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...

• 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

Most of all, I am motivated by my desire to become more like my Savior, Jesus Christ. I feel closest to him when I am serving. I think it all goes back to the scripture in Mosiah 2:17, "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." I want to do my best to give back to the students of BYU because BYU has given me so much!

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! :)