Now that we’re at the end of our challenge, we will go over some suggestions for practice. But first, I want to take a moment to tie the loop and talk about Emotionally Intelligent Leadership (EIL). This leadership development model combines two bodies of literature: emotional intelligence and leadership. 

At the most basic levels: Emotional intelligenceis about recognizing and regulating emotions in ourselves and others.Leadershipis about influencing others to engage in a purpose or cause. EIL consists of focusing on self, others, and context— using these facets helped create the Online Leadership Challenge topics; self-awareness & reflection, social identities, leader identity, values, groups & teams, partnerships, and social change. The following suggestions for practice will touch on all the topics we went over together throughout the challenge: 

For Challenge Day 7 we are going to focus on what happens when we combine the values, skills, and efforts that we all hold. This challenge made it a point to highlight an inclusive approach to leadership, rather than solely a positional one. The reason being to bust common misconceptions as it relates to leadership, while enriching the development of leadership qualities in all aspects that it appears— especially within your collegiate journey. 

As we previously touched on earlier in the challenge, leadership work is done within groups of people with a common goal and a shared vision. And the process of leadership is typically in response to the needs of our community. Social responsibility and positive change for the betterment of others, the community, and society is at the core of the social change concept and essential when becoming a change agent in your community.

According to the Social Change Model of Leadership Development: 

• Leadership is concerned with effecting change on behalf of others and society

• Leadership is collaborative

• Leadership is a process rather than a position

• Leadership is values-based

• All students (not just those in formal positions) are potential leaders

• Community service is a powerful vehicle for developing leadership skills

Day 7 Challenge Questions:

What is your reaction to these ideas? How does this differ from the ways leaders and those learning how to become better leaders (the process of leadership learning) are portrayed on the news? 

BONUS Question:

In what other ways does (or can) this model show up in the current state our society is facing? What are your roles and responsibilities in the UMBC community as it relates to the Social Change Model?

Today we focus on building and maintaining groups and teams. “Teamwork makes the dream work!” is a saying you’re probably familiar with. Leadership exists through powerful relationships; no one can be a leader alone. Often the greatest leaders have reliable teammates who can see their true selves and can challenge the leader’s thinking for the betterment of the cause or group efforts. A key characteristic in building teams lies within shared purpose and committing to shared goals.

It is also important to note that one should strive to make connections and build relationships in an authentic manner. Connections and relationships should be forged with good intentions, not through manipulation or deceit. One of the best ways to nurture partnerships and teams is to listen and be present. Being a great leader requires creating a shared vision and developing rapport with your teammates, in order to ensure the group’s success. Take a moment to reflect on the list and quote below.

Five Commitments for an Effective Team:

1. Opening up and building trust within the team

2. Engaging in respectful discourse and conflict

3. Committing to the team’s purpose

4. Holding oneself and others accountable for their performance

5. Focusing on collective results

“All change, even very large and powerful change, begins when a few people start talking with one another.” Margaret Wheatley

Day 6 Challenge Questions:

What groups/teams are you a part of and how does each of these groups/teams impact your life? 

BONUS Question:

Do you fall into a specific role or take on similar responsibilities within these groups?

For Challenge Day 3, we will focus on leader identity. Describing leader identity is integral to how we behave, show up and it can be the driving force for motivating development. Your self-concept influences your engagement in the activity of leadership. Therefore, when discovering yourself and practicing self-awareness, you are in turn discovering the kind of leader you want to be. 

Leader identity is promoted through rituals, celebrations, relationships, mentoring, self-assessment, new experiences and reflections. Although not required when engaging in the activity of leadership, leader identity is a building block that creates meaning and organizes new leadership knowledge (Guthrie et al., 2016). With that being said, there are a myriad of different kinds of leadership styles out there that could be part of your leader identity. Below are some leadership styles for you to look up and consider:   

• Autocratic leadership
• Bureaucratic leadership
• Servant leadership
• Transactional leadership
• Transformational leadership

Day 3 Challenge Questions:

What type of leadership style do you identify with? How does this leader identity show up on your day to day?

BONUS Question:

In what ways do you believe this can connect back to your UMBC experience?

To provide your answers using mobile, follow and share your comments on the Challenge Day 3 posted on the Campus Life Instagram (@umbccampuslife). Visit the Online Leadership Challenge page to access all the Challenge Day posts and for more information.

For Challenge Guidelines, click "Download Image" below.

Today’s challenge is all about YOU! Mainly, we’ll be focusing on the identities that make up who you are as an individual, leader, and person in the world. Identity is an ever evolving self-portrait; the ongoing take, retake and update of “who am I”. It changes overtime, and something important to note about identities is that some may be visible and some are not. Identity is also known to be a socially constructed concept grounded in: historical, political, cultural norms, and lived experiences. Ultimately, our identities result from our own navigation and meaning making of self, context, and relationships. Take a moment, and simply think about all the pieces that make up the complex being of you. Using a physical sheet of paper or a virtual blank document, write or type the following: Age, Sex, Gender Expression, Ethnicity, Race, Physical/Emotional/Cognitive Capability, Socio-Economic Class, Sexual Orientation, Religion/Spirituality, Geographical Origin 

Reflect on the identities and descriptors mentioned above. On your personal paper or document, note the following: 

• Which are most central to how you define yourself? Mark them with a star *  
• Which are central to how others define you? Mark them with an arrow ->
• Which brings you the most joy? Or proud of? Mark them with a smiley face :) 
• Which would you like to understand further? Mark them with a question mark (?) 

Challenge Day 2 Questions:  As you look at your words and markings-- what stands out to you?  Which of these identities empower your voice as a leader?

To provide your answers using mobile, follow and share your comments on the Challenge Day 2 posted on the Campus Life Instagram (@umbccampuslife). Visit the Online Leadership Challenge page to access all the Challenge Day posts and for more information.

For Challenge Guidelines, click "Download Image" below.