Women's Leadership Institute Day 3

Yea, I did not make it to the early morning activities again today, but I will say that it is okay. :-)

My first session today was about navigating tough conversations. I figure as someone who like to generally avoid conflict, this would be a good skill to learn. The presenter based her information mostly off of a book about "fierce" conversations. Overall, the session was interesting. She provided road maps and ways to plan conversations before you have them. My only critique would be many of the tips would work much better in a structured business world more so than higher education. Nonetheless, I took away something.

The second session was presented by the executive director of ACUI (Association of College Unions International), who is a hoot! Her presentation was on men and women at work. Really, it ended up being more about understanding how to communicate and listen. She kept calling it the "fluff" session of the institute, but I enjoyed it because it was the most interaction I got out of a session. Nothing she presented about men and women was anything new or shocking, but she did it in a way that put somethings in a new light.

Today's closing plenary session was all about the economy and not only what it means for higher education, but what we can do about it. I was not really sure what to expect with this one since I consider myself just in the beginning of being an "adult" and even knowing about this topic. However, it was an interesting conversation. The idea is that we take this as an opportunity instead of keeping our heads down and waiting for this all to pass. Also, we have to realize that once we return to normal, it will be a new normal, and we have to think about what that will mean.

Tomorrow is the last day, and it really will only be a closing keynote. My goal then is to reflect back on this experience as a whole, when I am not so sleepy, and really think about what I am taking away from this experience. Today I have to say I have appreciated how diverse these women are in background and current position. This institute is currently sponsored by eight different professional associations, meaning this is not just Student Affairs. Pretty neat.

Sidenote: Spas, aromatherapy, and hour long massages are wonderful inventions!