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Lessons Learned: Parallels Between a Dissertation and Leading an Organization through Change
Author(s) -
Davidson Meaghan K.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of leadership studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.219
H-Index - 14
eISSN - 1935-262X
pISSN - 1935-2611
DOI - 10.1002/jls.21647
Subject(s) - parallels , coursework , process (computing) , public relations , management , field (mathematics) , sociology , work (physics) , political science , pedagogy , computer science , engineering , operations management , mechanical engineering , mathematics , pure mathematics , economics , operating system
Many of us pursue a terminal degree because we want to advance in our organization or field. This was one of the reasons why I applied to the University of Delaware's (UD) EdD in Educational Leadership. Just before I began my dissertation, I started in a new position at UD. I was tasked with creating a new department within our division. Right away, I exercised many of the lessons taught within our EdD coursework in two different yet similar settings: the dissertation process and creating a new department within my organization. Fortunately, there are parallels between the two that make me more skilled and efficient. Though, there are some distinguishable differences between a dissertation and leading a change process. Here, I will share the lessons I have learned. I will share my insights in the areas of confidence I have because of my EdD program and how I utilize my coursework and my dissertation process to be more successful within my organization. I will also share the points of tension; things I learned in the classroom were not always in line with my work as a practitioner.