Shared Learning Experience

For the past 3 days, I attended a Company-sponsored, off-site leadership workshop called Shared Learning Experience (or SLE for short).  At first, I was a bit annoyed with the fact that this class was "mandatory" and that it took 3 days out of my workweek to attend.  But after these 3 days, I am so glad to have taken this workshop!!

Throughout the seminar, we discussed case studies of successful companies and learn what made them successful.  We also went through a team building exercise where it not only tested the ability of the leader to lead the team to perform the task, but how we could learn to think outside the box.  We had role-playing exercises to learn the different ways of coaching and how to apply "soft" power.  We learned how to apply different management styles to different people.  My biggest gain out of SLE is self-discovery and self-awareness of who I am as a manager in the workplace.  There were a lot of "ah-ha" moments during the 3 days. Knowing my flaws, being subconsciously aware of them, and having these concepts and best practices not only allows me to become a effective leader but a better person.  I have learned a lot.  It was a great seminar!  There is a 2nd part coming up next week. I can't wait!

One of my favorite quotes I learned:

"In matters of style, flow like the current ; In matters of principle, stand like a rock."
                                                        -Thomas Jefferson