LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2011-2013
SEMINAR REFLECTIVE SUMMARY
SEMINAR TOPIC: Leadership Philosophy (11/15/11)
PARTICIPANT’S NAME: Leslie A. Mergner
1. What were the significant learning points for you in this seminar?
The significant learning points from this seminar:
1. Gaining a better understanding of what leadership is.
2. Understanding Covey’s 8 habits: 1. B2e proactive 2. Begin with end in mind 3. Put first things
first 4. Think Win Win 5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood 6. Synergize 7.
Sharpen the saw and 8. Effectiveness to greatness.
3. Leadership is influence and everyone influences someone.
2. In what ways is each learning point supportive of or relevant to your ideas about leadership?
My philosophy on leadership still remains that leadership is situational; and I agree that in every
situation you can work through Covey’s 8 habits. Knowing that leadership can be learned, by
practicing these habits you can improve upon your leadership skills. And finally Robert Half
states “ Asking the right questions takes as much skill as giving the right answers.” Knowing that
it is ok to ask the tough questions to continue learning while on my leadership journey.
3. Identify a way to apply each of these learning points to your current role at the College.
1. Realizing that within my role as an Instructional Coordinator, I can still lead. Lead by
example.
2. Implement Covey’s habits i.e. Be proactive – seek out opportunities to get involved; ways to
improve within our department, Sharpen the Saw – Continue learning through programs at
Delaware Tech and continuance of doctoral degree, etc.
3. Even as an Instructional Coordinator, I can influence someone. Whether its students, adjunct,
peers, etc. as a leader need to remain positive.
The final question asked, “Are you happy” and what did this have to do with leadership? Everything.