I am passionate about supporting others and feel that it is
my calling, which is why I am an Academic Advisor. Years ago when I decided how
I wanted to spend my life, I was trying to come up with a field of work. What I
ended up vowing to myself is being a person that is there for others, a bit of
sunshine in someone’s day. My study of leadership has become a natural
extension of this mission. Supportive leadership encompasses behaviors that
consider, accept and have concern for the needs and feelings of others (Yukl,
2013).
Upon further examination of the Yukl text supporting allows
a foundation in which to build a relationship. In the context of an
organizational setting, wouldn’t it be better to work with someone you enjoyed
instead of someone who made you feel uncomfortable? Supportive leadership not
only increases the self-confidence in others but also lends a hand in reducing
stress (Yukl, 2013). Kindness and
consideration also to reaching out to mentor or coach others can create an
atmosphere that bonds your relationship with loyalty, as well as cooperation
(Yukl, 2013).
Though I am not necessarily a manager, I am an academic
advisor that entails management aspects. Yukl (2013) provides guidelines for
supporting which include: showing acceptance and positive regard to others,
providing sympathy when someone is anxious or upset, bolstering self-esteem and
confidence, and demonstrating a willingness to help with personal problems. To
me, this is what it means to be a human being; though sometimes we forget why
supporting others is important.
As an advisor, I play a large role in the student life
cycle. I am assigned to a population of roughly four hundred fifty students
currently and work with them from admission through graduation. Through
knowledge sharing and supporting the aim is to help students avoid distress. I
remember how much I had to learn during training, so I am empathetic to how
tricky the details can be! I also know how much learning and education mean to
me and how emotionally driven the desire to succeed can cause intense emotions.
I always make sure to let my students know that I am their sounding board. I am
not here just for registrations or what to do next if you end up outside good
academic standing, but I am also available to brainstorm solutions for some
possible scenarios.
I understand that I am part of a selective group of
individuals that students interact with at the University. How I represent
myself may color the experience and perspective of that student. It would break
my heart if a student felt that their learning institution did not care about
their success and development. I do care, and I want it to show through my
actions. I advise for an online campus so imagine the barriers of trying to
develop a relationship when a computer screen divides you. I have students that
happen to be colleagues that sit one cubicle away from me to students on a
different continent. I care about each one just as if they were sitting in
front of me. If the time comes where we need to have difficult conversations
having a supportive relationship in place lessens the difficulty. The bottom
line is that if my students dread speaking with me, they are going to avoid me.
It would become impossible for me to help or support if I do not know what is
going on, which rings true to most relationships. Supportive leadership truly
promotes a healthy working relationship filled with best aspects of working
with other people.
Reference:
Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in organizations (8th ed.).
Boston: Pearson
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