I Am Inevitable:

My 12-Week Plan for the Future

Jake Davis
Spring (2022)
OGL 360 (Assessment of Leadership Effectiveness), Arizona State University
Table of Contents Slides {These topics are only suggestions}
► Week 1 – Find Your Purpose 5 -- 8
► Week 2 - Learning Is Doing 9 -- #
► Week 3 – Model the Way # -- #
► Week 4 – Be the First to Trust (But Verify…) # -- #
► Week 5 - Inspire and Create Vision # -- #
► Week 6 – Look to Help Others # -- #
► Week 7 – Challenge the Process / Pivot! ##-- ##
► Week 8 – Enable Others to Act 87 -- 91
► Week 9 – Demonstrate Ubuntu # -- #
► Week 10 – Welcome Possibilities/Opportunities # -- #
► Week 11 – Encourage Initiative (Don’t Fear…) # -- #
► Week 12 – Personalize Recognition ## -- ##
► Addendum 110
► References / Works Cited Slide 111
Authors of Quotes Slide(s)
Gennep, Arnold van ………………… #, #, #
Horwitz, Tony (re. Capt. Cook)……… #, #, #
Homer (The Odyssey) ………………….#, #, #
Kouzes and Posner (6th ed.)…………. #, #, #, #, #,#, #, #, #, #, #, #, #, #, #, #, #, #, #,
#, #, #, #, #, #, #, #, #, #
Malala Yousafzi ………………………… #, #
Mauss, Marcell ………………………… #, #
{Other Amazing Author TBD}………… #, #
Varty, Boyd ……………………………... #, #
Woolf, Virginia ………………………… #, #
{Remember to add other favorite authors to your presentation} …………… #, #

{AUTHORS’ NAMES ARE LISTED HERE, but FULL BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION needs to be added to the “Works
Cited” slide at the END of the Ppt. Add to that as you go forward.}
Week 1 (part 1 of Module 1): Find Your Purpose
Kouzes and Posner quote 1 (complete this quote if you wish, or choose
a different one):

“"While the context of leadership has changed

dramatically over the years, the content of
leadership has not changed much at all."” (Kouzes
and Posner 2017, p. 12)

The meaning of context and content in regards to leadership

are often thought of as one in the same. We learn that the
fundamentals are essentially the same from fifty years ago as
they are today. For example when we were young we are
taught how to walk, and now as adults we still follow the same
principles for walking.
Week 1: Find Your Purpose
Teach someone to be
(cont’d) able to act on their
own without my
Kouzes and Posner quote 2 presence

“Leadership Experiences is that everyone has a

story to tell.”(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 25)

Everyone has a story to tell, and whether they

know it or not they also have stories of
leadership. Teaching someone something as
simple as riding a bike can be considered an act
of leadership.
 Week 1: Find Your Purpose (cont’d)
Kouzes and Posner quote 3

” Deeds are far more important than words when

constituents want to determine how serious leaders
really are about what they say.” (Kouzes and Posner
2017, p. 14)

Leaders must set an example for their followers. In

order for our teams to become stronger and to perform
better. You must be willing to do the work that needs
done if you expect someone else to do it as well.
TO DO today :
1. Recognize who I am now and who I want
to be in the future.
2. Write Thank-You note to myself.
Week 1: Find Your
Purpose (cont’d)

Kouzes and Posner quote 4

“To lead effectively you have to appreciate fully the

fundamental dynamics of the leader-constituent
relationship.”
(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 26)

If the team dynamics are rough and tend to butt

heads with each other then the overall performance TO DO today:
of the team will fall. However if we are able to build 1. Brainstorm on the meaning of
trust and respect within the team we can reach great teamwork.
heights. 2. Tell my dad that I appreciate him.
Three. Learn how to develop my talking
skills.
Week 2 (part 2 of Module 1): : Learning Is Doing

Kouzes and Posner quote 5 TO-DO LIST (for a FUTURE

day):
---Share experiences and ideas
with my sister.
"Leadership is something you experience ---Talk about “famous failures”
and successes with my mom.
in an interaction with another human being."
(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 28)

Leadership comes from interaction. This can be simple day to day interactions but it can
also be more complex interactions such as having a meeting with the board of directors.
 Week 2: Learning Is Doing (cont’d)

Kouzes and Posner quote 6:

"Using CAL, we ask people to select the seven

qualities that they “most look for and admire in a
leader, someone whose direction they would
willingly follow.”"
(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 29)

When I think about the qualities that I look for in a

leader I think, respectful, kind, understanding,
steadfast, creative, and loyal.
 Week 2: Learning Is Doing
► Kouzes and Posner quote 7:
Kouzes and Posner quote 8:
"It's about knowing who these people are
that are working with me, knowing their “Trust comes from understanding each other's
values, what they love to do, what they values and understanding our experiences and
care about, and what they stand for. " what we stand for." (Kouzes and Posner 2017,
(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 4) pg. 4)
Understanding the members of your team
is the first step to understanding what you
can do for your team. If you do not know
their needs, then it will be hard to make a
plan that they can achieve.
Week 1 and Week 2 “Wrap-Up”:
A. The main two topics that were covered in the first two weeks were, “find your purpose” and
“learning is doing”. to start our leadership journey we must have a goal or purpose in mind, and
we must be willing to learn from our mistakes that are certain to come.
B. My top three quotes from the weeks:
a. “Leadership Experiences is that everyone has a story to tell.”(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 25)

b. "Leadership is something you experience in an interaction with another human

being."(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 28)
c. "Using CAL, we ask people to select the seven qualities that they “most look for and
admire in a leader, someone whose direction they would willingly follow.”"
(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 29)
C. We are all going to be exposed to leadership one way or another. Recently I was put in a
leadership position and I asked my team members what they wanted from me as far as change
or leadership style. I did this so I could understand what their concerns were and how to
address them.
Insert a Qualitative 360-Degree Question Here:
How often did you show honest, sincere appreciation?

I chose this question because when we do show honest

appreciation it means so much to that person than we could
ever know.
 Week 3:
Model the Way

► Kouzes and Posner quote 9

►
"You're not the only role model in the
organization. Everyone should be
setting the example." (Kouzes and
Posner 2017, pg. 84)
Add’l Quote 1 (from the Odyssey synopsis):
When I was a kid I believed that I was the
only one that could be in charge. I wanted “Lastof all Odysseus provided for his
to do everything and didn’t like it when own safety.” (Odyssey 2018, pg. 5).
others got a chance to lead. I see now that
it is important for others to step up and What stuck out to me from this quote was that
he looked out for himself last. His men came
take control as well.
first.
 Week 3: Model the Way (cont’d)
► Kouzes and Posner quote 10

"To find your voice, you have to

discover what you care about, what
defines you, and what makes you who
you are." (Kouzes and Posner 2017,
pg. 49)

When I was a kid I never had a Add’l Quote 2 (from the Odyssey synopsis):
problem speaking my mind, in fact I
would often get in trouble for it. "Thou art fain to hear of thy home-coming,
However, this has helped me to get to illustrious hero; but thy path to Ithaca shall
where I am today, I am not afraid to be be beset with sorrows” (Odyssey 2018, pg. 16).
criticized for what I believe.
 Week 3: Model the Way (cont’d)
► Kouzes and Posner quote 11

"The evidence is clear: to be the most

effective, every leader must learn to
find the voice that represents who he
or she is."(Kouzes and Posner 2017,
pg. 50)

We must find who we are in order to Add’l Quote 3 (from THUG NOTES or another Odyssey video):
lead others in their journey to self “He poked the eye of Poseidon's son. And that is the
discovery as well. I am at that age reason that it takes 10 years to get back home.” (Thug
where we are just now beginning to notes, 1:35)

identify who we are.

Triumvirate (Co-Mentoring Team)
Quotes & Reflections:

After the meeting a quote from Mikel was “If you can see the
positive you can make it through anything that comes at
you.” I have been through so many bad times in my life that I
had started to look for three things everyday that make me
smile. Finding those three simple things have helped me to
see the best in life.
 Week 4: Be the First to Trust (But Verify…)
► Kouzes and Posner quote 12 ► Kouzes and Posner quote 13

"Values are your personal bottom line. "People can only speak the truth when
They influence every aspect of your speaking in their true voice." (Kouzes and
life: for example, moral judgments, Posner 2017, pg. 54)
commitments to personal and
organizational goals, the way you Finding your voice allows you to speak
respond to others." (Kouzes and Posner your mind. When I was little I listened to
2017, pg. 53) others and did what they told me to do.
As I grew up I started to find myself and
Your values are the bottom line. My started to stand up for myself.
values are a part of me. They help define
who I am and everything that I stand for.
If I ever cross that line then I am denying
myself and what I stand for.
 Week 4: Be the First to Trust
(But Verify…) (cont’d)
► Kouzes and Posner quote 14

"You cannot lead through someone else's values or

someone else's words. You cannot lead out of
someone else's experience. You can only lead out of
your own." (Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 57)
Leadership Comes from our own lives. My experiences growing up are
different than other leaders that had different experiences. I grew up in
a different environment than them, and that in itself is different.
TO DO today:
1. Recognize what I can improve about
myself.
2. Write Thank-You note to my grandma.
Week 4: Be the First to Trust (But Verify…) (cont’d)

Add’l Quote 4 (from THUG NOTES or another Odyssey video):

“Odysseus throws a discus farther than anyone else. That's how he

proves his strength.” (Odyssey Animation, 1:36).

When I was in highschool I was a part of the track and field team
and one of the events that I competed in was discus throwing. I
can say that that sport does in fact take a lot of strength as well as
the knowledge of what you were doing in order to do good.
Week 3 and Week 4 “Wrap-Up”:

The two main themes are Clarifying values and Setting the example. After the meeting
a quote from Mikel was “If you can see the positive you can make it through anything that
comes at you.” I also saw this in a different light, we can choose to see the positive, and
make that into a reality. "... You are free to choose what you want to express and the way
you want to express it. In fact, you have a responsibility to your constituents to express
yourself in an authentic manner…"(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 57)
You must be able to be the example for your team. "You have to put into action what
you and others stand for. You have to be the example for others to follow."(Kouzes and
Posner 2017, pg. 73) As a leader now, everything you do will be followed by those on your
team. So you must be sure to put forth the best effort you can.
Insert another Qualitative 360-Degree Question Here:
How often did you try honestly to see things from
another person’s point of view?

I chose this question because we often forget to look at

situations from the others perspective.
 Week 5: Inspire and Create Vision
► Kouzes and Posner quote 15

► “We are a design powerhouse. Each

and every one of us is here because
we want to build the best converter, Add’l Quote 5, on Capt. Cook:
the fastest communication system,
and the smartest automobile sensor.
This is our chance to do just that. ” “Our market will not wait for God, And
(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 96) neither will it wait for men.”

We want to do what we can to be the best - (Horwitz 2003, pg 318)

that we can be. As a kid I made a challenge
with my brother on who could do their
chores the best and fastest. Although not
that important, it made me want to win and
do my best.
 Week 5: Inspire and Create Vision (cont’d)
Kouzes and Posner quote 16

"Leaders are dreamers. Leaders are

idealists. Leaders are possibility
thinkers. All ventures, big or small, Add’l Quote 6, on Capt.
begin with the belief that what today is Cook:
merely a yearning will one day be “they all … remained in that
reality. " (Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. humble posture till I made
98) signs to them to rise.”
Leaders don’t start as leaders, they work at it (Horwitz 2003, pg 378)
and they eventually become a leader. When I
was in high school, I went out for a student
council position and I had to put in work and
effort to achieve that goal.
Week 5: Inspire and Create Vision (cont’d)
Add’l Quote 7, on Capt. Cook:
“There was a man with two mouths” (Horwitz 2003, pg 338)

To me this quote means that people have two different personalities. One
that is their own and the embodiment of who they are, the other is who
others want them to be.

TO DO today:
1. Make a meal plan for the
week.
2. Take the first step in
looking for new jobs.
Triumvirate (Co-Mentoring Team)
Quotes & Reflections:
“This will not happen overnight” (Mikel)

I chose this quote because it shows that no matter how hard we try and
how much we push nothing is going to change overnight. We must
continue to work at it, to chip away at it, until we break through. It will
eventually become a reality. This is also true for leading, we will not be
accepted by everyone right away however if we keep at it we can
eventually overcome that as well.
Week 6: Look to Help Others
Add’l Quote 8 (from another source, e.g., from a video, a song, a different course’s
textbook, or your mom):

“In a more collective society, we realize from the inside that our own well-being is
deeply tied to the well-being of others. Danger is shared. Pain is shared. Joy is
shared. Achievement is shared. Houses are shared. Food is shared.” (Boyd Varty
(8:32))

In life everything we do is shared with another, it can be direct or indirect.

Growing up, I shared everything I had with my brother, we even shared a room for
18 years.
Week 6:(cont’d)

Add’l Quote on Capt. Cook (Horwitz’s Blue Latitudes):

“God is in his heaven and the czar is far away”

(Horwitz 2003, pg 351)

To me this means that some of the most important people to us are not always
going to be with us. When I went to college for the first time, I was over 1000 miles
away from everything I had known and everyone I looked up to.
Week 6: Look to Help Others (cont’d)
Kouzes and Posner quote 17

"You have to express it so that every

manager and every employee can Add’l Quote 9 (from another source, e.g., from a
video, a song, a different course’s textbook, or your
break it down into specific things that mom):
are relevant to them. The vision has “If I wanna dance with the devil I can ask” (sadeyes.
mi amor, song)
to appeal to people’s head, heart, and
hands. " (Kouzes and Posner 2017,
pg. 118) We do not like being in bad situations, and some of us
feel as though we are always in those situations. As a
Everyone is different, they all grew up different and kid I knew exactly what would get me in trouble, yet
went through different things. It's our job to adapt to sometimes, I did it anyways.
this and provide ideas that everyone can grasp. I
myself had a completely different life than my co
worker.
Week 6: Look to Help Others (cont’d)
Kouzes and Posner quote 18

" Can you imagine a leader enlisting

others in a cause by saying, “I’d like
you to join me in doing the ordinary,
doing what everyone else is doing”? 3 Add’l Quote 10 (from another source, e.g., from a video,
Not likely. "(Kouzes and Posner 2017, a song, a different course’s textbook, or your mom):
“Make your coffee, start the car and chase the pay stub”
pg. 119) (sadeyes. Mess, song)

As humans we are curious by nature, and we get

bored doing the same things over and over again. In If you have ever seen the LEGO movie, it is a great
grade school I would get bored in math, we would example of repetition. I remember watching it and
spend about two weeks going over the same topic afterwards I wanted to see if there was anything that I
and after the first week I was ready to move on. could change to make my life more interesting.
Week 5 and Week 6 “Wrap-Up”:

The two main topics covered in these two weeks were “look to help others” and “inspire
and create vision”. The quote “You have to express it so that every manager and every
employee can break it down into specific things that are relevant to them. The vision has to
appeal to people’s head, heart, and hands” really helped to explain why it is important to
make things easy to understand. However, this quote from sadeyes, “Make your coffee,
start the car and chase the pay stub” reminds me about the importance of breaking the
norm. Growing up, it was the same thing every day, school, homework, chores, bed. Now
as an adult I have the ability to choose how I want to spend my time.
Insert a Qualitative 360-Degree Question Here:

To what extent does s/he usually follow through on

commitments---i.e., doing what they say they will do?

I chose this question because it is important to follow through

on promises and commitment that you make as a leader.
Doing so will increase the teams trust in you and allow them
to feel more comfortable to come to you with questions.
Week 7: Challenge the Process
Add’l Quote 11, from Virginia Woolf:

“Men are the 'opposing faction'; men are hated and feared,
because they have the power to bar her way to what she wants to
do” (Woolf 4, pg. 32)

There has always been a rivalry between men and women,

constantly trying to outdo each other. I remember as a kid choosing
all the boys first for a game in PE before the girls.

TO DO (in a future…) today:

1. Challenge the Process by reading a
recommended book
2. Challenge the Process by viewing a
Ted Talk about leaders.
Week 7: Challenge the Process (cont’d)
Add’l Quote 12, from Virginia Woolf:
“You need not give me an allowance; I can make money by my pen. (Woolf 4, pg. 35)
I like this quote because it provides a good example of determination. I always wanted to do
things on my own and I would not let anyone help me even if it took me a while to get it
right.

► Kouzes and Posner quote 19

"Sometimes challenges find leaders, and sometimes leaders

find the challenges; most often, it's a little of each" (Kouzes TO DO today (…a future today):
and Posner 2017, pg. 147) 1. Challenge the Process by
reading MLK’s I have a Dream
There is always going to be a challenge when leading. You are moving
2. Challenge the Process by
uphill and there will always be gravity and resistance pushing against you.
viewing Selma.
Week 7: Challenge the Process (cont’d)

Add’l Quote 13, from Arnold van Gennep:

“the door is the boundary between the foreign and domestic worlds
in the case of an ordinary dwelling, between the profane and sacred
worlds in the case of a temple. Therefore to cross the threshold is to
unite oneself with a new world” (Van Gennep Rites of Passage,
pg. 20)

We all enter new areas in life whether physical or not they still have
an impact on us. Each of these can provide a challenge for us to face.
Triumvirate (Co-Mentoring Team)
Quotes & Reflections:
“We don’t always know right away when we have crossed a boundary” (ReaDean)

I chose this quote because it really resonated with me, I can remember times in my life
that I changed although I did not realize it at that moment, it did happen. After my
first year of college I decided to change my major to organizational leadership. I did
not think anything of it at the time, but looking back I realize that I crossed over to a
new state of mind which directed me toward a path of leadership.
Week 8: Enable Others to Act

► Kouzes and Posner quote 20

"Trust is the central issue in human

relationships. Without trust, you can't lead.
Without trust, you can't get people to believe in
you or each other" (Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg.
198)

Losing trust in someone can have a huge negative impact

on that relationship. It can cause you to never trust them
again as well as requiring more in order to trust another.
Add’l Quote 14, from Arnold van Gennep:

“direct rite of passage by means of which

a person leaves one world behind him and
enters a new one” (Van Gennep Rites of
passage, pg. 19)

Sometimes starting new or fresh is a good thing.

It can allow for a new start with knowledge of
what to do and what not to do.
Week 8: Enable Others to Act (cont’d)

Add’l Quote 15, from Arnold van Gennep:

“ceremonies of construction and of the opening of bridges.”

(Van Gennep Rites of passage, pg. 22)

There is a feeling you get when you are about to start

something. It can be excitement, anxiety, or a combination of
both. Either way it is common.
 Week 8: Enable Others to Act (cont’d)

Add’l Quote 16, from Arnold van Gennep:

“the ceremony of changing residence. Every new house is
taboo”(Van Gennep Rites of passage, pg. 23)

When you move into a new house there is a period of time in

which it doesn’t quite feel like home. Eventually time passes and
that feeling disappears.
Week 7 and Week 8 “Wrap-Up”:

The two main topics covered in these two weeks were “enable other to act”
and “challenge the process”. The quote, “Trust is the central issue in human
relationships. Without trust, you can't lead. Without trust, you can't get people
to believe in you or each other” was my first favorite for this week. I know as
a kid I had to build trust with my friends and that is still true to this day. Pozer
also says, "Sometimes challenges find leaders, and sometimes leaders find the
challenges; most often, it's a little of each". This reminds me that there will
always be challenges that we will have to face. As we grow we become
stronger and with that comes harder battles we had to fight.
Insert a Qualitative 360-Degree Question Here:
In what ways has this leader recognized the individual contributions of
team members in recent weeks?

I chose this question because it is important to recognize the

effort that your team is putin into the project. Without this
recognition they can become discouraged and begin to become
less and less effective as a team member.
Week 9: Demonstrate Ubuntu

Add’l Quote 17, from Boyd Varty:

“Ubuntu: I am because of you. Or, people are not
people without other people.”
Add’l Quote 18, from Varty or TRC:
(Varty, counter/timer: 1:56)
“it is not only through other people that we get to
I relate to this quote because my mom would remind experience our humanity but through all the
me when I was a kid to always treat others well. ‘Be creatures that live on this planet.” (Varty,
the best you can be, in the end it will comeback to counter/timer: 12:00)
you.’ We have an influence in others lives without
realizing it. Someone is always watching us, so we I currently have a pet dog named King, and he is so
must be the best we can be. special to me. Since i was a kid, I loved dogs, and
growing up I have noticed that they seem to have a
sixth sense of people and their intentions. If someone
was to treat me poorly I would see it in how they treat
others, and sometimes in the way they treat animals.
Week 9: Demonstrate Ubuntu (cont’d)
► Kouzes and Posner quote 21 ► Kouzes and Posner quote 22

"The team members could openly "She gave them choices and
discuss their issues with their leader latitude to take on personal
and were comfortable sharing with her
their professional and personal issues, responsibility"
too" (Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 196)
(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 196)
My father has taught me so much, one of the most
One of the hardest parts about being on a team is important things he taught me was the lesson on taking
not feeling comfortable to say what you want to responsibility. He put me in positions so that I’d take
say. My first job I was a lifeguard, and as a scared personal responsibility. I remember that he stopped
little 16 year old boy I just did what I was told and paying for gas and personal objects so that I would start
kept to myself. Now, I am more confident and working on my own in order to pay for them.
comfortable in front of leaders, so now I have no
problem speaking my mind.
Week 9: Demonstrate Ubuntu (cont’d)

Add’l Quote 19, from Marcel Mauss:

“Each man and woman tried to outdo the others in
generosity.” (Mauss 1966, pg. 18)

In my family we have an unspoken competition every year

around christmas time. We all try to outdo each others gifts. It
gets really competitive but it also shows how much we care
about each other.
Week 9: Demonstrate Ubuntu (cont’d)

Add’l Quote 20, from Marcel Mauss:

“it is expected and must be
equivalent to the first gift” (Mauss 1966, pg. 24)

I really like this quote, if I was to give someone a brand new car, and all
they got me was a giftcard to a fast food restaurant. Not only would they
feel guilty but I would be offended as well.

Add’l Quote 21, from Marcel Mauss OR a related source:

“it is forbidden to refuse a man anything.” (Mauss 1966, pg. 29)
When someone is receiving a gift it would be incredibly rude to refuse that
gift. You do not know how much thought they put into it and how much it
means to them that you like it.
Triumvirate (Co-Mentoring Team)
Quotes & Reflections:

“Whether we know it or not we share everything” (ReaDean)

I chose this quote because it really resonated with me, I can remember times in my life
that I shared things with others. For almost 18 years I shared a room with my little
brother. During that time together we were able to share many experiences and
knowledge with each other. This did end up bringing us closer to one another.
Week 10: Welcome Possibilities/Opportunities
TO DO today (in the…FUTURE!):
1. Challenge the Process by reading The One
Minute Manager
► Kouzes and Posner quote 23 by Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson
2. Enable my sister to go for the job that she’s
been wanting for a while.
"you become more powerful when you give
your power away."
(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 221)

When you enable someone to lead, not only are you allowing them
to gain that experience but you are also giving them the confidence
that they can. Having these opportunities is extremely important
when grooming the next generation of leaders. They will also have
more trust and respect in you because you have allowed them to
show you what they can do.
Week 10: Welcome Possibilities/Opportunities

► Kouzes and Posner quote 24

"In strengthening others, leaders show

they believe that people are smart and
capable of figuring things out" (Kouzes
and Posner 2017, pg. 223)

Showing your team that you respect them and that

you have faith in them can be everything to them.
Knowing that you trust them enough to do their
jobs, and their responsibilities enables them to act
confidently and efficiently.
Week 10: Welcome Possibilities/Opportunities
► Kouzes and Posner quote 25

"You want people to take initiative and be

self-directed. You want them to think for
themselves"(Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg.
226)

If you have ever seen The Walking Dead then you

know that when people are left to their own
devices, there are those that step up and take
charge. However there are also those that would
rather cause trouble for all those around them. In
the long run, it is those that took initiative that
come out on top.
Week 10: Welcome Possibilities/Opportunities

Add’l Quote 22, from Marcel Mauss or a related source, such

as a video explaining the theory of THE GIFT:
“The gift is normally an object of some value, like a large
polished stone axe or whalebone knife. To receive it is actually
to commit oneself to return the vaga” (Mauss 1966, pg. 26)

Accepting a gift is essentially agreeing to return the favor to the

gift giver. Gift giving is rarely one sided, it is up to both parties
to be satisfied with the outcome.
Week 9 and Week 10 “Wrap-Up”:

The two main topics covered in these two weeks were “Demonstrate Ubuntu” and
“Welcome Possibilities”. The quote “You want people to take initiative and be self-directed.
You want them to think for themselves” really helped to explain why it is important to give
others a chance to lead. However, further on we see, “In strengthening others, leaders show
they believe that people are smart and capable of figuring things out”. Now this helps to
explain how important it is to put our teams into positions so that they too can lead and
grow.
Insert a Qualitative 360-Degree Question Here:
What areas of strength would you like to see this person continue to
build on?

I chose this question because no matter how great of a leader you think
you are there will always be areas that you can improve upon. It is
important to identify these areas and strengthen them.
 Week 11: Encourage Initiative

Add’l Quote 23, from one of our additional readings (Mauss, Van
Gennep, Woolf, etc.) or one of our assigned videos:
“Another theme plays its part in the economy and morality of the
gift: that of the gift made to men in the sight of gods or nature.”
(Mauss 1966, pg. 12)

Sometimes we give gifts just to be recognized as someone with

generosity. In modern times it happens with large companies giving
to charities.
TO DO today:
❑ Be humble when speaking
with my boss.
❑ Say Thanks to my mother.
Week 11 cont’d: Encourage Initiative

Add’l Quote 24, from one of our additional readings (Mauss, Van
Gennep, Woolf, etc.) or one of our assigned videos:
“it implies two others equally important: the obligation to give
presents and the obligation to receive them”
(Mauss 1966, p. 11)

It is of equal importance to receive gifts as well as to give them. If

you were to have just one or the other to occur then it could leave
you wondering ‘what is all this for?’
 Week 11 cont’d: Encourage Initiative
► Kouzes and Posner quote 26

► Kouzes and Posner quote 27

"Exemplary leaders elicit high

performance because they firmly believe "Exemplary leaders bring others to life,
in the abilities of their constituents to figuratively speaking. They bring out
achieve even the most challenging goals. the best in their constituents" (Kouzes
" (Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 250) and Posner 2017, pg. 251)

Believing in your team and their abilities is key to

success. If you do not have faith in them they can
sense this and will end up losing faith in
themselves.
Triumvirate (Co-Mentoring Team)
Quotes & Reflections:

“Allows them to vent in a positive way” (Mikel)

I chose this quote because it really meant a lot to me, I can remember times in my life
that I just needed to talk to someone. However there are times when I did not feel
comfortable venting. This is why it is so important for us to create a safe place for the
members of our team. This allows us to feel heard and safe which is a key part in
running a smooth team.
Week 12: Personalize Recognition
► Kouzes and Posner quote 28

"People are meant to do things together, to form communities, and in this

way demonstrate a common bond." (Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 273)

We are not meant to be alone in life, there will always be those that are a part of our
lives, no matter how short their time may be. Recognizing this, we must act in such a way
that benefits the community as a whole.

TO DO today (… in a FUTURE DAY that is…):

❑ Be humble when speaking with my father.
❑ Say Thanks to my sister for helping through a hard time.
❑ Show thanks by helping around the house.
❑ Take care of MYSELF by taking time to focus on myself.
Week 12 (cont’d): Personalize Recognition
► Kouzes and Posner quote 29

"Sometimes celebrations can be elaborate, but more

often, they are about connecting everyday actions and
events to the values of the organization and the
accomplishments of the team" (Kouzes and Posner
2017, pg. 274)

Celebrating is just as important as the process itself. it allows us to

step back and recognize what we have done, as well as how far we
were able to come since the start. If we do not celebrate then we
run the risk of overworking or being caught up with the fear that it
wasn’t good enough. That is also why it is important to have a clear
and certain goal in mind that you work towards.
Week 12 (cont’d): Personalize Recognition
► Kouzes and Posner quote 30

"Leaders understand that celebrations

provide concrete evidence that individuals
aren't alone in their efforts, that other people
care about them, and that they can count on
others. " (Kouzes and Posner 2017, pg. 281)

It is important to note that celebrations are

with more than one person. Sharing that
success is just as important as understanding
how you obtained it. TO DO today:
1. Celebrate my new job with my family
by sharing dinner together.
2. Reciprocate the help my mom has
been by doing something special for her.
Reminder re. Qualitative Questions:
How much optimism does this leader show on a daily basis?

I chose this question because no matter how much you try to

keep a smile on your face there will be times when the day can
get the better of you. It is important to know how you can stay
positive so the atmosphere is positive as well.
Week 11 and Week 12 “Wrap-Up”:

The two main topics covered in these two weeks were “Encourage Initiative” and
“Personalize Recognition”. The quote “People are meant to do things together, to form
communities, and in this way demonstrate a common bond” really helped to explain how
important it is to involve others and to work as a team. However, this quote, “individuals
aren't alone in their efforts, that other people care about them, and that they can count on
others” reminds me about the importance recognizing what we can do. Each of us are
capable of incredible things, and it is our job to achieve those things.
“Big Picture” 12 Week wrap-up
In the end the real question is whether or not we will stand
triumphant in our position or will we content never reaching our
goal? Every member in our organization must continue to push on
and continue to learn all that they can about leadership. If we
continue to choose the simple way of life over choosing to become
our greatest, we will never reach our true potential. We must
prepare ourselves, our company, and even our families in such a
way that we all can improve ourselves as leaders. We will be caught
off guard and left to our own devices if we do not do what is
necessary to prepare ourselves for the future. We must study and
learn, and give that knowledge to others. We must consciously make
the choice to stand up for what we want out of life. It all starts with
the willingness to accept and the drive to change.
 References (Works Cited)

Davis, Stephen (2021). Synopsis of Homer’s Odyssey. An Illustrated synopsis (revised 2019) with excerpts from the text

Gennep, Arnold van (1925). The Rites of Passage. London: Routledge.

Horowitz, Tony (2003). Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before. New York: Picador

Kouzes, James, & Posner, Barry (2017). The Leadership Challenge

Mauss, Marcel (1966). The Gift: Forms and Functions of Exchange in Archaic Societies

Woolf, Virginia (1928). A Room of One's Own