Eileen Beltgens - MA in Leadership (MAL)

“One of the ways leadership happens is enabling others to recognize their contributions, letting go of control, and trusting that the group can work together. At RRU we work in small groups, and we work with people we would not normally encounter – we are able to work towards a collaborative spirit.

“The MAL (formerly MALT - Master of Arts in Leadership and Training) program put me right into the practical application. I had previously taught life skills accenting the ‘theory’ of conflict resolution. At RRU we were placed in the real situation of receiving and giving feedback – handling conflict in the moment. This is inspiration with feet planted on the ground.”

Eileen says a key lesson was to allow leadership to occur.

“In my first team session I found myself with six other ‘shapers ’– we all wanted the same thing, to direct the outcome – the pivotal point came when I realized we were each expending too much energy trying to be right. That energy could be used productively to find a common solution.

By applying this approach to her work as a guidance counsellor Eileen says she sees a dramatic effect with the young people she facilitates in leadership groups. “The first time they see other people having the same difficulties [as them] they find a common ground and open up. It changes them. I see it when they walk down the hall – a sense of being more comfortable with who they are.”

For her final project, “Careers in Personal Planning in Secondary School”, Eileen interviewed both teachers and students. “I could feel myself interacting with them in a with new techniques to bring out their strengths. I saw directly how this is an applied, practical, relevant program that makes a difference for the learners and the organizations they impact – it’s very real.”

Eileen says much of the program has stayed with her – especially the value of living in the discovery process. Now instead of focussing on the answer, she has questions posted on her computer to remind her to live in the question. “I am committed to my growth—we’re never done learning.”

Eileen Beltgens, MA in Leadership, is a teacher, facilitator, and program coordinator.