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.
As a leader in BYUSA, my role is to be a leader of leaders. I need to inspire my team to achieve greatness. I also need to help them understand the power they have to achieve great things during their time in the office. My "customers" are my executive directors, program directors, committee members, club presidents, club members/officers, and BYU student. I can strive to meet the needs of those customers by getting to know their needs. I can only know so many people, but if I am able to help one individual while in BYUSA, I will consider my experience to have been a success. In order to be consistently meeting needs, I strive to focus on the goals I have to reach the different "customers" and reevaluate them according to my opportunity to serve. It is possible for me to gain results during my term in the office.
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 was when Nate left our team this semester. This was significant, especially because his tasks cannot be met by any of our other team members. I was unsure as to how we could effectively move forward from this decision. I didn't know how I would be able to communicate to my team members after this change, or how they would react to the situation. Adrian helped me to successfully adapt to this change because he educated me on some shuffling we could do help Nate's responsibilities still happen. He also helped me to know how I could communicate this with my team members to have the least impact. I was also impressed to see my team's reactions to the change. They were comfortable with their new responsibilities and eager to see positive changes occur. It was great!
Describe why you believe that networking with others is a vital part of leading change?
Networking allows me to know 'how to deliver services that delight customers by meeting and exceeding their expectations.' I also want to be influential in helping club members to have all of their needs met. This would enable me to lead change because I would be able to identify the people that are essential to my success, get to know them, and gain knowledge from their expertise. I want to be able to support my team by gaining ideas about our 'organizational strategy, goals, and direction' and using those ideas to benefit us as a whole. We have a such a potential for success. I just need to be willing to work towards it. I cannot do this job alone, so it is essential that I glean knowledge from those around me first!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Goal Setting
Have you established stretch goals for the team that energizes the team to achieve more?
I still remember the presidency meeting where we were able to decide on a focus for this year. I am completely amazed by that experience. It was about an hour and twenty minutes of intense deliberation and then we came up with our goals. We wanted to build and inspire: Unity, Service, and Students. This was my first experience establishing stretch goals with this team.
My second experience was when my team and I worked to establish a vision, or stretch goals, for our area. It was a little bit harder this time because very few people had a good time deciding what they wanted to do with their time in the area. Regardless, we were able to establish goals for our area.
Do you keep your team focused on team goals and objectives?
I strive to keep my team focused on team goals and objectives, but it isn't a sure thing all the time. In stewardships, we regularly discuss our priorities and commitments to our work with others. This enables us to work together to assess ourselves on our program-specific goals. I also strive to establish incremental goals, so instead of trying to accomplish everything at once, we can give ourselves steps to reach the final goal.
Have you spent time with your team to reinforce goals with everyone that's committed?
I have spent time with my team to reinforce goals. We strive to work together and evaluate our progress. I think I could do better at reminding them though. I know that as we talk about them, we will be able to come up with better goals and better ways to achieve our goals.
Do you regularly discuss your progress towards achieving those goals?
I do try to regularly discuss our goals and progress towards them. I want to be better at this though. We could be a better team if we asked ourselves what we are trying to accomplish with each of our events before trying to accomplish them. I want to be more prepared to give ideas on how we could reach greater progress.
How did applying established stretch goals in your week go?
Applying stretch goals in my week was really effective. I am going to try to do this each week because words says that it only takes 21 days to create a habit. By setting goals, I could have a lot of good habits by the end of my life. :)
I still remember the presidency meeting where we were able to decide on a focus for this year. I am completely amazed by that experience. It was about an hour and twenty minutes of intense deliberation and then we came up with our goals. We wanted to build and inspire: Unity, Service, and Students. This was my first experience establishing stretch goals with this team.
My second experience was when my team and I worked to establish a vision, or stretch goals, for our area. It was a little bit harder this time because very few people had a good time deciding what they wanted to do with their time in the area. Regardless, we were able to establish goals for our area.
Do you keep your team focused on team goals and objectives?
I strive to keep my team focused on team goals and objectives, but it isn't a sure thing all the time. In stewardships, we regularly discuss our priorities and commitments to our work with others. This enables us to work together to assess ourselves on our program-specific goals. I also strive to establish incremental goals, so instead of trying to accomplish everything at once, we can give ourselves steps to reach the final goal.
Have you spent time with your team to reinforce goals with everyone that's committed?
I have spent time with my team to reinforce goals. We strive to work together and evaluate our progress. I think I could do better at reminding them though. I know that as we talk about them, we will be able to come up with better goals and better ways to achieve our goals.
Do you regularly discuss your progress towards achieving those goals?
I do try to regularly discuss our goals and progress towards them. I want to be better at this though. We could be a better team if we asked ourselves what we are trying to accomplish with each of our events before trying to accomplish them. I want to be more prepared to give ideas on how we could reach greater progress.
How did applying established stretch goals in your week go?
Applying stretch goals in my week was really effective. I am going to try to do this each week because words says that it only takes 21 days to create a habit. By setting goals, I could have a lot of good habits by the end of my life. :)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Character
What does integrity really mean to you? How do you know personally when you are displaying integrity?
An individual has integrity when they are acting in consistency with his or her own values and morals. I have integrity when I act consistently, even when no one is watching. For me, someone with integrity adheres to a code of moral values. In this church, this means that I can trust anyone that demonstrates integrity because they do adhere to the same code of moral values as myself. A person with integrity is honest.
I know I am displaying integrity when I have the Spirit with me in my life. The Spirit is only able to dwell with me when I am acting in accordance with the gospel, or acting with integrity. President James E. Faust suggested that "integrity is the light that shines from a disciplined conscience. It is the strength of duty within us." I love this quote! I can feel strength in my life when I am acting with integrity. I guess this is how I really know. When I am acting with integrity, I feel joy and I know I can accomplish what I need to. Integrity in my life is a direct blessing of the gospel. I am so grateful for it.
Choose one of the development suggestions, or your own, to work on this week. What did you choose? Why? How did it go?
I chose to work on integrity this week. As defined in class, integrity is when I act in consistency with my values and morals. Integrity is what I do when no one is watching. When I think of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I think of perfect integrity. Christ never spoke poorly about anyone because he said he loves everyone. For this reason I decided to work on integrity this week. I want to be more like Jesus Christ.
Upon deciding that I wanted to work on integrity, I looked at the changes I could make in my life that would help me to act better in line with my values. I value hard work. This week, I decided to actually stick to my schedule and budget my time. I was able to get more done that normal, just by actually reserving the designated time to homework etc. I also want focus on serving the individuals. I spend a lot of time doing this in the BYUSA office, but this week, I wanted to have more integrity at home. I tried to do one small act of kindness for each of my roommates each day this week. I noticed that I love them more, and I feel better about myself when I'm actually doing what I said I would do. I am really grateful for the opportunity I've had to work on my integrity.
Think of someone you know who displays integrity regularly. What do they DO to demonstrate integrity? How does that impact you?
Mary Teichert is one of my heroes. She regularly displays integrity in her life. The following is a random list of things I have observed Mary do:
• Puts the Lord first
• Reads her scriptures often and is prepared to share her testimony
• Loves life
• Dances
• Looks for the good in people
• Listens to others
• Looks for random acts of service she can do
• Works extremely hard in the classroom
• Is a killer athlete
Each of these actions exhibit Mary's integrity because it shows that she is willing to work hard, and strive for excellence in her life. Mary has a value that lies beneath each of her actions and she always seems to act in accordance with her values.
Mary has impacted me in many ways. She makes me want to be better. I'm sure that is due in part to her integrity. I can always trust that Mary will be completely real and honest with me. It's the best!
An individual has integrity when they are acting in consistency with his or her own values and morals. I have integrity when I act consistently, even when no one is watching. For me, someone with integrity adheres to a code of moral values. In this church, this means that I can trust anyone that demonstrates integrity because they do adhere to the same code of moral values as myself. A person with integrity is honest.
I know I am displaying integrity when I have the Spirit with me in my life. The Spirit is only able to dwell with me when I am acting in accordance with the gospel, or acting with integrity. President James E. Faust suggested that "integrity is the light that shines from a disciplined conscience. It is the strength of duty within us." I love this quote! I can feel strength in my life when I am acting with integrity. I guess this is how I really know. When I am acting with integrity, I feel joy and I know I can accomplish what I need to. Integrity in my life is a direct blessing of the gospel. I am so grateful for it.
Choose one of the development suggestions, or your own, to work on this week. What did you choose? Why? How did it go?
I chose to work on integrity this week. As defined in class, integrity is when I act in consistency with my values and morals. Integrity is what I do when no one is watching. When I think of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I think of perfect integrity. Christ never spoke poorly about anyone because he said he loves everyone. For this reason I decided to work on integrity this week. I want to be more like Jesus Christ.
Upon deciding that I wanted to work on integrity, I looked at the changes I could make in my life that would help me to act better in line with my values. I value hard work. This week, I decided to actually stick to my schedule and budget my time. I was able to get more done that normal, just by actually reserving the designated time to homework etc. I also want focus on serving the individuals. I spend a lot of time doing this in the BYUSA office, but this week, I wanted to have more integrity at home. I tried to do one small act of kindness for each of my roommates each day this week. I noticed that I love them more, and I feel better about myself when I'm actually doing what I said I would do. I am really grateful for the opportunity I've had to work on my integrity.
Think of someone you know who displays integrity regularly. What do they DO to demonstrate integrity? How does that impact you?
Mary Teichert is one of my heroes. She regularly displays integrity in her life. The following is a random list of things I have observed Mary do:
• Puts the Lord first
• Reads her scriptures often and is prepared to share her testimony
• Loves life
• Dances
• Looks for the good in people
• Listens to others
• Looks for random acts of service she can do
• Works extremely hard in the classroom
• Is a killer athlete
Each of these actions exhibit Mary's integrity because it shows that she is willing to work hard, and strive for excellence in her life. Mary has a value that lies beneath each of her actions and she always seems to act in accordance with her values.
Mary has impacted me in many ways. She makes me want to be better. I'm sure that is due in part to her integrity. I can always trust that Mary will be completely real and honest with me. It's the best!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Focus on Results
What are some ways that you have encouraged others to generate creative, resourceful solutions to problems and what were the outcomes? Please use a specific incident in your answer.
I have had many opportunities to encourage others to generate creative, resourceful solutions to problems. I am so lucky to get to associate with such great volunteers that are creative by themselves, but I know everyone needs a little encouragement sometimes. Just the other day, I was asked to attend a Care Week Committee meeting with Pete. Pete is probably one of the most innovative people I know, but this was definitely a time for encouragement. The committee had decided on the tag line, 'who cares?' for Care Week 2010. Now, I know they didn't want to have a slogan that could be misinterpreted, but they definitely needed to revise their slogan before I was comfortable with the message of care week being publicized to BYU students. I was able to offer the committee some constructive criticism, and then I was able to encourage them to use some of their other ideas. I was able to hear their new ideas today and they were so insightful. Care Week 2010 is going to be represented with the idea of helping hands instead!
In your opinion, what are the most important behaviors (as defined in your student manual) in getting results with a project or problem? Explain why you have chosen these and use specific personal examples to add merit to your claim.
For me, the most important behaviors, as defined in my student manual, are trust, creating a high-performance team, and innovation.
Trust - I chose this behavior because it is the basis of any lasting success. Without trust, individuals on a team will be unwilling to work for the team's success for very long. As stated in the manual, "For people to be committed to achieving results, they need to have a reasonable level of trust in their leader." It is impossible for others to be willing to work for my vision for our area, if they don't first trust them. It was really interesting for me to work with Nate the past few months. When it comes right down to it, I didn't allow myself trust him and he didn't trust me. I don't really know what I could have done to improve that trust and it's obviously too late now, but it's too bad we won't be able to see the results he could have brought to the table. By working more to improve trust, I may have seen an increase in his focus on results.
Creating a High-Performing Team - By myself, I can't even afford to focus on results because it would be impossible to achieve anything great. It is essential that I focus on creating a well-oiled machine with my team, so we will all be competent in our jobs and have full understanding of our area's potential... together! I have noticed over the last little while that as I have had more time to focus on my team members and helping them to feel appreciated, I have seen an increase in club presidents in the BYUSA office, event assistance being used, and in events by clubs. The results are directly due to my team being more confident in their positions, and more able to perform together for success.
Innovation - I want to be a leader that fosters innovation. Unfortunately, I'm not very innovative myself, but I know some of my teammates are. I want to be able to challenge my team to achieve significant results and actually strive for the BYUSA vision. If I do this, I will be better able to come up with new ideas and more willing to try them. I am impressed by Charne's ideas for Clubs Night. I don't know if my vision was really there for clubs night, but her innovative ideas have really helped us to create a vision together and accomplish more than we thought we could.
What are your personal strengths in getting results on projects or problems, and how can you use and implement them in your current leadership position to benefit your team?
In terms of getting results on projects or problems, I would say one of my personal strengths is my knowledge of the Clubs Area and my vision for what I want it to be. I was so excited when we were finally able to agree on a vision for our area at the beginning of this year. I feel confident that our vision will be able to encourage us to really go places and encourage positive changes in the way we do things.
During class, Adrian shared the following quote: Act well thy part, there all the honor lies. This quote reminds me that even more so than my personal abilities, I need to be acting in a manner that will expect results. If I am selling us short with my actions, we will not see any positive change. Instead, I need to believe in our vision and help my team to believe it can really happen. Chris has taught me the importance of inspiring your team. He is always inspiring me on different levels... as a friends, fellow leader, student, and member of the Church. I want to be able to better emulate his care for students because it has led us as a team to greater success. He has shown me the importance of helping volunteers to be better than they think they can.
For me, this is what results is all about. It isn't about the numbers I can put into a graph, but it's about the people who have grown as leaders and students. It is the individual who can look back on their experience at BYU with a smile.
I have had many opportunities to encourage others to generate creative, resourceful solutions to problems. I am so lucky to get to associate with such great volunteers that are creative by themselves, but I know everyone needs a little encouragement sometimes. Just the other day, I was asked to attend a Care Week Committee meeting with Pete. Pete is probably one of the most innovative people I know, but this was definitely a time for encouragement. The committee had decided on the tag line, 'who cares?' for Care Week 2010. Now, I know they didn't want to have a slogan that could be misinterpreted, but they definitely needed to revise their slogan before I was comfortable with the message of care week being publicized to BYU students. I was able to offer the committee some constructive criticism, and then I was able to encourage them to use some of their other ideas. I was able to hear their new ideas today and they were so insightful. Care Week 2010 is going to be represented with the idea of helping hands instead!
In your opinion, what are the most important behaviors (as defined in your student manual) in getting results with a project or problem? Explain why you have chosen these and use specific personal examples to add merit to your claim.
For me, the most important behaviors, as defined in my student manual, are trust, creating a high-performance team, and innovation.
Trust - I chose this behavior because it is the basis of any lasting success. Without trust, individuals on a team will be unwilling to work for the team's success for very long. As stated in the manual, "For people to be committed to achieving results, they need to have a reasonable level of trust in their leader." It is impossible for others to be willing to work for my vision for our area, if they don't first trust them. It was really interesting for me to work with Nate the past few months. When it comes right down to it, I didn't allow myself trust him and he didn't trust me. I don't really know what I could have done to improve that trust and it's obviously too late now, but it's too bad we won't be able to see the results he could have brought to the table. By working more to improve trust, I may have seen an increase in his focus on results.
Creating a High-Performing Team - By myself, I can't even afford to focus on results because it would be impossible to achieve anything great. It is essential that I focus on creating a well-oiled machine with my team, so we will all be competent in our jobs and have full understanding of our area's potential... together! I have noticed over the last little while that as I have had more time to focus on my team members and helping them to feel appreciated, I have seen an increase in club presidents in the BYUSA office, event assistance being used, and in events by clubs. The results are directly due to my team being more confident in their positions, and more able to perform together for success.
Innovation - I want to be a leader that fosters innovation. Unfortunately, I'm not very innovative myself, but I know some of my teammates are. I want to be able to challenge my team to achieve significant results and actually strive for the BYUSA vision. If I do this, I will be better able to come up with new ideas and more willing to try them. I am impressed by Charne's ideas for Clubs Night. I don't know if my vision was really there for clubs night, but her innovative ideas have really helped us to create a vision together and accomplish more than we thought we could.
What are your personal strengths in getting results on projects or problems, and how can you use and implement them in your current leadership position to benefit your team?
In terms of getting results on projects or problems, I would say one of my personal strengths is my knowledge of the Clubs Area and my vision for what I want it to be. I was so excited when we were finally able to agree on a vision for our area at the beginning of this year. I feel confident that our vision will be able to encourage us to really go places and encourage positive changes in the way we do things.
During class, Adrian shared the following quote: Act well thy part, there all the honor lies. This quote reminds me that even more so than my personal abilities, I need to be acting in a manner that will expect results. If I am selling us short with my actions, we will not see any positive change. Instead, I need to believe in our vision and help my team to believe it can really happen. Chris has taught me the importance of inspiring your team. He is always inspiring me on different levels... as a friends, fellow leader, student, and member of the Church. I want to be able to better emulate his care for students because it has led us as a team to greater success. He has shown me the importance of helping volunteers to be better than they think they can.
For me, this is what results is all about. It isn't about the numbers I can put into a graph, but it's about the people who have grown as leaders and students. It is the individual who can look back on their experience at BYU with a smile.
Extraordinary Leadership
1. Remembering that you don’t have to be good at everything, what are two or three strengths that you have developed in your life and that set you apart from others?
I really struggled with this question. I guess that is one of my weaknesses... I am really hard on myself.
Three of my strengths -
~ I am very detail oriented. I rarely let things fall through and I am able to focus on my task list easily.
~ I am able to keep the eternal perspective in my life. This helps me to give applicable advice to those that I am working with.
~ I try to act with integrity all the time. I want my actions to be consistent with my words all the time. My team is able to trust me to do what I think is best for us as a whole.
2. Why do you think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy?
I think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy because someone that is able to lead with character will always be more powerful than someone who leads with strategy. Character will help a leader to be consistently successful throughout their career because it is rooted in values. Values don't shift in reaction to shifting circumstances, where as strategy does.
I found a quote by President Hunter that relates to finding true success in life. He said, "The achievement of true greatness is a long-term process. It may involve occasional setbacks. The end result may not always be clearly visible, but it seems that it always requires regular, consistent, small, and sometimes ordinary and mundane steps over a long period of time. We should remember that it was the Lord who said, 'Out of small things proceedeth that which is great' (D&C 64:33)."
This quote reemphasizes General Schwarzkopf's belief that character is essential because it reminds me that 'true greatness is a long-term process.' Good character is also a long-term process. With good character, any individual can find success because they will always put people first and will keep their priorities in check.
3. In your BYUSA assignment, what have you chosen as your “hedgehog,” or the thing(s) that you will do better than anyone else?
I feel like I am consistently focusing on a different "hedgehog" in my life. Currently, I want to be great with people. I want people to know I am a person they can trust to make things happen on their behalf. Basically, I want to be a tool in helping the club's area become an amazing place for customer service. I am trying to focus on the individual. I want to remember their names and fulfill each club president's needs.
I don't know that I am doing this better than anyone else, but I hope that we are able to change the student's view of our area one president at a time!
I really struggled with this question. I guess that is one of my weaknesses... I am really hard on myself.
Three of my strengths -
~ I am very detail oriented. I rarely let things fall through and I am able to focus on my task list easily.
~ I am able to keep the eternal perspective in my life. This helps me to give applicable advice to those that I am working with.
~ I try to act with integrity all the time. I want my actions to be consistent with my words all the time. My team is able to trust me to do what I think is best for us as a whole.
2. Why do you think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy?
I think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy because someone that is able to lead with character will always be more powerful than someone who leads with strategy. Character will help a leader to be consistently successful throughout their career because it is rooted in values. Values don't shift in reaction to shifting circumstances, where as strategy does.
I found a quote by President Hunter that relates to finding true success in life. He said, "The achievement of true greatness is a long-term process. It may involve occasional setbacks. The end result may not always be clearly visible, but it seems that it always requires regular, consistent, small, and sometimes ordinary and mundane steps over a long period of time. We should remember that it was the Lord who said, 'Out of small things proceedeth that which is great' (D&C 64:33)."
This quote reemphasizes General Schwarzkopf's belief that character is essential because it reminds me that 'true greatness is a long-term process.' Good character is also a long-term process. With good character, any individual can find success because they will always put people first and will keep their priorities in check.
3. In your BYUSA assignment, what have you chosen as your “hedgehog,” or the thing(s) that you will do better than anyone else?
I feel like I am consistently focusing on a different "hedgehog" in my life. Currently, I want to be great with people. I want people to know I am a person they can trust to make things happen on their behalf. Basically, I want to be a tool in helping the club's area become an amazing place for customer service. I am trying to focus on the individual. I want to remember their names and fulfill each club president's needs.
I don't know that I am doing this better than anyone else, but I hope that we are able to change the student's view of our area one president at a time!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Divine Centered Leadership
Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model. Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.
I've always loved Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." For me, serving in BYUSA is all about our vision. I believe in the BYUSA vision. It states, "The student service association's vision is to be leaders centered on Jesus Christ who contribute to the building of Zion communities which are united in heart and mind that there be no intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, or physically poor among us."
Now you ask, what motivates me in BYUSA? I am motivated by...
In the Quote that was a part of last nights discussion, Theodore Roosevelt gives credit in life to those who are “In the Arena.” Describe what you think it means to be in the Arena, and how you plan to be involved this year and throughout your lives.
I think being 'In the Arena" is when you are willing to not only see the changes that could be made in your area of stewardship, but when you are willing to ACT on them. I have always loved the following quote by Joel Barker: "Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." I love the BYUSA vision so much, but it is only by acting on my goal to eventually accomplish the vision that will help it to happen. This year I plan on making a lot of SMART goals. By making goals that are consistent with the vision of BYUSA and the vision of the clubs area, I will be able to measure my success and work to achieve my vision.
Being 'in the arena' seems to start with a decision to be 'in the arena.' Theodore Roosevelt wasn't a leader in the Progressive Movement by sitting behind his desk and waiting for his team to come up with new ideas. He acted on his beliefs. I can decide now that I will be a woman of action.
At my last stewardship with Chris, he taught me about 'core values.' After our discussion, I decided that I need to make a list of my core values. So... that is my next goal. I want to record my list of core values in order of greatest to least priority. By creating this list, I will know what things are worth my time to act on. I will know what areas of my life I need to be sure to be 'in the arena.'
Divine-centered leaders need to know each heart. Describe an experience you have had with a leader who has taken time to know you. How did their efforts improve your experience? How can you reach out to those you lead?
I have had many experiences with leaders who know have taken the time to know me. One particular leader is Camille Rooney. Cami made each of her volunteers feel like they belong in the clubs area. She was always willing to stay after hours and have discussions with her volunteers about life! Cami was such a good example to me in academics, with people, and especially in the gospel. She always related her life experiences to the gospel. It became so evident to me that the gospel was the most important thing in her life. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to get to know Cami. Cami's efforts improved my experience dramatically. I felt needed in the office, and even more than that, I knew I was her friend.
I can reach out to those I lead by doing the little things that will make their experience as volunteers better. I want to get to know them more outside of the office by bringing them dinner when they are having a difficult week, or writing them a note of thanks. For me, getting to know my volunteer's hearts means getting to know how they like to be appreciated. I won't be able to help them as leaders, if I have no idea what they need from me. Throughout the past few months, I have realized the importance of getting to know my team so I could understand what motivates them to serve. One of my goals this year is to give a note to at least one volunteer everyday. I want to recognize their strengths because without them, we would never be able to succeed. I am humbled by my interactions with my team. They are SO amazing! I am so excited to get to know them even more over the coming months. Most of all, I know I need to have fun with my executive directors! :)
I've always loved Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." For me, serving in BYUSA is all about our vision. I believe in the BYUSA vision. It states, "The student service association's vision is to be leaders centered on Jesus Christ who contribute to the building of Zion communities which are united in heart and mind that there be no intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, or physically poor among us."
Now you ask, what motivates me in BYUSA? I am motivated by...
- our desire to eliminate the poor among us
- the clubs I get to serve
- the simple 'thank you' from the occasional student
- the people we are serving
- the memories we are creating
- the laughter that echoes throughout the office everyday
- the feeling of accomplishment when the check-list is almost done
- the lessons I get to learn about the gospel and about life
- the administrators we get to associate with everyday
- the joy I can give to others
- seeing others get involved
- achieving our goals in the Clubs Area, and as a BYUSA presidency
In the Quote that was a part of last nights discussion, Theodore Roosevelt gives credit in life to those who are “In the Arena.” Describe what you think it means to be in the Arena, and how you plan to be involved this year and throughout your lives.
I think being 'In the Arena" is when you are willing to not only see the changes that could be made in your area of stewardship, but when you are willing to ACT on them. I have always loved the following quote by Joel Barker: "Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." I love the BYUSA vision so much, but it is only by acting on my goal to eventually accomplish the vision that will help it to happen. This year I plan on making a lot of SMART goals. By making goals that are consistent with the vision of BYUSA and the vision of the clubs area, I will be able to measure my success and work to achieve my vision.
Being 'in the arena' seems to start with a decision to be 'in the arena.' Theodore Roosevelt wasn't a leader in the Progressive Movement by sitting behind his desk and waiting for his team to come up with new ideas. He acted on his beliefs. I can decide now that I will be a woman of action.
At my last stewardship with Chris, he taught me about 'core values.' After our discussion, I decided that I need to make a list of my core values. So... that is my next goal. I want to record my list of core values in order of greatest to least priority. By creating this list, I will know what things are worth my time to act on. I will know what areas of my life I need to be sure to be 'in the arena.'
Divine-centered leaders need to know each heart. Describe an experience you have had with a leader who has taken time to know you. How did their efforts improve your experience? How can you reach out to those you lead?
I have had many experiences with leaders who know have taken the time to know me. One particular leader is Camille Rooney. Cami made each of her volunteers feel like they belong in the clubs area. She was always willing to stay after hours and have discussions with her volunteers about life! Cami was such a good example to me in academics, with people, and especially in the gospel. She always related her life experiences to the gospel. It became so evident to me that the gospel was the most important thing in her life. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to get to know Cami. Cami's efforts improved my experience dramatically. I felt needed in the office, and even more than that, I knew I was her friend.
I can reach out to those I lead by doing the little things that will make their experience as volunteers better. I want to get to know them more outside of the office by bringing them dinner when they are having a difficult week, or writing them a note of thanks. For me, getting to know my volunteer's hearts means getting to know how they like to be appreciated. I won't be able to help them as leaders, if I have no idea what they need from me. Throughout the past few months, I have realized the importance of getting to know my team so I could understand what motivates them to serve. One of my goals this year is to give a note to at least one volunteer everyday. I want to recognize their strengths because without them, we would never be able to succeed. I am humbled by my interactions with my team. They are SO amazing! I am so excited to get to know them even more over the coming months. Most of all, I know I need to have fun with my executive directors! :)
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