jess•make•room

With only three full months of service remaining and the most breathtaking view of the Etosha National Park, stretched before me, I am reflecting on my time in Zambia.

But first, let me share a reflection on the previous blog post, “Sharing Ownership.” In that post, I discussed my plan to create structures for sustainability with my colleagues. Well, that plan failed and did not produce the results I envisioned. In theory, my approach offered to conserve spending, promote independence, and maximize outputs. However, the method I chose was ambitious, and the quality of the workshops was compromised.

What happened?

I underestimated the amount of structure and organization I brought to my team. I assumed my team would execute just as I have for the last 10 years. That is, to operate as project managers. My mistake was delegating project tasks to team members selected to work on this project for their teaching and facilitation skills, not project management. Because Peace Corps volunteers have managed this project for the last five years, I hoped that the team I inherited was prepared to manage independently. In addition to my false assumptions, I also combatted cultural differences and historic interpersonal conflict among team members that impacted team dynamics and results.  

Finally, after eight months of service, I understand my team’s dynamics and see the team’s potential. But time is winding down and my service must come to an end. As I sit in this fancy lodge located within Etosha National Park, I am considering my options and leaning towards those that bring me the most joy and peace when I reflect on them.