My journey of Growth
Welcome to the growth section of my portfolio. I admit to my areas of improvement as a leader and teammate. I outline a concrete behavioral change and real applications of its positive impact.
Embracing Constructive Conflict in Leadership
This creative media visual represents my area of growth from avoiding conflict to engaging in constructive disagreements. Instead of staying silent to not offend anyone, I am learning to respectfully voice concerns. More transparent discussion and effective team decisions can be made this way.
Concrete Behavioral Change
An area of growth as a leader and teammate is being more comfortable with conflicts or disagreements. As evident through my conflict style of Turtle/Fox (avoiding/compromising) and personality type of Defender (ISFJ-T), I often avoid disagreements because I prioritize harmony in group settings. Although this can help keep a positive environment, it can also cause me to withhold differing opinions or concerns, especially if I worry that they will create tension. Over time, however, I realized that avoiding disagreements does not necessarily strengthen a team, and can instead limit the quality of decisions being made. Disagreements are inevitable, and sometimes, they are even necessary since they open the floor for new and opposing thoughts to be heard and considered.
To improve in this area, I will intentionally practice language that allows me to contribute critically and provide constructive feedback without being confrontational. For instance, I can say things like “I see it differently because” or “One concern that I have is,” instead of staying quiet. I can also use language that addresses behaviors and ideas instead of the person, so that the feedback feels collaborative and not a personal attack. Phrases like saying “your idea doesn’t make sense,” I can practice phrases, such as “the idea is strong, but have we considered?...” That way, I can express my disagreement openly while staying respectful and prevent damaging relationships.
Real Applications: PhiDE
Growing in this area will make me a more engaged and better team member for Phi Delta Epsilon’s executive board as well as leader for the entire fraternity. As Vice President of Finance, I sometimes disagree with a high budget for an event, but to avoid conflict with the board, I stay silent. I do, however, recognize that my silence can unintentionally allow decisions to move forward without fully exploring more cost-effective options. Developing this habit will help ensure that financial decisions are made with full transparency and thoughtful discussions among the board. It will also allow me to better fulfill my responsibility as VP finance and demonstrate my investment in the organization’s success.
