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Leadership is a journey, not a destination. I am grateful to participate in the Ag One Leadership Program as part of the pathway on my journey of ongoing development. Throughout the AgOne sessions to date, we have focused on the importance of having a clear vision and setting SMART goals. We have assessed our leadership strengths and weaknesses using the BUILD Assessment. Gaining insights into our Emotional Intelligence to enhance our Self-Awareness has been valuable. Additionally, developing a personal Sphere of Influence to ensure accountability has been instrumental.

This past recent session has been the most pivotal in my personal development journey. We delved into Intergenerational Communication, assessed our tendencies using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and explored 'The Five Dysfunctions of a Team' by Patrick Lencioni. Reflecting on the session, I found the content incredibly valuable as it applies to every aspect of my life—professionally, in community organizations, and personally at home.

As I think about the team I lead at work, the members span across three generations. Understanding how each generation has been shaped, their worldview tendencies, what motivates them and how they prefer to communicate varies vastly between Baby Boomers and Generation Z. This is important to consider when fostering a cohesive team, yet each person has been shaped with unique values, motives and communication styles. Additionally, recognizing my own generational tendencies and comfort level is crucial to evaluate how they influence my leadership style. 

Within the community organizations I am part of, I will challenge myself to pause and appreciate that each volunteer brings their best intentions, even if they manifest differently. I also recognize that the diverse skill sets from each generation contribute to a well-rounded organization.

When it comes to parenting young children, it's crucial to recognize how different their upbringing is today compared to when I was growing up. We can't rely on 'the way it was when I grew up' for effective parenting. The accessibility to technology, communication, and relationships has changed dramatically.

The Myers-Briggs Assessment helps us develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and awareness of others. It reveals our core personality preferences, highlighting what makes us similar, different, and unique. Understanding that everyone varies in how they receive energy, gather and process information, make decisions, and interact with the world is crucial. Recognizing my own preferences allows me to consciously develop additional skills tailored to each situation I encounter.

I firmly believe that individual success stems from being a great team player. Whether it's with a peer team, a team you lead, a project team, a sports team, a family team, or a close-knit group of friends, showing up for your team is crucial. According to Lencioni, trust is the foundation of all effective teams. Team members must communicate openly, be vulnerable enough to admit weaknesses, and be willing to ask for help. Once trust is established, teams can navigate conflicts productively. All great relationships require productive conflict to grow, engaging in passionate and sometimes emotional debates, as long as they avoid destructive fighting or interpersonal politics. A committed team with clear directions and priorities is essential. Commitment doesn't always mean consensus, but it does require productive conflict to create buy-in from the group. After a team is committed, it's important to hold members accountable to their performance standards. Ultimately, the true test of a great team is successful results.

I intend to leverage these skills to advance my leadership journey, aiming to enhance my self-awareness, understanding of others, and ability to be an exceptional teammate in all situations. Thank you, Jenny Cox, for your leadership in this program and for your dedication to develop each of us into better versions of ourselves!