Vice President Scharman

1. Please describe a way you will apply a leadership concept you have learned about this year as you lead in your family.

Honestly, I think I will probably apply situational leadership the most in my home. I think it will be very important to remember that each person should be lead in a different way that will best relate with them. I plan on making sure to incorporate that method in my family so I can help them in the best way possible.

2. Vice President Scharman talked about the importance of developing structure in your home based on your individual time commitments. Describe how you believe structure and order in your family life can help you lead in you family. How can some form of structure and routine help you develop leaders in your family?

I think it is important to remember to do the small things that over the years make a big difference. For example, I think family home evening, family dinners, family councils, and family scripture study and prayer are all crucial to the success of families. If I want to lead my family to happiness I think making sure we set aside time for these small but such important events. Repetition is key in lives of children to learn what is the most important to their parents and in turn should be most important to them. If I want them to think the gospel is most important, I need to structure my home in a way that they will know that without me having to tell them

Mayor Winder

1. Mayor Winder talked about the challenge of balancing career and church assignments with the need to be involved in serving in your community and government. Describe how you will go about including community and government service in your life.

A. I will be sure to always vote and serve in different ways within the school system as my children are there. I have always been interested in volunteering in other ways in the community as well. I would love to help children that are in need and I plan on focusing on that as well.

2. In Mayor Winders research on the history of church leaders interactions with Presidents of the Untied States, one conclusion that has been apparent is the importance of good people serving in and around government. Identify ways that you can have that type of positive influence in both your community and nationally. Please include various ways in which you see yourself being able to lead.

Like I mentioned in the earlier question, I plan to help in the schools. I also plan to help vote in good people. I will look for and be open to other leadership opportunities that will not take too much time away from my family as well.

3. As you evaluate your experience this year in a leadership role, describe what motivated you to make the commitment you have made in your year of service with BYUSA.

I think what helped me to be committed is the desire to be a part of something good. I like to feel like I am doing more than just what I am required to do. I also was committed because I love the people interaction and development. I liked developing my leadership ability and helping others better theirs as well. It's addicting to me because of the way it makes me feel.

Dean Kau's Class

1. "When we serve others we are not motivated by selfishness, but by charity." Please describe an experience where you have had the opportunity to be motivated by charity in your leadership experience.

The first thing I can think of is serving at FOL. I was willing to do what ever it takes to make sure they have the best experience possible. Many times I would go back to their cabin to grab something they forgot so they could say and participate. I tried to be as selfless as possible.

2. Why is it important for you to serve and lead now?

I think it is mainly important because of the people we can influence now. And if we don't start now, I have heard life just gets more crazy, so we may never start. I also think service and leadership, to be done well, needs to become a lifestyle. If we want it to become a lifestyle, it takes time and we should start now!

3. How will you prepare yourself to be ready for those unexpected opportunities to lead and serve, like the college students who saved the truck driver who had fallen off of the causeway?

I think like I mentioned in the previous answer, just living my life in a way that is centered around service. If my life is focused on serving every time I see the chance, I won't pass up opportunities like that to serve those around me.

President Samuelson's Class

1. President Samuelson explained the importance of accepting callings. Please describe how you plan to respond to different calls that will come to you over your lifetime.

I think of many things as callings, such as motherhood, visiting teaching, etc. I believe callings are any purpose you have in life. I plan on accepting any and every calling Heavenly Father has in store for me. I know that he has a plan for me and if I want to be happy I need to fulfill my callings.

2. President Samuelson identified the practice of being “too critical” of ourselves as being worse in effect than not being critical enough. How do your expectations of your own performance effect how you serve as a leader. How do you intend to avoid the practice of over self criticism?

I definitely agree with his thoughts on this. I think that if we spend too much time being critical of ourselves, we will never get anything done. We have to balance it just like we do everything else. We have to make sure that we are aware of our weaknesses but never focusing on them to the point they are a great distraction from progressing in life.

3. President Samuelson shared his method of organizing his plans to include, long term, mid term and short term. What approach do you currently use in organizing the work you are responsible for?

I think I do something of the same thing. I have life goals, I have yearly goals, I have semester goals, and then I have weekly goals. I try to make sure they are all working towards my greater goals. I think that the best way to achieve most of your life goals is through achieving the small weekly goals. So that is focus I have when making make my goals.

4. Please describe your motive for serving in BYUSA. Has this motive changed or evolved as the year has gone by?

I think it has definitely changed over the years! But in the last year, my motives have come more closely related to the BYUSA vision. I think the main reason for this is because I have gained a better knowledge of it and why it is important for our organization to be focused on this. I am so thankful that I have been able to stick around long enough to get to this level of motive behind my service.

Ron's Lesson

1. Bro. Jones described his career path and an experience where he received a recommendation from the President of Dixie State College. This recommendation came because of Bro. Jones reputation as someone who would follow through on any assignments he received. Please describe what practices you will engage to make sure that you are considered someone who is reliable in completing projects.

I think something that is really important is just responding quickly to requests. Even if you don't have an answer, just let people know you are working on it and then give yourself a deadline and make them aware of it. Also being aware of deadlines that are of most importance and making sure that those, if nothing else gets done. I know that there are some projects that are of more importance than others. They are also the projects that are most noticed when they are not done in a timely manner. Being timely on those should be greatly focused on. I plan on making sure that I prioritize my projects and get those of most importance done first, so there will be no question on timeliness.

2. Bro. Jones mentioned the opportunities that he has had to be an example for those who are not members of the church and has been an influence for changing opinions about Mormons. Please describe how you will consider the opportunity to make friends for the Church as you start and grow your career.

I love the idea of being a representative of Christ in all aspects of our lives. And I think it is important to remember this as we go out to work in the world. I will remember that someone is always watching and taking in information about LDS people. I will be sure to watch myself and be aware of the message I am sending to those around me.

3. Bro. Jones described his work on the Festival of the American West. One aspect that made that event successful was the inclusion of many different people and allowing them to shine with their talents. Please explain how this concept of involving others and allowing them to utilize and showcase their talents relate to our practice of leadership in BYUSA and in the future.

Oh it is so related to what we do here. We definitely can't do all of this alone. We are surrounded by people who have different experiences and different qualities they have worked toward. I think that a big part of leadership is knowing the talents of those around you and then knowing how their talents can best help accomplish your goals. BYUSA thrives on this idea of depending on others to help achieve goals.

Brother Cox

1. Select at least three of Bro. Cox's 12 career "hints" and report what you are currently doing to follow his recommendations. Be specific in describing how you are living each "hint."
I am living the "Do more than is expected" hint. I am doing that because I am involved in BYUSA and that is not expected. I try to do more than is expected within BYUSA as well, and I think I do for the most part.
I am living the "Don't measure success by fame or fortune" one. I definitely do not measure my success through fame or fortune in BYUSA, otherwise I would be a failure! But I measure success through the number of people served and the experience of those I have stewardship over.
I am living the "Try New Things" hint. I tried BYUSA which was new. I also have tried many new classes and many new instruments. I try new books. I try new ways to accomplish my goals in life. I love trying new things and I do it pretty often.

2. Select one or more "hints" from Bro. Cox upon which you feel a need improve your focus. Be specific about your plans to better incorporate this "hint" into your life.
I need to be better about putting family first. I care a lot about my family, but I don't think my actions show that I care a lot about them as much as it should. I plan on spending more one on one time with my sister. I will eat lunch with her at least twice a week and then spend time with her one other time a week. I will be sure to call my mom at least two times a week. I will also talk to every family member at least once a month. This will greatly help me to show I put them first.

Judge Griffiths

1. Judge Griffith spoke about his career and how he had moved around to different opportunities seeking to find his passion. Please describe what you feel you are passionate about today and where you think these interests will take you as you start your career path.
I am passionate about helping people. I want to make others lives better. I think that this will direct my career because I know I will only take job opportunities where I will be able to help others.

2. Judge Griffith quoted several versus in Jacob 2, in reference to the pursuit and use of wealth. How will you apply the concepts that Jacob shares with us as you experience success in your career.
I will definitely make sure to live a frugal life and use my excess money to benefit others. My dad has always been very giving of money to those around him and I plan to follow in his footsteps.

3. Please share something you learned about leadership in your career from judge Griffith’s presentation.
I think I mainly learned that you should always do what is right, no matter the consequences. I also learned the importance of only doing what you want. If you follow your dreams and it will lead to success.

Brother Ward's Lesson on Interpersonal Skills

1. Considering your role as a leader, please describe who you view as your “customers” and how you practice the idea of meeting the needs of those customers.

I think my customers are my executive directors, my event leads, my program directors, and BYU’s student body. I think the best way I can meet the needs of all of these people is through a ripple effect. If I can meets the needs of my executive directors, then hopefully they in turn will meet the needs of their event leads and program directors, who will in turn meet the needs of the student body through the events they plan. I think my direct concern should be about meeting the needs of my executive directors.

2. Please describe a time when you you have been involved in a significant change. Identify what those who were leading the organization did to help make the change successful or unsuccessful.

The first idea that came to mind is when Jeremy left as an executive director last year. This was a change because as a team we now had one less person and had to distribute his responsibilities among the rest of us. I think Lee did a great job in making sure that everyone handled the transition smoothly. He made sure that all the responsibilities were taken care of so that our team was still successful. He also made sure that we felt comfortable with our new tasks and that we could handle what we were given. I think what really helps was his positive attitude and consistent care towards us.

3. Describe why you believe that networking with others is a vital part of leading change? As a presidency we often discuss problems that we are having within our areas. This has been a been great because there is usually someone else who has or going through something similar. Then they can give advice from their own experience and inspire the change that needs to happen. It has also been helpful to talk to previous vice presidents and hear their opinions and thoughts on problems. It is good to talk to people who understand your problems and have advice to share to help you change where you need to. They empower you to change through sharing their thoughts.

Interpersonal Skills

Christy Lively taught a lesson on Interpersonal Skills this week. We are supposed to answer the following questions:

1. Have you established stretch goals for the team that energizes the team to achieve more?

At the beginning of our time in BYUSA, as an area, we set goals to help us be successful. First, we decided that we wanted good quality events with a good quantity of people. Second, we decided that we wanted to be tight like unto a dish as an area. Third, we decided that we wanted to have selfless service and love. These goals are ones that we chose as a group that would energize us to do our best!

2. Do you keep your team focused on team goals and objectives?

I think I need to do better on holding my team accountable. I think I should discuss our progress in area meetings and in stewardship. I should be constantly bringing up our goals so they will remember them. I have a plan to talk about it in our next area meeting and discuss where we are and where we want to be as far as accomplishing our goals goes.

3. Have you spent time with your team to reinforce goals with everyone is committed?

I need to do better about reminding everyone about our team goals and making sure that they are doing all they can to achieve them. I think as you talk about your goals, you come up with more ideas and ways to achieve them.

4. Do you regularly discuss your progress towards achieving those goals?

I do focus on our goals a lot. Every activity I think about if we are achieving what we want to achieve. I think I could do better though because my part is getting those around me to do their part and I need to make sure I am energizing them and making sure they are doing their part. I can not achieve our team goals alone. I need their help!

5. How did applying established stretch goals in your week go?

We decided not to have area meeting, so I have not had a chance to discuss our goals with my team yet, but we will this Friday and I am excited to see how it goes!

Tamara's Lesson on Integrity

1. What does integrity really mean to you? How do you know personally when you are displaying integrity?

I think integrity is doing the right thing always. I think if you have integrity you make the right choice even when it is hard. When I think of people that show great integrity, they have done something that was right but because of the circumstances, it was difficult. I know that I am showing integrity when at the end of the day, I have been true to my beliefs. I have not changed my feelings about something because of a situation.

2. Choose one of the development suggestions, or your own, to work on this week. What did you choose? Why? How did it go?

I am choosing to work on being assertive. I was looking through the High Integrity and Honesty section in the manual and this one really stuck out because I do not think I am very assertive. I plan on questioning more things, rather than just letting them go. I think that if I am more attentive about the decisions I am making and others are making it will greatly benefit our area. I will report how this went next week.

3. Think of someone you know that displays integrity regularly. What do they DO to demonstrate integrity? How does this impact you?

I think someone who displays great integrity is Brother Cox. He is a great example to me as I know that he will always do the right thing. I can rely on his decisions because I know that he has thought though the decision and thinks it is the best choice. I also know that he cares a lot about what he does, therefore he shows genuine concern for others. He also asks questions to show that he wants to know more about everyone participating and he holds what everyone is doing to a high standard. I know that if Brother Cox is not pleased with a choice it is probably for a good reason, because he only chooses through his integrity and honesty.

Personal Capabilities and Focus on Results

Adrian related these two behaviors by discussing the areas where they overlap. It was a great way to learn about the two different ideas.

1. What are some ways that you have encouraged others to generate creative, resourceful solutions to problems and what were the outcomes? Please use a specific incident in your answer.

I feel like I am always coming up with creative ways to to solve problems. One example of this is when we wanted events to be more creative and exciting to hopefully increase attendance, I came up with the idea of having a brainstorming meeting for each event. I knew that we needed to have a consistent plan for ensuring that there was a time set apart for creative thinking in order to have that element in events. I think it has been a great success so far! We have had some of the most creative events. It has been great to see this creative solution in action.

2. In your opinion, what are the most important behaviors (as defined in your student manual) in getting results with a project or problem? Explain why you have chosen these and use specific personal examples to add merit to your claim.

I think collaboration and teamwork is very important when getting results with a project. I think teamwork is very important because everyone has a different strength to bring to the table. This is very helpful when working on projects because it helps the project to be carried out in a well rounded way. The first example that comes to mind is with my team, we were deciding how to take care of some issues in our area. We sat down as a team and discussed the problem and what model we wanted to develop in order to get the results we wanted from our area. Everyone had different ideas and in the end we came up with a plan that was the best because it incorporated everyone's best ideas. Another important behavior is drive for results. If one is not set on doing something it is difficult to make it happen. When working on a project all the participants have to be equally working on getting it done. This is determined through each individual's drive for results. I think the accountability part of drive for results is very important because if one is not accountable to anyone, it is less likely to happen. I think this is something that we need to work in our area. We need to hold each other more accountable. We need to have deadlines for our goals and work hard on getting them done in time.

3. What are your personal strengths in getting results on projects or problems, and how can you use and implement them in your current leadership position to benefit your team?

I think a personal strength is being positive about the problems and just trying to find the best solution. I think that one of the biggest parts of problem solving is just getting past the frightening realization that there is a problem. I generally stay calm but have a level of concern to make sure the problem is solved in a timely manner. I think this really benefits my team as I work hard to make sure as a team we stay positive and solve the problems we encounter to the best of our ability. I think I need to look more carefully to make sure I am preparing my team to avoid problems. Some of the problems we have could have been avoided if we had been more careful planning in the first place.

Brother Cox's Lesson on Good to Great Leaders

1. Remembering that you don’t have to be good at everything, what are two or three strengths that you have developed in your life and that set you apart from others?
Well this is a convenient question because Tamara ask me to make a list of the strengths that I have to share with others. I made a list of ten and so I think I will just share them all.

1.) I am good at listening to others' ideas, worries, and experiences.

2.) I have a deep love for those around me, and try to make sure I am always being mindful of them and what they need most.

3.) I have excitement for life.

4.) I am good at one-on-one conversation.

5.) I am good at making people feel needed and of worth.

6.) I am good at seeing the good in others and knowing what each person would be good doing.

7.) I am good at keeping commitments. How I spend my time reflects what I care about.

8.) I am good at being happy around others even when I am not happy on the inside.

9.) I am good at innovation and trying new ideas in hopes of making things better.

10.) I am good at acknowledging others' opinions and applying them to what I am doing.

2. Why do you think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy?
I think he feels that character is more important because it doesn't matter how much strategy you have, if you don't have character you will not be a successful leader. Character is such an important component of leadership that you cannot be a good leader without it. Strategy is nice, but you can still be a good leader without it. Another reason is that one can learn strategy through others, but one cannot learn character. Character has to come from within and is linked to your desires.

3. In your BYUSA assignment, what have you chosen as your “hedgehog,” or the thing(s) that you will do better than anyone else?

I think in BYUSA I will choose being happy around everyone as my "hedgehog". I think this is something that can be hard at times, but is very necessary to having successful events and event leads. I think people need to feel good about what they are doing in order to do their best. I think people are more willing to work hard on something if they are encouraged and feel like they are good at what they do. People often live up to the standard you set for them. I want everyone that volunteers under me to give their very best because I was excited about what they were doing and they felt encouraged and empowered by me.

Divine-Centered Leadership Class

This class was taught by Nathan Ward on September 13. He sent us the following questions to respond to:
1. Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model. Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.
2. In the Quote that was a part of last nights discussion, Theodore Roosevelt gives credit in life to those who are “In the Arena.” Describe what you think it means to be in the Arena, and how you plan to be involved this year and throughout your lives.
3.Divine-centered leaders need to know each heart. Describe an experience you have had with a leader who has taken time to know you. How did their efforts improve your experience? How can you reach out to those you lead?
My responses to the questions are as follows:
1. I think the main thing that motivates me to be a leader in BYUSA is the service. I love to see the effect that service in BYUSA has on the people who volunteer within the office. I also love to see the effect that the service has on the students they serve as well. It is a wonderful cycle and every single person benefits. On a more selfish level I serve for the people I get to interact with on a daily basis. The people within BYUSA are the best of the best! They are always inspiring me to be a better person and I know that I would not be the person I am today without their influence in my life. Finally I serve because of the BYUSA vision. The idea that we are building Zion communities that are united in heart and mind gives me chills! It is such a wonderful concept and I want to be a part of it!
2. This quote instantly reminded me of the quote by Sister Hinckley that says,
"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.

I love this quote because that is exactly how I feel and I need to remind myself of this daily. I want to make sure that I am always getting down into the Arena. That I am being a part of everything that is good. I cannot put things off for tomorrow. I must do them today! I plan to be in the Arena this year by going to all of the events and volunteering as a regular volunteer. I plan to do this for the rest of my life by always getting involved with what is "virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy". I do not want to ever turn away from a good thing because of the difficultly or the time burden. I will always do my part and join in with those who are doing good.
3. One person that I can think of that is not a conventional leader in my life, but definitely a leader in my eyes is my Aunt Kirsten. She is a divine-centered leader in my life because of her example. She is literally the person I want to be. She is so caring and loving towards all that she meets. When you talk with her you can tell she is listening and wants to be talking to you. While she lived in Provo she would come and pick me up every Monday evening to have dinner with her and her husband. She truly cared about me and showed it through her actions and commitment to spending time with me. She also always put the Lord first in her life and you could tell just by a simple conversation with her. She would always find a way to reference the Savior. I will forever remember her guidance in my life and discovering who I want to be and how I want to live my life. I will do the same thing through small acts of service. I want those that serve around me to know how much I care and appreciate their work through my actions. I want them to always feel the love I have for them through my attentive listening and through asking questions about their lives with genuine interest. I think as I follow these steps that those I serve will feel that effort and that it will better their experience as I come to know their hearts and reach out to them.

Welcome to My Lessons Learned Blog!

Bekah's Lessons Learned is a blog to record my experiences in BYUSA while striving to become a divine-centered leader. I am excited to record the lessons that I learn during my service with BYUSA. I learn so much everyday and I think it will be good to record it for reflection and guidance later in life. I hope you enjoy reading as well!