LiA Week 3: Teamwork does make the dreamwork

What went well

• Collaborative leadership was especially apparent this week. Collaborated with research volunteers to derive a database organisation plan.

• They had this idea for a long time but never got to adjusting it because they were volunteers doing what other people asked them to.

• With me here as a leadership figure we can make tangible and impactful change together that would make data analysis and processing a lot easier for the entire team and volunteers.

• This would also make presenting the data a lot easier.

• Tried piecing together code that would organise the qualtrics data as well, but that was more challenging because of the internal consistencies that i had to rewrite my previously learnt code to accommodate.

• Sustainable impact was made: Created a tutorial guide/manual for sustainable impact; received review and thoughts from research volunteer.

• Created a space for honest feedback. Felt that they were cautious of hurting my feelings but i put into wider perspectives that this is for other new volunteers so it’s important it’s as clear as possible, and volunteers felt safe enough to give sincere feedback.

• Also had the pleasure of attending the graduate community night! I was proud of how I engaged and helped out on the night, because I was pretty apprehensive being it my first event interacting in the ‘frontline’ environment, and not just working in the office on research. It was amazing to interact with graduates of many backgrounds and experiences – chatted about music, poetry, and art as emotional expression!

• There was a genuine felt gratitude and mutual support around the room for community and self-growth – truly a memorable night that I feel eternally grateful I got to be involved in.

• Although I was a bit overwhelmed having been briefed about the night an hour before, I believe it was a valuable opportunity to practice the value Fast in adapting to new situations quickly, with an open and steady mind.

What did not go to plan, what could have been done differently?

• Originally planned to combine two surveys into one survey to get data into one place, however due to subscription and cost restrictions I had to adapt - was contrary to my expectations
• It was not until later in the week when I communicated with one of the research volunteers that I realised that I misjudged my priorities. The fix is in the actual database and making the data entry, viewing, and organising there easier. This would ultimately also make data analysis and presentation easier.
• As of right now the database has all pre- and post- intervention surveys, different workshop surveys, and check-ins all in one spreadsheet. All surveys have inconsistent ways of data collecting, which leaves a lot of empty cells and is very confusing to look at. The priority now is to split them up, and make the data not only look coherent, but data entry much more easier and intuitive.
• I realised I’d been unconsciously avoiding touching the actual database because it was very messy in the first place. It was a turning point to have an honest conversation with the research volunteers. It started off as a casual conversation and it turned into a proper revamp of the way we did things. Sometimes the most influential changes happen very spontaneously.
• I wish I had this conversation with the volunteers earlier so I could focus on this task for this week, instead of struggling so much with the code.
• I was going to present the work I had to the project team leader next week. However, I shall focus on this task early next week to present next week.

Laidlaw Leadership values I leaned on:

• Like I mentioned before, Fast and Brave in terms of adapting quickly to my tasks and responsibilities at community night.
• Curious: Having honest conversations with the research volunteers about the database and what significant changes would make the most meaningful impact. Also in terms of interacting with the members of the charity receiving the intervention.
• Ambitious and Determined: In terms of trying to find the best possible way to make data processing easier. However the vice of this is that I lose sight of what would make the most impact in the most easiest and optimal way. This would reduce a lot of unnecessary trial and error.
• Good: In terms of being aware of my surroundings and sensitive to topics and the impact of my presence and my role in the organisation at community night.

Character

• Temperance was tested again, this was the weakest character dimension of mine when I started, and I’m feeling especially during my leadership programme. However being aware of this, I’m finding it easier to come back to Judgement and be patient with myself and take things one step at a time.

Capacities I relied on:

• I very much relied on People – Having collaboratively derived a sense of direction and problem solving. This also involved delegating and collaboratively revamping the database with my leadership.
• Performance: Giving ideas on revamping the database and having a vision and strategy on how to do this.
• Process: was a bit stretched in terms of time management and there is uncertainty around getting everything prepared enough for the mid-project presentation on Thursday.

Ethical engagement

• My role felt like a leading, supportive, yet learning one all at once this week as the most important work and next steps unfolded whilst collaborating and learning from others, while giving my insight and expertise on data analysis at the same time.
• The overall organisation of the database would make longer-term implications in data entry, processing, and analysis.
• This also means getting sufficient data for data analysis, as I’ve been informed not all of the data were used for the initial pilot study due to insufficient organisation.

Next steps

• Focusing on what would optimise organisation and put myself in the shoes of the research volunteers and project team leads in terms of what would help most at present, instead of trialling and error-ing with codes that aren’t immediately needed.
• I’ve understandably went to coding because it worked before. However, the task flow has shifted now.
• I will intentionally workshop time management skills to maximise progress on the organisation plan I developed with the research volunteers to present for feedback from the team lead on Thursday.