Applying the 3H's to Leadership

FOUNDATIONS - ADULT EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: How Learning Happened

H = HEAD / KNOWLEDGE

During the course, there was a lot of information that was presented; the following are some of the head knowledge that caught my eye:

We all at one point or the other have power and privileges; it’s how we use them that determine the kind of leader we are. Many times as leaders we use the power and privileges we have to cause harm and oppress those under us or those who are less privileged. As leaders we need to constantly be conscious of the power and privileges we have and use them to the advantage of those we lead to bring change

Intersectionality was another topic that touched my head because I heard it for the first time. Here it teaches you to see yourself as you see the world. Intersectionality is the idea that multiple identities intersect to create a whole that is different from the component identities - e.g. race, gender, social class, age, ethnicity, mental ability, physical ability etc. - here every element or trait of a person is interlinked with another element to create a whole. In an oppression system - e.g. racism, classism, sexism, etc. - the discrimination does not work on its own, but they interrelate creating a system of oppression that reflects the "intersection" of multiple forms of discrimination.

H = HEART / FEELINGS

Our personal is political. Leadership starts from my being aware of who I am. As a leader, I should be careful not to dominate because I am not the only carrier of knowledge. I should give others a chance to lead under my watch and guide them along the way. Always know that whatever are saying or feeling there is always a 90% possibility that there is more underneath, just like the 'iceberg theory'.

H = HANDS / FEET / SKILL

Active listening is a skill that enables one to be attentive to what the speaker is saying and not just hearing. In active listening one uses all their senses to engage with the speaker. You as the listener need to be seen to be listening otherwise it might be concluded that you are not being attentive. E.g. use of different facial and hand gestures, using your voice to respond, asking questions for clarification, body language, eye contact. Active listening needs patience to enable the speaker collect their thoughts as they go along.

The River of Life exercise depicts change and enables one to look back on their life and appreciate what has made them who they are today. Look at your life from childhood to date, noting the highlights of every stage: Who guided you? Who were your role models? What situation(s) changed your life for better or worse at that point? The River of Life also enables you to look to the future and what your hopes and expectations are.