A633.7.3.RB_SienkiewiczRaymond

In taking the course on strategic leadership and the complex adaptive leadership studies associated with it, it would be fair to say that I haven't experience a dramatic shift in my actual thinking, but it has certainly gotten me to examine my thinking from some different angles in some ways, and certainly has reinforced some of my previous leadership studies, particularly in areas of how followers can lead and how organizations can benefit by getting away from strict hierarchies.

I will say that within the time frame of this course versus prior to taking it, I may need to work further on how I apply my leadership and balancing the ideals of complex adaptive leadership with what is required of me at the office. On the one hand, based on my test results and how Obolensky would assess it, I work myself too hard and have a hard time letting myself go. On the other hand, some of the feedback I've received at work indicates I need to do more to know my workcenter inside and out, and the ideal that is being impressed upon me by my current commander is that someone in my position should know the status of their flight and what they're working on at any given time. In the midst of all this is also the undercurrent of how leadership functions in my organization...while there may be officers that are held responsible for decision making, there are still moments where their subordinates can design the solution and make a recommendation. I might argue that, although I'm continuing to be exposed to different ideas, I'm still living and breathing within the context of my organizational culture where there is limited room to explore different ways of doing business.

Overall, what this experience has shown me is further evidence of a suspicion I've had that while I understand good leadership from an academic standpoint, I still have further need to apply my knowledge and learn from the associated experiences. This, I hope, will be an opportunity I can pursue as I continue to progress in my organization, gain additional responsibility, and ultimately work in real world circumstances.