
Taking this course immediately after my attempted summit of Mt. Adams provided valuable context for the core concepts. We explored organizational theories and systems alongside strategies and tactics critical to effective leadership and followership. The curriculum covered macro-level organizational theory, focusing on structure, and expanded into organizational behavior with an emphasis on team leadership and interpersonal dynamics. Participating in the Everest Simulation and related team projects offered new insights into how some teams effectively collaborate while others struggle. Ensuring that every team member has a voice and a platform to share their opinions promotes participation and equity. This experience taught me a great deal about navigating environments where communication can be fragmented and team members may not always be aligned.
The artifact I chose from this course is the final confidential memo I co-authored with a partner. Collaborating with someone I felt authentic and comfortable with taught me a great deal about the efficiency that comes from true alignment. Honest communication and constructive feedback were invaluable, especially given how emotionally demanding group work can be. Acknowledging these challenges was important for me, as it reminded me that not every experience will be perfect—we have to accept both the good and the difficult moments.
