1. Use the 6 C's or Dr. Nielsen's process to discuss a decision you have made in your role. (Go step by step)
One of the decisions I have made in my role, was my initial decision to accept the opportunity to be a program director for Service Squad. This was a somewhat significant decision that I had to make because being a program director would take some time out of my week and so I wanted to make sure that I wasn't accepting something that I couldn't personally handle. Looking back on my decision making process, I recognize that I used Dr. Nielsen's, or the Lord's, approach to decision making.
a. identify the problem: the problem I identified was the decision I had to make whether or not I had time to be the program director. My desire to accept the opportunity wasn't in question. I really wanted to get involved. I just had to determine if I had enough time during the week to commit to this role.
b. pray for guidance: When I found out about the opportunity, I prayed to be guided in making this decision. My involvement as a program director and in other areas within BYUSA is really important to me and it is something I am highly passionate about. Because I was already involved, I prayed to know if being program director for Service Squad was something that was the Lord's will for me to do, or if it was just something that I was interested in.
c. study the problem: I didn't take too long on this step because this decision wasn't highly significant, but I did study my problem out. I looked at my average weekly schedule to see if I could commit to be in the office during the week and to see if my Wednesday nights were usually conflict free so I could commit to do Service Squad.
d. make the decision: When I realized that I could orchestrate my time to commit to this, I decided to be a program director.
e. pray for confirmation: Once I realized what I truly wanted to do, I prayed again to see if it was really the right thing. Immediately, I felt really peaceful about accepting this responsibility and I felt really excited to begin being a program director.
f. act--do it: I immediately told Mallory that I wanted to be a program director and since then, I've followed through with my commitment to be at stewardships and committee meetings and to be there Wednesday nights to conduct Service Squad.
2. Why can a model like RACE help activities or events run smoother?
I think that having a specific outline of what you are supposed to do to conduct and carry out an event is really helpful. People are able to know that they need to research and train, create an action plan, carry out the event, and then evaluate the event. This will make it run smoother because people won't be wondering what the next step is to take, and they will be able to move forward without wasting time.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Balance and Time Management
1. Based on Tamara's lecture, our discussion, and the advice given by your classmates what new goals or time management adjustments are you going to be making and why?
I was really impressed by Tamara's lecture. One of the points she made that stood out to me most was to change your attitude. I've always thought about managing time as "juggling time" and I loved how she said that we should instead think of it as "conducting or orchestrating time." Juggling time sounds overwhelming and I think it has a negative connotation. I love knowing that you can orchestrate your time into something beautiful, while prioritizing certain parts and making some areas in your life louder than others. A goal I am going to focus on is developing the attitude that it is okay to focus more on certain aspects in my life than others. Sometimes, I feel like I have to do it all and I have to do is all perfectly. However, there are some things in my life that need to take priority and I need to remember that as well as remember that priorities change. If I do this, I will feel less bad and guilty when I feel like I can't do it all.
I also really liked what Macy said about being accountable to the Lord for every minute that He gives you. We really are accoutable and it is important to be wise stewards. I've made the goal of reporting at the end of the day to the Lord about how I spent my time. If I do this, I think I'll be able to better control bad habits, such as going on facebook or taking unneeded naps.
2. Define balance and how you implement it in your role or your life?
I think that balance is best found when Christ is at the center. Imagine your life as a bicycle wheel. In order for it to properly work, you need a center circle that all the spokes lead off of. If Christ is at the center, I think you would realize what is important in your life. I don't think balance is having a certain number of credits or a specific number of hours that you spend with friends each week. I believe that everybody's definition of balance is unique and your personal "balance" can be found when Christ is at the center of your life. In order to implement balance in my life, I strive to make Christ the center of everything I do. I study the Gospel, pray, attend my Church meetings and the temple, and fulfill my Church calling. By doing this, I'm closer to Christ and the Holy Ghost is my constant companion. This means I can receive the personal revelation to know how I should be using my time.
3. Give an example in your role where you have had to be an excellent time management leader.
As a program director for Service Squad, I manage my time by realizing that I can't spend countless hours doing my role. I'm a student, as well as a friend and daughter, and I need time to fill those roles as well. I manage my time as program director by recognizing how many hours I spend in the BYUSA office, so I don't spend so many that I don't fulfill my other responsibilities.
I was really impressed by Tamara's lecture. One of the points she made that stood out to me most was to change your attitude. I've always thought about managing time as "juggling time" and I loved how she said that we should instead think of it as "conducting or orchestrating time." Juggling time sounds overwhelming and I think it has a negative connotation. I love knowing that you can orchestrate your time into something beautiful, while prioritizing certain parts and making some areas in your life louder than others. A goal I am going to focus on is developing the attitude that it is okay to focus more on certain aspects in my life than others. Sometimes, I feel like I have to do it all and I have to do is all perfectly. However, there are some things in my life that need to take priority and I need to remember that as well as remember that priorities change. If I do this, I will feel less bad and guilty when I feel like I can't do it all.
I also really liked what Macy said about being accountable to the Lord for every minute that He gives you. We really are accoutable and it is important to be wise stewards. I've made the goal of reporting at the end of the day to the Lord about how I spent my time. If I do this, I think I'll be able to better control bad habits, such as going on facebook or taking unneeded naps.
2. Define balance and how you implement it in your role or your life?
I think that balance is best found when Christ is at the center. Imagine your life as a bicycle wheel. In order for it to properly work, you need a center circle that all the spokes lead off of. If Christ is at the center, I think you would realize what is important in your life. I don't think balance is having a certain number of credits or a specific number of hours that you spend with friends each week. I believe that everybody's definition of balance is unique and your personal "balance" can be found when Christ is at the center of your life. In order to implement balance in my life, I strive to make Christ the center of everything I do. I study the Gospel, pray, attend my Church meetings and the temple, and fulfill my Church calling. By doing this, I'm closer to Christ and the Holy Ghost is my constant companion. This means I can receive the personal revelation to know how I should be using my time.
3. Give an example in your role where you have had to be an excellent time management leader.
As a program director for Service Squad, I manage my time by realizing that I can't spend countless hours doing my role. I'm a student, as well as a friend and daughter, and I need time to fill those roles as well. I manage my time as program director by recognizing how many hours I spend in the BYUSA office, so I don't spend so many that I don't fulfill my other responsibilities.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Utilizing Strengths and Weaknesses
1. Give an example of when you have utilized a strength or weakness in your role (you or someone else).
I have the strength of remembering details that need to be accomplished. This helps me in various aspects in my role as Service Squad program director. I'm able to remember details that need to be discussed during stewardship meetings. I also am able to remember everything that we need to talk about with my committee during Service Squad. I can remember which forms we need to fill out, such as EAFs or meal docs. Remember the details is important in order to be completely organized and on top of things.
2. Think about the strengths of your GPT and how they are working to better your results.
My Group Project Team has many strengths. Each person contributes something to our group. Cameron is very knowledgeable about business aspects and he is extremely innovative. Matzen is good at delegating responsibility and in taking action. Josh is very creative and is good at coming up with smart ideas. Skyler is good at brainstorming and his soft-spoken manner draws the group together. Everybody's combined strengths compensate for our individual weaknesses.
I have the strength of remembering details that need to be accomplished. This helps me in various aspects in my role as Service Squad program director. I'm able to remember details that need to be discussed during stewardship meetings. I also am able to remember everything that we need to talk about with my committee during Service Squad. I can remember which forms we need to fill out, such as EAFs or meal docs. Remember the details is important in order to be completely organized and on top of things.
2. Think about the strengths of your GPT and how they are working to better your results.
My Group Project Team has many strengths. Each person contributes something to our group. Cameron is very knowledgeable about business aspects and he is extremely innovative. Matzen is good at delegating responsibility and in taking action. Josh is very creative and is good at coming up with smart ideas. Skyler is good at brainstorming and his soft-spoken manner draws the group together. Everybody's combined strengths compensate for our individual weaknesses.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Teamwork
1.Choose and describe in detail two of the four teamwork stages (forming, storming and norming, performing) you have seen in your group project teams and how it has affected your teamwork.
In my group project team, I noticed the forming stage. When we were first assigned our teams, we got to know each other and we learned about each other's strengths. We talked about each person's leadership involvement and why they were taking this student development class. We talked and joked around. This forming stage of our group really brought our group closer together. I think that once a group gets to know each other, then it makes brainstorming and performing the designated activity much easier; you feel comfortable in discussing and sharing your ideas and in addressing conflict.
I've also noticed the norming stage in my group. This stage is where you know what your project is and as a group, you plan to carry out the project. Once we realized what we were going to do for our service project, we were able to discuss how we were best going to fulfill that. We were able to assign tasks based on group member's strengths. For example, Cameron is really involved in business, so he is going to look into some forms that we can give to the businesses that we ask donations from. Josh is really talented on the computer and so he is going to be in charge of designing the logo of our project.
2. Pick one dysfunction (Ryan's lecture) you have seen in your leadership role and what you are going to do to turn into a function.
In my leadership role as Service Squad program director, I have noticed the dysfunction of the "inattention to results." This is characterized by forgetting the group's purpose. In Service Squad, our purpose is to serve others and promote the vision of BYU/SA. I think that the volunteers sometimes forget that they are serving others and instead, they focus on just doing the people's dishes or seeing how many trashes they can take out. In order to turn this dysfunction into a function, I will focus more on the end result of serving others by encouraging the volunteers to incorporate this service experience into a life-long habit of service. At the beginning of the meeting, I will ask the volunteers if they had any experience with service or leadership during the past week. By doing this, it will help the volunteers keep a continuous and broad perspective of the purpose of Service Squad. Focusing on the end result, will allow the goals to align themselves in accordance with the purpose of the program.
In my group project team, I noticed the forming stage. When we were first assigned our teams, we got to know each other and we learned about each other's strengths. We talked about each person's leadership involvement and why they were taking this student development class. We talked and joked around. This forming stage of our group really brought our group closer together. I think that once a group gets to know each other, then it makes brainstorming and performing the designated activity much easier; you feel comfortable in discussing and sharing your ideas and in addressing conflict.
I've also noticed the norming stage in my group. This stage is where you know what your project is and as a group, you plan to carry out the project. Once we realized what we were going to do for our service project, we were able to discuss how we were best going to fulfill that. We were able to assign tasks based on group member's strengths. For example, Cameron is really involved in business, so he is going to look into some forms that we can give to the businesses that we ask donations from. Josh is really talented on the computer and so he is going to be in charge of designing the logo of our project.
2. Pick one dysfunction (Ryan's lecture) you have seen in your leadership role and what you are going to do to turn into a function.
In my leadership role as Service Squad program director, I have noticed the dysfunction of the "inattention to results." This is characterized by forgetting the group's purpose. In Service Squad, our purpose is to serve others and promote the vision of BYU/SA. I think that the volunteers sometimes forget that they are serving others and instead, they focus on just doing the people's dishes or seeing how many trashes they can take out. In order to turn this dysfunction into a function, I will focus more on the end result of serving others by encouraging the volunteers to incorporate this service experience into a life-long habit of service. At the beginning of the meeting, I will ask the volunteers if they had any experience with service or leadership during the past week. By doing this, it will help the volunteers keep a continuous and broad perspective of the purpose of Service Squad. Focusing on the end result, will allow the goals to align themselves in accordance with the purpose of the program.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Communication
Do you think you are effective at communicating and how can you improve?
There is still much work that I need to do in order to improve my communication skills. I am good at taking initiative to get work done and translating my messages to fit the audience. I'm also good at following through with my responsibilities so others can gain integrity and trust in me. However, I sometimes struggle with involving others and having positive optimism. I need to remember that everyone has ideas that need to be shared. I will try harder to be willing to ask for other's ideas and to be receptive to those ideas. I will also work on communicating messages of hope and inspiration. I will look at the good and positive in every situation, instead of focusing and communicating the negative aspects. Incorporating these skills into my communication within Service Squad will help me become a more Christ-like communicator.
What are some new or different ways you learned to communicate that you will apply to your leadership role?
I had never heard of having analytical skills in your communicating. I think that is an important quality to have. I will work to listen to what every volunteer in Service Squad and those on my committee say and then gather all of those ideas and incorporate them into the big picture and mission of Service Squad and BYU/SA.
Realistically, what kind of listener are you? What can you do to become a better listener?
I am progressing in my listening skills. Oftentimes, my thoughts wonder when I listen to people and I start to think of how I will reply to their questions and comments. However, I need to not do this and I need to fully listen to what people are saying and then after they finish, I can take a couple of seconds and think of my own comments.
There is still much work that I need to do in order to improve my communication skills. I am good at taking initiative to get work done and translating my messages to fit the audience. I'm also good at following through with my responsibilities so others can gain integrity and trust in me. However, I sometimes struggle with involving others and having positive optimism. I need to remember that everyone has ideas that need to be shared. I will try harder to be willing to ask for other's ideas and to be receptive to those ideas. I will also work on communicating messages of hope and inspiration. I will look at the good and positive in every situation, instead of focusing and communicating the negative aspects. Incorporating these skills into my communication within Service Squad will help me become a more Christ-like communicator.
What are some new or different ways you learned to communicate that you will apply to your leadership role?
I had never heard of having analytical skills in your communicating. I think that is an important quality to have. I will work to listen to what every volunteer in Service Squad and those on my committee say and then gather all of those ideas and incorporate them into the big picture and mission of Service Squad and BYU/SA.
Realistically, what kind of listener are you? What can you do to become a better listener?
I am progressing in my listening skills. Oftentimes, my thoughts wonder when I listen to people and I start to think of how I will reply to their questions and comments. However, I need to not do this and I need to fully listen to what people are saying and then after they finish, I can take a couple of seconds and think of my own comments.
Establishing a Vision and SMART Goals
Establish a vision for your role.
The volunteers who come to Service Squad will feel the Spirit as they serve others, develop their own divine-centered leadership characteristics, and gain a testimony of the mission of BYU/SA.
Which SMART goal do you need to specifically work on or improve?
I want each person to gain a testimony of the mission and purpose of BYU/SA, which is to develop more divine-centered leaders and to establish Zion communities. I will accomplish this, by teaching the volunteers a quick lesson each Wednesday night about the mission and vision of BYU/SA, so when they go to serve that night, they can share that message with those they serve. I will encourage and help each person understand the mission, so they can feel comfortable in sharing that. I will encourgae them by setting an example and being the first person to share the message with the people we serve.
Use the SMART goals to solve a problem in your role.
One problem with my role, is I find it difficult to speak in fron of all the volunteers (i.e. conducting the meetings). I will solve this problem by forcing myself to conduct the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month, while Jessica, my co-program director, conducts the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. I will prepare to conduct and share my thoughts on leadership, and then afterwards, I will ask Mallory (my ED) and Jessica which areas I need improvement in.
The volunteers who come to Service Squad will feel the Spirit as they serve others, develop their own divine-centered leadership characteristics, and gain a testimony of the mission of BYU/SA.
Which SMART goal do you need to specifically work on or improve?
I want each person to gain a testimony of the mission and purpose of BYU/SA, which is to develop more divine-centered leaders and to establish Zion communities. I will accomplish this, by teaching the volunteers a quick lesson each Wednesday night about the mission and vision of BYU/SA, so when they go to serve that night, they can share that message with those they serve. I will encourage and help each person understand the mission, so they can feel comfortable in sharing that. I will encourgae them by setting an example and being the first person to share the message with the people we serve.
Use the SMART goals to solve a problem in your role.
One problem with my role, is I find it difficult to speak in fron of all the volunteers (i.e. conducting the meetings). I will solve this problem by forcing myself to conduct the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month, while Jessica, my co-program director, conducts the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. I will prepare to conduct and share my thoughts on leadership, and then afterwards, I will ask Mallory (my ED) and Jessica which areas I need improvement in.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Divine-Centered
Talk about who you met, what you learned, and what was the most valuable part of the experience.
I'm program director for Service Squad and every Wednesday night at 7:00, I have the opportunity and responsibility to serve students at BYU. When the volunteers arrive, we divide into pairs and go to a pre-determined housing complex around campus and knock on their doors, offering our service for the night. I went to Service Squad every week last semester, and I always had a good time, but Wednesday night, I decided to truly get to know my partner's heart. Bromwyn is a senior studying plant and wildlife science. Although several days later, I don't remember where she was from or other details from her personal life, I remember that she is kind and she has a good heart. She wants to be a teacher and she loves serving others.
I had a wonderful experience that night. I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed when I went to Service Squad that night, and had hoped that some service would lift my spirits. However, I found that the joy and gratitude I gained did not come from taking out some student's trash, it came from talking to Bromwyn, making her feel comfortable and welcome, and truly getting to know her heart. Although, I've had many partners for Service Squad that I didn't know before, I always talked to them because I was program director and it was my duty. I didn't have the right motives. But on Wednesday night, I wanted to get to know Bromwyn because that is what the Savior would've done if He was in my position. He would have loved her because He knew her heart. I made that my goal that night: to learn to love her heart, even if I didn't necessarily know everything about her. I think I realized that goal. I greatly enjoyed my time spent with her that night. Most importantly, I realized that when you have charity for others, you can more easily feel the Savior's personal love for you.
How will you apply the principles of Divine Centered Leadership to your role?
As program director for Service Squad, I have the opportunity to be one-on-one with a volunteer each week. I will use this opportunity to truly get to know their hearts. I want to develop Christ-like love for those people and serve them by making them realize their potential as leaders and as children of God. Throughout the coming weeks, I will try harder to get to know other's hearts and have the right motive as a leader.
What does being a “servant leader” mean to you?
Being a "servant leader" means that instead of bossing people around and giving out orders, you do as Christ did: serve them. Christ was a "servant leader" because He served others and let His example and kindness do the leading. A "servant leader" is someone who devotes all their efforts to serve those who they have stewardship over.
I'm program director for Service Squad and every Wednesday night at 7:00, I have the opportunity and responsibility to serve students at BYU. When the volunteers arrive, we divide into pairs and go to a pre-determined housing complex around campus and knock on their doors, offering our service for the night. I went to Service Squad every week last semester, and I always had a good time, but Wednesday night, I decided to truly get to know my partner's heart. Bromwyn is a senior studying plant and wildlife science. Although several days later, I don't remember where she was from or other details from her personal life, I remember that she is kind and she has a good heart. She wants to be a teacher and she loves serving others.
I had a wonderful experience that night. I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed when I went to Service Squad that night, and had hoped that some service would lift my spirits. However, I found that the joy and gratitude I gained did not come from taking out some student's trash, it came from talking to Bromwyn, making her feel comfortable and welcome, and truly getting to know her heart. Although, I've had many partners for Service Squad that I didn't know before, I always talked to them because I was program director and it was my duty. I didn't have the right motives. But on Wednesday night, I wanted to get to know Bromwyn because that is what the Savior would've done if He was in my position. He would have loved her because He knew her heart. I made that my goal that night: to learn to love her heart, even if I didn't necessarily know everything about her. I think I realized that goal. I greatly enjoyed my time spent with her that night. Most importantly, I realized that when you have charity for others, you can more easily feel the Savior's personal love for you.
How will you apply the principles of Divine Centered Leadership to your role?
As program director for Service Squad, I have the opportunity to be one-on-one with a volunteer each week. I will use this opportunity to truly get to know their hearts. I want to develop Christ-like love for those people and serve them by making them realize their potential as leaders and as children of God. Throughout the coming weeks, I will try harder to get to know other's hearts and have the right motive as a leader.
What does being a “servant leader” mean to you?
Being a "servant leader" means that instead of bossing people around and giving out orders, you do as Christ did: serve them. Christ was a "servant leader" because He served others and let His example and kindness do the leading. A "servant leader" is someone who devotes all their efforts to serve those who they have stewardship over.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)