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10/29/2023 Draft of Problem-Solving Section APLS490.W03 Fall 2023

Mrs. Shadawn R. Harris

I work in the field of education as the Admissions Operations Manager in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment. The primary beneficiaries of our work are the students, and our impact on the global community is through recruiting students to our well- known, safe, and diverse university. My role involves ensuring a smooth transition for prospective and current students throughout the admissions process. However, the problem we face in our field is the retention of employees, which results in longer processing times for students' documents. This is due to employees finding employment at other companies that better meet their needs.

Promoting Employment Growth

In my opinion, to solve the problem of employee retention in the field of education, we need to focus on macroeconomic variables and governmental initiatives that define job growth. My early understanding of job growth was limited, as I believed it was mostly determined by how corporations and labor markets operated, with little thought given to how it would affect people and communities. However, as I dove further into community development programs and actively participated in workforce-related projects, my understanding of job growth began to change. In order to maintain a high level of work ethic and accountability in every role, it is important to inquire about expected standards in each professional engagement. This helps to understand the set expectations regarding work ethics, values, and professionalism and aligns working style and communication procedures with the guidelines, code of conduct, and values. Any deviation from the set expectations will be reported to prevent inconvenience to other parties affected by my role in the organization. In my personal life, I prioritize providing truthful information, and I will carry out all assigned responsibilities and duties without shortcuts, which will be the foundation of my professional and personal life.

I now see that employment prospects have far-reaching effects on people's lives that go beyond just monetary gain. Employment is a potent weapon for improving both communities and individuals. I had a transforming experience volunteering at a local charity focused on workforce development, where I got to know job seekers from all walks of life on a personal level. Through these interactions, I came to understand that getting a job meant more than just financial stability to many individuals - it also meant rediscovering a sense of purpose and hope. Creating job opportunities is a crucial step towards promoting employment growth, but it's not enough. We need to ensure that these job opportunities come with fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to education. In other words, employment growth should not only be measured by the number of jobs created, but also by the quality of those jobs. By taking a holistic approach to employment growth, we can build a sustainable and equitable economy that benefits everyone.

This experience taught me that creating new employment opportunities may alleviate widespread social issues, boost economic growth, and improve people's quality of life. Therefore, I believe that taking an active role in lobbying for laws to promote job growth is crucial. I became a part of a community-led effort to lobby local power brokers for funding infrastructure projects to

expand employment opportunities. This was a watershed moment in my education about economic expansion, and I believe that similar efforts could be made in the field of education to address employee retention. My viewpoint has changed because of this realization, which has led me to adopt a more comprehensive strategy for job development that takes into account both economic and more extensive social and personal aspects of employment growth.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Leadership Experience

My perception of leadership has evolved dramatically over time. I used to see leadership as a means to advance my career and gain attention. However, it was only through practical experiences that I was able to understand the genuine meaning of leadership. I realized that effective leadership is all about fostering a group dynamic in which individuals feel comfortable contributing to the achievement of shared objectives. By balancing different responsibilities and constantly striving to improve myself, I have learned that being a good leader is paramount to personal and professional growth. Leadership experience also offers opportunities for personal growth, such as developing social abilities, empathy, and emotional intelligence. These attributes can serve us well in all areas of life, not just in our professional careers. By taking on leadership responsibilities, we can gain access to different viewpoints and learn the importance of cooperation and teamwork. Through effective leadership, individuals can achieve success in both their personal and professional lives by providing direction towards achieving set goals and objectives. The skills acquired through group work and teamwork in the school curriculum can be applied to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of teamwork activities engaged throughout the course. By utilizing these skills, individuals can effectively collaborate with others to achieve common goals, improve communication, and ensure that all team members feel valued and supported.

I realized that effective leadership is all about fostering a group dynamic in which individuals feel comfortable contributing to the achievement of shared objectives. In an attempt to appease the team, I shifted tactics and paid more attention to their concerns. As a result, the team's dynamic improved, and so did their production and morale. Through practical experiences and self-reflection, I was able to understand the complex nature of leadership and its significant influence on both personal and professional growth. Leadership abilities are crucial in any field, especially in education. I have seen firsthand the impact of a strong leader on the success of a school or educational institution. A good leader can optimize resources and bring out the best in their team, ultimately leading to academic excellence. In addition, a leader who can effectively communicate and collaborate with their team can create a positive and productive work environment, leading to better outcomes for students.

In conclusion, my understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of leadership experience has greatly changed. Leadership presents opportunities for influence, personal development, and

inspiring others. However, it also involves accountability, difficulties, and the need for ongoing self-improvement. I have learned that being a good leader requires balancing different responsibilities and constantly striving to improve oneself. Participative leadership involves providing all members of a team with opportunities to contribute to the progress and success of a task by sharing their opinions and ideas. By including all team members or representatives of members, teams can make more efficient decisions, resulting in better outcomes. In my personal life, I plan to practice diversity by being open-minded in social interactions and empathetic in understanding the perspectives and roles of other individuals in society. Through these actions, I hope to foster a sense of inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.

The Practice of Setting Goals

Throughout my personal and professional journeys, I have consistently set objectives as a guiding force. As time has passed, I have come to understand that goal setting is not merely a productivity tool, but a critical factor in personal development, motivation, and overall success. I now recognize that setting specific, meaningful goals and being adaptable to change is essential for achieving those goals.

Through my life experiences, I have discovered that establishing and working towards worthwhile objectives is simpler than I once believed. It is not just about completing tasks; rather, it is a journey of self-discovery and growth. The objectives I set out to accomplish are not only about achieving success but also about my personal development. Over the years, my perspective on goal setting has shifted from being rigid and outcome-focused to being more open-minded and focused on self-improvement. As a result, I now see goal setting as an iterative process that requires continuous growth, flexibility, and a persistent pursuit of self-improvement. Instead of giving in to frustration and disappointment, I realized the importance of being adaptable and made the necessary changes to my goals. This new perspective allowed me to explore opportunities that I might have previously overlooked or undervalued. In the end, my ability to adapt led to results that not only exceeded my expectations but also brought pleasant surprises.

I have come to understand that goal setting is a critical factor in personal development, motivation, and overall success. Through my life experiences, I have discovered that establishing and working towards worthwhile objectives is simpler than I once believed. It is not just about completing tasks; rather, it is a journey of self-discovery and growth. My perspective on goal- setting has shifted from being rigid and outcome-focused to being more open-minded and focused on constant growth and change. I have learned that the goals we set for ourselves are not just destinations to reach but rather starting points on the road to self-discovery. The practice of setting and working towards worthy goals has been a key factor in my personal and professional

success. I've realized that the goals we set for ourselves are not necessarily the end goal, but rather a starting point for the journey of self-discovery.