As I
complete ILD 831, I find myself in deep reflection about what it means to be a
servant leader in a flattened world. How can I challenge myself to lead others
while enacting meaningful impactful change? I desire to live a life rooted in the
Ignatius principle of “cura personalis” or to care for the entire individual or person (2000 p.181).” In my
previous endeavors I have known there was always a critical construct within me
that was missing or going unfulfilled. Even as someone that has led divisions
of an organization, living quarters within an adult correction facility or providing counseling to juveniles and adults, I knew something essential was missing. What I learned through
this program and in particular this course was to be more receptive to
ideologies that were different than my own and how to utilize converging
technologies for the benefit of everyone and not solely those in my community. I am more cognizant that in order to be
successful as a leader I need to be conscious of the thinking process.
According to Wells (1998), “the notion of process gives direction and purpose
to thinking.” I must have a more heightened awareness to the possibilities when
engaging in the thinking process and
in the completion of tasks.
Most
importantly, this course has allowed me to understand that in order to live a
fulfilled life I must, seek opportunities that will allow me to adopt those Ignatius principles, in work, home and in my
everyday communication with others. To be open, receptive and when called to
act on behalf of fellow citizens in need, to be ready. Through this course I have
learned that the world is bigger than California, America, and even the western
hemisphere. I have been passionate about reform on every level for years but
have done little to really help others in need. Millions go without a proper
education. Millions more go without a suitable meal or a place to call home. Being
part of this relatively new flattened world through the creation of
technological advances like the internet has also allowed organizations like
the Red Cross, and RED to spread its message. Serving millions devastated by
natural disasters or to help protect against the spread of diseases like HIV
and AIDS. This graduate program and in
particular ILD 831 has taught me, that if we possess the resources, the will
and the might, we should help positively change the world. For those fortunate enough
to have read The World is Flat 3.0 and specifically, the Ten Forces that
Flattened the World, they will soon come to the realization that many of the
answers that have troubled our society is largely due to our reluctance to
accept the following; the key to understanding our worlds complexities and
those around us means stepping beyond the comforts of our front door step and
utilizing every resource available and doing something about it.
Duminuco, V.J. (2000). The Jesuit Ratio Studiorum: 400th Anniversary Perspectives. New York.
Fordham University Press.
Wells,
S. (1998). Choosing the Future: The power
of strategic thinking. Burlington: Elsevier.
Friedman, T.L. (2005). The world is flat 3.0: A
brief history of the twentieth century. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.