Introduction and Journal Assignment

Hi class! My name is Ashley and I am looking forward to spending the next 8 weeks with you. I am a mother of 3 boys and we are expecting our 4th this August. I took last 8 weeks off and I am ready to get back at it this year. My personal career goal is to do something in Labor Relations. I currently work for the Union and have a few years of experience with processing grievances, appeals, and working on behalf of the member. I am in a good spot with my career but would like to advance in the case a better position opens up in the future.

The leadership traits that I possess are accountable, integrity and empathy. Accountability is important because it shows that others can rely on you to do your part. This is extremely important in the work that I do now because if I don't do something such as the paperwork to renew a contract, that contract could expire along with its members. Integrity in my opinion goes hand in hand with accountability, basically, say what you mean and mean what you say. With integrity you must adhere to principals and be true to yourself and those around you. Lastly, I believe empathy is a great quality for a leader to have. We are all human beings having human experiences and things come up in life. Am I willing to go the extra mile for someone and check in with them beyond our work relationship? AM I willing to take up the load when they are off due to a family circumstance, etc? There are so many qualities that a leader must exhibit and in short, I'd say those are my best ones.

2nd student

My name is Keith Goodell,

I was born and raised in MA and now live in Texas. I got to Texas by way of the Air Force where I served for 7 years, to include a tour at Desert Storm. I've been in law enforcement for 26 years now and hope to retire in the next 5 years or so. Married with three teenagers at home. My wife is a nurse practioner so she has several degrees, I have none. My 15 year old daughter is always on my case for not having a degree, so pursuing this degree is more personal than professional. I just want to show her that if I can do it, so can she. I have one more semester after this to obtain my associates degree in business.

In my career, I've had several different assignments, so my leadership style depends on where I am assigned. I've used several different approaches as some assignments are proactive and some are reactive. Assignments have required me to use the democratic approach at times as well as transactional and/or transformational. I'd like to think I'm pretty well versed in most of the styles with the exception of narcissist. That just isn't me.

I'm looking forward to the next 8 weeks and all this class has to offer. I am aware of the requirements of the journal.