My analysis of SWOT

Doing the SWOT analysis really made a difference in how I've been able to see my strengths and weaknesses and how they have contributed to my successes and accomplishments. It made the reality of my procrastination-problem that much more of a reminder to me. The cards that we used in class boosted my self-confidence because they were mainly strengths that a lot of people could relate to, for example; cleanliness, ambitious, cheerful, etc. We've been given many opportunities to use our strengths. Great leaders are able to call their strengths at all the right times. “Chances are you will have many opportunities to lead during your own lifetime. As you will learn the path to great leadership starts with a deep understanding of the strengths you bring to the table.” 

On Monday for FHE we made cookies in the basement and I was really excited about making cookies and asked to give the spiritual thought because of the object lesson we had in our lab. I was able to convey the message the cookie-making is a lot like team work. As every person contributes their strengths to the group the overall outcome will be best. As people are able to compliment weaknesses with others strengths a team is strengthened and like a cookie will have a better product in the end. Without all the ingredients it doesn't taste as delicious, just a salt enhances the flavor it would not taste sweet and delicious standing alone. The most effective leaders surround themselves with the right people and maximize their team and understand their followers needs. Just like in missionary work it's important to understand and speak the language of the people you are teaching. Maybe not their exact tongue but at least understand where they are coming from so you can successfully reach out to them, touch their heart, and inspire them to go forth and serve.

Leaders are able to take weaknesses and join them together through their program where they can develop a higher level of learning. In our small leadership group for the project, Karina admitted to having very little patience and Madison nicely compliments her by being very calm, collected, and patient in trying situations. By knowing members of a team and knowing the strengths and weaknesses the whole team may be benefitted. One thing that really impacted me that I had never thought about in regards to weaknesses is how the path to comparing yourself is so slippery. It was mentioned that most people compare their weaknesses to other people's strengths, which is going to make no positive impact in any situation. It is never right or helpful to compare yourself to others to try and raise your own self-esteem, especially since we do not know what has made each persons strength a strength and their weakness weak. 

Dallin H. Oaks warns us that our strengths may also become weaknesses, “Those who engage in self- congratulation over a supposed strength have lost the protection of humility and are vulnerable to Satan’s using that strength to produce their downfall.” I know that by following a living prophet and listening to the counsel from parents and other leaders that we will be strengthened as we continue to follow in faith.