Disregard for the Impossible
Bauer Students Strengthen Skills, Reflect on Values at LeaderShape Institute
Out of the city, and into the woods.
C. T. Bauer College of Business undergraduate students stepped out of their comfort zones, as they participated in the LeaderShape Institute, a program offered through the college’s HUB for Student Success that connects students with their values and visions through four days of programming. This semester, the institute took place in New Ulm, giving students a chance to expand their skills in a new environment.
“The mission of LeaderShape is to transform the world by equipping people to lead with integrity and to practice a healthy disregard for the impossible,” Director of Student Success Whitney Johnson said. “For students, that idea starts with where you are as a leader and understanding who you are. It’s about defining your values.”
While working in small group clusters, students are given exercises that reconnect them with their creativity and imagination. Students later reconvene together to share their perspectives and practice public speaking.
Bauer College Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Business Programs Olivia Miljanic sat in and observed as students presented. She spoke highly of the immersive experience and said the soft skills students developed throughout the program align with the attributes that employers are looking for. She said without realizing it, students have begun incorporating what they’ve learned.
“Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees when we're too plugged into our everyday lives and our everyday routines,” Miljanic said. “Taking that step back and evaluating where they are on their personal, academic journey and professional journey with a group of peers can be really valuable.”
During a break between small group sessions, Bauer students shared the impact that the institute had on them.
“LeaderShape was not what I expected in the best way possible. I wasn't expecting to meet so many genuine and amazing people a part of this journey, and I didn’t know how many leaders there are here at Bauer.”
“I've struggled as a transfer student coming to the University of Houston from a community college. I felt like I needed a community and people in my life. Getting to know so many new and great students through this shared experience is reassuring and inspiring. It pushes me to be extroverted and go out of my way to go talk to new people.”
“I found LeaderShape was an amazing experience where we were able to come out of our comfort zones, talk about vulnerable subjects and really explore ourselves as leaders and grow.”
“Sometimes you can get so busy with internships, scholarships and applications that you forget that being outside that box is what makes the world unique. Every successful business happens because they think outside the box. I love how LeaderShape lets us use our passions to make an impact on the world.”
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