Reflection #4

This week, I learned a lot about leadership in the group activities. I saw different leadership styles from my teammates by interacting with my group. I also felt like I had had the opportunity to take charge on some of the activities. I also learned a lot from the hiring activity. It was interesting to hear about what sorts of things are taken into consideration when hiring somebody.
During the team activities, I learned a lot about my team members and about myself. I think my leadership style is very much the "let's get this done now" mentality. I don't like to waste time. I prefer to use my time as efficient as possible. I noticed that with other members of the team. I also noticed that they are good at making sure everybody is included and involved, as well as on the same page as the rest of the group. I don't think it changed my opinion on the subject, other than the survival item activity and the boat activity. My teammates made me think in different perspectives about the boat activity. It was interesting to see their viewpoints.
I plan to utilize this information by making hiring a deliberate process. Each action that I take, I do out of reason, and not just protocol. I also want to make sure I keep professional, especially in interviews. I think people take the job more seriously if they go into a serious interview and realize it's a serious job.
Some personal feelings on the matter: Before nursing school, I worked as a lifeguard at a local swimming pool. When I first had my interview, I was somewhat nervous with the interviewer. He was stern, professional, and spoke very highly of the work environment. He made the expectations in the workplace extremely clear. I felt that working there was an honor and I really hoped I would get the job. I was somewhat terrified of him because he was so stern, but in the end, I think it helped him seem more professional. Later on, at the same pool, he transferred to a different department. The staff at the time of my hiring was all extremely professional, covered the work shifts, and there was plenty of order. I noticed that when he left, there seemed to be less order and a less professional environment. I noticed that managers were trying to cover more shifts because less competent lifeguards were hired and irresponsible. I always wondered if his management style played a role in the work environment. He set expectations and people followed them. Those who didn't follow them didn't keep their lifeguard positions. When he left, it felt like they were hiring anybody who would come and there was a huge constant turnover.


I often think about this example in the workplace. When I first got that job, it seemed like a huge deal to me. When I left, it seemed like they would hire anyone who would come. This made the job seem less serious to me and less appealing. I think that during the interview and hiring process, there are things that can help bring in good employees.

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