Job Shadowing

For my job shadowing experience I chose Chris Clark-Tally from the Alumni Association. Chris is the Associate Vice-President for Alumni Affairs. My job shadowing experience came in three parts: an info session on results from an alumni survey, the Alumni Association Executive Board Meeting, and a follow up interview. Three main ideas in relationing to leadership were to have respect for others and their time; be genuine; and understand that your career is a way of life.

Our discussion closed with Mrs. Clark-Talley sharing Gary A. Ransdell’s view on leadership. She mentioned it is important for her to reflect and read these five principles often:
Leadership is about: VISION, CHANGE, IDEAS, INNOVATION, ACTION, ENGAGEMENT, RISK, AND COURAGE
Effective Positive Leadership Requires: VALUES, INTEGRITY, TRUST, ENERGY, PASSION, LOYALTY, RESPECT, HUMILITY, COMMUNITY, AND PLACE
Effective Leaders Cause Five Conditions to Exist: A SENSE OF URGENCY, A MISSION WORTH ACHIEVING, GOALS THAT STIR PEOPLE AND STRETCH THEIR ABILITIES, A SPIRIT OF TEAMWORK, and a REALISTIC EXPECTATION THAT THE TEAM CAN SUCCEED.
Short-term leadership can be achieved through COERCION or REWARD. Long-term leadership is best achieved through LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY combined with personal STYLE, CHARM, EMOTION, and HUMAN CONCERN.
Be BOLD, be CONFIDENT, be SMART, build CONSENSUS, focus on PRIORITIES that bring dramatic CHANGE, and have FUN!

Good leaders have “sprezzatura,” the ability to do something difficult with apparent ease.