Written by: Christal Jenkins Tanks on June 18, 2017

“To be a leader means, especially, having the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who permit leaders to lead.”-Max De Pree [1]

When I first decided to be a part of this program I was intrigued by the global focus on leadership, the opportunities to travel and to connect with leaders in those countries.  Being in this program has exceeded all of my expectations. It has gone far beyond the reasons that led me to initially apply. It is challenging to try to summarize an entire year. In this review, I will highlight three key areas–our cohort, the coursework and the overall impact the program has had on me as a leader.

Cohort:  I was surprised at the comradery that now exists within Cohort 7. We have truly become a family. We laugh together, cry together, pray together and share our lives together. We challenge each other to grow as leaders. I love the integrity and transparency that exists as we build trust with one another. As leaders, it is difficult to find a safe haven to be able to be open and vulnerable. Our cohort protects and respects everyone as a leader so it allows for us to be free to grow, develop and learn. We understand that leadership cannot be done in isolation within our daily lives nor  can it be fruitful in this program. It was apparent early on that we need each other. So we continue to charge forward together and encourage one another to not just survive in this program but to thrive.

Coursework:  This program has been transformational for me. The diversity of intellectual thought and life experiences organically fosters an environment of in-depth discussions and engagement with our reading material.

Reading/Writing/Class Discussion- The curriculum is designed to not only provide insight on leadership but it is tailored to assist us with refining our critical reasoning and writing skills. With our weekly blog posts, it gives us an opportunity to respond directly to each other based on our individual insights and analysis of the reading material for that week. I enjoy reading everyones posts and being able to comment and engage in a dialogue prior to our class discussions. In each of our Zoom discussions we are able to dive into our weekly reading and blog posts on a deeper level. Even though our class discussions are only one hour, they are very engaging especially when we they are led  by dynamic guest discussion leaders on specific leadership topics.

This past Fall trip to London and Oxford was life changing, exciting and overwhelming. It was the first time I was able to interact with my cohort and glean from the other cohorts. The first day felt like information overload due to the fact that I didn’t know what to expect. Despite how I felt, all of the program directors, advisors and our lead advisor were all so patient and understanding. They made sure we were set up for success. The classes and workshops were very insightful and engaging. What made this trip special for me was when we traveled to Oxford. The campus was amazing. It was an honor to sit and listen to the Very Revd Professor Martyn Percy, Dr. Emma Percy and other Oxford professors. These advances are essential to this program and I look forward to attend them.

Leadership: In our spring term, my leadership role at work transitioned and expanded with a whole new team and strategic focus. The change was both exciting and challenging. In every leadership role I have served in, I strive to build upon my previous experiences and continue to mature and grow in my leadership abilities. With every transition there are new challenges and new opportunities. I am personally driven by both. Each refines a different leadership trait and strengthens the areas that need improvement and development. In addition, every team I work with has new individuals with their own gifts and abilities they seek to strengthen and refine. It was through our reading material and discussions that really helped me grow and reflect practically about how I apply what I am learning directly into my day to day role and responsibility. In chapter 21 of the Handbook on Leadership Theory by Nitin Nohria and Rakesh Khuranat, discusses how to foster an environment of innovation and creativity. It was so applicable to what my strategic focus was for my team in the workplace. This quote encapsulates my experience  “[w]e need leaders who see their principal role as creating a world or work environment in which others can share their diverse talents and realize their potential for the well-being of the team or organization. It is an acknowledgement that leadership, like the co-design process, is a collective and fluid activity in which different people at different times-depending on their particular slice of genius or “nimbleness”-come forward to move the group in the direction it needs to go.” [2]

Looking Forward… What a first year?! Nelson Mandela once said “It always seems impossible until it’s done“. It has been a great year. I have been stretched and challenged. I have grown as a leader and now have a refocused vision. Being a part of this program, I am continuing to expand in my understanding of  global issues and cross cultural awareness. I am reminded of these words from Max De Pree in his book Leadership is an Art“[i]n the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are“.[3] I am looking forward to next year. I am enjoying this journey and excited about the transformation that is taking place in my life.

[1] Max De Pree, Leadership is an art (New York: Crown Business, 2004),22.

[2] Nitin Nohria and Rakesh Khurana, Handbook of leadership theory and practice an HBS centennial colloquium on advancing leadership (Boston, MA, 2010), Kindle,7802.

[3] Max De Pree, Leadership is an art (New York: Crown Business, 2004),100.

About the Author

Christal Jenkins Tanks