Seminar 1 - icebreaker & Lego bridge activity

This was our first seminar session; it was creative, enjoyable and allowed for all of us students to learn about each other.

The module centres around leadership and how to build that within us. We learnt that there are 4 fundamental leadership skills (Centre for Creative Leadership, 2017): self-awareness, communication, influence and learning agility. These are skills that can definitely be worked on throughout life, and it felt like this module would be helping us get to a good point with developing these traits. Looking at the ‘fundamental 4’, I believe I am at a good level with all of them. I recognise my weaknesses and strengths, but my issue is not always having the willpower to learn new things that could remedy my shortcomings.

We did a group task involving Lego and the goal was to build a bridge that embodied each leader’s vision. Max had asked the class for those who volunteer themselves as leaders; I volunteered as I felt like I had to prove to myself that I can lead as I have always seen myself having the inherent traits to do so. My vision was to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion – supporting the downtrodden people in society. The bridge was called ‘The Bridge of Dreams’ and making it as colourful, diverse and interesting as possible. Reflecting on that task, I think I led my team well, with charisma and motivating them often. My downfall was when I had to pass over leadership to another member, when I became a builder. I often find myself giving ideas and offering new ways of thinking – rather than being a follower.