Personal Development Plan
"Service defines Dulf's entire being. He works hard to make sure his community is a valuable place to live, and he encourages others to do the same...Dulf is generous, hard-working, dependable, and leads with his heart and soul."
- Jessica Maag, SPEAK Des Plaines Community Engagement Coordinator
My Definition of Leadership
I personally define leadership as the ability to influence a group and collaborate towards a shared goal that nurtures personal growth and a sense of service among its members. While it's essential for a leader to understand delegation and establishing authority within a group, it's equally crucial to master the art of serving, connecting, and fulfilling the group's needs to create a thriving and productive environment.
In my perspective, having the will to do something is more remarkable than having the skill. As a leader, I may possess and nurture qualities such as effective communication, organization, wisdom, and energy. However, I've come to recognize that empathy is perhaps the most significant trait a leader, or anyone for that matter, can possess. I've also discovered that gaining a deep understanding of my own thoughts, emotions, and feelings enhances my ability to understand others. In many ways, we all feel the same. This idea makes it easier and more human, at least for me, to form genuine connections, foster relationships, and foster supportive environments.
Therefore, when I practice leadership, my primary focus lies in understanding the individuals I work with, seeking ways to serve their needs, understanding their aspirations and objectives, and channeling their ambitions towards a shared goal. This approach fosters a more meaningful and impactful collaborative effort within the team.
Click on each image to display Competencies
Self-Management
Why did you choose this competency?
I chose to develop this competency throughout the Illinois Leadership Certificate experience because I struggle with finding motivation at times, especially when embarking on new passion projects. I believe that, after achieving various goals in the past year, I might have become complacent. Thus, I am committed to reigniting and intensifying the drive within me.
How will you work on developing this competency?
I will work on this competency by focusing on rebalancing my personal pursuits and external ambitions through effective self-discipline. To achieve this, I will:
Rework my list of monthly priorities and goals by the end of each week.
Dedicate one hour each night, starting today, to reflect, plan, and set goals for the following day. This practice will ensure a structured and productive schedule.
What practical skills or knowledge do you hope to gain by further developing this competency?
I plan to develop this competency by enhancing my ability to maintain a healthy balance between personal and professional aspirations. This will involve strengthening my self-discipline, time management, and goal-setting skills. Ultimately, I aim to become more proactive, ensuring I can continue pursuing and achieving my passions while maintaining focus and motivation.
Relationship Management
Why did you choose this competency?
I chose to develop this competency throughout the Illinois Leadership Certificate experience because I have found it challenging to commit to a specific group where my contributions could have a more substantial impact. I often navigate between different groups and roles, but I sometimes struggle to determine which group I should devote more time and effort to. This has led me to question whether my adaptability and open-mindedness are beneficial, or if I should soon focus on a more defined path.
How will you work on developing this competency?
I will work on this competency by:
Narrowing my focus on two Student Organizations by the end of this month and initiating discussions with two key leaders to explore opportunities for increased involvement.
Prioritizing relationship-building with at most three distinct friend groups by the end of this year. I will emphasize mutual growth and support through collaborative volunteering and extracurricular initiatives.
What practical skills or knowledge do you hope to gain by further developing this competency?
I plan to develop this competency by enhancing my ability to manage and balance relationships effectively. This includes gaining skills in prioritization, networking, and forming healthy, productive connections with others. My goal is to not only connect with various groups but also to identify and nurture relationships that lead to meaningful collaborations and personal growth.
Change Management
Why did you choose this competency?
I chose to develop this competency within the Illinois Leadership Certificate experience because I am determined to refine my skills in change management and seek opportunities to enhance my ability to facilitate effective and meaningful transitions. My motivation for focusing on this competency stems from a previous experience where I encountered challenges in transitioning the administration of a department I founded two years ago.
How will you work on developing this competency?
I will work on this competency by implementing change effectively and ensuring its success. To achieve this:
As Assistant Project Director at Volunteering Illini, I will initiate at least three new service and service-learning-related initiatives for the community by the end of this school year.
In my role as the Barbara Seaquist Williams Fellow at the Office of Civic Life, I will strive to enhance and adapt my administrative methods. Furthermore, I will establish connections with at least five external institutions by the end of this school year and initiate several community projects.
What practical skills or knowledge do you hope to gain by further developing this competency?
I aim to develop my change management competency by acquiring practical skills in orchestrating successful transitions, whether in operations, organization, or administration. This will involve honing my ability to monitor emerging developments and ensure sustainability. By the end of this journey, I anticipate being adept at driving meaningful change and fostering smooth transitions in various areas.
Sustainability
Why did you choose this competency?
I have chosen to focus on the sustainability competency during the Illinois Leadership Certificate experience because it's an area with which I have limited familiarity, and I haven't adequately reflected on its significance in my daily life.
How will you work on developing this competency?
To enhance my understanding and application of sustainability, I will undertake the following actions:
Research: I plan to conduct research on the Illinois Leadership Certificate (ILC) website to gain insight into sustainability's role and importance within the context of leadership.
Reading: I will read two sustainability-related articles by the end of this year. This will help me understand how sustainability can be applied and has been integrated into the work I have been involved in.
Implementation: I aim to implicitly incorporate sustainability competency in my administrative roles within several Registered Student Organizations throughout the school year.
What practical skills or knowledge do you hope to gain by further developing this competency?
By focusing on sustainability, I aim to acquire a comprehensive understanding of how my actions and contributions intersect with broader community aspects and their significance in the larger scheme of things. I intend to develop practical knowledge regarding the application of sustainability principles in leadership and community involvement, ultimately applying this understanding to my roles in my student organizations.
