REFLECTION FROM MARV NYSETVOLD
Last year, six Kiwanians from Slayton had the opportunity to attend a leadership training through Kiwanis International called Amplify. From mid-April into July, we watched weekly online video modules on 8 different subjects from communication, marketing, leadership, self-care, etc. One of the modules I found helpful was “Working with Others”. Topics in this module included accountability, giving feedback and conflict.
Not many of us like conflict and I found this session helpful because they focused on making conflict an opportunity. Three different responses to conflict were presented. Those responses were reactive, competency and positive outlook. As you might guess, the reactive approach is an emotional reaction to a situation. The competency approach is more detached and tends to look for objective solutions to a situation, repressing any feelings for the time being. The last approach they suggested was taking a positive outlook. This approach suggested inserting yourself into a situation to look for a quick solution so the situation doesn’t get worse. Then try to reframe a situation and look for the bright side.
Which response do you identify with? There were several reflective questions as part of our experience also. Like what is your first internal response when you face disappointment or conflict? What can I learn from other’s responses to conflict? What strengths do I bring to a situation? What is unhelpful about my response? I found it helpful to think about these questions and how I respond to conflict. Then when presented with a situation, I’m able to consider how to respond.
Hopefully as you reflect on how you respond to conflict, some of these questions might help you think through your responses. I really appreciated the opportunity to be a part of this leadership training and will be able to incorporate many things I learned into my work and life.
REFLECTION FROM KAREN TOMMERAASEN
The Kiwanis Amplify Leadership Program offered 56 presentations, including explanations of various terms used today. Three of these related concepts are: Equality, Equity, and Inclusion. These concepts encompass the role, or position, of individuals within a community’s structure. Equality, equity, and inclusion are not always easily defined, and can also be integrated into various environments in a community (i.e., education, employment, sports, etc.).
Equality: Assumes everyone has the same needs, or will benefit from receiving the same assistance or support, to achieve the same degree of success in reaching goals. Example: Giving everyone a pair of shoes.
Equity: Strives to identify the specific requirements/needs an individual may need to be successful. This would provide the tools necessary for success and growth specific to that individual. Example: Giving everyone a pair of shoes that fit the individual.
Inclusion: Provides equal access to opportunities and resources by removing the cause/barrier for individuals, providing for avenues to success. Inclusion strives to treat all individuals with fairness and respect, have equal access to opportunities/resources, and be able to fully contribute/participate. Example: When multiple people, regardless of their abilities, are all invited to be part of a bicycle club.
The following cartoon illustrates the concept of equality versus equity, in a simplified version. Sometimes pictures can explain ideas better than words.
In today’s world, community leaders are faced with situations encompassing these concepts. This may challenge them to examine their own perspectives to support the success and positive growth for those they lead, manage, mentor, or guide within our community.
In conclusion, as we all are leaders within our community, take a few moments to reflect on these three concepts above. What is your own outlook towards society’s structure? How does being fair fit into these scenarios?
