Reflection Journal
LEARNING JOURNAL
The Beginning of My LTB Journey
Leadership and Team-Building (LTB) is one of the most interesting and unique modules I have taken since entering into Singapore Management University. Its differentiating factor lies in its main focus on students’ personal development, while inculcating a heart of service through a community service orientated project. Although the concepts of good leadership are relatively easy to grasp and seniors comment that “LTB is merely putting theory to common-sensical materials and is a waste of time”, it is the implementation and incorporation of these qualities in our lives that prove to be much more of a challenge than I had previously expected.
My Community Service Project (CSP) – to acknowledge the existence of non-local students and help them blend into our community – is an opportunity to shift away from the stereotyped definition of ‘community service’ (i.e. helping less fortunate communities) and paint a new light to it as well as to remind students not to neglect the true essence of giving, sharing and caring in the midst of the paper chase. This CSP has become a training ground for me to hone and sharpen newly-acquired theories and soft skills in a real life context and to grow in them as an individual and as Team Soin’s leader. Besides, working as a Team Lead (‘Lead’) in Madagascar: A Crate Adventure at Universal Studios Singapore, I have to learn to solve conflicts and negotiate break timings among my colleagues. Despite heavy emphasis placed on these skills by corporations, I was not equipped with them until I undertake LTB.
The Leadership Theory Paradigm
With a globally competitive market, the older management paradigm has shifted to a new leadership paradigm. Previously, autocratic managers made all decisions and gave employees little freedom. However, recently, for competitive edge over competitors, organizations cannot depend solely on the company’s manager to make decisions and plan
The Beginning of My LTB Journey
Leadership and Team-Building (LTB) is one of the most interesting and unique modules I have taken since entering into Singapore Management University. Its differentiating factor lies in its main focus on students’ personal development, while inculcating a heart of service through a community service orientated project. Although the concepts of good leadership are relatively easy to grasp and seniors comment that “LTB is merely putting theory to common-sensical materials and is a waste of time”, it is the implementation and incorporation of these qualities in our lives that prove to be much more of a challenge than I had previously expected.
My Community Service Project (CSP) – to acknowledge the existence of non-local students and help them blend into our community – is an opportunity to shift away from the stereotyped definition of ‘community service’ (i.e. helping less fortunate communities) and paint a new light to it as well as to remind students not to neglect the true essence of giving, sharing and caring in the midst of the paper chase. This CSP has become a training ground for me to hone and sharpen newly-acquired theories and soft skills in a real life context and to grow in them as an individual and as Team Soin’s leader. Besides, working as a Team Lead (‘Lead’) in Madagascar: A Crate Adventure at Universal Studios Singapore, I have to learn to solve conflicts and negotiate break timings among my colleagues. Despite heavy emphasis placed on these skills by corporations, I was not equipped with them until I undertake LTB.
The Leadership Theory Paradigm
With a globally competitive market, the older management paradigm has shifted to a new leadership paradigm. Previously, autocratic managers made all decisions and gave employees little freedom. However, recently, for competitive edge over competitors, organizations cannot depend solely on the company’s manager to make decisions and plan