Leading Through Reflection and Growth
Published in the June 2025 Issue of the ISHA Voice.
By Camille Byrd O’Quin, cohort member of ISHA’s Leadership Development Program
Participating in the 2024–2025 ISHA Leadership Development Program (LDP) has been one of the most transformative experiences of my professional journey. More than just a series of webinars, the program became a space for reflection, growth, challenge, and discovery. Each session added new layers to my understanding of leadership—stretching me to become a better educator, mentor, and advocate in both my professional and personal life.
One of the first and most lasting lessons was realizing that leadership is not the same as management or holding a formal title. True leadership is about influence, vision, and the daily choices we make to inspire and move others toward a shared goal. That reframing shifted my mindset from waiting for leadership opportunities to creating them intentionally. It also reminded me that leadership isn't a single moment—it's a lifelong practice that develops through consistent, deliberate effort.
The sessions on Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Management had a particularly strong impact on me. Reflecting on my own stress tolerance and optimism was uncomfortable at times, but recognizing the importance of self-awareness allowed me to shift how I interact with students, colleagues, and family members. I had already incorporated mindfulness practices into my university teaching, beginning each class with a “Celebration Moment” to help my students start with positivity and reflection. However, after participating in the LDP, I realized I had not been practicing the same intentional gratitude for myself. I expanded my mindfulness work by adding a personal gratitude journaling habit—routinely asking myself, “How lucky am I, I get to ___”—which helped me stay grounded and centered, even during challenging days.
The Conflict Management tools, especially the Ladder of Inference model, helped me recognize how easily assumptions can escalate misunderstandings. Instead of reacting, I learned to step back, question my thinking, and approach conflicts with curiosity and empathy. I applied these skills during a team project at Governors State University and also in managing the daily complexities of a busy household with my husband and teenage daughters. What stood out was that emotional intelligence and conflict resolution aren’t just tools for work—they're essential for leadership across all areas of life.
Later sessions deepened these foundations. Learning about the stages of team development—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning—helped me better understand the natural growing pains of team dynamics. Recognizing these stages made me more patient and more intentional about building trust, setting expectations, and celebrating progress, both in my professional teams and volunteer groups.
The session on Influencing Others was another pivotal learning moment. It taught me that influence isn’t one-size-fits-all—it requires adapting to the values, communication styles, and needs of others. As an extrovert, adjusting my style when working with more introverted colleagues was uncomfortable at first, but it led to stronger collaboration and greater mutual respect.
The final webinar on Managing Your Leadership Career encouraged me to think more strategically about my future. Conducting a personal SWOT analysis helped me clarify my goals and identify actionable steps for growth. It also aligned with my broader mission: expanding literacy resources through my entrepreneurial work at Mixed Inclusion LLC and deepening my service through my recent election to the Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233 Board of Education.
Throughout the LDP, I was reminded that leadership is not static. It’s a living, evolving process that demands courage, humility, and vision. These experiences have reinforced my belief that leadership is about building spaces where others can thrive, balancing challenge with care, and staying committed to growth even when the work feels hard.
I am deeply grateful to ISHA for investing in the next generation of leaders. I look forward to continuing this journey and contributing to the future of our profession, our communities, and the spaces we are privileged to shape.
Submit your application by June 30, 2025 here.
