Hi there! After a long 15-hour flight we safely arrived in Delhi! A highlight of my flight was that I was given a free 1.5-liter bottle of water from a flight attendant. Since we cannot drink tap water this was very generous and helpful. After landing we had a quick night to recharge at a YWCA hotel. In the morning, I was excited to see two monkeys in the trees while eating breakfast! Then we were off to Mussoorie in a van, it took us around 9 hours to make it to the Hanifl Centre. To not stress out my mom, I will not go into the details of the dangerous road and traffic conditions on the drive to the Hanifl Centre. I am feeling relieved that we have arrived at the Hanifl Centre and for a little bit, our long travels days are done. On our drive, I really enjoyed the opportunity to see the city of New Delhi and farms in smaller cities the further we drove. It was nice to see the different snack options and a restaurant menu to get a taste of India. Throughout my journey to the Hanifl Centre, I have been reflecting on leadership and I have a few questions to reflect on.  

What cultural norm(s) of the host country do you anticipate being a challenge to learning about leadership?  Why? 

One cultural norm in India that may be a challenge to learning leadership is communication. In India, a high context belief communication style is used. This type of communication involves non-verbal behavior and a sense of code while speaking, things are not always clearly communicated. In the United States we use a low context belief communication style. This communication style is extremely explicit and clear. This difference of cultural norm creates an obstacle to learning about leadership as it is likely we will be taught leadership communication in more of a high context belief communication style. 

Are leaders born or made?  Why?   

I believe that leaders are made. Leadership is a skill learned through past experiences or situations. Important factors to leadership include judgement, self-awareness, decision-making, and good behavior. These factors are all concepts that can easily be taught and make a great leader. Some may have the natural confidence to lead but the bulk of what makes a leader are teachable topics. 

What do you think is the hardest part about being a good leader? 

 I think the hardest part about being a good leader is not letting the emotions get the best of you while remaining strong and professional for your team.  When things do not go as planned it can be easy to get frustrated. As a leader, you must remain professional and competent in order to complete whatever task is at hand. You also must not let your emotions take over because leaders must respect their group members and taking out your anger on them is not respecting them. There are many challenges that come with leading a group, in my opinion not letting the emotions get the best of you is the hardest part. Remaining calm when things go wrong make a good leader.  

Until next time!