A Refreshing Approach to Leadership: Lessons From MO 324
When I first enrolled in Leading Yourself and Managing Your Personal Relationships (MO 324) taught by Monica Worline, lecturer of management and organizations, I expected to learn traditional leadership skills: how to manage teams, communicate effectively, and apply new frameworks in group settings. What I didn’t expect was that the course would fundamentally change how I think about leadership and my daily habits.
One of the most surprising parts of the experience was how different the environment felt compared to many of my other Ross School of Business courses. Instead of focusing primarily on performance or outcomes, the class created space to focus on personal development: how we show up for others, how we manage our own emotions, and how we contribute to the well-being of the people around us. It was refreshing to be in an academic setting that emphasized improving ourselves not just as future professionals, but as teammates, leaders, and contributors to society.
While many of my Michigan Ross courses have equipped me with the technical and analytical skills needed to succeed professionally, MO 324 pushed my development to another level.
The course emphasized that leadership is not defined by holding a formal title, but by the daily behaviors that shape how a team functions. I began to see that even small actions, such as being intentional about how I support others, creating space for different perspectives, and contributing to a positive team dynamic, can significantly impact group performance. This perspective shifted my mindset from focusing solely on my own success to recognizing how I can actively contribute to the success, productivity, and well-being of the people around me.
At the start of each class, we would spend two minutes practicing high-quality connections. At first, two minutes of intentional conversation didn’t seem significant, but over time, it became one of the most impactful parts of the course. The practice taught me how to truly listen — to be present with the person in front of me, rather than thinking about what I was going to say next. I realized that listening is not just a communication skill; it is a leadership skill. The only way to effectively lead a team is to understand what people around you actually need: what motivates them, what challenges they are facing, and how you can support them.
By learning how to listen with intention, I became more aware of how to act as a resource for others rather than simply focusing on contributing my own ideas. This mindset has extended beyond the classroom into my daily life. Now, in everyday conversations, I try to remember the foundational principles of high-quality connections so I can be more present, make interactions more meaningful, and ensure the people I’m speaking with feel genuinely heard.
Looking back, MO 324 reshaped how I define leadership. Leadership is not just about directing others or achieving results; it is about fostering environments where people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. The course challenged me to think about leadership as something practiced through everyday behaviors, and it is a mindset I will carry into every team, organization, and leadership role I take on moving forward.
