflective learning in a world driven by speed is acceleration: by slowing down and actively reflecting on past events we maximize learning and accelerate our own development and effectiveness as leaders.

References

Wichert, I. (2018, July 23). The role of reflection in leadership success. HRMagazine.co.uk.  https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/features/the-role-of-reflection-in-leadership-success(new tab)

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Explain a variety of individual differences, including personality and motivation, and their potential strengths and opportunities for leaders and followers.

· Evaluate self-concept, including components such as identity, emotional intelligence, and self-efficacy, and their relationship to human performance in organizations.

· Explain dimensions and processes of collective identity, including elements such as organizational identity, social learning, and shared leadership, and their relationship to human performance in organizations.

· Describe strategies for enhancing psychological capital and resilience among both leaders and followers.

· Integrate biblical perspectives for promoting holistic well-being in organizational members.

Background Information

For more information on the value of reflection for leaders, read the article  The Role of Reflection in Leadership Success(new tab) . 

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Review the information in the Getting Started section.

3. Listen to the 30-minute podcast with Fred Luthans:  Can you unleash your inner hero?(new tab)

4. Review all workshop course materials, as needed.

5. Consider all that you have learned over the past six weeks of this course. Frame your initial post of 250-300 words no later than Day Four around the following thought-starter questions:

a. Reflect on the two or three concepts that most resonated with you or most impacted your understanding of leadership.

b. Comment on how and why these concepts and ideas influenced you.

c. Link these concepts to practical applications in your own experiences, either as leader or follower.