Nadya Streicher

UHP Peer Leading Reflection

Leadership in the Role of Peer Leader
As I am entering my second semester as a peer leader here at the University of
Cincinnati, I find this a great time for reflection on the experience, especially in relation to
leadership.
The paradigm that Komives, Lucas, and McMahon identified in Exploring Leadership I
found very fitting for the role of peer leader. The situation entailed a student entering a class in
which the professor prepared nothing but rather asked the students what they would like to learn.
Learning Communities are developed for the benefit for the first years here at the University of
Cincinnati. It is impossible to be a proper mentor without asking what they would like to know.
Previous to this year, I never identified myself as a leader. I was an excellent team player,
but never the face of a movement. However, at the end of my first year, I was approached by
faculty of UC that I look up to. With their encouragement, I entered this position. I set the goal to
discover my leadership style and to fully recognize my potential as a leader. These goals are not
easily measured. However, a huge positive for the First Year Experience program is their strong
value of feedback. Throughout the semester, I was provided constructive criticism from my
students and supervisors about my performance. Based on this, I believe I have reached this goal.
I scored above average. My students and supervisors spoke of my organization, reachability, and
communication skills. Surprisingly, the skills I valued as a team member were the same skills
others respected as a leader. Exploring Leadership also explored the relationship of followership
and leadership. I believe good team players also make good leaders. They understand the
dynamics of the group and can identify problems and solutions.

As mentioned before, I never identified as a leader. Thanks to the University Honors

Program, especially LeaderShape, and First Year Experience, I have been exposed to a myriad of
definitions of leadership. Bernard M. Bass, as summarized in the article Theories and Types of
Leadership, presents five different styles of leadership. I identify with the consultative and
participative styles. Throughout my life, I have thrived when I have given back to others. I truly
value empathy and believe this drive has shaped my current choices. I want to ensure that each
member of my team walks away with a positive or learning experience. This year has showed me
how much I enjoy delving in and making a connection. The styles I chose tend to ask members
for feedback as well as share their own experiences with the team.
One factor that I thoroughly enjoy about being a peer leader is all the roles you
incorporate. It was great practice to becoming a well-rounded student. One of the more
intimidating hats is Facilitator. Before entering my first day, I was nervous as to leading a group
of freshman. My biggest concern was receiving respect from someone who is just one year
younger. While they had an initial shock to how I was their teacher and only a second year, by
beginning the year with a set of rules and sticking to them, I earned their trust and respect. Scott
Bedbury, CEO of Brandstream, says to set a new standard of performance. Set that standard
high to earn the respect of your colleagues. As holding a part time job for most of my high school
and college years, I know the importance of being a good coworker. I believe the age old golden
rule, treat those as you would like to be treated, is one of the best ways to serve your fellow
coworkers. Mentor is my next hat and one of my favorite to wear. I found that when having more
difficult conversations in LC the richest conversations occurred when I shared my own
experiences. By being vulnerable with my own life, I created a safe zone. Learning Coach was
another difficult task. I learned the importance of faculty and how much they want their students
to succeed. They helped provide me the resources to best lead students in their academic

performance. This also allowed me to be a better Connector and even helped me conquer my
apprehensions of meeting with professors. Finally, Leader is the last role. By combining the
skills of the roles, I learned the skills of a strong leader. I earned the trust and respect of my
students and have been able to enrich their undergrad experience.
In conclusion, I have adapted a leadership philosophy shaped by empathy and
communication. By taking and honing in on skills of being a good team member, I have
projected the qualities of a good leader. Peer leading has showed me that all leaders should
receive feedback on their performance, as they are there to enrich their students experiences.
This will help with my work in the classroom and beyond. I aim to the best job for each
workplace or subject I enter. I can only reach this goal with the feedback of others. Finally, I
would like to credit my increased confidence to FYE. A quote that I feel should be included in
the 25 Rules for Leaders by Linda Tischler should be fake it till you make it. Choose the
qualities and actions most necessary for the job, even if they are your weaknesses, embody them
in your work, and eventually you can make it. Despite how ensure I was entering the position,
I have grown and adapted to the situation and am forever grateful for the position. I would
recommend peer leading to all my fellow students here at the University of Cincinnati.