What is leadership? How does someone know that they have leadership qualities? We all began with a clean slate, with many possibilities as to what we can achieve in life. Our perspective of the world is shaped from our natural and nurtured resources which have precipitated into the development of our own psyche. My leadership series blogs will continue to focus on these concepts of changing from a closed perspective, to thinking like a leader. Identifying your owns strengths, and how to utilize them to foster change in your community.
Lets examine the framework for Theory of Change offered through the NPS The 21st Century Foundations of Interpretations charges us to
Three primary goals of interpretation build upon each other to address the needs/interests of the
audience, the site or agency, and society:
Engage diverse audiences in meaningful, memorable experiences with heritage
resources;
Encourage shared stewardship and broad collaboration in preserving heritage
resources; and
Nurture global citizens who will pursue life-long learning and help to build more just
societies and a healthier planet.
Upon reflection of those words, I ask you….”Are you able to answer these questions for yourself out of life?”
Before answering, take time to actually reflect on the questions and your answers. What thoughts came to mind? What images were you able to foster while imagining your altruistic vision. Now imagine you were in the audience. Are you competent in helping others explore their own culture narratives? Are you able to explore your own? How does that purpose tie into the Theory of Change. Simple. At what point did that journey lead you to the path of heritage leadership? In creating your theory of change…..
1. Who are you seeking to influence or benefit (target population)?
2. What benefits are you seeking to achieve (results)?
3. When will you achieve them (time period)?
4. How will you and others make this happen (activities, strategies, resources, etc.)?
5. Where and under what circumstances will you do your work (context)?
6. Why do you believe your theory will bear out (assumptions)?
In my previous entries, I addressed the importance of the first interaction. Utilizing a therapeutic approach to leadership development and understanding of self, and how to utilize current skills to gaining inner perspective and meaning. Unconditional Positive Regard is one of the core foundations of ethical practice in healthcare, social service, business, and education. Regardless of a person's background, It is our role as leader to provide direction to those while understanding our own feelings, and shortcomings. Being mindful to these questions should be essential to the formation of any cause. What is Introspection? Introspection1 defined “as an analysis of one’s own actions, thoughts and behavior and how it affects others.” It is a clinical technique often provided with the aid of a trained and skilled professional. Let me provide you with an journey into my own introspection and discovery into heritage leadership.
My perception of myself changed when I no longer viewed myself as just “a clinician”, but as an educator, who champions equality, and justice for all. Someone who champions those to utilize their natural surroundings to enhance their quality of life, and to help those around them. When I no longer viewed myself as simply a board certified therapist, I felt more at peace with my own identity. It was no longer painful telling others “No” , and feeling obligated for anything other than my cause. I was focused on helping serve the greater good at larger role. This maturation process took over a year into fruition that ensure that everything that I do, “is on purpose” and not wasted. Now the questions is……Why should you consider utilization of Introspection as a tool for leadership development? Even the most confident individual doubts themselves at times. Palmer(2011) address the importance of inner-search and how it doesn’t constitute dictating answers to inner-life questions. It means helping students learn how to ask questions that are worth asking because they are worth living, questions that fruitfully hold at the center of one’s life. He address the importance of introspection and finding purpose. “How can I connect with something larger than my own ego?” (Palmer, 2011)
The “Knowledge of Self” is an instrumental model in
the execution of the 21st Foundations of Interpretations. I believe
that this program will grant me the tools to achieve my personal altruistic and
selfish goals of improving the landscape for various individuals from
impoverish rural, metropolitan suffering from perspectives that their
environment has deprived them of the tools to become leaders and purposeful to
their society. Individuals plagued with
mental health, substance abuse, limited educational resources, and exclusion
from access due to their own pervasive thinking.
Today’s Blog is to give you the same tools that I do
for myself. And guide you into a journey of inner discovery and affirmation of
your role in creating change and doing it purposefully. Often times, we feel
that we neglect the tools to succeed. Sometimes, we realize that we lack the
tools needed to improve. Understand your own skills which are necessary for
further development.
I. 7 Ways of Introspection
Identifying your Strengths of Introspection
II. 7 Benefits of Introspection in Narrative Leadership
7 Scenarios where Introspection is Helpful
III. 7 Dangers of Introspection
Identifying the Dangers with searching yourself
There are several ways to learn more about you. Graham
(2008) states in “Courting Your Career” that “self-awareness is a lifelong
process, and it will continue to play an important role in your ability to
locate jobs and develop personal relationships that are right for you in the future.”
I have identified seven ways that were
helpful for myself. I have also added others ways that might be beneficial for
others in finding their inward path.
Tip – When seeking personal insight,
always be mindful to consider your environment and surroundings. Seek a safe,
and secure environment when exploring your thoughts and emotions. This can also
be a useful tool in relaxation.
7
Ways to Learn about Yourself
1.
Therapy
2.
Journal
or Blog
3.
Parents,
Family, Guardians
4.
Peers,
Friends, Companions
5.
Culture,
Beliefs, Intangibles
6.
Environment
7.
Personality
Tests
1. 1. Therapy has been a practice popularized by Sigmund Freud utilized to help oneself . I am biased for the advocacy of therapy. It has been a lifelong passion of helping others in the discovery and exploration of their own purpose and meaning in life. American Psychological Association defines psychotherapy as the practice “research-based techniques to help people develop more effective habits”. As a psychotherapist, I often implore various techniques to learning about myself. APA has a variety of inspiration videos on the validation and success of therapy.
https://youtu.be/CvcOivVzCaI
Therapy, or relaxation has many forms. It in itself can be interpreted in many forms. Each culture has their own practices of therapy, in respect to
Prayer
Meditation
Yoga
Exercising
Hypnosis
https://youtu.be/CvcOivVzCaI
Therapy, or relaxation has many forms. It in itself can be interpreted in many forms. Each culture has their own practices of therapy, in respect to
Prayer
Meditation
Yoga
Exercising
Hypnosis
2. Journaling is the practice of writing down one’s own thoughts, and reading them back for personal edification. Journaling defined by Oxford Dictionary as a daily record of news and events for personal reasons. Blogging has now replaced the once revered practice. In my youth, journaling, or writing in a diary” was perceived as a “girly thing. In my clinical practices, I have often implored the suggestion of “dating yourself” as a form of self-exploration and journaling. What would you want to find? What would you not like to hear? What are you willing to accept?
Tip Your environment is the biggest privilege in your introspection second to your genetical makeup. We are the product of our natural and environmental resources.
Tip Your environment is the biggest privilege in your introspection second to your genetical makeup. We are the product of our natural and environmental resources.
3. Family exploration is an subject that will addressed later in this blog. We are going to quickly identify the positive qualities. Family, parents, is a relative term when it is used to defines one’s origins. Not everyone can hold the honor of being called “parent” or guardian. Those who are privileged to access to their parents are able to obtain crucial discovery into their own values. However, our upbringing was crucial in the development and acceptance of society’s norms. Learning one’s personal history including owns culture, is a great example of finding out who you are. However, historical records conclude that often time’s ship captains and navigators kept personal logs of their journey to document and duplicate their travels. Immigrants often documented their own experiences as means of narratives when traveling. They shared these discoveries with others to learn from. Ask your parents, mentors, or figures for any stored information or insight into your childhood development. What were you like as a child? How did you respond to questions? How did they respond? We share an unconscious bond with our family. Some personality attributes are hereditary, others are learned. It is up to you to identify which of these were helpful..
4. What do your friends say about you? What do your classmates, colleagues, co-workers, subordinates, people that you interact say? Are you an introvert, extrovert? All over the place? Friends, Peers, are also a privileged not shared by all. Consider the individuals around you and how they influenced your childhood? Did you attend a private school, public school, or home school? How were you interactions with others? I was fortunate to live in a diverse environment which afforded me of “not seeing race” until I had to face it. My friends, and their families never treated me differently due to the color of my skin, and vice versa. It was during school when I was informed of the racial disparities of African Americans in America. My parents often taught me on historical African American culture, and history of the civil rights movement. Yet, it was never portrayed in a manner that I should forsake any of my friends due to the color of my skin. In hindsight, I am grateful for my neighbors, and friends who rarely ever acknowledged us other than ourselves.
[Indiana Dunes -Top] [ Deep River Indiana State Park]
5. Environment has often played a factor in the cultivation of culture and livelihood with those in rural and metropolitan areas. The benefits of exposure to both environments can lead to a more rounded experience. I was fortune to be exposed to the wealth of various national parks in Indiana. I frequently visited Deep River, and Indiana Dunes in the Lake County and surrounding areas of Indiana. Initially, they were boring and uninteresting. As I grew older, I understand that they would make secluded refuge from the rigors of teenage years, and romantic isolation for youthful ignorance. Having a an escape within reach was utilization of my environment.
6. Culture, beliefs, and traditions are huge impressions into our psyche. How did we respond to the cultures of our own households? Did we lack culture in our household? Culture and customs are strong intangibles that shape our moral compass and desire to encompass things that are bigger than ourselves. For some, Cultures, beliefs, are single most guided influence in the formation of someone’s perception and insight. Culture, beliefs, and traditions are another example of how our environment has afforded us additional privileges. Religions, cultures, and practices are largely influenced by our environment. Understanding that we all share vast differences in these respects would allow an individuals to understand his own beliefs, and how they fit in the world.
7. 7. Earlier I introduced the terms of Introverted, and Extroverted. These are terms often administered in the conducting of personality tests.. Internet is a vast wealth of tools such as personality tests. The Myers-Briggs Personality Test is one of the nations’ most renowned personality test. It can be administered by a facilitator or taken independently. The Strong Interest Inventory (SIS) test utilizes a strengths based model in identifying personal skills and determining what careers, occupations, and tasks are suited for you. Online dating and profile sites are helpful with identifying things that you like, and things you do not like. Utilizing a Solution Focus and Strengths Base Model to empower individuals to becoming leaders in their own life
Tip – Remember, Always be cognizant of your surroundings when inquiring about yourself when using the internet. If your environment is not secure, you can leave yourself open to various invulnerabilities that you may not welcome. Information about yourself is to be protected and not belittled. Treat your personal information carefully.
Tip – Remember, Always be cognizant of your surroundings when inquiring about yourself when using the internet. If your environment is not secure, you can leave yourself open to various invulnerabilities that you may not welcome. Information about yourself is to be protected and not belittled. Treat your personal information carefully.
Reflection
Learning to love yourself and what you believe in the essential tool to discovering personal happiness and purpose in your life. If you have belief in yourself, then the rest will fall into place. If you love yourself, you will surround yourself around others who support you. Do you have anyone in your life that doesn’t treat you as you like to be treated? The journey inward isn’t easy. Remember throughout the journey, to take time to Pause…..and Reflect.
II. 7 Benefits of Introspection in Narrative Leadership
7 Scenarios where Introspection is Helpful
Tip Knowing your Audience – Foundation Rule to Public Speaking. It is often overlooked. When asked to give a speech at a Health Fair, Conference, School, Church, or Office. I often go the week before, or day before to get to know the people that may be attending. If you don’t have that luxury, ask the people who are inviting you. If it is a Professional Conference, then you know you will be in like-minded individuals who will judge you regardless.
7 Scenarios where Introspection is Helpful
Tip Knowing your Audience – Foundation Rule to Public Speaking. It is often overlooked. When asked to give a speech at a Health Fair, Conference, School, Church, or Office. I often go the week before, or day before to get to know the people that may be attending. If you don’t have that luxury, ask the people who are inviting you. If it is a Professional Conference, then you know you will be in like-minded individuals who will judge you regardless.
1. Therapist/ Social Services
a. In my previous entry, I addressed my personal feelings and attitudes towards the population that I serve. Not everyone can work in correctional facility. Not everyone can work in the classroom. Identifying and managing those thoughts have allowed me to evolve into a more efficient leader.
a. In my previous entry, I addressed my personal feelings and attitudes towards the population that I serve. Not everyone can work in correctional facility. Not everyone can work in the classroom. Identifying and managing those thoughts have allowed me to evolve into a more efficient leader.
2. Education
a. Imagine yourself a Teacher from Jewish ancestry teaching the Holocaust. A group of students raising their hand saying, “I was told that it didn’t happen and it was made up.” How would you respond? Having introspection into your own feelings, and able to objective redirect, and educate said student would be the best outcome. Not all teachers can do this. And not everyone can understand the hardships that teachers face on a daily basis. Being able to identify what things you are passionate about, able to manage, while objectively influencing others is key.
a. Imagine yourself a Teacher from Jewish ancestry teaching the Holocaust. A group of students raising their hand saying, “I was told that it didn’t happen and it was made up.” How would you respond? Having introspection into your own feelings, and able to objective redirect, and educate said student would be the best outcome. Not all teachers can do this. And not everyone can understand the hardships that teachers face on a daily basis. Being able to identify what things you are passionate about, able to manage, while objectively influencing others is key.
3. Law Enforcement
a. Law enforcement is a highly stressful field that many feel “called to do.” The police have lately become the scrutiny of American and social justice. One bad apple doesn’t spoil the bunch. Imagine being a child growing up with the aspiration to serve your community. What feelings are you experiencing when you leave the house? Are you afraid? Are you vigilant? People assume that most cops are prejudice, when in fact they have been trained to be cautious and tactical. Understanding their own personal biases is a primal emotion which takes years of mastery. Communities need to be mindful of the individuals who serve, and they need to be mindful of their community as well. Police being mindful of their communities’ view of them. Imagine you are a minority police officer in Saint Louis following the Michael Brown shooting. What are your thoughts? Imagine being a Caucasian officer being called to respond?
a. Law enforcement is a highly stressful field that many feel “called to do.” The police have lately become the scrutiny of American and social justice. One bad apple doesn’t spoil the bunch. Imagine being a child growing up with the aspiration to serve your community. What feelings are you experiencing when you leave the house? Are you afraid? Are you vigilant? People assume that most cops are prejudice, when in fact they have been trained to be cautious and tactical. Understanding their own personal biases is a primal emotion which takes years of mastery. Communities need to be mindful of the individuals who serve, and they need to be mindful of their community as well. Police being mindful of their communities’ view of them. Imagine you are a minority police officer in Saint Louis following the Michael Brown shooting. What are your thoughts? Imagine being a Caucasian officer being called to respond?
4. Tour Guides
a. With limited knowledge of the National Parks and national interpreter, I can only surmise the training given to ensure professional candor and empathy when addressing the historical landscape, and of the individuals native to that area. Understanding your own experiences with natural resources, and engaging an audience experiencing the “great Outdoors” for the first time should reflect enthusiasm rather than “It’s just a cliff…now next…” Attitude is often apart of the experience. I have been fortunate to have the best experiences when touring museums and caves with my family. We always feel that the tour guide “sells the experience.”
a. With limited knowledge of the National Parks and national interpreter, I can only surmise the training given to ensure professional candor and empathy when addressing the historical landscape, and of the individuals native to that area. Understanding your own experiences with natural resources, and engaging an audience experiencing the “great Outdoors” for the first time should reflect enthusiasm rather than “It’s just a cliff…now next…” Attitude is often apart of the experience. I have been fortunate to have the best experiences when touring museums and caves with my family. We always feel that the tour guide “sells the experience.”
5. Politics
a. Introspection is largely a factor in voting. Being mindful of your stance, and how it affects others. Let’s revisit the factors that comprise us of what we are. Let’s examine them carefully, and how they shape our mindset when it comes to politics. Now of those traits, which ones mean more to us. Religion, Friends, Parents, environment, Income? During our recent election, I observed and witness people compromise their own beliefs for a choice. Some opted to not vote, while others expressed their reasons while belittling others of their choice. Democracy can be hard to swallow when it is not in our favor….but neither is gambling. That is merely my awareness of my feelings. In addressing politics, objectively learning someone’s reason for their choice should enlighten you, and not simply make you angry.
Anger is acceptable motivator in exercise.
a. Introspection is largely a factor in voting. Being mindful of your stance, and how it affects others. Let’s revisit the factors that comprise us of what we are. Let’s examine them carefully, and how they shape our mindset when it comes to politics. Now of those traits, which ones mean more to us. Religion, Friends, Parents, environment, Income? During our recent election, I observed and witness people compromise their own beliefs for a choice. Some opted to not vote, while others expressed their reasons while belittling others of their choice. Democracy can be hard to swallow when it is not in our favor….but neither is gambling. That is merely my awareness of my feelings. In addressing politics, objectively learning someone’s reason for their choice should enlighten you, and not simply make you angry.
Anger is acceptable motivator in exercise.
6. Interpersonal Relationships
a. Racial Jokes/ “Locker Room Talk” How are we when no one is watching? What are we really like? Holding yourself accountable when around certain peers, families, and leaders is the sign of someone who is congruent and stable within themselves. During the holidays, whether we are at the dinner table, out hunting with our family, being mindful of what our beliefs and no given into “slander” or inappropriate jokes is the measure of someone’s candor. It is very hard to be “someone else when you are trying to please “Your parents, family, friends, others, at your own expense.” Being able to not respond and know yourself will project an image that you don’t support without being rude. When “around the boys/girls”, what are we really like? What do we tolerate?
a. Racial Jokes/ “Locker Room Talk” How are we when no one is watching? What are we really like? Holding yourself accountable when around certain peers, families, and leaders is the sign of someone who is congruent and stable within themselves. During the holidays, whether we are at the dinner table, out hunting with our family, being mindful of what our beliefs and no given into “slander” or inappropriate jokes is the measure of someone’s candor. It is very hard to be “someone else when you are trying to please “Your parents, family, friends, others, at your own expense.” Being able to not respond and know yourself will project an image that you don’t support without being rude. When “around the boys/girls”, what are we really like? What do we tolerate?
7. Anthropologists
a. Mindful of the lifelong gaps in reporting of shared history, and how historical areas are perceived from minorities. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a movie that instantly came to mind when thinking of the importance of knowing yourself, and your surroundings. In one of the scenes, Harrison Ford (Dr. Jones) exhibits understanding to the scarcity of food, while neglecting if he would like it. I asked my mother when I was young of its meaning, and she stated “food is limited in some countries.” It is better to eat food and be sick rather to risk being killed from insulting the community.” Anthropologists, make huge sacrifices of their own personal welfare for the purpose of investigating and sharing cultures, and information from around the globe.
a. Mindful of the lifelong gaps in reporting of shared history, and how historical areas are perceived from minorities. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a movie that instantly came to mind when thinking of the importance of knowing yourself, and your surroundings. In one of the scenes, Harrison Ford (Dr. Jones) exhibits understanding to the scarcity of food, while neglecting if he would like it. I asked my mother when I was young of its meaning, and she stated “food is limited in some countries.” It is better to eat food and be sick rather to risk being killed from insulting the community.” Anthropologists, make huge sacrifices of their own personal welfare for the purpose of investigating and sharing cultures, and information from around the globe.
Let’s revisit the questions addressed earlier in this blog.
1. Who are you seeking to influence or benefit (target population)?
2. What benefits are you seeking to achieve (results)?
3. When will you achieve them (time period)?
4. How will you and others make this happen (activities, strategies, resources, etc.)?
5. Where and under what circumstances will you do your work (context)?
6. Why do you believe your theory will bear out (assumptions)?
My answer and insight …..will be answered in Part III.
III. The 7 Dangers of Introspection
Identifying the Dangers with searching yourself
Works Cited
1.
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-reflection-and-vs-introspection/
2. http://www.theoryofchange.org/what-is-theory-of-change/
3. National Park Service :Foundations of Interpretations Version 2016
4. Nelson, Gerald (1984) The One Minute Scolding P. 101-102
5. Covey, Stephen (1989) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People P. 78
6. Graham, Shawn (2008) Courting Your Career P.4
7. Palmer, Parker J. (2011) Healing the Heart of Democracy P. 124-125
8. Greenhaven Press (1998) Inequality: Opposing viewpoints in social problems
9. Dossey, Larry (2013) One Mind P.3-4; 142-143
10. Cockley, Kevin (2014) The Myth of Black Anti-Intellectualism: A True Psychology of African American Students
2. http://www.theoryofchange.org/what-is-theory-of-change/
3. National Park Service :Foundations of Interpretations Version 2016
4. Nelson, Gerald (1984) The One Minute Scolding P. 101-102
5. Covey, Stephen (1989) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People P. 78
6. Graham, Shawn (2008) Courting Your Career P.4
7. Palmer, Parker J. (2011) Healing the Heart of Democracy P. 124-125
8. Greenhaven Press (1998) Inequality: Opposing viewpoints in social problems
9. Dossey, Larry (2013) One Mind P.3-4; 142-143
10. Cockley, Kevin (2014) The Myth of Black Anti-Intellectualism: A True Psychology of African American Students
