This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

Assignment 2

Key Dates

Assigned: Ses #3

Due: Ses #4

Assignment

Write a 3-page reflection on the following questions (cite ALL references):

  1. State something you appreciated most about our Thompson Island Outward Bound experience, and reflect on what you learned about your own leadership characteristics (1/2 page limit).
     
  2. Watch a movie/documentary about someone you deem a great leader. I have assembled a Leadership DVD Collection. You can pick from this list, or you are free to choose any film you think appropriate to complete the assignment. Answer the following questions in a written, illustrated, graphic and narrated report. (1-2 page limit)
    1. Discuss a few qualities of leadership that were displayed in the film and by whom?
    2. Select a specific scene where Vision, Relating, Inventing or Sensemaking were demonstrated by the character(s) in the film and explain the action/scene.
  3. Write a 'Leading Question'. The following are examples:

    Goldie Hawn, Academy Award winning Actress, Producer, Director; CEO Cherry Alley Productions "How would you approach changing your [life] career if your stated intention was to be happy?"

    "If you could gather some of the major innovators of the 20th century in one room, whom would you invite, and what major challenge would you ask them to help you solve?"

  4. Observe Leadership in Action Locally in your community (in this case, on MIT campus, in Cambridge, or in Boston) and write a short description of the Act and describe the leadership qualities you witnessed (i.e., compassion, listening, integrity, perseverance, motivation, courage, selflessness, etc.)

Student Examples

All student work is courtesy of MIT students, and is used with permission.

Example 1 (PDF)

Example 2 (PDF)

Example 3 (PDF)

Leadership DVD Collection

Thirteen Days, directed by Roger Donaldson, 2000.

Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks, directed by Robert Houston, 2002.

Lawrence of Arabia, directed by David Lean, 1962.

Crash, directed by Paul Haggis, 2004.

Freedom Writers, directed by Richard LaGravenese, 2007.

Hotel Rwanda, directed by Terry George, 2004.

Rudy, directed by David Anspaugh, 1993.

Amazing Grace, directed by Michael Apted, 2006.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective, directed by Thomas Friedman, 1994.

Schindler's List, directed by Steven Spielberg, 1993.

Remember the Titans, directed by Boaz Yakin, 2000.

The Aviator, directed by Martin Scorsese, 2004.

Good Night, and Good Luck, directed by George Clooney, 2005.

12 Angry Men, directed by Sidney Lumet, 1957.

Stand and Deliver, directed by Ramón Menéndez, 1988.

Lean on Me, directed by John G. Avildsen, 1989.

Norma Rae, directed by Martin Ritt, 1979.

Working Girl, directed by Mike Nichols, 1988.

Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough, 1982.

Kundun, directed by Martin Scorsese, 1997.

Mandela, directed by Angus Gibson and Jo Menell, 1996.