1. What Went Well?

This week I spent much of my time re-organizing the data for my second project. I feel much better about how all of it looks at this point. I also attended a lecture about the German minority in Ukraine, which was very educational. I'm proud that the data for my second project is more sortable at this point, and I felt like I learned a ton at this week's lecture. This was the second to last lecture in the series, and also my second to last week here. It's weird to think that next week is my last one here.

2. What Could Have Been Done Differently?

This week was pretty smooth, but I spent most of it correcting my work from the previous week. Since the intended outcomes of my second research project evolved quite quickly, I did not do a great job keeping track of my data in an organized manner. While the method I used allowed me to put everything together quickly, it also meant that I had to go back this week and make my data searchable for my colleagues. Next time, I think I would ask for slightly more time for the initial research phase, and I will be sure to prioritize data organization over speed as I work. 

3. Leadership Reflection (3Cs Model)

Values

This week "Good" was most visible in my leadership. Since I prioritized "Fast" more than I realized on my second project, much of this week was spent correcting the semi-haphazard organization that came with that choice. I would definitely say that I felt the tension between "Fast" and "Good" this week. I do think there is a natural tension that exists between the two, and I look forward to continuing to find a balance in it as I continue my work. 

Character

I would say this week tested accountability most. While no one has really asked for the data from my second project yet, I know that I will need to present it soon. I also knew that it was not properly organized, so much of this week was spent holding myself accountable, which I definitely think was the right judgement call. This week I was fortunate in that there wasn't significant pressure other than a few meeting deadlines, which I felt fairly calm about. 

Capacities

This week I relied most on process as I adjusted my data organization. I felt a bit stretched going back to work that I had previously viewed as complete, but doing so was also really helpful in my processing of the information. I also felt even more solidly as though I understood the process of the work I was doing by the end of the re-organization process this week. 

4. Ethical Engagement

This week, I was able to occupy many different roles: learning, supporting, and teaching. While continuing work in support of superior's projects, I was able to research one of my topics to the point that I could act as a teacher, which was a really cool moment. The conversation really stood out to me as an opportunity to share my knowledge of an event. 

This week I also had a really interesting conversation with one of my German colleagues about the potential for Ukraine's EU accession. I had never before heard the possibility discussed with such certainty, and it was really heartening to hear this from a citizen of the EU. I think this conversation really forced me to reckon with the American-ness of my own understanding of what reconstruction might look like after the war, a process that left me feeling much more positively about the international community's willingness and desire to engage with the notion of resconstrucetion.

5. Adjustment & Development for Next Week

Next week I plan to put a strong emphasis on organization, checking in at the end of each day and resolving/cleaning up any data that needs it. I will also emphasize "Good" over "Fast" next week as I complete my final presentation. Next week, I plan to have an intentional conversation with each of my colleagues before I leave, learning more and more deeply about each of them and their work.