Summary of Experience
The Immersive Learning program DPMI (Design, Partnering, Management & Innovation) in Rwanda through MIIS was a rewarding experience that I shared with a multicultural team. From the core features of Lencioni’s Triangle of five dysfunctions of a team, exchange theory, fishbone analysis, Results Framework, indicators, learning strategy, outcome map, and social marketing campaign, I was pleasantly overwhelmed with learning these new development tools that enhanced my professional and personal life. Given that I served seven years in the United States Navy in both logistics and legal matters, I thought I understood some aspect of foreign policy and humanitarian assistance. Following this class, I have been gratefully enlightened by my professor – the guru of international development – Sharon Bean on the cultural and social indicators that are implicated in development policies.
International development policies are culturally relevant. Development professionals should be cognizant of their values and biases when designing and implementing such policies. From day one, I realized that when I signed up to be on the maternal health team. My team consisted of four females and myself. Although I have nine sisters, I still found myself with values that were polar opposite from my colleagues. In order to avoid disharmony, we created team rules that promoted transparency and group cohesion. Furthermore, we studied and applied Lencioni’s triangle in reverse order: trust, conflict, timeliness, accountability, and results. Consequently, we maximized our creativity and created a solid marketing campaign that promoted the prevention of unwanted teenage pregnancies.
In conclusion, learning these development tools and the importance of gender equality, culminated in our “Secure Their Future” social marketing campaign. It included female and male posters, a proto-type condom with feedback form, and a learning strategy. Our presentation before the leadership of “Partners in Health” was nerve wrecking concomitant fulfilling. The development tools I learned from Lencioni’s Triangle of five dysfunctions of a team, exchange theory, fishbone analysis, Results Framework, indicators, learning Strategy, outcome map, and social marketing campaign were incredible was life-changing. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my phenomenal professor, Sharon Bean. She made the class enjoyable and created a participatory environment. Thank you Sharon!
Team Trojan morning before presentation to Partners in Health
