Project Based Leadership

Its time for an update. The last time that I posted an update on this project, (of helping to promote lifelong physical activity by providing more opportunities for physical activity at Onoway High School), I summarized what I was able to accomplish for the badminton season. Since that time I have had the opportunity to participate in the first two Leadership Seminars organized by Sifu T. Playter.

The first seminar was presented by Master Brinker, on the topic of public speaking. The parts that I found most helpful for my project related to the concept of recognizing that you have to convey your passion and knowledge and inspire others to participate or buy in to what you are trying to do. Previously, I had not considered this as an important ingredient in succeeding. However, I now see that part of the reason for some of the obstacles that I experienced when organizing the badminton activities was that no-one really new what was motivating me to provide these opportunities. The teachers at the Onoway High school may have assumed that I was merely excited about the wonderful sport of badminton. Even if that was all that was motivating me, they had not been given the opportunity to be inspired or to buy in to what I was hoping to contribute to the community. So looking forward to the remainder of the year with the track season, and to the new school year, I see that I need to address this and have some sort of presentation and acquire some sort of audience so that I have a bit of backing when I offer up more little opportunities.

The second seminar, presented by Sifu T. Playter, was on the topic of research. It had already been stated that to succeed, we must really know our topic; what the issues and objections are and what the arguements are for and against whatever you are passionate about. Additionally, it is important to know what has been done previously, what support is out there and so on. I found the latter to be what surprised me. When I first embarked on the project of providing more opportunities for physical activity, I had no idea that others in other communities may also had the same concerns and reactions as myself. My project is unique in that I am drawing on my personal experience and resources in the badminton, volleyball, kung fu, and running to provide the opportunities. I have not started my research yet, but already I am newly aware that there are community leaders in B.C. (Silken Lauman focusing on playgrounds) and Ontario (a group providing running buddy/mentorship opportunities to youth) that are concerned with the same things that I am and are also endeavoring to do something about it in their own communities. Dialogue with these groups will surely be helpful.

The Leadership seminars are proving to be a huge boost and guide to the momentum of my own Project Based Leadership. I feel more confident about what I have accomplished so far, and not so bad about the obstacles I have encountered because I have a better idea of why and how I can adjust as I move forward. I feel that the Leadership Project is a wonderful growing experience for me as I learn of rewarding and meaningful ways to act on my beliefs, thoughts, concerns and passions.

Looking forward into the immediate future - I will be helping the track coach. I had approached him a few months ago and found that while he sincerely agreed with the fact that the students lack physical conditioning and the girls are in particularly bad shape, he also seemed to view the situation as hopeless. He has, in the past tried things himself, and it seems that he has lost his passion due to the long term poor response to his endeavors. I've decided that the best thing to do is simply to get involved ( help with the practices, if there are any, and with the track meets, both of them) and see what opportunities present themselves. In the meantime, there are the assignments for the leadership seminars (research my topic, and prepare a presentation) and all the helpful ideas provided by the seminar leaders.