Academy Lecture Reflection #3

Samantha Fox 11/05/14

Academy lecture reflection #3

One of the questions that we are supposed answer is how Dr. Colleen Coffey’s lecture impacted our understanding of leadership. At first, this seemed like a total irrelevant question for the topic she spoke about. After really thinking about it, I discovered that maybe the point of her lecture wasn’t just to inform us about mental illnesses, but to show us that if she could accept who she is, then those who have similar problems can do so as well. I think that this is a form of leadership because not only did she choose to accept who she is and what her problems are, but she chose to use that for the greater good and talk to other people, who may have the same problems, about it. She took a stand, and I cannot even imagine being diagnosed with a mental disease and then being open about it. I would be the type of person to completely shut down and not want anyone to know about it. Dr. Coffey really inspired me to not care what others think, and I think I will really be able to use that in the future as a leader.

I also learned from her lecture that everybody needs somebody to rely on.

For me that has always been my mom. I know that no matter what happens, good or bad, she will always be there for me. Dr. Coffey really stressed in her lecture that it’s very important to really have that person, especially if you are dealing with a mental disease or illness. I think this really plays into personal values and ethical leadership because if you were a friend, or even a mentor, to someone who is struggling with one of these diseases they would really need you to help get them through it. Lastly, what I hope to take from her lecture is the security she found in herself. Through all of her struggles, she found a way to be happy and live her life.

She also chose to speak publicly about it. I want to be a leader that is very open- minded and not so judgmental. I also want to be able to recognize and accept my flaws and use them for something good. I believe that this is a form of servant leadership and I think that is a quality every leader should possess.