Reflection Questions
Handling Conflict
I would say that how I react to conflict is changing. I used
to try to avoid it at all costs, and if I encountered conflict, I would hand it
off to someone else. Lately, I have realized that isn't the best approach, and
I need to learn to handle conflict on my own. I often try to work with
who/whatever is causing the conflict. I like to reach a common ground,
something that pleases everyone so that no one loses out. My conflict style, as
outlined in the Conflict Style Questionnaire, is that I am a Collaborator.
However, all my scores were very close. I think this is because I am still
trying to figure out how I best deal with conflict. However, I would agree that
I like to collaborate. When everyone's ideas are put together, a solution is
often brought about that is better than what any individual had in mind in the
first place.
My past experiences have definitely shaped how I deal with conflict today. After years of being very submissive, I realized I need to stand my ground. At first, it was scary to stand up for my opinion and cause conflict. I have since learned that everyone opinion is valuable, and conflict isn't necessarily a bad thing. Often, conflict means that everyone involved cares, which is better than no one having an opinion.
I would say that of the relational conflict I deal with, I often run into issues with control. I like to be in control of a situation, and if I am not, I become stressed out. For a long time, I let others be in control, and things like group projects would almost push me over the top. I wouldn't voice my opinion, for fear of being rejected or judged. I have since learned that conflict is fueled by emotions like that! All opinions deserve to be heard and dealt with in an appropriate manner.
My past experiences have definitely shaped how I deal with conflict today. After years of being very submissive, I realized I need to stand my ground. At first, it was scary to stand up for my opinion and cause conflict. I have since learned that everyone opinion is valuable, and conflict isn't necessarily a bad thing. Often, conflict means that everyone involved cares, which is better than no one having an opinion.
I would say that of the relational conflict I deal with, I often run into issues with control. I like to be in control of a situation, and if I am not, I become stressed out. For a long time, I let others be in control, and things like group projects would almost push me over the top. I wouldn't voice my opinion, for fear of being rejected or judged. I have since learned that conflict is fueled by emotions like that! All opinions deserve to be heard and dealt with in an appropriate manner.
Ethics
I definitely agree that leaders have a responsibility to use
their authority for the common good. Leaders are placed on a pedestal in our society,
therefore they are being watched by so many. In a world that is so easily
influenced, we need to make sure our leaders are giving the right ideas to our
society. Leaders are by no means expected to be any more "ethically
responsible" than anyone else, but it is their role in society that puts
that spotlight on their actions and character.
I believe that a person's actions are a product of their character, so the two go hand in hand. Although it isn't uncommon for humans to act out of character, after all we are human, usually actions are a product of someone's character. In regards of ethical leadership, they are both important. When it comes down to it, ethics is all about a person's character. Their actions are simply a reflection of this character. It is important that before asking if a person with flawed character be an ethical leader, the definition of an ethical leader be clear. Many cultures, organizations, and groups have different ideas of what an ethical leader is. There is a lot of grey area when it comes to ethics and character, because everyone has a different idea of what it means. Personally, I think that an ethical leader is someone who follows the rules, goes out of their way for the better of their followers, and tries their best to give 110%. A flawed character can also mean different things, but if someone isn't whole-heartedly leading, they probably aren't in it for the right reasons.
All throughout high school, I dealt with ethical issues and peer pressure. I tried my best to stay on the straight and narrow path, however there were many forces trying to pull me away from it. In my three years of high school, I did not drink, do drugs, or go to parties. This is the sad "norm" for teenagers these days, and my morals simply don't involve those activities. I was and still am perfectly fine with my decision, and don't regret not experiencing those things. However, there are others who ridiculed me for being different, and explaining my ethics was often an awkward situation. I was seen as weird or naive, something that for a 16-year-old isn't ideal. I learned to not succumb to the pressures, and came out of high school unscarred by the pressures that were surrounding me. I had a solid friend base to lean on that was going through the same thing, which majorly helped me out.
I believe that a person's actions are a product of their character, so the two go hand in hand. Although it isn't uncommon for humans to act out of character, after all we are human, usually actions are a product of someone's character. In regards of ethical leadership, they are both important. When it comes down to it, ethics is all about a person's character. Their actions are simply a reflection of this character. It is important that before asking if a person with flawed character be an ethical leader, the definition of an ethical leader be clear. Many cultures, organizations, and groups have different ideas of what an ethical leader is. There is a lot of grey area when it comes to ethics and character, because everyone has a different idea of what it means. Personally, I think that an ethical leader is someone who follows the rules, goes out of their way for the better of their followers, and tries their best to give 110%. A flawed character can also mean different things, but if someone isn't whole-heartedly leading, they probably aren't in it for the right reasons.
All throughout high school, I dealt with ethical issues and peer pressure. I tried my best to stay on the straight and narrow path, however there were many forces trying to pull me away from it. In my three years of high school, I did not drink, do drugs, or go to parties. This is the sad "norm" for teenagers these days, and my morals simply don't involve those activities. I was and still am perfectly fine with my decision, and don't regret not experiencing those things. However, there are others who ridiculed me for being different, and explaining my ethics was often an awkward situation. I was seen as weird or naive, something that for a 16-year-old isn't ideal. I learned to not succumb to the pressures, and came out of high school unscarred by the pressures that were surrounding me. I had a solid friend base to lean on that was going through the same thing, which majorly helped me out.