IGNITE Leadership Academy LeadingAge New York 2014-15 2014-15 | Page 30

Jody Shely

Cultivating a Feeling
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How do you hope your project might unfold in the months and years ahead and what impact do
you hope it will have on the field at large?

The impact that I hope this project will have, is to foster friendships and a sense of community. I don’t want people to feel alone or
lonely. I would like people to share their talents and interests with others. I believe that I have a wonderful opportunity working here
at Lutheran to work closely with many people who share my vision. The marketing department has been working towards this idea
with The Best of Times Series, bringing many people on campus for fun activities. Skilled nursing has recently reorganized the whole
activity department with this same vision in mind. The have created a new position called community life coordinator, who is in charge
of activities and volunteers, and I have been able to work closely with her. Working together, we want to provide the most positive
experience we can for all of the people who live on the campus or receive services. I want people to think of Lutheran as a fun place
to come. I hope that it will reduce isolation and loneliness for people.

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

The biggest learning experience for me has been to realize the importance of cultivating and nurturing relationships. I have always
believed that it was important, on a personal level, to work on maintaining strong relationships with family and friends. It is now very
clear to me that relationships are at the heart of everything that gets accomplished. It is important to do things that build trust. This
process has also helped me increase my confidence, to step outside of my little silo. I have learned there are many people willing to
help. Another valuable lesson is that I don’t fear failure as much. I know that there is always something to learn and failure is just part
of the process. I have learned many things about myself through the process. I am learning that I don’t have to be perfect, sometimes
I just have to try. It is possible to make positive changes.

“This has been the best leadership-based program I
have been involved with.”
2014-15 Fellow

LeadingAge New York

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