Week 2:

What went well? 

The second week has transitioned smoothly. Now that I’ve been acclimated with the local team, we’ve adjusted to a routine with the local university. I’ve felt well about our first few attempts at engaging with students and leading trainings for our team. I was able to help facilitate a service trip to underserved Thai people in Mahasarakam, a nearby province, that was also very successful. I’m looking forward to honing in on my role here and building relationships with locals.

What could have been done differently?

My lack of logistics control bled through at points during our trip to Mahasarakam. As we engaged with students, teaching opportunities, and local partner organizations in services, I felt the pressures increasing. I hope to keep growing in this way to lead our students well. I also hope to grow in consistency with my work ethic. I think I can improve my discipline across all my responsibilities through more planned organization and communication.

What did I learn about myself while working with others?

This week, I learned a little more about the flavor of my leadership in comparison to others. I tend to be stronger at emotional and relational intuition versus logistical control. It’s much easier for me to walk beside people and cast vision for them than lead them practically in discipline and administration.

What did I learn about leadership?

I learned about the value of living an exemplary life this week. Members of our team looked to me, the returner, for direction and vision. I realized, though, especially during our work in Mahasarakam, that people naturally follow your example. They will passively pick up the flaws and strengths I may carry. I found the challenge of considering my life as an example both sobering and helpful for future leadership. 

What do I want to develop or focus on next? 

I hope to focus on authenticity next week. I want my leadership to feature an integrity of lifestyle and character that crosses over all my responsibilities and actions.