Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Wendi D. Sparling
Introduction:
Completing this program has been the first thing I have truly done for myself to promote
my own personal well-being and intellectual growth since becoming a parent. Having spent most
of my adult life promoting what was best for the family, there has been little time or admittedly,
little interest in accomplishing endeavors I would have liked to pursue. Facing yet another
impending career and location move for someone other than me, developing a plan with
unknown variables in an unfamiliar location is a challenge. Through this program, I have had
in a position that neither implements nor incorporates these characteristics and currently, there
are no professional growth opportunities. It was what was necessary and needed for the season.
Looking forward, this plan incorporates the sentiment embodied in this quote: “Leaders don’t
economically advantaged or socially privileged, no one is prepared for all the uncertainty and
newness that (organizational) life will throw at them,” (Thomas, 2008, p. 230). This plan is like
me: flexible, adaptable, and subject to change. Presented as a three-phase process, goals are
Year One:
Personal Goals:
Plan: It is really about figuring out who I am and what I am in this new life phase.
Get my passport.
painting.
Non-obligatory travel. One weekend. Does not need to be far, just somewhere new.
Professional Goals:
Plan: These would not be time or quantity specific, but on-going activities.
Practice discernment through Bible study and prayer. Journal at least once a week to
track revelations.
Three Year:
Personal Goals:
Two my kids would have graduated from college and started their own careers.
Professional Goals:
Five Year:
Personal Goals:
All kids will have graduated from college and should be pursuing their own careers.
Buy a house.
Professional Goals:
Three-Five Year Plan: Improve in the following competencies so that I am better able to embrace
no experience or context.
Inspiring Developer: Having never been involved in a formal mentoring experience. A mentor
Identify accountability partners that can offer constructive feedback and support.
Change Catalyst. Major life change requires a life change for me, too.
Principled Decision Maker. My personal ethics are fairly well defined. Areas of growth are
Take ownership for defining new endeavor happen, no one else is going to do it for me.
endeavor should be market relevant, true to me, but is also what is needed to promote the well-
being of others.
Reduce negativity.
Thomas, R.J. (2008). Crucibles of leadership. How to learn from experience to become a great