Experience of Crisis and Its Impacts on Me
Throughout my past experiences and learnings over the last 3-4 years, I have learnt many things, of which one lesson stands out - nothing stays constant. You might ask what does that mean? For me, over this transitionary period to a post covid world, I’ve experienced many changes, whether that be online learning, remote work, utility rationing and even seeing many people seek out non-traditional approaches to sustain themselves due to changing business outlooks. In particular, a time I can recall in the middle of this crisis was my role as a customer service officer at Services Australia, aiding individuals with government support, and occasionally leading teams and support staff, whilst the majority of the economy was on shutdown. Through this situation, I understood the dramatic responses and decisions that we had to make as individuals and team players in the short term to safeguard the future outlook of those around us. It was through this scenario I learnt that leadership is not necessarily evoked through a title, however, is brought out across one's ability to influence those around them in times of uncertainty and need. I have been able to further my understanding of leadership and development through crisis through my studies in BUS4921. Throughout my learnings in BUS4921, the LPC toolkit 1 strengthened my understanding of the need for short-term planning in addressing the long-term goal where Carmen Huckel Schneider states the need to keep all stakeholders aware in “adjusting to all contingencies that arise in the pandemic”. Through this, I understand the need to embrace short, medium and long-term contingencies to effectively lead and grow through hardship. This aligns strongly with my previous personal experience, where it becomes necessary to have a plan and vision which takes action through numerous strategic outlooks.
Leadership in Action!
Another example of a personal crisis that I have overcome through leadership has been during my current stint as a finance assistant at work. Recently, our department head had unfortunately fallen ill and I was required to step in and oversee crucial reports due, pending lodgement as the quarter was coming to an end. I felt nervous as this was outside of my regular duties, meaning I had to come out of my comfort zone. Regardless, I was determined to take this opportunity and deliver as I believed that I had the appropriate skills and abilities Throughout the challenge, I quickly learned that one does not need to know everything to be a good leader, but one should be effective to leverage all of their resources. I was quick to reach out to my experienced peers and get their insights on my proposed ideas which I followed through with regular meetings and discussions. Throughout the period I encountered numerous obstacles, such as unexpected data discrepancies and tight deadlines. However, alongside the team, I effectively embraced the challenge seeing this as an opportunity to extend my boundaries. This experience taught me that leadership is a continuous journey of learning and adapting. It reinforced the importance of effective communication, fostering collaboration, and maintaining a positive mindset. Most importantly, it showed me that leadership isn't defined by a title or position; it's about empowering others and yourself!
Throughout my past experiences and learnings over the last 3-4 years, I have learnt many things, of which one lesson stands out - nothing stays constant. You might ask what does that mean? For me, over this transitionary period to a post covid world, I’ve experienced many changes, whether that be online learning, remote work, utility rationing and even seeing many people seek out non-traditional approaches to sustain themselves due to changing business outlooks. In particular, a time I can recall in the middle of this crisis was my role as a customer service officer at Services Australia, aiding individuals with government support, and occasionally leading teams and support staff, whilst the majority of the economy was on shutdown. Through this situation, I understood the dramatic responses and decisions that we had to make as individuals and team players in the short term to safeguard the future outlook of those around us. It was through this scenario I learnt that leadership is not necessarily evoked through a title, however, is brought out across one's ability to influence those around them in times of uncertainty and need. I have been able to further my understanding of leadership and development through crisis through my studies in BUS4921. Throughout my learnings in BUS4921, the LPC toolkit 1 strengthened my understanding of the need for short-term planning in addressing the long-term goal where Carmen Huckel Schneider states the need to keep all stakeholders aware in “adjusting to all contingencies that arise in the pandemic”. Through this, I understand the need to embrace short, medium and long-term contingencies to effectively lead and grow through hardship. This aligns strongly with my previous personal experience, where it becomes necessary to have a plan and vision which takes action through numerous strategic outlooks.
Leadership in Action!
Another example of a personal crisis that I have overcome through leadership has been during my current stint as a finance assistant at work. Recently, our department head had unfortunately fallen ill and I was required to step in and oversee crucial reports due, pending lodgement as the quarter was coming to an end. I felt nervous as this was outside of my regular duties, meaning I had to come out of my comfort zone. Regardless, I was determined to take this opportunity and deliver as I believed that I had the appropriate skills and abilities Throughout the challenge, I quickly learned that one does not need to know everything to be a good leader, but one should be effective to leverage all of their resources. I was quick to reach out to my experienced peers and get their insights on my proposed ideas which I followed through with regular meetings and discussions. Throughout the period I encountered numerous obstacles, such as unexpected data discrepancies and tight deadlines. However, alongside the team, I effectively embraced the challenge seeing this as an opportunity to extend my boundaries. This experience taught me that leadership is a continuous journey of learning and adapting. It reinforced the importance of effective communication, fostering collaboration, and maintaining a positive mindset. Most importantly, it showed me that leadership isn't defined by a title or position; it's about empowering others and yourself!