LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2013-2015

ACTIVITY REFLECTIVE SUMMARY

ACTIVITY: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U
(Highlight or Circle the letter corresponding to the Activity)

ACTIVITY TOPIC: Read a leadership book

PARTICIPANTS NAME: Dana L. Sawyer
1. What were the significant learning points for you in this activity?
I read "Resonant Leadership' by Rochard Boyatzis and Annie McKee. This was a
powerful book and I learned a great deal from it. The book discussed how leadership is
the exercise of power and influence - something that we all need to remember - and that
power naturally creates distance between people. Being a resonant leader means being
attuned to your needs, as well as the needs of others so that the distance is lessened.
Leading others is hard work and the authors relayed at great length the difference
between resonance and dissonance. Both are contagious but resonance takes an effort to
create. For unsuccessful leaders, dissonance can be a prevailing characteristic. Resonant
leaders step up, chart paths, inspire others, create hope and opportunities, move people,
are passionate, powerful and purposeful, and inspiring to the community and organization
as a whole. They engage in service to others, show caring and compassion, care for
themselves, are exciting and mindful and have a commitment to beliefs, while standing
strong in their value system. Resonant leaders also build strong, trusting relationships.
In essence, they blend financial, human, intellectual, environmental and social capital to
be effective and to ultimately get results.

2. Which leadership characteristic(s) was/were enhanced and/or learned through this

activity? Explain.
Reading the book reiterated that a good leader is a systems thinker that recognizes
patterns and can make effective change as necessary. Part of the challenge of creating
and sustaining excellent leadership is to recognize, manage and direct ones own process
of learning and change. The book did an effective job in addressing the way to stay fresh
and resonant. It outlines three keys to renewal: Mindfulness living in a state of full,
conscious awareness of ones whole self, other people and the context in which we live
and work; Hope and Compassion. These characteristics reminded me of Delaware Tech's
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core values of access, opportunity, excellence and hope. They talk about how the
dynamic relationship between the three keys allows us to remain resilient and resonant. I
was pleased to see how much the authors stressed Emotional Intelligence, as I am a true
believer after Dr. Murray's presentation and having done the E.I. Survey. They remark
how E.I builds resonant relationships nad why that is important. It is hard for leaders to
sustain effectiveness and resonance over time and we need to practice E.1. at every turn.

2013-2015