Week 2 Journal
This week we focused on leadership and mentorship. In the first few classes, we discussed what makes or what traits attribute to someone being a good leader. There were a lot of extremely good answers, like the obvious trustworthiness, intelligence etc. But here are a few of my thoughts:
Admittance to being infallible: a good leader can admit that they are infallible. A good leader knows how to say, “ I am not perfect, there will be days where I make mistakes that will cost us hurt in some way, but I am asking you to keep faith in me, that if ever I fail you, I can fix it.” It is being able to say that they are still humans. I think that's where being a leader and a boss are different. Bosses think they are the be-all, say all. Nothing they do is ever wrong nor is it anyone’s job to question them at moments of fallibility. A leader can say, that they have messed up, but it is the steps taken thereafter that determines a good leader. What will you do?
Accountability: A leader also should know how to hold themselves and others accountable. When this happens, it shows maturity and humility.
Perspective: a good leader knows how to let people, especially those more marginalised than them, introduce their perspective into their leader’s attention. A leader should be able to step back and let other’s voices be heard
Sacrifices and compromise: a good leader should be able to acknowledge that they may have to lose things or even give certain things up.
Stop leading: most importantly a good leader knows when their time is up. You know how to say, I have nothing else to teach and I can’t bring them any farther into whatever journey I was trekking. A leader must be able to pass the torch to someone capable and willing.
Mentorship is another focal point of this week and was displayed in Homer’s The Odyssey. The Odyssey is an epic poem that follows Odysseus on his journey as well as his son Telemachus. But for the focus of mentorship, we were shown the relationship between Athena and Telemachus. Athena is constantly, in the poem, striving for Telemachus to be as noble as his father Odysseus, the great voyager who has yet to return home for over two decades. She goes to her father Zeus with the quest to help push Telemachus along into his father’s legacy.
Approving of her quest, Zeus is content with Athena’s plan. Athena disguises her self as a family friend of Telemachus’ named Mentes. Immediately, he recognises her and tends to her. This is the beginning of Athena’s mentorship towards him. I won’t be reiterating the entire story but, we can see the distinction of a leader and mentor.
Mentors are more like teachers, they strive to uplift and correct their mentees. It isn’t a mentors job to tear down anyone, as it is not their j0ob.
Someone that I have observed that brings out the best is Chadwick Boseman which I think is a fitting choice. I’ve watched interviews about him as an actor and person, what he brings to each role and the energy he delivers on set. Many of his costars account to the fact that when he is on et and doing his performances, he makes everyone else want to step up their own game in order to match his drive. He loved his craft so much that there was a reverence almost that he brought to his art. He was very confirming, kind, and humble.
Some of the traits and attitudes that can erupt in other people their best self are being disciplined about whatever act it is you’re doing, helping other people with their craft, making the environment feel welcoming, and encouraging growth.