IGNITE Leadership Academy LeadingAge New York 2014-15 2014-15 | Page 21

Denise Boerst-Ohman

Making Sure
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(continued from page 18)

How has the action learning process in the context of the Leadership Academy experience
contributed to your growth as a leader?

What I have learned about my leadership as a result of this project is that I am confident in my ability to educate others about their
Advanced Directives. I also learned that people feel comfortable in coming to me with questions, not just from inside the organization,
but from other agencies. My mission is not done. I would love to go out and educate others because it is all about making their voices
heard. They need to know they have the power to impact their lives to the end. I have learned that my leadership style is OK. I don’t
have to change to be effective. I am caring and a smile goes a long way.
I have also learned that I have a lot of learning to do. I have learned that I have a voice and deserve to be heard. Engagement is
necessary. I will continue to advocate for the residents and the staff. They deserve to have their voices heard loud and clear. I want to
do that for them. I will do that for them.

“The program has given me an opportunity to take a step back,
reflect, learn, collaborate, and make real progress at a personal
and professional level.”
— 2014-15 Fellow

IGNITE Leadership Academy Action Learning Project 2014-15

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