What went well? 

This last week in Thailand, we continued all our routine activities and hosted a large event for the students through Campus Outreach. We also began planning and organizing a large cultural exchange event with community members that would occur after I left. Since another leg of my LiA was canceled, this was my last week in person. As such, I tried to tie all loose ends related and ensure that my efforts would be transitioned over and carried on long after I was gone. It seems like that actually happened, so it was a success!

What could have been done differently?

As I tried to focus on administrative tasks and logistics this week, I learned how I shouldn’t slog through such responsibilities, but instead enjoy them. So this week, I wish I had taken a moment to see my leadership as a joy that I wanted to fulfill for the sake of others. If I had done that, I believe my relationships with others would've been strengthened and that my work would've been more productive and sustainable.

What did I learn about myself while working with others?

I learned, this week, how much I tend to avoid conflict. I had to have a few conversations this week to tie up some loose ends on our team, and I naturally procrastinated or filled in time to avoid having those conversations. I had a very high resistance to saying hard things to people out of a desire for their approval. Regardless, it was helpful to better recognize that weakness and see it as something I can grow in by repeatedly placing myself in uncomfortable conversations.

What did I learn about leadership?

I think this last week, I learned about the importance of clarity in leadership. As I worked with other members of the team, I realized that managing expectations is critical to success. Sometimes having a hard conversation is worth the clarity it may offer on the other end. As I tried to close up my time in Thailand, I found myself in a few situations where I had to push for clarity with others on roles, expectations, and vision. Moving forward, I want to commit to being a leader marked by clarity in relation to others.

What do I want to develop or focus on next? 

I hope to take all the lessons I’ve learned in leadership this summer and apply them well as I travel to do missions work in New Zealand, and then for the rest of my life—at Georgetown and beyond!