Class 21

Today's class about leadership was one of my favorites so far. I really enjoyed the interactive activity where we had to imagine our plane crashed on an island and make a group decision about which three survival tools to take. My group chose water, matches, and an axe. We felt that these three items were essential for survival: water is the most basic human need, matches would help us create fire for warmth and cooking, and the axe could be used for chopping wood, preparing food, and also for protection. It was interesting to see how each person prioritized different items and how we had to work together to reach a unanimous decision in a short amount of time.

The activity helped me understand the challenges that leaders can face during group decision-making. It wasn’t always easy to agree — some people initially had different opinions or were unsure — but we eventually got there through open discussion and mutual respect. One person naturally took the lead by guiding the conversation and keeping us on track, while others, including me, were more comfortable supporting and contributing ideas. I realized that even when you're not the one leading, you still play an important role in a group’s success.

From this session, I learned that leadership is not just about being in charge — it’s about listening, facilitating collaboration, and making tough decisions together. We used a simplified version of the decision-making process discussed in class: we first defined the problem (choosing survival tools), set our criteria (usefulness for survival), brainstormed options, evaluated them, and then agreed on our top three.

This activity also made me reflect on my own leadership style. I think I naturally lean toward a democratic leadership style. I genuinely enjoy working with others and hearing everyone’s perspectives before making a decision. I believe that people feel more engaged and committed to a decision when they have had a voice in it. In group settings, I tend to be the one who brings people together, listens actively, and encourages participation from everyone. I’m comfortable stepping up when needed, but I don’t believe leadership has to mean always being the loudest or most dominant voice in the room. I value fairness, respect, and inclusivity, which is why the democratic style feels most authentic to me.

That said, I’m also drawn to aspects of transformational leadership — I want to be someone who motivates others, brings out their strengths, and leads by example with positivity and passion. I hope to grow into a leader who not only gets things done but inspires others to grow alongside me. I’d love to develop better communication and strategic thinking skills so I can bring clarity to group goals and help align everyone’s strengths toward a shared vision.

I would prefer to work with a transformational leader — someone who is inspiring, supportive, and driven by purpose rather than just authority. I want to feel like I’m part of something meaningful, and transformational leaders often create that kind of environment.

Overall, this class reminded me that leadership can be learned and improved over time. It’s not about having all the answers, but about guiding a group toward a common goal — and doing it with integrity, clarity, and compassion.