Within the textbook we see the example linking strategic vision and strategic action and in there I saw myself and the potential of what I could be as a leader into the future. Particularly within the profile of the effect leader and how it melds characteristics of the dreamer into the effective leader. I’ve always considered myself as a dreamer in the sense that when I think of opportunities and ideas, I’ve definitely always approached things with blue sky thinking. However, in comparison to the description of “the dreamer” (Daft, 2018, p. 398), I’ve always been a highly organized, results driven person. With my seven years of experience in event planning, I worked in a world where I honed the skills of creative and artistic dreaming to create memorable experiences for people. While simultaneously operating within strict deadlines, budgets and client expectations. This melding of my experience jumped out of the textbook at me when reading the description of the effective leader and how I already have the base experience to grow into a leader that can learn to be even more vision oriented and strategic in my leadership.

The textbooks readings and this class have left me inspired. Inspired to walk into the future as a strong leader, to never shy away from the idea that I can be a leader. The old narrative of being tough and cold hearted was something I could never resonate with in leadership. But being kind, compassionate, caring and inclusive is something I can get behind and the readings reinforced that this actually may be the best way to lead into the future.