Leadership-in-Action Project Week 4 Reflection

1. What went well?

The progress I made; what was achieved and done:

• Successfully organized and conducted a support group session on motor speech disorders for elderly individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
• Covered essential topics related to motor speech disorders, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment approaches
• Facilitated an interactive activity of non-speech oral motor exercises, allowing participants to engage in practical exercises to stimulate lip, jaw, and tongue muscles.
• Held a separate talk on speech therapy, catering to a larger audience of 40 participants, and covered various related topics such as dementia, aphasia, dysphagia, and dysarthria.

2. What could have been done differently?

Things that did not get done and/or could be changed:

• Allocate more time for the interactive activity of non-speech oral motor exercises, allowing participants to practice and ask questions.
• Offer follow-up resources or exercises that caregivers can do at home to continue supporting their family members with motor speech disorders.
• Provide a more detailed overview of speech therapy techniques and strategies for participants in the talk session.

3. What did I learn about myself when working with others?

Contributions, behaviors, and values I exhibited:

• Valued the importance of patience and flexibility in addressing questions and concerns from participants with varying levels of familiarity with the topic.
• Recognized the significance of fostering a sense of community among participants, allowing them to connect with others facing similar challenges.

4. What did I learn about leadership?

Leadership attributes and insights I developed:

• Leadership involves creating an inclusive and supportive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences and asking questions.
• Effectively adapting content and activities based on the needs and dynamics of the group contributes to a more engaging and impactful session.
• The ability to cater to a larger audience while maintaining engagement requires thoughtful planning and effective communication strategies.
• Encouraging active participation and providing opportunities for interaction enhances participants' learning and sense of ownership over the content.

5. What do I want to develop or focus on next?

What I still need to develop:

• Enhance my ability to facilitate deeper discussions among support group participants, allowing them to share more detailed insights and experiences.
• Continuously seek new and creative ways to engage participants during interactive activities, making the sessions even more dynamic and hands-on.
• Invest time in researching and gathering additional resources to provide participants with practical exercises and strategies they can implement outside of the session.