Contributions, 5304

---

Organizational Change Course

• Fall 2022
• Course Number: EDLD 5304
• Course Title: Leading Organizational Change Course

---

---

Key Contribution

I met all activity deadlines and requirements throughout the semester by their posted deadline. Each semester I work to review and revise my previous work. As I gain a greater understanding of the task (this learning approach), I can evaluate and determine if my past work is meeting those outcomes and objectives. This semester (and more specifically, this course) enabled me to expand those past assignments beyond my wildest dreams. I am more equipped to carry my innovation plan forward through the Crucial Conversations content. I will be able to thoroughly assess my motives for myself and those with whom I need to engage in productive dialog. The gained confidence through thoughtfully planning the Influencer Strategy and the 4 Disciplines of Execution will help me be a self-differentiated leader that will provide the calm resolve to stay the course, despite the year-round advising whirlwind.

What worked

In addition to completing all course readings, videos, and supporting research, I thoroughly explored and welcomed every technique and piece of advice offered by the content presented. The subject matter could not be more desperately appropriate to my situation. While the reading load was heavy, the content was so interesting I found it easy to review it multiple times in multiple formats. I discovered last semester that incorporating audible along with the book while outlining and note taking while taking various times through the content helps me uncover the depth of the content. That proved especially true this semester as the authors were presenting essential “how to” guides for influencing behavior change, executing the plans, and holding difficult and uncomfortable conversations in the midst of it all. I continue to embrace the learner’s mindset and am grateful for the authentic learning opportunity my innovation project has become.

What could be better

I am still guarded about some of the work I am doing in the program. Maintaining my professional voice while balancing act between vulnerability and authority is a reoccurring struggle. The content on self-differentiated leadership initially felt cold and distant, but I realize there is a strength that comes with the confidence of effective dialog to create solid plans.

---

Supporting Contributions

What could be better

Unfortunately, the discussion boards and posts still feel too checklist/regurgitation model. Everything else about the program is so very authentic, but something still lacks from the formal “class discussions.” Other people may feel like they are having valuable in-depth conversations about the content of the different modules but have been lacking in this area throughout most of the program. Additionally, there is so much benefit from regular virtual synchronous meetings. Our collective does a great job of filling in the space daily so that the entire cohort has become a learning community. I don’t know if others have small groups they meet with regularly, but most of us rely upon the collective we have formed. I have always left our collaborations feeling like I have a better understanding of the content, an assignment, or just better in general for helping to provide clarity to someone else.

What worked

The ADL Cohort Collective group chat is the most supportive and beneficial part of the program for me. Each semester we add members to the group, and people are at all different levels, but we have found support through one another. I continued my responsibilities within the group and generally tried to maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for others to participate.

Early in the semester, I created a course calendar using the template of Dr. Grogan’s EDLD 5313 calendar. The calendar helped me keep up with assigned readings, assignment due dates, and other important deadlines. I shared this via google docs for the collective.

I continue to enjoy the role of facilitator. I am excited to embrace this personal strength and passion as I move into holding crucial conversations with my team in my new leadership role.