Lead the Way

How spending one week in Latvia changed my life

I had the privilege of being one of the participants who represented Greece in the Erasmus+ project, "Lead the Way," held in Liepupe, Latvia 23-29/09/2024. This immersive, action-based leadership program was designed to enhance both personal and professional growth, blending best practices from the business world with experiential learning for a dynamic and participatory experience.

Throughout this intensive week, I developed essential leadership skills and practiced effective team collaboration. I learned to work within the GROW coaching model, enhance my communication skills, and actively listen to and support my peers. One key takeaway was the ability to set meaningful SMART goals, clarify my personal "why," and create strategic action plans. A highlight was the diving into ice-cold waters, which helped me face my fear of the unknown and expand my limits.

One memorable challenge was the "Paperclip Challenge", where I aimed to exchange a paperclip for something of greater value. This experience taught me resilience, how to handle rejection, and the importance of staying motivated until achieving a goal. Additionally, I learned how to adopt new habits for personal and professional growth.

The program used non-formal education techniques—working in small groups, creating presentations and videos, and conducting outdoor activities that consistently challenged us to step out of our comfort zones.
 

The benefits by taking part on this project were many and I can summarize them below:
    • Developed a personal professional project.
    • Built a resilient "I can do it" mindset.
    • Strengthened leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
    • Gained practical tools for stepping beyond my comfort zone, overcoming challenges, and achieving goals.
    • Established new habits for ongoing success.

Equally valuable was the opportunity to connect with other participants, exchanging ideas, experiences, and forming lifelong friendships. Deep communication and sharing moments are what people need to live in harmony and I realized it this one week in Latvia.

Special thanks to @reviewlatvia for organizing this incredible experience, @cecropiahub for selecting me as part of the Greek team, and, of course, @erasmus+ for making it all possible.

#leadership #smartgoals #paperclipchallenge #icebathing #nonformaleducation #erasmusplus