LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2013-2015

ACTIVITY REFLECTIVE SUMMARY

ACTIVITY: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U
(Highlight or Circle the letter corresponding to the Activity)

ACTIVITY TOPIC: Serve on Administrative Retreat Committee

PARTICIPANTS NAME: Dana L. Sawyer
1. What were the significant learning points for you in this activity?
I had heard about how great it is to interact with your Administrative Reatreat team, and
this experience was no exception. We had a great group of people - some I knew before,
but the majority were unknown previously to me. I can safely say that we all got along
very well, each took the task seriously and did their job and we truly enjoyed each other's
company. There were no arguments - maybe some intense discussions- but they were
always professional and respectful. Everyone pulled their load and supported each other,
as we knew that we were all in it together. We met regularly, were always prepared and
helped one another with their respective tasks. No one was difficult and we took great
pride in having a quality product at the end. Team work is indeed the glue that held us
together and respect for one another's opinions was always at the forefront. Another
lesson learned is that each person has different skill sets and we need to accommodate for
that whenever possible. If one person fails, we all fail. So - we took great care in helping
each other along as needed and to make changes when necessary to ensure success for the
entire group. All in all, it was a great experience.

2. Which leadership characteristic(s) was/were enhanced and/or learned through this

activity? Explain.
Team work is essential to an efficient and effective environment, and ensuring each
member of the team is working to their capacity is important. When one falters, the
others need to be supportive as appropriate. Each person comes to the table with
strengths and challenges and it is the leader's responsibility to cultivate those to ensure
success. The leader also has to address issues that arise professionally and appropriately.
Getting to know your team members is crucial to doing the hard work - especially what
motivates them in the end. Much can come from a team when the leader is supportive,
articulate, interested and engaged. Managing others' time effectively is also the role of
2013-2015

the leader and can go a long way towards efficiency of any organization. It is so true that
a leader is only as good as those following them - we shouldn't take employees for
granted and we need to work hard to make them successful.

2013-2015