We are leaders.

I would just like to acknowledge the folk that have led the seminar discussions in Aggie's class (Graduation Seminars) and comment on how well they have played the leadership role. Watching them facilitate the discussion shows how organized and prepared one must be. So far we have had 3 sessions and each facilitator has done an excellent job in coming prepared with a lay-out they planned to follow and questions that pertained to their planned sections. They then controlled the discussion and kept it on track and all within the allotted time frame. The other leadership role played was the awareness of who had their hand up first and keeping control of the right order. I thought the last session we had was exceptionally well done with the leader drawing in the audience that were not readily participating. By drawing everyone in, the conversation expanded with a broader bank of information. Job well done, guys.

Ana's presentation in this weeks class was very powerful and motivational. It takes an exceptional person to take on such a leadership role and basically dedicate your life to the cause. Being back in Uganda this past summer, I was amazed that I did not see any homeless children on the streets. When I was back in 2005 there was a fair population of homeless people, many of them refugees from the Sudan and other neighbouring countries as well as orphaned children. But both the government and individuals have stepped up and taken control of the situation for example creating local NGO's to help support families and communities deal with their orphans. To me this shows great leadership, sacrifice and commitment.

Class on Thursday was interesting looking at leadership and mental models. In regards to body language, I do believe that the body is powerful in portraying messages, but I wonder too if recipients decoding the message actually read the message correctly from the sender. We never really talked about that in class so I would like to mention that I think it is important to question the sender to make sure that you received the correct message.

It was also interesting to hear peoples thoughts on listening and writing down notes on what they were hearing. I agree that when listening to someone talk and writing down what they are saying, I miss a lot of what of what is being said, but on the other hand, I will not remember what was said if I don't write it down, it is a bit of a dilemma! To solve that problem, what I have started doing when I go to a meeting that I need to remember everything, I record it and that way I can just listen.

Cultural differences are always fascinating and if one is not aware that there are cultural differences when addressing someone, it could lead to a poor start to the relationship. We definitely are very much a "lets get on with it and solve the problem" culture and we generally don't spend too much time if any time discussing things such as asking how your wife is and your children and your mother and father etc, etc, etc,. before getting on with the meeting topic. Time is money. Different cultures have different protocols towards greeting and meeting people, so with the world becoming more and more globalized it is important that more awareness is made regarding leadership and cultural differences. Check out the following YouTube. They are on a International cultural leadership conference held in London.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7sJfVl8qew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Law9s4XxSzY&NR=1