ORGL-502: Leadership and Imagination

Competencies Expected:

1. Contextual Understanding: Students should be able to describe, analyze, and evaluate various contexts, including art, film, drama, architecture, music, history, and other presented topics. This involves understanding the role of imagination in different cultural and disciplinary domains.

2. Understanding of Creative Process Dynamics: Students should demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics involved in the creative process. This includes recognizing patterns, techniques, and factors that contribute to imaginative thinking and innovation.

3. Application to Organizational Leadership: Students should be able to apply, analyze, and interpret the dynamics of the creative process in the context of organizational leadership. This involves understanding how imagination influences leadership styles, decision-making, and organizational culture. Students are expected to develop critical thinking skills, the ability to analyze and evaluate complex concepts, and the capacity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts, particularly in leadership settings.

Competencies Achieved:

1. Critical Analysis: The ability to critically analyze various topics, including architectural design, existentialism in film, and leadership principles, demonstrates a proficiency in evaluating complex concepts and extracting meaningful insights.

2. Interdisciplinary Thinking: Engaging with diverse subjects such as architectural design, existentialism, and leadership history requires an interdisciplinary approach, showcasing the ability to synthesize knowledge from different fields.

3. Application of Insights: Demonstrating the ability to apply insights from personal experiences and academic studies to broader societal questions and organizational contexts highlights a capacity for practical application and problem-solving.

4. Reflection and Introspection: Engaging in reflective practices and introspection, as evident in the exploration of personal experiences and philosophical concepts, fosters self-awareness and enhances critical thinking skills.

5. Strategic Thinking: Considering the long-term implications of various decisions and societal trends demonstrates strategic thinking abilities, crucial for navigating complex challenges and planning for the future.

Competencies Applied:

Architectural Design on Community Building: I have developed a deep understanding of the significance of community and architectural design through my personal experiences and reflections. I gained insights into the differences between American communities and those in Europe, particularly in terms of lifestyle, architecture, and communal interactions. I critically analyzed the impact of cultural norms, such as commuting habits and housing preferences, on the sense of community in American society. I raised thought-provoking questions about the implications of these cultural trends on individuals, families, and future generations. Overall, I have demonstrated the ability to apply insights from my personal experiences to broader societal questions, highlighting the importance of preserving and fostering community connections and open spaces as a unique gift for future generations in defining America's identity.

Existentialism in Film: In the course, I've achieved a comprehensive understanding of existentialism, recognizing it as a philosophy emphasizing individual freedom and responsibility. Through analysis of "God on Trial," I've applied this understanding to examine how individuals exercise their free will in response to adversity. Additionally, I've grasped the role of imagination in meaning creation, acknowledging its significance in decision-making and shaping one's life. This insight has been crucial in interpreting characters' responses in the film. Furthermore, I've extended my understanding to consider the implications of existentialism and hardiness for organizations, recognizing the pivotal role of personal responsibility in shaping organizational culture and well-being

Leadership & History: Intentionality in Every Day Life: I engaged in critical analysis by extracting pertinent passages from the Benedictine Rule and Jon Kabat-Zinn's book, applying them to real-life scenarios. I demonstrate an understanding of how these texts relate to organizational leadership, particularly in the concept of common ownership fostering community values. Even seemingly unrelated passages offer insights into leadership approaches. Reflecting on personal experiences and Kabat-Zinn's insights, I contemplate life decisions and relationships, translating personal growth into organizational contexts. Strategic thinking emerges as I weigh the implications of life changes for both personal and organizational life, fostering introspection and long-term planning skills.

Key Words:

Contextual Understanding; Creative Process Dynamics; Organizational Leadership; Critical Analysis; Interdisciplinary Thinking; Application of Insights; Reflection; Introspection; Strategic Thinking; Architectural Design; Existentialism; Film Analysis; Leadership; History; Intentionality; Benedictine Rule; Jon Kabat-Zinn; Community Building; Imagination; Decision-making