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Alumni Perspectives on Evolving Leadership Style

by Paul Obidinski, J.D.

Regardless of industry or precise career path, leadership styles may evolve as more knowledge is gained! We recently asked some MPS Program Alumni a series of questions on how their leadership styles have changed since graduating from the MPS Program. Here are some of our Alumni Perspectives:

Do you feel as if your own leadership style has changed since you were a student in the MPS program and, if so, how?

Joy Moon
Mark Sandy, Class of 2019
“My own leadership style has changed since being a student in the MPS program. Before enrolling in the program, I did not think of myself as being in a leadership role of any sort; as a junior member of a headquarters staff in the Air Force, I am one of the lowest ranking members of the staff and did not hold a direct leadership role. Through the MPS program, I learned that you do not need to be in a direct leadership role to lead. Someone can be a leader no matter what formal position they hold, and even through being a good, effective follower, you can influence how leadership takes place within your organization.”
Karen Stough
Karen Stough, Class of 2019

“Absolutely. I am more aware of others’ perception of me and how I need to be consistently aware of that perception. I am aware of my strengths and weaknesses and work diligently to be the best leader I can be. The MPS program offered many resources which I still use today.”

Dawn Baksh
Dawn Baksh, Class of 2018
“When I reflect on my individual leadership I do not think it has changed much in style but has grown exponentially. I have always been an adaptable person and, therefore, an adaptable leader. Now knowing so many different styles of leadership, I am better able to transition between the different styles of leadership to fit what is needed for the situation. I do not believe there is a one style or kind of leader. That doesn’t promote growth or development for a person.

I have always been a leader at my company but, honestly, was lacking some of the confidence to really step up and do more. During my time in the program, I was using what I learned in real time to navigate changes at my work place and I think that gave me more confidence in stepping up and taking on the leadership role more prominently. I built up the confidence and found that all this time I really did know a lot about leadership but now I was building the right kind of confidence to showcase it.

I love helping people, it is a passion. I also love watching others around me grow and improve their roles – so that made it really satisfying to see myself become an example to look to and a mentor for others. One of most rewarding outcomes has been showing others how much of a leader they are too and how well we all work when we work together. In short, my leadership style hasn’t changed but how I present it to others has.”

If you have any questions for our Alumni on their perspectives, please feel free to contact Paul Obidinski, Professor of Practice, at peo104@psu.edu and we will reach out to our alumni to have any follow-up questions addressed.