On September 15th, 2024, Barangay Calumbuyan in New Lucena, Iloilo, became the site of a unique leadership training facilitated by SEA, Inc. Originally set for 22 participants, but due to storm and heavy rain, only 16 members of the Calumbuyan Women’s Association (CWA) gather to engage in activities that would test their leadership, teamwork, and community spirit. What unfolded was an insightful journey filled with challenges, reflection, and valuable lessons.

 

Ms. Leslie, one of the facilitators, introduced the “Lemniscate Journey,” a concept designed to encourage participants to break free from their “programmed self” and embrace their higher potential as individuals and leaders. This reflective exercise urged the group to consider how they might grow beyond their current limits, both personally and in leadership roles.

Next, Ms. Rosanna led a stimulating activity that split the participants into groups to discuss leadership qualities. Each group was given stories about different leaders from Barangay Malapok and tasked with identifying the best leader. The majority gravitated towards Cap. Badong, an imperfect yet driven leader who consistently worked in the barangay’s best interests. The activity underscored a key leadership lesson: a leader need not be flawless, but they must be committed to serving the community.

After a brief lunch, the participants were engaged in an unconventional and eye-opening exercise. Ms. Rosanna asked them to barter clothing items—ranging from pants to slippers—with Leslie’s Enterprise to acquire materials for building a model of the CWA center.

The activity, while playful, highlighted the value of resourcefulness and collaboration in achieving a shared goal. Amid laughter and occasional frustration, the participants realized that leadership also involves creative problem-solving and team effort.

As the makeshift CWA centers took shape, Ms. Rosanna processed the activity, emphasizing that true leadership is not about power but responsibility. She referenced Matthew 20:25-28, stressing that great leaders serve others. Her analogy comparing leadership to a bicycle resonated deeply with the participants: the handlebars represent direction, the pedals symbolize passion, and the wheels reflect knowledge and skills. She reminded the group of their inherent dignity and uniqueness, urging them to fully use their potential as leaders.

A memorable moment of the training came when Ms. Rosanna drew inspiration from Dr. Myles Munroe, asking, “Why is the lion the king of the jungle?” The answer, she explained, lies not in the lion’s size or strength, but in its attitude. Leadership, as she emphasized, is rooted in attitude and belief, and a leader with the right mindset can inspire and transform those around them. She further explained that an army of sheep led by a lion will always defeat an army of lions led by a sheep, underscoring the transformative power of a leader’s attitude.

The training also covered the three classic leadership styles: autocratic, laissez-faire, and participative. Most participants identified with the participative style, where decisions are made collectively. This approach highlighted the importance of inclusion, cooperation, and shared decision-making in leadership.

As the session progressed, discussions shifted towards teamwork and collaboration. The group reflected on how working together not only speeds up tasks but also fosters innovation and strengthens relationships. Each member’s unique talents and skills were seen as essential components of the group’s success, reinforcing the idea that no leader can function effectively without their team.

 

This leadership training was more than just a series of activities—it was a profound experience that taught participants the essence of serving others, working as a team, and cultivating the right attitude. In the words of Ms. Rosanna, “Learn to listen, and listen to learn.” With these lessons in mind, the participants left Barangay Calumbuyan with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding that sustainable leadership begins from within.(CML)