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.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, February 7, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, November 1, 2010
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!
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!
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