1. HDF 190: FIRST YEAR LEADERS INSPIRED TO EXCELLENCE LEADERSHIP PORTFOLIO Samantha gifford SPRING 2012 slgifford@my.uri.edu

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS Strengths SLIDE #3 Opening Statement SLIDE #4 Section 1: Self Leadership SLIDE #5 Section 2: Leadership Theories SLIDE #6 Section 3: Inclusive Leadership SLIDE #7 Section 4: Critical Thinking SLIDE #8 Section 5: Interpersonal/Organizational Leadership SLIDE #9 TABLE OF CONTENTS Strengths SLIDE #3 Opening Statement SLIDE #4 Section 1: Self Leadership SLIDE #5 Section 2: Leadership Theories SLIDE #6 Section 3: Inclusive Leadership SLIDE #7 Section 4: Critical Thinking SLIDE #8 Section 5: Interpersonal/Organizational Leadership SLIDE #9

3. Signature Strengths Achiever Adaptability Includer Restorative Positivity Values in Action Strengths Citizenship, Teamwork and Loyalty Capacity to Love and be Loved Honesty, Authenticity and Genuineness Perspective (Wisdom) Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence M

4. OPENING STATEMENT I have learned what it means to be a leader. A leader is not always someone who is in the spotlight. To be a good leader you must know your own strengths and put them into action. After learning my strengths I realized things I was already doing to be a leader and found so many more ways to lead in doing what I love. It is not just about what you lead, it is about how you lead.

5. SECTION 1 Self Leadership Student will demonstrate the ability to manage stress Target Class: HDF 190 Additional Experiences: URI 101, Athletics The way I manage stress is being active and staying organized. Being at college I find that it is very easy to be stressed. If I am ever feeling overwhelmed or stressed I simply go for a run and feel so much better. Now that I am playing on the lacrosse team here I have that stress relief to look forward to everyday and know that it will make me feel better. I also stay organized by writing in my planner and making post-its. If I do this, then I know what to study when and what is due through out the week and don’t get caught off guard because there was something I did not know about. Being organized is a way to prevent stress from happening, but there are always ways to become stressed. In stressful situations being active is the most soothing thing to me.

6. SECTION 2 Leadership Theory and Models Student will show knowledge of the “Servant Leadership” theory of leadership by Greenleaf Target Class: HDF 190 Additional Experiences: Servant Leadership Speech Servant Leadership is putting others before yourself. In helping others, you are really helping yourself in the long run. It all begins with a feeling of wanting to serve others. Robert Greenleaf came up with this idea and there are 10 characteristics that can be both taught and learned. They are; listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people and building community. I showed knowledge of this theory during my speech.

7. SECTION 3 Inclusive Leadership / Diversity and its application to leadership Student will create a personal code of inclusive leadership Target Class: HDF 190 Additional Experiences: High School Girl’s Lacrosse Captain One of my top strengths is includer. Being a captain it is important to make everyone feel included without feeling judged. When I started playing lacrosse my freshman year, I really looked up to the captains for advise. I did not have as much knowledge of the game as they did so when I had the opportunity to be captain I really wanted to help out those not as familiar with the game. I worked with my teammates with stick skills and shooting as well as worked with the team to really “work as a team”. That was the only way we would be successful is if we included everyone and worked as one. It really paid off because we ended up winning most of our games and it was the first time in our team’s history that we had one that many games in a season. It was a proud moment and I felt as if I had made a difference.

8. SECTION 4 Critical Thinking Student will demonstrate knowledge of leadership that is used in crisis Target Class: HDF 190 Additional Experiences: Strengths Quest, Life Knowing how and when to use leadership in crisis is an important aspect. My two top strengths are achiever and adaptability. One might not think it is strange that theses are my top two because they seem contradicting. I am an achiever because I want to be successful and get things done and am ‘go go go.’ On the other had however, I am adaptable to change and take things as they come. If something comes up like a crisis, I don’t give up. I can adapt and still get done what I originally wanted to get done. I believe having both of these strengths are critical to me succeeding in leading during a crisis.

9. SECTION 5 Interpersonal and Organizational Concepts and Skills Student will show knowledge of techniques regarding giving and accepting of feedback Target Class: HDF190 Additional Experiences: URI 101, Athletics, Life I have learned that when receiving feedback from anyone, it is important to be open and accepting to what they have to say. They are there not to put you down but you help you improve. You must listen and be respectful, then when the time is right, you can be engaged and ask for clarification or advice. When it comes to giving feedback, the same idea applies. People tend to be able to give advice better than they can take it. To give effective and positive feedback you must be supportive yet direct. No wishy-washy statements, be clear and concise in an encouraging way. Be respectful and considerate, not meant to insult or demean. Also be specific on what you are talking about and giving advice is always helpful.