What went well?

• I left Belfast part way through this week, given that on the 12th of July, demonstrations between the two major communities have the potential to get violent. We witnessed some of this build-up before we left, but nothing drives it home like seeing a half-built bonfire, pallets stacked twenty feet tall already, while on the way to the airport. The difference in feeling in Belfast between the first week and last week of my Leadership-in-Action project, with more of the city on edge towards the end. I wrapped up more loose ends from my time at the Centre for Cross Border Studies and bid everyone farewell before their own out-of-town travels occurred during this week.

What could have been done differently?

• ​​This week I did not get much more work done or goals accomplished, given my early departure, besides witnessing how the city of Belfast changed during this week. With leaving Belfast, I think it will be interesting to take what I’ve learned here and compare it to someplace else with significant historical/political tension, like Germany or the United States, and compare how people are engaging with political leaders and reconciliation.

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

• Most generally, this entire time in Belfast I’ve learned a lot more about how to engage with a political situation to which I am very much an outsider. When working with others, I need to listen to their experience, asking questions, and keeping an open mind. However, I think the value I’ve assigned to speaking up for myself has grown, even if my ability to do that hasn’t increased along with it.

What did I learn about leadership? (leadership attributes and insights I developed)

• I have learned, much more in-depth and relevant to the real world, how the day-to-day technical details work together to make everything happen. It’s not pretty or glamorous work, however important it is. However, I think it’s important to think about the little details that everyone else won’t both fight for on behalf of other people, details that can make a significant difference to the livelihoods of a small community.

What do I want to develop / focus on next? 

• Based on what I’ve learned about myself during my time in Belfast, I would like to work on sticking up for myself more. To me, this means not letting hesitancy win out in the moment and being willing to admit my faults or mistakes. I think this would allow me to engage with each situation more in the moment, allowing me to learn more every day.