In your journal entry, reflect upon how intellectual perseverance will be important as you progress in your studies. Consider how intellectual perseverance relates to your concept of a good leader.
Intellectual perseverance is being aware of the need to pursue any confusions or questions regardless of obstructions (physical and/or mental) or opposition from others (physical and/or mental). Intellectual perseverance is the thing that nags at the back of your mind and tells you to explore every option, ask that question...again if necessary, double check your facts and work harder to make sure you understand and have explored every option so that whatever you are producing, it is the very best of your efforts, no matter what.
Intellectual perseverance is going to be the carrot to my donkey throughout this entire graduate program. My study habits are a bit rusty and have never been enviable but my desire to make sure that I provide the best work I can possibly do...and then some...is as much a part of me as my skin. My parents expected my best and that has stuck with me throughout my entire life. It can be frustrating because when you pursue every avenue, sometimes you come to one way alleys with a dead end. My challenge will be to keep my eye on the prize and strive to deliver the best work possible, knowing that the only one I will really hurt if I don't is me and I have to believe that I am worth the effort.
My concept of a good leader does include the qualities of intellectual perseverance. In fact, I think that intellectual perseverance, intellectual integrity, and intellectual humility are the top three attributes in a good leader. A good leader should always work to do the very best for their team in whatever capacity required. Whether the leader is in a management position or not; making sure that you, as a leader, set a positive, meaningful, productive and compassionate example in everything you do is essential. The relentless pursuit of excellence is a real and reachable thing if a leader knows how to get the heavy lifting done effectively and collaboratively. As a leader, it IS your problem if someone has an issue or needs a roadblock removed. Even if that person isn't on your team or a direct report, if they came to you or you know you can help. You do.
I also think that intellectual perseverance is that sense of responsibility that reminds you that regardless of the task, the final product will be a reflection of you and what you are capable of. If the task is to make a sign for the bathrooms that lets people know that a toilet is out of order, intellectual perseverance is making that sign and making it the best sign you know how to. Intellectual perseverance doesn't allow you to feel like any task is beneath you and as a leader, you know that there is only room for your best effort. Perhaps intellectual perseverance doesn't just end with the completion of a task or the solving of a problem but is continuous in your role as a leader and a coach. As a leader, reaching out to be a mentor or just to help a co-worker should mean that you are willing and able to give them honest and productive feedback and that as a mentor and leader, your role isn't one sided. Look for ways to learn from the mentee. The relationships you foster with people is not only representative of your personality but of your work ethic and dedication to perfection and commitment to your team.
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