1. What does integrity really mean to you? How do you know personally when you are displaying integrity?
To me integrity is being true to yourself. When I say being true that does me always just doing the things that you want to do. When you are TRUE to yourself you search deep within and find out what matters most and act according to those inner desires. Finding that self and being true to it will hopefully shine through in my actions.
For me to display integrity there are three things that must be in line with each other. They are: my mind, my heart, and God's will or commandments. If any of these things are not in line I can feel it inside. Sometimes I still act inappropriately but I know that something is right when they are all together. When they are all in line I can act with much more confidence no matter what other people around me have to say about it!
2. Choose one of the development suggestions, or your own, to work on this week. What did you choose? Why? How did it go?
The development section that I will work on this week is assertiveness. I always try to do what is right but sometimes I have a hard time doing that. It's hardest for me when I feel that keeping a promise will inconvenience someone else. I am going to work on this by being better at following up with my program directors. I want them to be successful but I also know that they have busy lives. I know that by being more diligent at following up with them they will feel more supported in their roles.
3. Think of someone you know who displays integrity regularly. What do they DO to demonstrate integrity? How does that impact you?
When I think of integrity the first person who comes to mind is President Monson. Many of the stories he shares in General Conference involve him receiving and following a prompting from the Holy Ghost. He shows integrity by living worthy of the Holy Ghost but even more importantly following through on those promptings. When he does that he is true to himself, God, and the responsibilities that he has.
President Monson's honesty and integrity impact me simply through his example. When I hear about him I want to be like him. I want to be better.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Response #3
1. 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.
Encouraging people in their efforts to generate creative, resourceful solutions is important to produce outcomes. The outcomes of creative solutions are often better than the alternative. Encouraging them allows people to think outside and box and look beyond themselves.
One of the ways that I have encouraged innovation is by continuously reminding my program directors of the purposes behind their programs. Focusing on this will drive them to think of new ideas that will truly accomplish something great. They will stop limiting themselves.
2. 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.
The most important behaviors for getting results are creating a high-performance team, innovation, and commitment to quality.
Results start with creating a high-performance team because if you don't have the right people around you then you will never achieve your vision. Even if they don't have the skills now it is essential to build a team that is ready and willing to learn.
Innovation is also essential to producing results because it will bring you to a place that similar organizations have not before thought of.
Commitment to quality brings together the aforementioned behaviors. Having a strong team and encouraging innovation are important but they will only produce results if you have something driving those ideas.
In working with the Honorable Music contest I have a very willing capable program director. We have also used innovation in deciding to partner with Footlights to make the program even better. Neither of these things will matter if we don't have a commitment to producing a quality program. It is really getting rolling and we will begin advertising soon.
3. 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?
My personal strength in getting results is anticipating problems. In the past I worked at BYU Risk Management and Safety. Working there really opened my eyes to all the factors that need to be considered when planning a program or event. In planning the grass roots program we are going to have a tailgate at a basketball game. Due to my critical thinking skills and past experiences I was able to guide my program directors to make it the best possible while also following protocol.
Encouraging people in their efforts to generate creative, resourceful solutions is important to produce outcomes. The outcomes of creative solutions are often better than the alternative. Encouraging them allows people to think outside and box and look beyond themselves.
One of the ways that I have encouraged innovation is by continuously reminding my program directors of the purposes behind their programs. Focusing on this will drive them to think of new ideas that will truly accomplish something great. They will stop limiting themselves.
2. 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.
The most important behaviors for getting results are creating a high-performance team, innovation, and commitment to quality.
Results start with creating a high-performance team because if you don't have the right people around you then you will never achieve your vision. Even if they don't have the skills now it is essential to build a team that is ready and willing to learn.
Innovation is also essential to producing results because it will bring you to a place that similar organizations have not before thought of.
Commitment to quality brings together the aforementioned behaviors. Having a strong team and encouraging innovation are important but they will only produce results if you have something driving those ideas.
In working with the Honorable Music contest I have a very willing capable program director. We have also used innovation in deciding to partner with Footlights to make the program even better. Neither of these things will matter if we don't have a commitment to producing a quality program. It is really getting rolling and we will begin advertising soon.
3. 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?
My personal strength in getting results is anticipating problems. In the past I worked at BYU Risk Management and Safety. Working there really opened my eyes to all the factors that need to be considered when planning a program or event. In planning the grass roots program we are going to have a tailgate at a basketball game. Due to my critical thinking skills and past experiences I was able to guide my program directors to make it the best possible while also following protocol.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Response #2
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?
This past weekend I went home to AZ for my older sister's wedding reception. It was fun to see so many people from my growing up years but it also provided some awkward moments. When I meet someone I will remember them and their face forever. There are people that I haven't seen in 10 years but when they walked in I knew exactly who they were. It was fun to see them but most of them had no idea who I was until I reintroduced myself. One of the reasons that I remember people so well is because my brain associates their face with an interesting or funny story that I have heard about them. When I think of the story I remember their name and many other things about them. It makes me sound like I am a stalker but my brain just processes and stores that information very quickly.
Another strength that I have is loyalty. I love to make new friends but I also love to keep friends. When I was on my mission I wrote at least 10 letters every week to various friends and family that I wanted to keep in contact with. I am willing to set aside my needs to help a friend at any moment that I possibly can.
2. Why do you think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy?
General Schwarzkopf thought that character was more important than strategy because it is not something that can be taught or learned. People can influence you to develop greater character but it is something that comes from within. Strategy can be taught be giving someone additional information and helping them to see a situation from different angles. Character is also more important but it effects the relationships that you have with others around you. Not having strategy as a strength may not bring you great worldly success but having poor character will destroy relationships that you have with the people around you.
3. In your BYUSA assignment, what have you chosen as your “hedgehog,” or the thing(s) that you will do better than anyone else?
My hedgehog in my BYUSA assignment is that I work hard to get to know everyone and the things going on in their lives. In working with them I can develop relationships because I remember and ask them about it later. Many of my program directors are a bit overwhelmed with starting their freshman years but I have been able to continue to connect with them by being concerned about all aspects of their life.
This past weekend I went home to AZ for my older sister's wedding reception. It was fun to see so many people from my growing up years but it also provided some awkward moments. When I meet someone I will remember them and their face forever. There are people that I haven't seen in 10 years but when they walked in I knew exactly who they were. It was fun to see them but most of them had no idea who I was until I reintroduced myself. One of the reasons that I remember people so well is because my brain associates their face with an interesting or funny story that I have heard about them. When I think of the story I remember their name and many other things about them. It makes me sound like I am a stalker but my brain just processes and stores that information very quickly.
Another strength that I have is loyalty. I love to make new friends but I also love to keep friends. When I was on my mission I wrote at least 10 letters every week to various friends and family that I wanted to keep in contact with. I am willing to set aside my needs to help a friend at any moment that I possibly can.
2. Why do you think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy?
General Schwarzkopf thought that character was more important than strategy because it is not something that can be taught or learned. People can influence you to develop greater character but it is something that comes from within. Strategy can be taught be giving someone additional information and helping them to see a situation from different angles. Character is also more important but it effects the relationships that you have with others around you. Not having strategy as a strength may not bring you great worldly success but having poor character will destroy relationships that you have with the people around you.
3. In your BYUSA assignment, what have you chosen as your “hedgehog,” or the thing(s) that you will do better than anyone else?
My hedgehog in my BYUSA assignment is that I work hard to get to know everyone and the things going on in their lives. In working with them I can develop relationships because I remember and ask them about it later. Many of my program directors are a bit overwhelmed with starting their freshman years but I have been able to continue to connect with them by being concerned about all aspects of their life.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Response #1
1. Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model. Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.
There are several things that motivate me in my work with BYUSA. I will begin by talking about what motivated me to get involved in the first place. I originally got involved when my friend Devin called and asked me to work on Chris and Sterling's campaign team. I wasn't sure what it was all about but I decided to go to one of their meetings to find out. Since Devin was Chris's roommate I had met him a few times before but I had never interacted with Sterling very much. They started off the meeting with a very inspiring spiritual message where they talked about why they decided to get involved and why they were running to President and Executive Vice-President. In that moment I was motivated to get involved just so that I could be around people like them and be a part of achieving the great vision that they had.
Over the next few weeks I worked on planning some events for their campaign week. Then campaign week came and I jumped in head on. It was so wonderful to be able to talk to many different students about BYUSA and specifically what Chris and Sterling hoped to achieve by being elected. By the end of the week I was motivated by a desire to help my fellow students to achieve a greater sense of community on campus.
Now that I am fully involved in BYUSA I am motivated by a combination of both of the aforementioned things. I love coming into the office and being surrounded by so many uplifting people. I also love the feeling that the projects I am working on may inspire students to live the Honor Code with greater zeal!
2. 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.
Being "In the arena" involves many different aspects of our lives but in the long run it boils down to focus and priorities. When someone is acting in such a way that they are "in the arena" they have blocked out all other distractions to accomplish a task. In many of my recreation management classes we have discussed the theory of flow. Flow is a state of being where time seems to stop and a person is so engaged in an activity that nothing else around them really seems to matter. That is the ultimate version of being "in the arena" but we can also be "in the arena" without it being that intense. In another sense you are "in the arena" when you have your priorities in line.
My plan to be "in the arena" this year:
-arrive to office hours on time
-log off of the Facebook unless I'm using it for BYUSA business
-listen to PD's rather than thinking about what I will say next
My plan to be "in the arena" in life:
-don't text while having a conversation with someone
-listen, analyze, and then respond
-keep educated on topics relevant to my job so that I can continue to improve and develop the environment I am working in
3. 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?
When I think of a divine-centered leader the first person who comes to mind is my best friend's mom, Becky Ray, aka Mama Ray. My first memory of her was when I was a 12 year old at girls camp. She was dressed up as the lady on the Chiquita banana commercials and was doing a little song and dance number on the stage. I became reacquainted with her when I was a sophmore in high school when I started hanging out with her son. I always enjoyed being in their home because she always took the time to talk and listen to me. Over the years my friendship with her son has faded but I've basically become a part of the family.
At the beginning of my senior year in high school my life fell apart when my parents got divorced. Mama Ray was always willing to listen to my sadness about my family. She has also always been there to laugh with me when they do crazy things too. She's also always there to remind me of what it is important in life when I slip up a bit. It's funny because I always refer to her as my best's friends mom but really she is one of my best friends in the entire world. She may be twice my age but when it comes to friendship I don't think that really matters. She's been my leader and mentor for many years now and I truly do cherish she good times we've had.
I hope that I can be to other people what Mama Ray has been to me. A constant, steady source of encouragement, correction, and love.
There are several things that motivate me in my work with BYUSA. I will begin by talking about what motivated me to get involved in the first place. I originally got involved when my friend Devin called and asked me to work on Chris and Sterling's campaign team. I wasn't sure what it was all about but I decided to go to one of their meetings to find out. Since Devin was Chris's roommate I had met him a few times before but I had never interacted with Sterling very much. They started off the meeting with a very inspiring spiritual message where they talked about why they decided to get involved and why they were running to President and Executive Vice-President. In that moment I was motivated to get involved just so that I could be around people like them and be a part of achieving the great vision that they had.
Over the next few weeks I worked on planning some events for their campaign week. Then campaign week came and I jumped in head on. It was so wonderful to be able to talk to many different students about BYUSA and specifically what Chris and Sterling hoped to achieve by being elected. By the end of the week I was motivated by a desire to help my fellow students to achieve a greater sense of community on campus.
Now that I am fully involved in BYUSA I am motivated by a combination of both of the aforementioned things. I love coming into the office and being surrounded by so many uplifting people. I also love the feeling that the projects I am working on may inspire students to live the Honor Code with greater zeal!
2. 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.
Being "In the arena" involves many different aspects of our lives but in the long run it boils down to focus and priorities. When someone is acting in such a way that they are "in the arena" they have blocked out all other distractions to accomplish a task. In many of my recreation management classes we have discussed the theory of flow. Flow is a state of being where time seems to stop and a person is so engaged in an activity that nothing else around them really seems to matter. That is the ultimate version of being "in the arena" but we can also be "in the arena" without it being that intense. In another sense you are "in the arena" when you have your priorities in line.
My plan to be "in the arena" this year:
-arrive to office hours on time
-log off of the Facebook unless I'm using it for BYUSA business
-listen to PD's rather than thinking about what I will say next
My plan to be "in the arena" in life:
-don't text while having a conversation with someone
-listen, analyze, and then respond
-keep educated on topics relevant to my job so that I can continue to improve and develop the environment I am working in
3. 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?
When I think of a divine-centered leader the first person who comes to mind is my best friend's mom, Becky Ray, aka Mama Ray. My first memory of her was when I was a 12 year old at girls camp. She was dressed up as the lady on the Chiquita banana commercials and was doing a little song and dance number on the stage. I became reacquainted with her when I was a sophmore in high school when I started hanging out with her son. I always enjoyed being in their home because she always took the time to talk and listen to me. Over the years my friendship with her son has faded but I've basically become a part of the family.
At the beginning of my senior year in high school my life fell apart when my parents got divorced. Mama Ray was always willing to listen to my sadness about my family. She has also always been there to laugh with me when they do crazy things too. She's also always there to remind me of what it is important in life when I slip up a bit. It's funny because I always refer to her as my best's friends mom but really she is one of my best friends in the entire world. She may be twice my age but when it comes to friendship I don't think that really matters. She's been my leader and mentor for many years now and I truly do cherish she good times we've had.
I hope that I can be to other people what Mama Ray has been to me. A constant, steady source of encouragement, correction, and love.
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