There are many ways to be motivated. As humans we are naturally motivated through flattery, bribery, manipulation, intimidation, power, and most importantly inspiration. I think leaders are most effective in motivating when inspiration is involved. To excite someone about a cause and seeing that person become truly passionate is amazing to watch. I know that when people motivate me and then I can look back on my growth I am proud of the things I've done. It can be simple things like, finishing my biology homework which I always dread, or bigger things like becoming involved in a service group and getting myself lost in service. I don't always willingly join every club or service activity but when I do I can always see the blessings from it.
Our speaker in class today gave examples of some very talented leaders who were able to motivate a lot of people for a particular cause. Many church leaders and prophets are especially gifted in this area. I think they are excellent people to look to in seeing how that have been inspirational for members in and outside of the church. One of the things that theses people have that I know I could definitely work on is public speaking. Next semester I want to take public speaking class because I know that could really help me in a lot of aspects. Motivating has a lot to do with the three C's -- Character, Cause, and Courage. In remembering the three C's it should be an easy reminder of the aspects of motivation that are necessary.
I've had a couple really great examples in my life of people who have made a difference because of how they motivated me. In the two examples I'm thinking of their reasons for becoming involved was because they loved me. It made such a difference because it was completely selfless, they didn't do it to get ahead in their own lives but they simply love me and want to see me happy and successful. The first one is my Mom, she's always been amazing she encouraged and motivated me to do what I wanted and assured me that she trusted me and had confidence in me. My mom always let me make my own choices but motivated me to be hard-working and a young woman of integrity and I think that has really helped me become the person I am today. Second is my high school counselor Mr. Ashton, he had hundreds of students to take care of but he always made time for me to stop by and chat with him about my life and he gave me such great counsel and advice. I appreciate the confidence he had in me and always told me that he thought I was such a capable young lady, he always motivated me to push myself and get outside of my comfort zone. He explained that there are some people in the world who need to make up the slack for people who may not be as hard-working or dedicated and that it's my job to be "one of the good ones". He motivated me to be a leader at my school, to stay humble, and be diligent in everything I do, but he was a friend to me and a familiar face that I was always comfortable with. I am so grateful for the people in my life who have helped me to become who I am, and I hope that someday I will be an inspiration to someone and be able to motivate them in a sort of pay-it-forward endeavor.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Good, Better, Best
After reading Brother Merril's talk it gave me a different kind of confidence on decision-making and the simplicity of the process, and simplicity it provides in a crazy world. Brother Merril encourages people to make just 5 important decisions. Decisions that I thought were especially important are: Decide that I am important, and decide to be married in the temple. The two decisions don't really go together perfectly, but I think that by making these decisions so many other small decisions will be made easier by having two broad standards to align my life with. I know that by making the decision to be married in the temple it will help me live my life in a way that will encourage me to get there. Rather than making temple marriage a goal, by making it a decision, a personal decision, I think it will make it so much easier to make that happen. One thing that we are reminded is that once decisions are made we must persist and re-examine the decision and make it a constant thing in our lives.
Decision-making has a lot to do with time-management and ties in with control. I personally control my time, no one else maps out my day for me and equally I make personal decisions. I can not rely on my friends or family, influences, etc. to make decisions for me that impact me. True, decisions impact people all around my through the way I act, treat people, carry tasks out, but ultimately I am in control of my own decisions and time.
I thought the decision matrix that we were shown in class was so handy! I definitely plan on using that soon in deciding what classes I need to take for next semester. It makes things set simply and I'm a very visual person so I love to see the outcome or the possibilities of things. That's why I also like to use PRO and CON charts when I am weighing my options. I loved the quote by President Faust saying A choice involves making a conscious decision. To make an intelligent decision we need to evaluate all available facts on both sides of an issue. But that isn’t enough. Making correct decisions involves prayer and inspiration.” – James E. Faust. With that in mind, it's vital that I can align my life in a way that is congruent with being close with the Spirit and our Savior. I am so blessed to have the gospel in my life and to have the gift of the Holy Ghost that can help my and comfort me when I need it, especially in times of discernment.
Decision-making has a lot to do with time-management and ties in with control. I personally control my time, no one else maps out my day for me and equally I make personal decisions. I can not rely on my friends or family, influences, etc. to make decisions for me that impact me. True, decisions impact people all around my through the way I act, treat people, carry tasks out, but ultimately I am in control of my own decisions and time.
I thought the decision matrix that we were shown in class was so handy! I definitely plan on using that soon in deciding what classes I need to take for next semester. It makes things set simply and I'm a very visual person so I love to see the outcome or the possibilities of things. That's why I also like to use PRO and CON charts when I am weighing my options. I loved the quote by President Faust saying A choice involves making a conscious decision. To make an intelligent decision we need to evaluate all available facts on both sides of an issue. But that isn’t enough. Making correct decisions involves prayer and inspiration.” – James E. Faust. With that in mind, it's vital that I can align my life in a way that is congruent with being close with the Spirit and our Savior. I am so blessed to have the gospel in my life and to have the gift of the Holy Ghost that can help my and comfort me when I need it, especially in times of discernment.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Rules of Physics...
The hardest part for me about decision is the fear of upsetting someone. The rules of physics teach that every action has an opposite and equal reaction.
A lot of times it's hard at first but once the decision is made it's easy to follow through. Although every decision ultimately has a consequence, some decisions are more significant than others. President Monson explains, "Decisions determine your destiny". Such a lofty claim requires serious contemplation. Certain decisions do require more thought and consideration than others do; however, it is of the utmost importance in either case to make decisions in a timely manner. Timing has everything to do with making a decision, it's important to be conscientious of making a decision in haste and on the contrary waiting too long. I think more often than not, when I ruminate over a decision for too long, I end up confusing myself and becoming extremely indecisive. However, if I simply let my intuition take over, and make decisions that feel right, as opposed to make the most logical sense, I find that I am much happier with whatever I decided. Overall, it is never easy to decide something for oneself, especially in confusing situations, yet at the end of the day it is important to make decisions that not only make sense logically, but also feel right too.
When making decisions for the group it is important to focus on what is best overall, as a leader, decision-making must be selfless. After the decision is made, I need to remember to go forward with that choice. A lot of times I'll try and un-do something that I feel uncomfortable with, but I know that it's necessary to make the best of every situation! Theodore Roosevelt said, “In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing”. I need to work on being more deliberative and I need to stop worrying about all the other elements and fears that come with decision-making. When I need to, I can always seek advice from people who love and care for me and most importantly I can pray for peace and comfort and know that through living faithfully I can always receive divine help.
A lot of times it's hard at first but once the decision is made it's easy to follow through. Although every decision ultimately has a consequence, some decisions are more significant than others. President Monson explains, "Decisions determine your destiny". Such a lofty claim requires serious contemplation. Certain decisions do require more thought and consideration than others do; however, it is of the utmost importance in either case to make decisions in a timely manner. Timing has everything to do with making a decision, it's important to be conscientious of making a decision in haste and on the contrary waiting too long. I think more often than not, when I ruminate over a decision for too long, I end up confusing myself and becoming extremely indecisive. However, if I simply let my intuition take over, and make decisions that feel right, as opposed to make the most logical sense, I find that I am much happier with whatever I decided. Overall, it is never easy to decide something for oneself, especially in confusing situations, yet at the end of the day it is important to make decisions that not only make sense logically, but also feel right too.
When making decisions for the group it is important to focus on what is best overall, as a leader, decision-making must be selfless. After the decision is made, I need to remember to go forward with that choice. A lot of times I'll try and un-do something that I feel uncomfortable with, but I know that it's necessary to make the best of every situation! Theodore Roosevelt said, “In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing”. I need to work on being more deliberative and I need to stop worrying about all the other elements and fears that come with decision-making. When I need to, I can always seek advice from people who love and care for me and most importantly I can pray for peace and comfort and know that through living faithfully I can always receive divine help.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Put First Things First
Midterms would have been a great time to do a Facebook fast...however, I needed the extra push from these class discussions to encourage me to get off of Facebook. So this week, I have chosen to eliminate distractions and especially Facebook. Rebekah asked us to make "Fish" for the week which I didn't completely understand but I did it anyways and came up with two things: Implement a rewards system of making time for priorites, etc. Make school a job. Put FIRST things FIRST.
Tamara encouraged us to eliminate all distractions from our lives and it's helped me to work a lot harder on prioritizing my time. Right now I'm all set for using my time wisely but I know myself and in about a week or so I'll be right back to my old habits. So I hope that I can remember how productive I'm being and continue to work at it. It's been really nice and surprisingly easy to not have these distractions, it's made me work harder to take care of the relationships that matter to among doing day-to-day homework assignments.
The rewards system I actually already did, I just didn't even realize or put a title on it but I'll tell myself that I can't do a certain activity until I get something more important done. For example my favorite skit on SNL is called "The Lawrence Welk Show" and I wouldn't allow myself to watch the episodes until I got my American Heritage done, my sister has started incorporating this method into her study skills as well. It is a little childish to have to set limits like these but it's better to do than just procrastinate.
One of the things I learned from this lesson on time-management was that "Time= life; therefore, waste your time and waste your life, or master your time and master your life.” – Alan Lakein I know that by mastering time I'll be able to master my life.
Tamara encouraged us to eliminate all distractions from our lives and it's helped me to work a lot harder on prioritizing my time. Right now I'm all set for using my time wisely but I know myself and in about a week or so I'll be right back to my old habits. So I hope that I can remember how productive I'm being and continue to work at it. It's been really nice and surprisingly easy to not have these distractions, it's made me work harder to take care of the relationships that matter to among doing day-to-day homework assignments.
The rewards system I actually already did, I just didn't even realize or put a title on it but I'll tell myself that I can't do a certain activity until I get something more important done. For example my favorite skit on SNL is called "The Lawrence Welk Show" and I wouldn't allow myself to watch the episodes until I got my American Heritage done, my sister has started incorporating this method into her study skills as well. It is a little childish to have to set limits like these but it's better to do than just procrastinate.
One of the things I learned from this lesson on time-management was that "Time= life; therefore, waste your time and waste your life, or master your time and master your life.” – Alan Lakein I know that by mastering time I'll be able to master my life.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Weak things become Strong.
Wednesday's discussion was perfect timing for all the crazy things going on in my life. The next day I had a midterm and Friday I had an essay due and I was just feeling really run down. I had been really homesick and felt like college was getting the best or me, and I had no more to give. When I had this lesson I was able to really apply it into my weekend and use my time wisely.
In class we discussed how people use the concept of "time" as an excuse and justify the fact that they aren't able to do things by saying "I didn't have enough time" or "there aren't enough hours in the day." But to remember what I've always been taught, that everyone is given 24 hours in a day, it helps me remember that I really am on an equal playing field. I truly believe that time is so precious and that we need to value it and make sure that we are dedicating ourselves to spending it wisely. It was important for me to remember these things because I have always thought that time management was one of my strong points as far as leadership goes. Since being here I have been proven wrong. In high school I was always able to balance my homework, and family, and social life, with school and extra-curricular activities. I don't really know what happened but it just hasn't been quite the same. I've been really hard on myself for it and I am happy that I've been reminded that the question is not managing time but managing myself.
I'm definitely one of those people who usually sits at my little desk the night before and I plan out my day hour by hour and I try really hard to stick to that plan. But when I do that I don't allow time to let the spirit guide me. It ends up just really stressing me out because I try so hard to be perfect and I set these unreasonable expectations for myself. I know that it's good to have an outline for when I need to do things but it's easier if my life isn't micromanaged.
I felt much more at peace on Thursday and Friday than I had earlier in the week and although I always stay up later than I should (I know that's the number one thing I need to work on) I feel like I have been more productive and happier with the balance of homework and friends I was able to create this weekend. I want to definitely remember the peace I've felt and strive to continue in that pattern.
In Ether 12:27 it says "If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble...then will I make weak things become strong unto them." As I mentioned before I used to be much better off as far as time management is concerned but I am realizing that now it has become a weakness. Thankfully through our Savior I know that I can rely on Him in something as little as this and he will make weak things become strong.
In class we discussed how people use the concept of "time" as an excuse and justify the fact that they aren't able to do things by saying "I didn't have enough time" or "there aren't enough hours in the day." But to remember what I've always been taught, that everyone is given 24 hours in a day, it helps me remember that I really am on an equal playing field. I truly believe that time is so precious and that we need to value it and make sure that we are dedicating ourselves to spending it wisely. It was important for me to remember these things because I have always thought that time management was one of my strong points as far as leadership goes. Since being here I have been proven wrong. In high school I was always able to balance my homework, and family, and social life, with school and extra-curricular activities. I don't really know what happened but it just hasn't been quite the same. I've been really hard on myself for it and I am happy that I've been reminded that the question is not managing time but managing myself.
I'm definitely one of those people who usually sits at my little desk the night before and I plan out my day hour by hour and I try really hard to stick to that plan. But when I do that I don't allow time to let the spirit guide me. It ends up just really stressing me out because I try so hard to be perfect and I set these unreasonable expectations for myself. I know that it's good to have an outline for when I need to do things but it's easier if my life isn't micromanaged.
I felt much more at peace on Thursday and Friday than I had earlier in the week and although I always stay up later than I should (I know that's the number one thing I need to work on) I feel like I have been more productive and happier with the balance of homework and friends I was able to create this weekend. I want to definitely remember the peace I've felt and strive to continue in that pattern.
In Ether 12:27 it says "If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble...then will I make weak things become strong unto them." As I mentioned before I used to be much better off as far as time management is concerned but I am realizing that now it has become a weakness. Thankfully through our Savior I know that I can rely on Him in something as little as this and he will make weak things become strong.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Win as Much as Possible
In class we did a game that was called "Win as much as Possible." With a name like that I felt like there was extra incentive to win and coming from a very competitive family my head was definitely in the game. Our strategy at the beginning of the game was foolproof. It was going great until one of the members of our team decided to stray from the rules we had set for our team, after she did that, there was a complete absence of trust and other members of the group started going against what we had originally planned as well. The Absence of Trust is Dysfunction #1 of a team. All it takes is one member of a team to do something and that can be really harmful to the other members who are trying to cooperate. For example in my family there are five daughters and I'm the youngest. So if one of my sisters did something like break curfew for example, or cheat on a test often times it led to my parents losing that trust in not just one of the girls but all of us. Unfortunately my sisters and I (as a team) had to work together to cover for each other and make sure that we were all on the same page to save each other from our parents losing trust in all of us as a whole. It's the same concept as a team, if there is a loss in trust it's hard to progress when energies are spent on rebuilding.
A time that there has been major disfunction on a team was last year on my cheer squad. Freshman through junior year, our whole team had basically moved up together as a group from year to year. We had the same coach every year and we were all extremely close. Our senior year together, our coach was getting married and she decided to step down. We had a brand new coach last year and it was a major rebuilding year. This new coach was brand new to the entire program and she was a very strong personality. She was difficult to get along with and extremely stubborn, she wanted things her way and she did not want to reason with us and would never see things eye to eye. A lot of the girls wanted to quit and there was a total lack of commitment on the team. As captains Elann and I tried extra hard to unite the team by going to team lunches and meeting early for call time to go over the cheers and dances without our coach. At first it was a struggle but we got through the difficult stages of development until we reached performing. It was so good to finish out the season with all the girls at the beginning of the year through the end of the season!
RBA
Freshman year of high school I took a class called "school success" where we learned about study habits and other useful tools for high school. One thing that I still remember was that my teacher told me that we have relationships with every person we meet, and we call them RBA's or, relationship bank accounts. In a relationship bank account it's like a real banking account that you can put deposits into the relationships: to strengthen it, or withdraw from the account and weaken it. Our guest speaker in class reinforced the importance of every RBA that we make. There are five stages of a relationship that we learned about and most of the relationships. Most of my relationships at school right now are somewhere between surface and structure, which are the lowest levels. I haven't been able to get close with as many people as I would like to but... then again I am still just meeting a lot of people. But I am really really grateful for the significant and solid relationships that I do have. Being able to sort my friendships into these levels has given me a greater appreciation for those that I count as being in a significant relationship with. I definitely need to express my appreciation to them and let them know how much they mean to me.
Something I hadn't heard before which I found to be really interesting was the concept of being a firefighter or a fire-lighter. Fire-lighters are people who go out of their way to keep others fire burning and sustain their passion for something. I have had so many fire-lighters who have made such an influence in my life. From my high school counselor, to my cheer coach I have always admired the people who support me and believe in me. Because of some fire-lighting examples in my life, I tried extra hard my senior year as an upperclassmen to get to know the younger girls in the cheer and choir program and to encourage them to work hard in high school and do everything that they set their mind to. In doing so I made some friendships that I cherish so much. This one girl in particular, Sophie will still message me on Facebook asking for my advice about little things in high school and I absolutely love that she feels like she can still confide in me as her friend.
This lecture gave me a lot to reflect on and I thought a lot about a friend who I abandoned when he really needed me to help him and support him. In April I realized that one of my friends was in a really bad place and they're influence on me was equally harmful because they were bringing me down. I evaluated how important his friendship was to me and I explained that I just couldn't be close with him anymore. After that and over the past summer I heard that he became really involved in drugs and alcohol and I felt so bad about not being there for him because I knew that all he needed was a good friend who could love and support him. After this lecture last week I called him and it was so good to hear from him and he was so excited that I had called him. We both apologized to each other for things that happened in our relationship and resolved to start over and just work harder. I am so happy that he is a part of my life again and he is equally comforted knowing that he is able to call me and I'll be there for him. Being apart has made things a lot easier for some reason. I think we both did some growing up and the beauty of a RBA is that unlike a real bank account you can never truly close a relationship, that's why friendships can be picked up after a period of time. The lesson this week really meant a lot to me, and I am so happy that I was able to apply it because I have really missed him. Now I feel confident that it is indeed possible to pick up old relationships and be a fire-lighter in people lives!
Something I hadn't heard before which I found to be really interesting was the concept of being a firefighter or a fire-lighter. Fire-lighters are people who go out of their way to keep others fire burning and sustain their passion for something. I have had so many fire-lighters who have made such an influence in my life. From my high school counselor, to my cheer coach I have always admired the people who support me and believe in me. Because of some fire-lighting examples in my life, I tried extra hard my senior year as an upperclassmen to get to know the younger girls in the cheer and choir program and to encourage them to work hard in high school and do everything that they set their mind to. In doing so I made some friendships that I cherish so much. This one girl in particular, Sophie will still message me on Facebook asking for my advice about little things in high school and I absolutely love that she feels like she can still confide in me as her friend.
This lecture gave me a lot to reflect on and I thought a lot about a friend who I abandoned when he really needed me to help him and support him. In April I realized that one of my friends was in a really bad place and they're influence on me was equally harmful because they were bringing me down. I evaluated how important his friendship was to me and I explained that I just couldn't be close with him anymore. After that and over the past summer I heard that he became really involved in drugs and alcohol and I felt so bad about not being there for him because I knew that all he needed was a good friend who could love and support him. After this lecture last week I called him and it was so good to hear from him and he was so excited that I had called him. We both apologized to each other for things that happened in our relationship and resolved to start over and just work harder. I am so happy that he is a part of my life again and he is equally comforted knowing that he is able to call me and I'll be there for him. Being apart has made things a lot easier for some reason. I think we both did some growing up and the beauty of a RBA is that unlike a real bank account you can never truly close a relationship, that's why friendships can be picked up after a period of time. The lesson this week really meant a lot to me, and I am so happy that I was able to apply it because I have really missed him. Now I feel confident that it is indeed possible to pick up old relationships and be a fire-lighter in people lives!
The Good, Bad and the Ugly.
Sometimes conflict can be good, occasionally it's bad, but a lot of time it just ends up pretty ugly. In discussion we learned ways to prevent it getting bad or ugly. We learn that the outcome is often not because of your situation or other people involved, it's mainly how hard you are willing to work to resolve things. It's important to not place blame on other people in a conflict because then bitter feelings may come with the territory.
The first step of resolving a conflict is overcoming your fear of the conflict itself. There are a lot of elements into solving a problem. You must consider how important the relationship is, how important the issue, and what all the consequences could be. This past week a girl in my hall has had some kinda sketchy stories, and nothing was really adding up. It was concerning her boyfriend and I just had a weird feeling that something wasn't right. I was nervous to approach her and ask her if she was okay and if she wanted to tell me what was going on but nonetheless I decided that maybe she could really use a friend right now to help her out. I ended up asking really broad questions to feel out the situation and see what kind of a mood she was in so I wouldn't end up offending her. In the end she confided in me that she has been really uncomfortable with this guy she's been dating and she just needed someone to talk out her feelings with. She explained that he's not a member of the church and she just thinks they shouldn't continue to date. I was really happy that she was able to come to that conclusion on her own. Although it was no where near a conflict for either of us I was still really nervous of the consequences of what she would think of me talking to her about it. Thankfully it all turned out and she was able to talk to me and I think we became closer through it. Sometimes it's important to just face what could be for an even better good in the end.
The first step of resolving a conflict is overcoming your fear of the conflict itself. There are a lot of elements into solving a problem. You must consider how important the relationship is, how important the issue, and what all the consequences could be. This past week a girl in my hall has had some kinda sketchy stories, and nothing was really adding up. It was concerning her boyfriend and I just had a weird feeling that something wasn't right. I was nervous to approach her and ask her if she was okay and if she wanted to tell me what was going on but nonetheless I decided that maybe she could really use a friend right now to help her out. I ended up asking really broad questions to feel out the situation and see what kind of a mood she was in so I wouldn't end up offending her. In the end she confided in me that she has been really uncomfortable with this guy she's been dating and she just needed someone to talk out her feelings with. She explained that he's not a member of the church and she just thinks they shouldn't continue to date. I was really happy that she was able to come to that conclusion on her own. Although it was no where near a conflict for either of us I was still really nervous of the consequences of what she would think of me talking to her about it. Thankfully it all turned out and she was able to talk to me and I think we became closer through it. Sometimes it's important to just face what could be for an even better good in the end.
My Stupid Mouth
John Mayer is one of my favorite artists and he always has really personal and relatable songs. After I broke up with a guy who really meant a lot to me, I played this song on repeat in my room while I stared at the ceiling. The song is describing a boy and a girl in conflict and there is a slip up where someone just says something utterly stupid. I feel like I do this and it's most detrimental with people that I truly care about. Sometimes I think that to avoid conflict it's in human nature to say something else to get around the heart of the matter. I've learned the hard way that this is absolutely not what I should do.
I tend to run away from conflict but in doing so, I dig myself into a deeper hole because fear prevents me from facing the problem. Avoiding conflict gets me no where...I just end up saying stupid things to try and get myself out. The lesson about conflict really opened my eyes to seeing how much work I have cut out for me. At first I didn't agree at all with the statement "Conflict is the lifeblood of vibrant, progressive, stimulating organizations." Conflict always has such a negative connotation with it but now I know that it can be very healthy and effective. Conflict encourages growth, personally and within organizations so it had a very important role in society.
I think some conflict can be avoided and it's important to "never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved". My roommate for example NEVER takes out the trash, and she never washes the rice cooker after she uses it. For me though, I don't mind cleaning and it doesn't bother me to the point where I feel like I need to bring it up, so it just works easy to do it myself. Maybe if it gets to the point where I'm really frustrated by it i'll say something but for now I'm perfectly happy going the extra mile and helping out :)
My Lucky Day!!
The day we learned about communication in my lab was my lucky day!! I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so much, and we totally made sandwiches in class. We were split up as pairs and one partner was supposed to make the sandwich and the other was supposed to give the instruction of how to assemble the sandwich. The point was to focus on how we need to communicate clearly with people. After, we were instructed to split the sandwich in half and share between the pairs. The lucky part for me is that my partner doesn't like peanut butter so I got a full sandwich all to myself!!
Anyway, I know that as a good leader it's important to set a good example if you want people to follow. Not only do you just lead by example but there are many elements and one of them is through communication. New and different ways that I hope to apply communication as a leader include, being patient, making sure goals are the same, and involving other people.
I know that I am an effective communicator but my weakness is definitely listening. It's easy to do simple things, like make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but when it comes to relationships or problems I tend to lose sight of a common goal and will only think of my side of things. I feel so bad when my roommate tells me stories about her day and I completely tune her out...next thing I know she's asking me a question and I have no idea how to respond. We've all been there at least once, and it's more than uncomfortable. I hate when people do that to me so I know that's something I definitely need to work harder at!
Anyway, I know that as a good leader it's important to set a good example if you want people to follow. Not only do you just lead by example but there are many elements and one of them is through communication. New and different ways that I hope to apply communication as a leader include, being patient, making sure goals are the same, and involving other people.
I know that I am an effective communicator but my weakness is definitely listening. It's easy to do simple things, like make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but when it comes to relationships or problems I tend to lose sight of a common goal and will only think of my side of things. I feel so bad when my roommate tells me stories about her day and I completely tune her out...next thing I know she's asking me a question and I have no idea how to respond. We've all been there at least once, and it's more than uncomfortable. I hate when people do that to me so I know that's something I definitely need to work harder at!
"Powerfully & Prolifically"
I am really grateful that one of my strengths is being able to communicate with the people around my who are important and mean a lot to me. Unfortunately when there are people I'm trying to impress, or people who I don't know as well I feel like I need to be careful about what I say because I'm so worried about them not liking me.
Our guest speaker Ms. Brittany Steele was able to give new insight about communication. One of the things that stuck out most to me was a quote explaining "Our communications reflect in our countenance. Therefore we must be careful not only what we communicate but also how we do so." This really made me think about my attitude and how I communicate things to people, especially my body language and the little things that I typically don't think about when I'm trying to make a point, or introduce new ideas. Something that I think I need to work on is being more receptive to other people and the things they say. In order to be a good communicator I know that it's equally necessary to be a good listener, and involve myself in others to be a good leader. Also in leadership there are time that I need to be more confident and take initiative. Something else that I definitely need to work on is being more analytical about problems. I can continue to have positive optimism and communicate messages that may be hopeful and inspiring to help other people.
My friend Chloe is learning about the church right now and something that I wish I could do better is the way that ideas are presented. I don't want to confuse her or scare her away so I know that I need to be well spoken and easy to understand especially when discussing difficult ideas about church doctrine. Hopefully I'll be able to influence her and help her understand through my communication and countenance.
Our guest speaker Ms. Brittany Steele was able to give new insight about communication. One of the things that stuck out most to me was a quote explaining "Our communications reflect in our countenance. Therefore we must be careful not only what we communicate but also how we do so." This really made me think about my attitude and how I communicate things to people, especially my body language and the little things that I typically don't think about when I'm trying to make a point, or introduce new ideas. Something that I think I need to work on is being more receptive to other people and the things they say. In order to be a good communicator I know that it's equally necessary to be a good listener, and involve myself in others to be a good leader. Also in leadership there are time that I need to be more confident and take initiative. Something else that I definitely need to work on is being more analytical about problems. I can continue to have positive optimism and communicate messages that may be hopeful and inspiring to help other people.
My friend Chloe is learning about the church right now and something that I wish I could do better is the way that ideas are presented. I don't want to confuse her or scare her away so I know that I need to be well spoken and easy to understand especially when discussing difficult ideas about church doctrine. Hopefully I'll be able to influence her and help her understand through my communication and countenance.
And we work it out.
Unfortunately, when I had logged on before it didn't save and before I hit publish it all erased. But mainly I focused on describing how it was more difficult than I thought it was going to be at first to create a group project that we all were going to agree on. At first we met together and created a vision and some goals for our project. We chose what we were going to do for our project but in the beginning it was a little bit awkward because since we're in a leadership class and learning about teamwork, I think we were all trying to be conscientious of each other and making sure that we weren't going to offend anyone or try and push our ideas too much. We didn't get everything resolved but we were able to get a really good idea going that I thought everyone was excited about. We decided to make a few calls and see if the project and goals were do-able and we were going to meet Wednesday night.
On wednesday night we were able to meet again and over night I think people thought more about the project and they wanted to change a few things. After suggesting other ideas, we were all a little bit frustrated and just wanted to be able to settle on one idea and keep the vision that we had already created two days prior. After suggesting all sides of the outcome of the project and checking how feasible it could be, we decided on our original idea that I think will work out really well and the group seems like they're ready to take it on! In the end it all worked out and I think that if our group continues to apply the things that we're learning about in classes and discussions that we'll be really successful and it will be a fun project!
On wednesday night we were able to meet again and over night I think people thought more about the project and they wanted to change a few things. After suggesting other ideas, we were all a little bit frustrated and just wanted to be able to settle on one idea and keep the vision that we had already created two days prior. After suggesting all sides of the outcome of the project and checking how feasible it could be, we decided on our original idea that I think will work out really well and the group seems like they're ready to take it on! In the end it all worked out and I think that if our group continues to apply the things that we're learning about in classes and discussions that we'll be really successful and it will be a fun project!
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