A view from the classroom

Last night we had a wonderful class! This is PRL 710 Communication for Leadership, the second course for most students.

We began by reviewing self-assessment/improvement plans that students had written, regarding presentations they had given the previous week. The students split into pairs (and one trio) and took turns talking about the areas in which they would like to improve their presentation strategies and skills. This was the perfect opportunity for a student to say to another – “here is an area where I know I need to improve, but I’m not sure how – do you have any ideas?” The energy in the room was palpable the students gave each other feedback and engaged in thoughtful problem solving together. They had already begun to grow as presenters from viewing videos of their presentations and then reflecting on their work, and now collaborating with colleagues gave them a second-level of feedback and strategy. Powerful!

Next, we worked with ideas from “Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive through the Dangers of Leading” by Heifetz and Linsky (2002). This was where the power of interdisciplinary collaboration really emerged. Students applied the theory to situations they are currently confronting in their organizations. Sitting around the table, we have professionals (students) from human resources, social services, nursing, and corporate contexts. Students bring their various perspectives as they help each other apply the theory to practice. We discussed issues such as overcoming barriers for more effective and appropriate delegation, and how to think politically when dealing with an organization leader who is not supporting a mandated change.

One of the fundamental strengths of this program is the theory-to-practice ethos. This is not a program where you will study for two years and then finally, as you finish the program, feel as if you are ready to lead. This is a program where you will leave the first class knowing more about yourself than you did before you walked in the door and where you will, week-to-week, explore theories and their direct applications to your work as a formal and informal leader. Students report in their journals and online that week-to-week they are discovering new approaches to old problems, new understandings of themselves as leaders, and new strategies to influence their organizations and communities.


Until next time,
Harriet Schwartz
Instructor
(currently teaching Communication for Leadership)