Leadership course taught by Professor Raymond has been one of my favorite course taken at Baruch and is a great way to finish my Bachelor’s education. My initial opinion of a Leadership course was in the frame of “What can this course teach me about leadership that I don’t know already” I thought that I have already established my character and pretty much know my strengths and weaknesses, as well as have a decent understanding of leadership qualities. Yet! This course has opened my eyes in many ways.
First of all it were the Leadership assessments, all of which I kept and plan on reusing in the future for personal reevaluation and self-check. I especially enjoyed the ones where we had to get other people’s opinions of ourself – a great way to level with yourself and see where you are.
Second, it were the discussions fostered by Professor Raymond. A simple question could turn into a flourishing discussion, drifting in many different directions and opening subjects and issues that I personally would have never dug up. The “tenis ball” story will certainly retain in my memory. 🙂
Third, it was a book by Warren Benis – by far one of the biggest highlights for me in this leadership course. Benis’ incredible chapters were flooded with wisdom, leadership knowledge, tips and examples. This is one of those books that will stay with me and be reread numerous times.
Now, as far as my reflection about the project conducted together with Juan and Jonathan I have the following to say, “One head is great, but 3 is better.” Initially I started this project on my own and completed the first 2 milestones by myself. It was going well, but there was something missing, perhaps a spark of something new. When Juan joined me, his expertise in financial analysis inspired me, and the project picked up its speed and more importantly, my interest in it. In Juan’s skills, analytical thinking and realistic approach, offered by some changes and my projections could easily land a position of the COO in my company. When Jonathan joined us there was even more excitement added to The Lazy Place. There is a LOT of Jonathan and it is an extremely valuable skill on the client-facing side of the company. It was an ideal decision on my behalf, with of course Jonathan’s suggestion to have him take the Marketing side of the company, and our Marketing blossomed!. Blossomed in a big way. Jonathan had may creative ideas, some of which needed refinement and that’s were Juan and I came in.
Overall it was a great team to work with and an easy team to present the scope of our company.
Professor Raymond,
On a personal note, I’d like to thank you for this course and wish you all the best! I will keep in touch with you in future, letting you know of my progress and achievements.
