In this interactive workshop, Dr. Key discussed how to embrace one's authentic self in order to be a more culturally competent leader. Dr. Key invited the participants to define the key terms, cultural competence, authentic leader, and to explore the relationship between the two. First, she asked the group to distinguish between a boss and a leader. In her powerpoint presentation, she used an interesting quotation from John C. Maxwell, "The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm" to highlight this difference. Dr. Key and the group explored leadership qualities such as being proactive, and empathic. Next, she talked about authenticity, in relation to one's team and getting the team to buy in while respecting different perspectives. She pointed out that being a genuine leader requires sharing pieces of yourself in the appropriate context. Dr. Key encouraged the group to be comfortable with not knowing the answer to everything. She also encouraged them to be forward looking and focus on long-term planning. Dr Key stated that being a culturally competent leader involves a constant process of self-awareness, where the leader evaluates his/her biases and how these can influence his/her leadership. Finally, Dr. Key ended with a quotation from John F. Kennedy, "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."
Please view the recording on our Faculty Diversity & Inclusion Resource Center page.