KerryOn: Lava

In one of my advanced leadership courses, I ask students to create a photovoice: several written paragraphs describing a concept or idea, along with a single image relating to the words on the page. Students begin thinking about the project, and taking pictures, about a month before it’s due. I ask them to look at situations from a leadership perspective and focus on images which might help tell that story. The concept of photovoice is based on the idea that images along with words can express the needs, problems, opportunities, and perspectives of a community. Photovoice was developed in 1992 by Caroline C. Wang of the University of Michigan and Mary Ann Burris, Program Officer for Women's Health at the Ford Foundation in Beijing, China.

If you are looking to articulate a story in your life, try creating a photovoice. It’s a powerful and efficient nonverbal way to convey a message to an audience. I mostly focus on leadership topics, of course, but photovoice can help show complex and dynamic perspectives on any concept, theme, or issue.

Below is my leadership photovoice of change that I share. The prompts (in bold) can be modified as needed, but generally, the written portion of a photovoice should describe the image and why it’s appropriate or meaningful, provide the context, connect the image to a specific concept, idea, or issue, and describe why this is important for the author.

What is happening in this situation? What do you want people to know about this situation?

This is an image of our family trip to Hawaii in January 2017. We had just visited Kilauea crater, an active volcano. In this image we were biking through the newly formed volcano rock to the lava flows – where the lava runs down the mountain to meet the ocean.

The image represents continuous change, not only for the land that we are standing on but also for the growth of my children. The kids standing here at this age is just a moment in time, years prior they were babies and as I write they are teens. As much as we may want our world to stay the same, it is ever changing. The area where my kids are standing was once lush and green. The lava came from the mountain and covered, roads, homes and villages, destroying everything in its path. Yet, over time the rock will turn to the beautiful beaches that surround the islands. As the lava continues to flow into the ocean, it will create a larger mass of land – the newest land on earth. It is a reminder that we are all continuing to grow and change as leaders. Our recent growth – something we learned, new ideas we generated and shared, a positive experience we had, etc. – will someday become part of our foundation, as new growth is added, layer by layer.

What leadership principle related to change did you want to illustrate in this photograph? How is this represented?

As I think about specific leadership components in relation to the image selected, I am reminded of the important role of change. Rogers (2003) discussed the process of introducing change as an innovation. At times, that need may come with urgency – the fire within. Other times, change can be an ongoing process of continual actions as opportunity and situations arise – the flow of lava. Regardless of the type of change, however, it doesn’t mean everything will be smooth sailing. As you see in the lava rock, there are cracks, pits, and damage, and yet as the change transforms, and the new growth is integrated into the existing structures, it will be seamlessly integrated into the foundation.

There are times when changes we experience may appear to be the most destructive in our lives are the ones that eventually teach our greatest lessons. These changes can transform us in unforeseen ways. We are all in the process of growth, of change, of becoming someone different. If we can accept the changes that come our way – good and bad – if we continue to adapt, we can turn into something we may not have ever expected.

How does this express what being a leader means to you? Reflecting on the image of my young children standing on the lava reflects lessons of leadership. We are all “works in progress”. No matter where we are currently at in life, today is just one moment. Our lives are in constant flux. They are a mix of triumphs and trials, all of which continue to define who we are becoming as a leader.

As I continue upon my leadership journey, I need to remember that sometimes life may not always turn out the way I expected, a volcano may erupt during my journey. Yet, if I stay true to my vision, values and why, I’ll always be on the right path.

KerryOn Questions

Create your own photovoice. Once you have an image answer the following questions:

- What is happening in this situation? What do you want people to know about this situation?

- What leadership principle related to change did you want to illustrate in this photograph? How is this represented?

- How does this express what being a leader means to you?

The Kerry behind KerryOn

My name is Kerry K. Fierke, Ed.D. (pron. Fear-Key) I have a unique combination of skills and experience – decades of fast-paced corporate experience in Fortune 100 companies and large health care organizations, combined with the academic rigor of a highly ranked research university. My focus is supporting others to create their own path to leadership development, lifelong learning, and a unique leadership legacy. Take a moment to focus on leadership, then KerryOn!

To see all KerryOn's and other leadership stuff, visit www.kerrykfierke.com.