LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Leadership Development Pathway

 

In 2020 I applied and was successful in obtaining a place in the DUSA (Deakin University Student Association) Leadership Development Pathway. I was eager to participate in the program as it facilitates and supports student social learning through participation in a range of events and activities. It also helps students to discover and establish their leadership styles through tests such as the 16 Personalities Test and the Gallup Strengths Assessment.

 

In the 16 Personalities Test I was identified as a Sentinel Personality, more specifically a Consul ESFJ-T. This is “a person with the Extraverted, Observant, Feeling and Judging traits, who is people-focused and enjoys taking part in their social community”. These characteristics not only reflected what I already believed to be true about myself, but also provided information about my strengths and weaknesses as a leader. For example, one of my strengths is that I am good at connecting with others, but a weakness is that I can be vulnerable to criticism. Similarly, the Gallup Strengths Assessment identified my top 5 strengths, including "Discipline" and "Achiever". Discipline relates to enjoying “routine and structure”, and Achiever is a strength of those who “work hard and possess a great deal of stamina”.

 

The feedback from these tests aided me in becoming a better leader by allowing me to work to my strengths whilst working on my weaknesses. It also provided perspective when juggling my various leadership commitments, as discussed in this portfolio, alongside my employment and University studies. I felt fortunate to have enough understanding of my leadership style to apply for and successfully obtain a Students Helping Students (SHS) Award in 2021, which recognised my contributions to the Deakin community as a mentor.