Sonika SharmaLet’s start the conversation. Please watch the video and share your thoughts:
Two Canadas My story of generosity and systemic racism Honourable Ahmed Hussen TEDxToronto Final
a) In reference to Hon. Minister Hussen’s presentation about the qualities of a leader, in your view what makes a good leader? Kindly share examples.
b) Have you taken any concrete steps to challenge systemic barriers in your community?
If yes, what are these? share with your peers on the Portal.
If no, why not? What has kept you only at observance level?
We’ll be back with another post next week for ‘Wednesday Wisdom’! Till then, let’s discuss this post in the comments.
Reminder: To complete the session reflection from the Day 3 in your CLP notebook. Thank you.
In reference to Hon. Minister Hussen’s presentation about the qualities of a leader, I think when equal opportunities are shared, one’s personality & traits are visible. Leaders are made with time & when we accept a situation, we acknowledge. This is the first step towards improvement and bringing a change in the community – country.
I was seen by some of the organizations of being too new in Canada to take a job having high responsibility and dealing directly with the community. I worked hard on my competencies proving that I can and stand better than many competing candidates. TPS gave me an opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with other PEOs. I worked hard and passed all the tests. My coach officer speaks well about my dedication to duties and hard work.
Hi Mandeep, thank you for sharing your thoughts on leadership.You have identifies some key attributes of a leader, such as; someone who is capable to assess and set priorities, take responsibility of their actions, be driven by the right motivations and make a positive impact on people around them. But, is it enough for the leader to be a motivator to lead other?
What makes a good leader?
A good leader in my opinion, is someone that acknowledges every member of the community and works for the good of the community leading by example. A good leader recognizes own flaws and encourages equal participation of all members of the community.
A good example to share is a project that I had last year. Members of my school community were concern with the amount of litter left behind at our neighborhood park. We decided to take care of something that was important to us by organizing a spring cleaning of our park. We talked to our City Councillor to increase the number of garbage cans around the park and to have visible signs with the fines for littering. We were very proud to have accomplished a project to better our neighborhood.
Awesome! That was indeed a very good example set by the residents in the school neighbourhood. Such initiatives at the grass root level makes a community socially active and the residents enjoy a strong sense of belonging and empowerment.
Could you identify any particular reason for the cohesiveness in your neighbourhood?
I think that Ahmed Hussen’s comment that great leaders are vulnerable. This is important, as it makes you more human. Being vulnerable also allows you to invoke change and truly spark and ignite important questions and discussions. Also, a leader needs to realize that they are not perfect. Recognizing that you have made mistakes and are willing to change is an important part of being a leader.
One way that I have challenged systemic barriers in my community, is by working with marginalized youth at a detention centre in Peel District School Board. A number of teachers do not want to work with these young men, as they are seen as “dangerous” and “high risk”. By challenging them and providing them with meaningful learning opportunities, I have seen my students grow profoundly and try to change their lives upon release. My teaching experience with these young men have changed my outlook on life and education in general. It has also allowed me to become an advocate for these young people.
Tania, your thought process and dedication towards vulnerable youth is commendable.
Leadership is a quality that shines through one’s actions. To introspect on our skillset is the key because skills can be acquired.