Week One Reflection Discussion Replies

Reply to the TWO students discussion posts 125+ word each.

Ozell Bailey 

 After reviewing the information, what stood out to me is how my time as a Warrant Officer in the United States Army has taught me these skills and helped me to continue to refine them as I move forward in my life through experience and, more importantly, through training. While in service, I had the privilege of receiving training in the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP). We were taught to value different opinions and foster good working relationships. In order to achieve this, we had to develop a mutual understanding of each other’s values and thoughts. We mainly used a small team or working group while conducting tasks such as exercise planning, which helped in streamlining processes. For example, something such as submitting our annual chronology is done by submissions from multiple sections, and finally an overall review by those sections along with the CO. We read through it, and suggestions are made on what to add, take out, or change.

     One thing I do value most was being taught to know your role and how it affects those around you. If someone knows how they fit into the grand scheme and what their value to the team is, you can expect a better product from them. I sat in one of our many meetings and was conscious of playing the participant observer role. It didn't really apply to the situation because I was not gathering information on the group itself. However, I did add to the conversations and also made sure to sit back and listen to others. “We firmly believe that the most important tool a facilitator brings to a group is himself or herself.”(Rose, 2007) There is a tendency in most group discussions for one person to take over the meeting. If you are the mediator of the discussion, keeping things on topic, then it’s fine. But a joint meeting or discussion means each individual contributes equally, with all participants’ input being valued. The process was under question, and one person did attempt to find ways to streamline the weekly meeting and eliminate topics that are discussed in other meetings. We often repeat ourselves throughout the day with several meetings that end up discussing the same topic as the earlier meeting and presenting no solution to the issue(s).

References

Rose, M. (2007). Teams for a New Generation. Author Solutions. https://nu.vitalsource.com/books/9781434324115

Joseph Cantwell

     The information about post-industrial leadership has encouraged me to think differently about what effective leadership looks like in today's organizations.  Throughout my Navy career, I learned the importance of accountability, clear expectations, structure, and accomplishing the mission.  Those principles remain important to me, but I also realize that leadership requires more than giving direction and ensuring that tasks are completed.  Modern organizations rely on collaboration, communication, trust, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.  I can use this information in my current role as a medical logistics supervisor at Naval Medical Center San Diego by placing greater emphasis on collaboration across each of my divisions.  Each division has its own responsibilities, but our success depends on how well we coordinate our efforts.  Rather than approaching every challenge through a traditional top-down leadership model, I can encourage supervisors and employees to share ideas, identify problems early, and participate in developing solutions.  This approach allows me to benefit from the knowledge and experience of the people closest to the work while still maintaining accountability for organizational results.

     The value of this information is that it challenges me to evaluate my personal leadership habits and consider whether my approach helps others become more effective.  I believe that experience and authority are important, but they do not automatically make someone an effective leader.  Leaders must also be willing to listen, accept feedback, and recognize that good ideas can come from any level of an organization.  As I continue developing as a leader, I want to balance the structure and discipline I gained through my military service with a more collaborative approach.

    Ultimately, this information is valuable because it reinforces that leadership is not just about directing people toward a goal; it is about creating the conditions that enable people to work together, grow professionally, and accomplish that goal successfully.