Now that we’re at the end of our challenge, we will go over some suggestions for practice. But first, I want to take a moment to tie the loop and talk about Emotionally Intelligent Leadership (EIL). This leadership development model combines two bodies of literature: emotional intelligence and leadership. 

At the most basic levels: Emotional intelligenceis about recognizing and regulating emotions in ourselves and others.Leadershipis about influencing others to engage in a purpose or cause. EIL consists of focusing on self, others, and context— using these facets helped create the Online Leadership Challenge topics; self-awareness & reflection, social identities, leader identity, values, groups & teams, partnerships, and social change. The following suggestions for practice will touch on all the topics we went over together throughout the challenge: 

For Challenge Day 7 we are going to focus on what happens when we combine the values, skills, and efforts that we all hold. This challenge made it a point to highlight an inclusive approach to leadership, rather than solely a positional one. The reason being to bust common misconceptions as it relates to leadership, while enriching the development of leadership qualities in all aspects that it appears— especially within your collegiate journey. 

As we previously touched on earlier in the challenge, leadership work is done within groups of people with a common goal and a shared vision. And the process of leadership is typically in response to the needs of our community. Social responsibility and positive change for the betterment of others, the community, and society is at the core of the social change concept and essential when becoming a change agent in your community.

According to the Social Change Model of Leadership Development: 

• Leadership is concerned with effecting change on behalf of others and society

• Leadership is collaborative

• Leadership is a process rather than a position

• Leadership is values-based

• All students (not just those in formal positions) are potential leaders

• Community service is a powerful vehicle for developing leadership skills

Day 7 Challenge Questions:

What is your reaction to these ideas? How does this differ from the ways leaders and those learning how to become better leaders (the process of leadership learning) are portrayed on the news? 

BONUS Question:

In what other ways does (or can) this model show up in the current state our society is facing? What are your roles and responsibilities in the UMBC community as it relates to the Social Change Model?