Raisa Torres Ruiz

I can relate to the idea that leadership and management require different strengths. For me, developing leadership skills is still a work in progress, but this module helped me see that both roles are important and can grow over time with awareness and practice.
 
 
 

I think what stands out most to me in this discussion is how leadership and management aren’t mutually exclusive—someone can certainly be both, but it requires intentional development. A manager can become a leader when they go beyond coordinating tasks and begin inspiring, guiding, and supporting people. Likewise, a leader who understands structure and processes can also be an effective manager. The key seems to be recognizing when each skill set is needed and being willing to grow in areas that don’t come naturally.

I found it very interesting to reflect on the differences between leadership and management, especially the idea that strong performance alone doesn’t automatically prepare someone to manage others. What stood out to me is how management requires a different set of skills—such as developing people, providing structure, and supporting long-term goals—that go beyond individual achievement. The myths around management were also eye-opening, particularly how often we confuse being a high performer with being ready to lead a team. This module really helped clarify the distinction and the unique value both roles bring to an organization.

I find the topics covered in this course very meaningful, especially the emphasis on using data to support continuous program improvement. The discussions around student characteristics, survey analysis, credentialing, placement, and curriculum evaluation highlight how each component contributes to a clearer understanding of program effectiveness. What I appreciate most is seeing how all these elements come together to create a systematic process that helps institutions make informed decisions and ensure quality outcomes for students. It has been insightful to read different perspectives and reflect on how these practices can strengthen overall institutional performance.