Reflection on Day 1 of the Emerging Leaders Program

Today marked the beginning of my journey in the Emerging Leaders Program by Fire Inside Leadership. This is my first time participating in a program purely focused on leadership, not youth leadership. The difference is meaningful, as I find myself learning alongside diverse participants with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Over the next four months, my colleagues and I will delve into leadership through self-awareness, active listening, and applied practice in a safe, supportive environment, all guided by a “Designed Alliance” we created together.

Here’s what I learned on Day 1:

Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Despite my previous efforts to grow as a leader through youth leadership opportunities, I’ve never fully gained confidence in my skills. Gradually, I began to see leadership as a weakness of mine and took a step back, hiding in the shadows rather than stepping into the spotlight. I became content with being “quiet, self-contained, introverted Haruka,” shaped largely by the cultural and educational style of my upbringing in Japan.

Creating our “Designed Alliance” (a framework for setting clear, respectful guidelines and expectations) made me realize I need to work on being courageous, present, and non-judgmental—qualities essential for personal growth. I’ve often struggled to speak up, contribute, or ask questions because of fear of judgment and a tendency to feel guilty about taking up the group’s time. Today, Laura, our co-facilitator, said something that resonated deeply: “Judging yourself will limit your growth and potential.” I see now that by containing myself in my comfort zone, I’ve limited my own development.

Since moving to Canada at 18 as an immigrant, I’ve learned to open up in some ways, but I also close down when fear arises. I want to view these next four months as a final opportunity to challenge this. I’m committed to putting into practice the skills and insights from this program immediately, before self-doubt stops me from stepping into discomfort and growth.

Levels of Active Listening

As someone who isn’t usually a big talker in group settings, I assumed I was a good listener—but today I learned I was mistaken. My listening tends to stay at Levels 1 and 2 of active listening. This month, my goal is to practice and strengthen Level 2 listening, aiming to advance toward Level 3.

Mastering Level 2 listening could actually help me contribute more in discussions. By being fully present and curious, I’ll be able to offer insights and opinions with more confidence and relevance. Here’s a breakdown of the three levels:

• Level 1: Internal Listening – Focusing on our own thoughts and experiences as they relate to what’s being said.
• Level 2: Focused Listening – Listening entirely to the other person, allowing curiosity to guide us without inserting our own thoughts.
• Level 3: Global Listening – Listening to what isn’t said: body language, vocal tone, pauses, and hesitations.

Questions I Left With

The day left me with a few big questions:

1. How can we implement a “Designed Alliance” in a government setting?
2. What’s the best timing to develop a “Designed Alliance” with your team at work?
3. The process of developing the Designed Alliance felt very personal, encouraging us to reveal our needs and vulnerabilities while also challenging ourselves. How can I become more open with a new group of people? It was uncomfortable at first, but ultimately worthwhile.

Overall, today’s experience gave me a sense of how much potential growth lies ahead, and I’m excited to see where the Emerging Leaders Program will take me.

(1) Fire Inside Leadership: Overview | LinkedIn