Personal Mastery
“The term ‘mastery’ descends from the Sanskrit root mah, meaning ‘greater.’ In Latin and Old English it meant domination over something else (‘I am your master’). But a variation evolved in medieval French: matre or ‘master,’ meaning someone who was exceptionally proficient and skilleda master of a craft. The discipline of personal mastery reflects this second meaning. It refers not just to the ability to produce results but also to ‘master’ the principles underlying the way you produce results.” (Senge et al., 2012, p. 77)

Organizations have a key role to play in this discipline by setting a context for people to have time to reflect on their own vision. In this discussion reflect on your own personal vision. Imagine achieving a result in your life that you deeply desire. For the sake of this exercise, assume that any result you want is possible even if you have no idea right now how to get there. It need not have to do with educational leadership goals. This vision could involve learning something you want to learn or obtaining something that you dearly want.

Describe in writing the vision you have imagined by responding to these questions:

What does it look like? What does it feel like? How would you describe it?
In your ideal future, when you are exactly the kind of person you want to be, what are your qualities?
What is your ideal professional or vocational situation? What kind of leader are you?

Linking Theory and Practice: Motivation
Adult learning theory grew out of the recognition that adult learners have different characteristics, goals, and conditions from children. That understanding has been reinforced by advances in neuroscience imaging. In parallel, scholars have developed models to address the motivation of adult learners. In almost every case where someone is motivated, the emotive learning needs are being met.

Discuss how differences in culture and learning environment may demand adjustments to motivate adult learners. Thinking of a course you teach or, if you dont teach, one you have taken, consider the following:

What could be revised in the course to improve adult learner motivation?
Was cultural awareness integrated into the course? If not, how could it be? If so, what strategies were used?
Was awareness of neuroplasticity theory incorporated into the course? If not, how could it be? If so, what strategies were used?