✨ Activity: Skills Employers Want

LEAD527: Communications and Leadership in Groups and Teams

Course Description

Examines the theory and practice of leading productive teams and of facilitating groups. Fosters appreciation of students' abilities to communicate effectively in working relationships in support of productive collaboration. Develops students' expertise in promoting effective decision-making, optimizing the benefits of diversity, planning and implementing of team goals, and assessing of outcomes. Promotes awareness and application of ethical principles and concepts. Encourages a systemic perspective to ensure fluid communication with the immediate organizational environment and knowledge of influences of the environment on the team.

S/T (Situation/Task):

As part of the Master of Arts in Leadership program at Royal Roads University, I completed a course titled Communications and Leadership in Groups and Teams. In this course, our team of four was tasked with creating an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training package for a not-for-profit organization within a two-week timeframe. Although I had over 20 years of experience in EDI and initially intended to lead the project, another team member expressed interest in taking the lead.

A (Actions):

I chose to support my teammate’s leadership by stepping back, actively listening, and contributing in a facilitative role. I asked clarifying questions, offered encouragement, and helped keep the team aligned with our objectives. In addition, I compiled all team members’ contributions and took the lead on drafting the final version of the training document.

R (Results):

Through this experience, I expanded my understanding of EDI content, and our team earned an A on the project. Our professor was so impressed with the training package that she requested permission to share it with a colleague—an Executive Director of a not-for-profit organization.

S (Skills Demonstrated):

This experience showcased my collaboration skills, including active listening, clear and concise communication (both verbal and written), and team contribution through drafting and synthesizing final project materials.

A Skill Statement based on this STAR response could sound like this: 
While completing a graduate-level leadership course, I collaborated with a team to develop an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training package for a not-for-profit organization. I demonstrated strong collaboration skills by supporting a teammate’s leadership, contributing to team discussions, and drafting the final training document. Our work received top marks and was recognized by the professor, who shared it with a not-for-profit Executive Director.