Capstone Sa

What?

 

This social change value recognizes the differences in views between people and reiterates the importance of dealing with such differences in civilized fashion. Controversy with Civility deals exactly with the idea of respecting other’s points of view by fostering the creation of an open, free of judgements environment in which people can agree to disagree. Controversy with civility ensures that leaders and followers are able to disagree but still focus on a common purpose or end goal which is really the fundamental ideal behind change.

 

Controversy with civility has been a recurring topic throughout my experience as part of this minor as well as during my time at Virginia Tech. As part of courses I took for this minor such as Minority Group Relations or Introduction to African American Studies, a great deal of debate and, consequently, disagreement occurred and as a leader and professional I learned how to acknowledge other’s opinions and views while explaining my own and maintaining the mutual respect.

 

So What?

 

One very important trait of leaders is the ability to be flexible. Leaders must be comfortable in their own skin not only in situations in which they are confident but also when their ideas are challenged. Thus, controversy with civility is very important in any leadership process as it reminds the leader of the importance of being fair, responsible, and respectful towards others as well as it sets the tone for such leaders to expect that same treatment.

 

Controversy with civility is also important to leadership because it fosters communication once it forces people to listen to each other and to discuss opposite ideas. Moreover, this social change value incentivizes people to come up with creative, win-win solutions since they may not agree in a variety of issues. The atmosphere of civility certainly promotes collaboration and maintains the focus on the common purpose of leadership processes all of which reiterate the significance of this group value.

 

Now What?

 

As part of this minor and through many other college experiences I have learned to coexist with different in very unique ways. Controversy with civility is one of the social change values I value the most because it reminds me that in difference there might be lessons I have not yet learned. This group value will help me maintaining an open mind in the future towards differences not only between people and ideas, but also between different cultures, customs, and ways of life, for example.

 

Controversy with civility is one of my main take home messages from my studies as part of this minor and I will set forth effort to continue to remain open to the uniqueness of life in society in very civil ways as I, as a leader, would expect to be treated by others.