This was probably my favorite lecture of this semester. She facilitated a discussion and allowed our ideas to come forth, instead of simply lecturing to us. I felt MUCH more involved in this.
1) Get involved in student service associations. The more involved she was, and the more busy she got with school, the better she did in school. She was a LOT happier working for causes besides herself.
2) It's the human skills that you learn in college that really helps you in real life, not the actual knowledge that you gain in your major courses.
3) In college, you learn how to learn.
4) Engage in class
5) What attributes come naturally to YOU for service and leadership?
-I love people. I love bringing happiness into their lives. I try to be humble and to listen. I try to rely upon the Lord and I try to look to Christ always as the guiding compass for my actions.
6) How are you using these gifts to serve people?
-We should always be trying to expand and move forward with our gifts and talents.
7) Life Suggestion: Every Christmas, instead of celebrating by ourselves and only with our families, find an opportunity to serve someone in circumstances more dire than ours. That will really help us to feel the spirit of Christ, the spirit of Christmas.
8) Instead of getting into a thoughtless routine, think about what we're doing and where we're going.
Quote by Marvin J. Ashton - Give the Lord what it means to be our best.
All of these things are things that I wish I had done in the past, things I wish I had known when I first entered college. Now, it's not too late, so when I get back from my mission, I am going to make sure to keep this in mind and to not forget. These are some truly precious pieces of wisdom to live life with. I am going to show this to my sister and be a leader to her in my brotherly way.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Leadership for Change - Tamara Gray
In this lecture, Tamara Gray drew from the book "The Influencer" from Vital Smarts. She talked about some interesting points. She said that in creating good habits and in getting out of bad habits, there are vital behaviors or vital moments that act as a positive feedback loop to these bad habits, or as a negative feedback loop to creating the good habits. In order to get out of bad habits and set good habits, we must identify these crucial moments that move us farther away from our goals, then target these specific moments to change our behavior so that we can move further towards our goal. We need to look for examples of positive deviance in our lives, so that we can look back upon them and recognize what it takes to do these good things and set good habits.
She talked about six steps to influencing people:
1) Personal Motivation - make the undesirable desirable. Story-telling can be used to motivate people to quit AIDS-inducing behavior in Tanzania. Vicarious experiences are even better to motivate people.
2) Personal Ability - surpass your limits. Demand deliberate practice. practice, break the skill into small parts, get feedback from a coach, prepare for setbacks.
3) Social Motivation - harness peer pressure. find strength in numbers by targeting the influencers. Pave the way and enlist the power of those who motivate.
4) Social Ability - Seek the support of those who make it possible for you to achieve.
5) Structural Motivation - design reward and accountability. link rewards to vital behaviors. abundance mentality - NOT the employee of the month, but rather motivate everyone. not just one person.
6) Structural Ability - change the environment. use the power of space, data and cues, and tools.
Most of this stuff truthfully went over my head, but I did learn something important about tackling problems - you gotta take em down at the crucial points. Then we can take our inner monsters and chase out any devils that are chasing us.
She talked about six steps to influencing people:
1) Personal Motivation - make the undesirable desirable. Story-telling can be used to motivate people to quit AIDS-inducing behavior in Tanzania. Vicarious experiences are even better to motivate people.
2) Personal Ability - surpass your limits. Demand deliberate practice. practice, break the skill into small parts, get feedback from a coach, prepare for setbacks.
3) Social Motivation - harness peer pressure. find strength in numbers by targeting the influencers. Pave the way and enlist the power of those who motivate.
4) Social Ability - Seek the support of those who make it possible for you to achieve.
5) Structural Motivation - design reward and accountability. link rewards to vital behaviors. abundance mentality - NOT the employee of the month, but rather motivate everyone. not just one person.
6) Structural Ability - change the environment. use the power of space, data and cues, and tools.
Most of this stuff truthfully went over my head, but I did learn something important about tackling problems - you gotta take em down at the crucial points. Then we can take our inner monsters and chase out any devils that are chasing us.
Seeking and Creating Leadership Opportunities - Elise May
Elise May, our BYUSA President came to speak to us about seeking and creating leadership opportunities. This rings true with the General Authority, I forgot who, that said that this world needs more leaders. We don't have to be CEO's or in positions of management to be leaders. We can all go about being leaders. This world needs leaders who have a vision of great things that are to come. This mentality of a destiny to fulfill gives us strength in times of hardship, times of obstacles, and times of momentary failure. When we have this strength, we can be sources of strength by providing a very positive and uplifting view of the future in this forsaken world to those who need it. We can give strength to others in this way, and not only that, we can truly try to love and show compassion for those around us by praying for them and really giving them acts of service when in times of need. This will not only make us leaders, this is something that contributes to the Lord's great Plan of Salvation.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Leadership in the Home & Community - Jenet Jacob
Dr. Jenet Jacob gave a lecture on Leadership in the Home and Community. From what she said, these are some of the things I found most memorable:
1. Though there may be many problems that we face as a family in today's world, eating dinner together regularly can help A LOT in keeping the family together and happy.
I thought this was quite surprising actually. The simple act of having dinner together can be such an all-encompassing solution? That's definitely something I can try to do in my own family.
2. Families that succeed are intentional - steering and paddling are the only ways to head north.
Another surprising fact. Families don't just succeed. You have to make it work, you have to keep paddling, you have to TRY to make a good family. These don't happen by accident.
3. "Many of the social restraints which in the past have helped to reinforce and to shore up the family are dissolving and disappearing. The time will come when only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us." -Spencer W. Kimball-
I think those times may be now.
4. The Father's role in the family is three P's: Preside, Provide, and Protect. Presiding involves scheduling of space and time. That's the DAD's JOB! Not the mother's!
I realize the father's role as a Priesthood bearer makes him the patriarch of the family, and thus greatly responsible for the family. I think oftentimes we leave the planning to our mothers, but it's OUR role as fathers to make sure that we have regularly scheduled family time.
Ethical Leadership and Integrity - Vernon Heperi
"As I have experienced leadership that grows out of love I have found that it usually focuses on developing a climate of trust with is interpersonal integrity in which individuals can accept the individuality of others without sanctioning all of their behavior or words. Therefore, in a climate of trust, individuals can give open, candid reactions to what is right and what is wrong." -Neal A. Maxwell-
"In trust there can be no manipulation, no hidden agenda, no saccharine sweetness which minimizes real problems. Instead, in the leadership of love, there is a congruency in concepts, ocnduct, and concern, a unity appropriate to membership in The Church of him who taught a oneness that could be achieved without risking individuality." -Neal A. Maxwell-
"It's not between you and them. It's between you and God." -Mother Teresa-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_90gOmxprhM
This video that Brother Heperi showed us was quite amazing. It made me want to be a child again; because that's when I was so happy and positive. I never judged anybody and I never could understand why people could hate each other so, and I could not understand why people fought. But as life went on, I realized that life wasn't full of goodness and mercy. There was anger, fear, regret, doubt, lust, and all kinds of pollution that fogged up our souls of divine origin. That is how I understand, to some degree, why the scriptures tell us become as children. We must be as children to always do good continually, without getting tired or exhausted, because that is the way we live! We must do good even when others do bad because that is how we live. I believe that a great leader is one who understands these principles. I believe that a great leader is one who encapsulates these principles in their core and live these principles in their lives.
"In trust there can be no manipulation, no hidden agenda, no saccharine sweetness which minimizes real problems. Instead, in the leadership of love, there is a congruency in concepts, ocnduct, and concern, a unity appropriate to membership in The Church of him who taught a oneness that could be achieved without risking individuality." -Neal A. Maxwell-
"It's not between you and them. It's between you and God." -Mother Teresa-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_90gOmxprhM
This video that Brother Heperi showed us was quite amazing. It made me want to be a child again; because that's when I was so happy and positive. I never judged anybody and I never could understand why people could hate each other so, and I could not understand why people fought. But as life went on, I realized that life wasn't full of goodness and mercy. There was anger, fear, regret, doubt, lust, and all kinds of pollution that fogged up our souls of divine origin. That is how I understand, to some degree, why the scriptures tell us become as children. We must be as children to always do good continually, without getting tired or exhausted, because that is the way we live! We must do good even when others do bad because that is how we live. I believe that a great leader is one who understands these principles. I believe that a great leader is one who encapsulates these principles in their core and live these principles in their lives.
Conflict Resolution - John Pace
"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad." -2 Nephi 2:11-
What I got from this quote is that conflict isn't a bad thing! In fact, conflict is an essential part of life, and if there were no conflict, God, nor us would exist!
"Conflict is the source of all growth and an absolute necessity if one is to be alive..." -Jean Baker Miller-
Morton Deutsch said that the basic question isn't how to prevent conflict, but how to prevent conflict from being destructive. The point is not to eliminate the conflict, but how to make it productive (The Resolution of Conflict, New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1973, p.17-18).
Overall, I daresay that this is a healthy balance of conflict-resolution methods as different situations call for different methods of resolution. For example, when a fight is about to blow up in your face, you don't want to compete or compromise or collaborate with the person. For now, you want to accommodate and avoid until tempers have cooled down and both parties are ready to speak constructively and actively engage in order to resolve the issues.
What I got from this quote is that conflict isn't a bad thing! In fact, conflict is an essential part of life, and if there were no conflict, God, nor us would exist!
"Conflict is the source of all growth and an absolute necessity if one is to be alive..." -Jean Baker Miller-
Morton Deutsch said that the basic question isn't how to prevent conflict, but how to prevent conflict from being destructive. The point is not to eliminate the conflict, but how to make it productive (The Resolution of Conflict, New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1973, p.17-18).
This is the conflict behavior model. The highest point, as we can see, is collaboration. I took the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument quiz and my results were as follows:
Competing - 3
Collaborating - 9
Compromising - 6
Avoiding - 4
Accomodating - 8
"We can't be agents of peace until our own hearts are at peace" and "While a heart at peace alone won't solve your complex outer problems, those problems can't begin to be solved without it" (The Anatomy of Peace, Arbinger Institute, p.157, 198). These quotes stuck to my heart because there was a situation in my leadership role in which that very principle was demonstrated. So one morning, I woke up my roommate to cook breakfast, as we had agreed upon just the night before. However, my roommate was not in a very good mood, and in his annoyance, he spake minor words of annoyance and then left the room. I was at first, surprised by how ludicrous it was to see a man forget the agreement he had just made the night before and allow his anger to flow out to an innocent person. Then, I started to get angry at the thought of his actions. My violent urges started to flow in my heart. Then, knowing that I was not feeling the spirit, I got down on my knees and prayed unto the Lord to soothe my heart, and to help me forgive my roommate. I prayed three more times after that and by the time I had calmed my heart, I was ready to go out. So I went out into the living room and asked my roommate if we should make breakfast now. My roommate was surprised at how calm I was. He had expected me to get angry at him, but seeing my countenance so calm and peaceful, a light of respect seemed to enter his eyes. We made breakfast together and we went back to being loving roommates. It is so true that there must be peace at heart in order for us to resolve our issues. If I had not taken the effort to tame my anger, I would have most undoubtedly started up a fight with my roommate.
Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship
"We should be like Edward Partridge, of whom the Lord said, 'His heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathanael of old, in whom there is no guile' (DC 41:11). To be guileless is to have a childlike innocence, to be slow to take offense and quick to forgive... To be guileless is to look for our own fault first... Without guile, true disciples avoid being unduly judgmental of others' views" (Ensign, Nov 2009, p.72-75).
Friday, October 23, 2009
Teamwork - Tom Holmoe
This week's lecture was given by Tom Holmoe, Director of Athletics at BYU. This lecture was one of the best lectures that I listened to this semester for this class. One adage he gave us I particularly liked: "Vision without effort is daydreaming, effort without vision is drudgery." I thought it was a good lesson. Especially in my life because I had been going through these problems. Sometimes, I feel that I have goals and desires, but I am not doing anything to bring these dreams to pass. So I forget myself and work hard to get things done. Then, when I look up, I realize that I've worn myself out after a short period of time. So I lift up my head, and remember what it is that I am working towards. By combining vision with diligence, life becomes truly productive and inspiring.
Another thing that was memorable about this presentation was the idea of fire-starters and fire-fighters. Fire-starters are people who bring you up. They are people who, wherever they go, light fires. They help people to see the silver lining in the grey clouds; they lift up those around them to help them realize their God-given potential; they feed your passions and your desires.
Now, on the opposite end of the spectrum, there are fire-fighters. These are people who, whether done intentionally or unintentionally, bring you down. These people are people who see the glass of milk as half-empty. These people don't want, nor expect you to succeed. They discourage you, and have the cumulative effect of drawing you away from your dreams and desires.
Tom Holmoe's advice in pertaining to these two categories of people was that we should surround ourselves with fire-starters and get away from fire-fighters. On a basic, needs-based level, this advice is relevant. Constantly listening to words of discouragement are very harmful to you, while listening to words of encouragement are very good for our health and strength. However, there were some points brought up in our lab section that provoked a little more thought. What if you are on a team with a fire-fighter? Then it wouldn't be so simple as getting away from that person. Even with fire-fighters, it is necessary to draw upon the strengths of that team member to produce the best results in the best environment. I delved more into why people might want to bring me down.
Sometimes, people want to bring others down because they feel the other is better than them. They feel threatened by the other, and they don't like others taking up all the "glory." However, if the other can be a leader and foster an atmosphere in which they do not take up all the attention, but make sure to bring about an atmosphere in which the fire-fighter is recognized for his/her efforts, ultimately that fire-fighter's need to be recognized will be resolved. Then the fire-fighter will look to others to help them. Thus it is that we, as leaders, must respect and love for the fire-fighter whom we may have hardships with. Then, it is possible for them to focus their energies and talents on constructive efforts to build up their skill-base, and contribute to them, instead of wasting their energies caught up in being critical of others and cynical. I realized that was a solution. However, even when we respect and love that person, that person still maintains an attitude of criticism and cynicism, or if that person becomes consumed only with self-glorification, it is still the best thing to respect and love that person instead of seeking to "teach him a lesson."
To be a fire-starter, I realized that I must be a visionary. I must be able to see the potential in people, to believe in that potential, so that I can contribute to their growth by stoking their flames. Luckily, none of my roommates are fire-fighters. However, they are not fire-starters. They mostly like to keep to themselves, and are content with working for themselves. The next step that I can see from here is to help them become fire-starters as well. I can be an example to them, by being the best fire-starter I can be. When they realize what I am doing, I know that they will seek to bring about good all around them as well.
Another thing that was memorable about this presentation was the idea of fire-starters and fire-fighters. Fire-starters are people who bring you up. They are people who, wherever they go, light fires. They help people to see the silver lining in the grey clouds; they lift up those around them to help them realize their God-given potential; they feed your passions and your desires.
Now, on the opposite end of the spectrum, there are fire-fighters. These are people who, whether done intentionally or unintentionally, bring you down. These people are people who see the glass of milk as half-empty. These people don't want, nor expect you to succeed. They discourage you, and have the cumulative effect of drawing you away from your dreams and desires.
Tom Holmoe's advice in pertaining to these two categories of people was that we should surround ourselves with fire-starters and get away from fire-fighters. On a basic, needs-based level, this advice is relevant. Constantly listening to words of discouragement are very harmful to you, while listening to words of encouragement are very good for our health and strength. However, there were some points brought up in our lab section that provoked a little more thought. What if you are on a team with a fire-fighter? Then it wouldn't be so simple as getting away from that person. Even with fire-fighters, it is necessary to draw upon the strengths of that team member to produce the best results in the best environment. I delved more into why people might want to bring me down.
Sometimes, people want to bring others down because they feel the other is better than them. They feel threatened by the other, and they don't like others taking up all the "glory." However, if the other can be a leader and foster an atmosphere in which they do not take up all the attention, but make sure to bring about an atmosphere in which the fire-fighter is recognized for his/her efforts, ultimately that fire-fighter's need to be recognized will be resolved. Then the fire-fighter will look to others to help them. Thus it is that we, as leaders, must respect and love for the fire-fighter whom we may have hardships with. Then, it is possible for them to focus their energies and talents on constructive efforts to build up their skill-base, and contribute to them, instead of wasting their energies caught up in being critical of others and cynical. I realized that was a solution. However, even when we respect and love that person, that person still maintains an attitude of criticism and cynicism, or if that person becomes consumed only with self-glorification, it is still the best thing to respect and love that person instead of seeking to "teach him a lesson."
To be a fire-starter, I realized that I must be a visionary. I must be able to see the potential in people, to believe in that potential, so that I can contribute to their growth by stoking their flames. Luckily, none of my roommates are fire-fighters. However, they are not fire-starters. They mostly like to keep to themselves, and are content with working for themselves. The next step that I can see from here is to help them become fire-starters as well. I can be an example to them, by being the best fire-starter I can be. When they realize what I am doing, I know that they will seek to bring about good all around them as well.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Situational Leadership - Anthony Bates
This week's lecture was given by Anthony Bates and he presented six different leadership styles that, supposedly, The Wall Street Journal published in its Guide to Management. These six leadership styles were: affiliative, coaching, commanding, democratic, pace-setting, and visionary. To quickly summarize each different style, the affiliative leadership style emphasized good relations among the members of the organization in order to bring about a better environment for accomplishment. The coaching leadership style had a greater focus on the individual. It is a one-on-one approach to help a struggling member of the group to provide greater group stimulus. The commanding leadership style is a style that replaces praise with criticism. It is appropriate only in situations when urgent action is required, such as a crises or any military operation. A democratic style employs the skills and knowledge of the members of the group, giving the reins to the group as a whole to deal with. A pace-setting style involves the team leader setting the bar for high performance and expecting the whole group to follow. A visionary style sets a clear and positive image of the future for the group, giving the group a clear and concise goal to work towards.
In my current leadership role as one who wants his roommates to succeed in all aspects of life, there are some things that I have been doing well, some things I have been doing but can do better, and some things that I haven't done but should employ. I try to preserve harmony in the group by making sure every once in a while we have opportunities to talk and bond. I crack jokes and try to bring about an atmosphere of comfort and openness. I bring in topics that are always good fun for us - girls. We all have a girl, or girls, whom we think are alright. Talking about them while cracking fun at each other allow us to relax after the rush of the day and kind of bring us back to realize that we are good friends, not just strangers who just happen to live together. Instead of "coaching" someone, I do take time to sit down one on one with a roommate to talk about things. Every now and then, I sit down and ask them if there are any problems or dilemmas that I can help them with. Being the wonderful, friendly people they are, my roommates crack fun at me telling me that I am too "friendly" with them. As for the commanding style, I don't think I've ever used that because there has never been a crisis in our home, but I sometimes bark at my roommates when there is somewhere we have to get to in a very short amount of time. This usually gets them moving and the task gets accomplished, but there have never been any bad feelings about it. As for democratic, we are always talking to each other about problems and keeping each other afloat. There are not any specific projects we are all trying to finish, but we make sure to keep each other going strong. One of the best ways I feel satisfies many important roles in my life is the leadership style of pace-setting. By setting the pace for working extra hard, I get much of my work done, and the example of my hardworking self is much greater motivation to those who watch me than when I am lazy and indolent. These days, I go home early instead of socializing with my friends and sleep early, then I wake up early and I am out of the house even before any of my roommates wake up. It is a wonderful feeling because I find that I can focus much better in the morning. I know that my roommates will see this lifestyle change in me and they will soon start to recognize the great things that come of it. They will remember that and try it for themselves. That is not to say that my roommates are not working hard. By my working hard, I know that they will get greater strength from my example. One thing I need to do more is employing the leadership style of visionary. I realized that I have a vision for myself and for my friends, but I have not shared that vision. My roommates are not in the know of where I want to go with all the hard work that I put into progressing. Perhaps if I were to share my vision with them and create a vision in their minds of a glowing, successful us, they would work even harder in their lives to get better grades, to treat others with love and respect, and to serve honorable missions as worthy young men.
In my current leadership role as one who wants his roommates to succeed in all aspects of life, there are some things that I have been doing well, some things I have been doing but can do better, and some things that I haven't done but should employ. I try to preserve harmony in the group by making sure every once in a while we have opportunities to talk and bond. I crack jokes and try to bring about an atmosphere of comfort and openness. I bring in topics that are always good fun for us - girls. We all have a girl, or girls, whom we think are alright. Talking about them while cracking fun at each other allow us to relax after the rush of the day and kind of bring us back to realize that we are good friends, not just strangers who just happen to live together. Instead of "coaching" someone, I do take time to sit down one on one with a roommate to talk about things. Every now and then, I sit down and ask them if there are any problems or dilemmas that I can help them with. Being the wonderful, friendly people they are, my roommates crack fun at me telling me that I am too "friendly" with them. As for the commanding style, I don't think I've ever used that because there has never been a crisis in our home, but I sometimes bark at my roommates when there is somewhere we have to get to in a very short amount of time. This usually gets them moving and the task gets accomplished, but there have never been any bad feelings about it. As for democratic, we are always talking to each other about problems and keeping each other afloat. There are not any specific projects we are all trying to finish, but we make sure to keep each other going strong. One of the best ways I feel satisfies many important roles in my life is the leadership style of pace-setting. By setting the pace for working extra hard, I get much of my work done, and the example of my hardworking self is much greater motivation to those who watch me than when I am lazy and indolent. These days, I go home early instead of socializing with my friends and sleep early, then I wake up early and I am out of the house even before any of my roommates wake up. It is a wonderful feeling because I find that I can focus much better in the morning. I know that my roommates will see this lifestyle change in me and they will soon start to recognize the great things that come of it. They will remember that and try it for themselves. That is not to say that my roommates are not working hard. By my working hard, I know that they will get greater strength from my example. One thing I need to do more is employing the leadership style of visionary. I realized that I have a vision for myself and for my friends, but I have not shared that vision. My roommates are not in the know of where I want to go with all the hard work that I put into progressing. Perhaps if I were to share my vision with them and create a vision in their minds of a glowing, successful us, they would work even harder in their lives to get better grades, to treat others with love and respect, and to serve honorable missions as worthy young men.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Strength Based Leadership - Steve Smith
So I got my results back for my Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The results were ENTJ, which stands for Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Judging.
The descriptions are:
Extraversion - People who prefer Extraversion tend to focus their attention on the outer world of people and things.
Intuition - People who prefer Intuition tend to take in information from patterns and the big picture and focus on future possibilities.
Thinking - People who prefer Thinking tend to make decisions based primarily on logic and on objective analysis of cause and effect.
Judging - People who prefer Judging tend to like a planned and organized approach to life and prefer to have things settled.
Point wise, my results are: Extraversion 18, Intuition 8, Thinking 6, Judging 6.
My preferred work tasks are:
-Organizing resources, including people, to achieve lofty goals.
-Communicating a vision for the future.
-Preparing a systematic plan to achieve the vision.
-Solving system-level problems.
-Making the tough decisions needed to move forward.
My preferred work environment is:
-is fast growing, with continual new challenges
-has people who drive hard to meet goals
-offers organized and efficient tasks, resources, and people
-has people who are task oriented and focused on achieving their goals
-fosters competition and rewards achievement
The challenges are:
-You may neglect to recognize and appreciate the contributions of others.
-You may neglect to consider the needs of the people who must implement your plans.
-You may drive others as hard as you drive yourself.
The most attractive job families for me were:
-Architecture and Engineering (100) - Architect, surveyor, mechanical engineer, chemical engineer
-Life, Physical, and Social Sciences (99) - Biologist, chemist, economist, psychologist
-Business and Finance (98) - Operations, finance, marketing, human resources
-Legal (96) - Lawyer, arbitrator, paralegal, court reporter
The most popular occupations for ENTJs:
1. Anesthesiologist
2. Management Consultant
3. Top executive, Legal
4. Top executive, Architecture and engineering
5. Top executive, Life, physical and social sciences
6. Urban/regional planner
7. Top executive, Transportation and materials moving
8. Internist
9. Top executive, Sales
10. Top executive, Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media
11. Commercial art director
12. Top executive, Education, training, and library
13. Survey researcher
14. Surgeon
15. Top executive, Business and financial operations
These results confirmed my own thoughts on my future career. I had been thinking about careers in management. I had also been thinking about how to get to that point - through a law degree, through a business degree, or through an accounting degree. I know that I am not good at science so I know that I am not going to be an Anesthesiologist or anything medical related. However, I do want to get into a position of management to exercise and improve my style of leadership, to lead organizations to produce successful results and happy lives. I love dealing with people and putting my abilities to the test by trying to figure out how to motivate them, how to produce results in the best possible way. I know that I would have so much fun in this kind of career, but I also know that I am going to have to amass a certain level of competency and excellence in a technical area. And that is the area that I am trying to figure out right now.
This test told me that I need to be careful not pushing people too hard or whatnot, but I feel that I don't push myself too hard. In fact, I am too lazy and unproductive most of the time. Thus, before I can lead others to work hard, I must push myself to work hard to maximize my productivity. This test really confirmed my thoughts and knowing that my innate personality and preferences match up with my thoughts feels great. But I know that I must constantly try to understand others and employ the many different kinds of motivational tools that I must amass through experience, to cater to the different kinds of people, so that I can motivate and consolidate the whole organization into one, and put forth a vision, and bring that vision to realization.
The descriptions are:
Extraversion - People who prefer Extraversion tend to focus their attention on the outer world of people and things.
Intuition - People who prefer Intuition tend to take in information from patterns and the big picture and focus on future possibilities.
Thinking - People who prefer Thinking tend to make decisions based primarily on logic and on objective analysis of cause and effect.
Judging - People who prefer Judging tend to like a planned and organized approach to life and prefer to have things settled.
Point wise, my results are: Extraversion 18, Intuition 8, Thinking 6, Judging 6.
My preferred work tasks are:
-Organizing resources, including people, to achieve lofty goals.
-Communicating a vision for the future.
-Preparing a systematic plan to achieve the vision.
-Solving system-level problems.
-Making the tough decisions needed to move forward.
My preferred work environment is:
-is fast growing, with continual new challenges
-has people who drive hard to meet goals
-offers organized and efficient tasks, resources, and people
-has people who are task oriented and focused on achieving their goals
-fosters competition and rewards achievement
The challenges are:
-You may neglect to recognize and appreciate the contributions of others.
-You may neglect to consider the needs of the people who must implement your plans.
-You may drive others as hard as you drive yourself.
The most attractive job families for me were:
-Architecture and Engineering (100) - Architect, surveyor, mechanical engineer, chemical engineer
-Life, Physical, and Social Sciences (99) - Biologist, chemist, economist, psychologist
-Business and Finance (98) - Operations, finance, marketing, human resources
-Legal (96) - Lawyer, arbitrator, paralegal, court reporter
The most popular occupations for ENTJs:
1. Anesthesiologist
2. Management Consultant
3. Top executive, Legal
4. Top executive, Architecture and engineering
5. Top executive, Life, physical and social sciences
6. Urban/regional planner
7. Top executive, Transportation and materials moving
8. Internist
9. Top executive, Sales
10. Top executive, Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media
11. Commercial art director
12. Top executive, Education, training, and library
13. Survey researcher
14. Surgeon
15. Top executive, Business and financial operations
These results confirmed my own thoughts on my future career. I had been thinking about careers in management. I had also been thinking about how to get to that point - through a law degree, through a business degree, or through an accounting degree. I know that I am not good at science so I know that I am not going to be an Anesthesiologist or anything medical related. However, I do want to get into a position of management to exercise and improve my style of leadership, to lead organizations to produce successful results and happy lives. I love dealing with people and putting my abilities to the test by trying to figure out how to motivate them, how to produce results in the best possible way. I know that I would have so much fun in this kind of career, but I also know that I am going to have to amass a certain level of competency and excellence in a technical area. And that is the area that I am trying to figure out right now.
This test told me that I need to be careful not pushing people too hard or whatnot, but I feel that I don't push myself too hard. In fact, I am too lazy and unproductive most of the time. Thus, before I can lead others to work hard, I must push myself to work hard to maximize my productivity. This test really confirmed my thoughts and knowing that my innate personality and preferences match up with my thoughts feels great. But I know that I must constantly try to understand others and employ the many different kinds of motivational tools that I must amass through experience, to cater to the different kinds of people, so that I can motivate and consolidate the whole organization into one, and put forth a vision, and bring that vision to realization.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Servant Leadership - Dr. Neil Cox
These days I am not being a very good leader. I have been feeling a bit down because of the constant buffetings of Satan, who wants me to feel feelings of guilt, malice, and envy. I have not been a good example this week because I was down a bit. However, Dr. Neil Cox's advise to lead to serve, not serve to lead, was wonderful advise. He taught the principles of servant leadership. I loved a quote he presented by Robert K. Greenleaf, "the servant-leader is a servant first... it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead." The story of Ken Iverson was awesome. He was CEO of Nucor Steel and as a CEO, he was not intent on getting as much benefits as possible out of his position, but in enhancing as much as possible the positions of his employees. He loved them and used his power and money to provide scholarships for his employees, even when one guy had nine children. Such a mind is admirable and amazing, but it is also a very difficult mindset to cultivate in today's world of big salaries and selfishness.
One thing I can try is to use this principle to serve others. But I find it difficult to serve others without expecting anything back at all, even their recognition or respect. When I serve, I find that I expect them to recognize my sacrifice and be thankful for it and recognize me for my efforts. But I know that in order for service to be of service, it must be given in the spirit of love. I know then that I will be blessed, and that person will be blessed.
One thing I can try is to use this principle to serve others. But I find it difficult to serve others without expecting anything back at all, even their recognition or respect. When I serve, I find that I expect them to recognize my sacrifice and be thankful for it and recognize me for my efforts. But I know that in order for service to be of service, it must be given in the spirit of love. I know then that I will be blessed, and that person will be blessed.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Leadership Principles - Adrian Clemy
This week's lecture was on leadership principles. Adrian Clemy outlined some of these principles:
1) Take Action
2) Vision
3) Integrity
4) Sacrifice
5) Courage
He presented several examples for each principle but the one example that really stood out to me was that of taking action. The example that was presented for this principle was Winston Churchill. Although he had many talents in other areas such as in the letters (he won a Nobel Prize in Literature) he chose to take up the mantle of Prime Minister and take on the extremely challenging responsibility of leading the country through one of the greatest wars in human history. According to Clemy, he abhorred idleness and passivity. He was a man that lived by the adage, "paralysis by analysis" and thus he valued industriousness. That is not to say that he was not careful to make sure that the decisions that he made for the welfare of his country were well-thought through. He made good decisions, but he did not unnecessarily prolong the process.
That is something that I would like cultivate not just in my leadership style, but also in my lifestyle as well. That is not to say that I will not have socializing time. It simply means that I will put boundaries on my socializing. If there are opportunities to socialize when I must do some homework or some project, I will work on that project. If I have all things done and can afford a little time, then I will indulge in socializing. Because my roommates and I stick so much together, putting clear and concise borders on our collective socializing time would be beneficial for all of us.
Oh! An update on the status of my roommates: I have tried much harder these past couple days to be productive and to not have a moment of laziness. Though I was not perfect, I can see the impact of my efforts on my roommates, who are constantly observing me. These guys have been working a lot harder than before, and though I know it would be a very big act of idiocy if I claimed their efforts as results of my efforts, I DO know that my efforts are not pulling them down. I would perhaps even go as far as to say that my roommates obtain some strength from my attitude of industriousness and positivism.
1) Take Action
2) Vision
3) Integrity
4) Sacrifice
5) Courage
He presented several examples for each principle but the one example that really stood out to me was that of taking action. The example that was presented for this principle was Winston Churchill. Although he had many talents in other areas such as in the letters (he won a Nobel Prize in Literature) he chose to take up the mantle of Prime Minister and take on the extremely challenging responsibility of leading the country through one of the greatest wars in human history. According to Clemy, he abhorred idleness and passivity. He was a man that lived by the adage, "paralysis by analysis" and thus he valued industriousness. That is not to say that he was not careful to make sure that the decisions that he made for the welfare of his country were well-thought through. He made good decisions, but he did not unnecessarily prolong the process.
That is something that I would like cultivate not just in my leadership style, but also in my lifestyle as well. That is not to say that I will not have socializing time. It simply means that I will put boundaries on my socializing. If there are opportunities to socialize when I must do some homework or some project, I will work on that project. If I have all things done and can afford a little time, then I will indulge in socializing. Because my roommates and I stick so much together, putting clear and concise borders on our collective socializing time would be beneficial for all of us.
Oh! An update on the status of my roommates: I have tried much harder these past couple days to be productive and to not have a moment of laziness. Though I was not perfect, I can see the impact of my efforts on my roommates, who are constantly observing me. These guys have been working a lot harder than before, and though I know it would be a very big act of idiocy if I claimed their efforts as results of my efforts, I DO know that my efforts are not pulling them down. I would perhaps even go as far as to say that my roommates obtain some strength from my attitude of industriousness and positivism.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Great Leaders throughout History: Leadership Characteristics of Notable Leaders - Nathan S. Ward
This week Nathan S. Ward, Assistant Director of Student Leadership, gave us a lecture titled "Great Leaders throughout History: Leadership Characteristics of Notable Leaders."
Some things that were impressionable in my mind were some quotes that he gave us.
"the best leaders inspire people to rally around a change, while poor leaders have to push, cajole, or even threaten employees to accept change." -John H. Zenger & Joseph Folkman-
"who you are affects how you lead."
For the past week I tried to live a life of example. It was very difficult sometimes when I was extremely tired to read my scriptures before going to bed. But I managed to read a chapter of New Testament and a chapter of Book of Mormon every morning and night no matter how tired I was. Sometimes, I feel that I ought to be doing more than just living my life in my role as a leader, but when I try to think about what I ought to do to lead, I realize that I really have nothing to offer my roommates as a leader, except my own example. However, one thing I have tried to do is be humble, positive, and uplifting. Many times this week, I felt very distressed and cynical. However, I made efforts to find the silver lining in the cloud and I let my vision be filled with the silver lining. I think that's how I got through this week - by being positive. And I could tell that my attitude could have much influence on the attitudes of my roommates. When I was happy, they became happy. When I was down, they became down. Attitudes are contagious, and I was able to uplift them by motivating myself to be positive. So instead of trying to push them and cajoling them to be positive, I inspired myself with a positive attitude, and in turn, I was able to "rally" my friends around my banner of positivism. Though on scale and in importance, this fades compared to the accomplishments of other leaders, I look upon these experiences as every-day stepping stones to acquire experience and attitudes necessary to brave through the harshest storms. Hopefully, I can continue what I am doing next week as well.
Some things that were impressionable in my mind were some quotes that he gave us.
"the best leaders inspire people to rally around a change, while poor leaders have to push, cajole, or even threaten employees to accept change." -John H. Zenger & Joseph Folkman-
"who you are affects how you lead."
For the past week I tried to live a life of example. It was very difficult sometimes when I was extremely tired to read my scriptures before going to bed. But I managed to read a chapter of New Testament and a chapter of Book of Mormon every morning and night no matter how tired I was. Sometimes, I feel that I ought to be doing more than just living my life in my role as a leader, but when I try to think about what I ought to do to lead, I realize that I really have nothing to offer my roommates as a leader, except my own example. However, one thing I have tried to do is be humble, positive, and uplifting. Many times this week, I felt very distressed and cynical. However, I made efforts to find the silver lining in the cloud and I let my vision be filled with the silver lining. I think that's how I got through this week - by being positive. And I could tell that my attitude could have much influence on the attitudes of my roommates. When I was happy, they became happy. When I was down, they became down. Attitudes are contagious, and I was able to uplift them by motivating myself to be positive. So instead of trying to push them and cajoling them to be positive, I inspired myself with a positive attitude, and in turn, I was able to "rally" my friends around my banner of positivism. Though on scale and in importance, this fades compared to the accomplishments of other leaders, I look upon these experiences as every-day stepping stones to acquire experience and attitudes necessary to brave through the harshest storms. Hopefully, I can continue what I am doing next week as well.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Interview
I had the opportunity to interview a man named Byungsuk Luke Yoo. Well, okay he's my dad, but he has been and continues to be one of the greatest sources of inspiration in my life. For the purposes of professionalism, I will refer to him as Luke from now on, instead of dad.
Professionally, Luke is the Chief Executive Officer of NuSkin Enterprises, Korea. As a man that holds such a title, automatically it can be assumed that he must have some form of a successful leadership style. Although I could go on and on about the qualities that he has and how these have helped him to succeed professionally, I would like to focus on just one of his qualities that I find to be very heart-warming and inspirational. He is a man that is full of love.
It can be argued that love is a weakness in the business field of ruthless competition, but I believe that it is possible to love without being weak. In fact, I believe that leaders that show love command greater legitimacy and thus willing obedience from their followers. One of the reasons I believe that this is possible in the corrupt world of today is because of the example of this man.
Luke loves the people in his company. He does not view his company and his employees as machines existing to make money. He has a view of the company as an organization that can not only provide quality services and products to the public, but as an organization that lifts the thousands of men and women so that they may be able to make a living and pursue happiness. Most companies in Korea suppress their employees - longer work hours, more stress, and harsh criticism that ultimately means less family time, less personal time, and less energy to do anything else. However, in Luke's company, he makes them work their hardest from 9 in the morning to 12, then let's them take care of everything else from then until 6 PM. After that, he shuts off the electricity in the building so that nobody can work after that period of time. The result is, that these employees work extremely hard in that short amount of time to finish the tasks that they have been given, then go home early to their families to spend personal and family time. Not only that, but Luke gives extra support from the company to those who want to attend night classes to increase their level of competitiveness. The result is, that Nu Skin Enterprises, Korea makes the highest revenue per employee in the country. Churning out the greatest amount of efficiency, while maintaining the happiness of the employees is something that is possible because of the great love, and great leadership that Luke employs in the management of the company.
Professionally, Luke is the Chief Executive Officer of NuSkin Enterprises, Korea. As a man that holds such a title, automatically it can be assumed that he must have some form of a successful leadership style. Although I could go on and on about the qualities that he has and how these have helped him to succeed professionally, I would like to focus on just one of his qualities that I find to be very heart-warming and inspirational. He is a man that is full of love.
It can be argued that love is a weakness in the business field of ruthless competition, but I believe that it is possible to love without being weak. In fact, I believe that leaders that show love command greater legitimacy and thus willing obedience from their followers. One of the reasons I believe that this is possible in the corrupt world of today is because of the example of this man.
Luke loves the people in his company. He does not view his company and his employees as machines existing to make money. He has a view of the company as an organization that can not only provide quality services and products to the public, but as an organization that lifts the thousands of men and women so that they may be able to make a living and pursue happiness. Most companies in Korea suppress their employees - longer work hours, more stress, and harsh criticism that ultimately means less family time, less personal time, and less energy to do anything else. However, in Luke's company, he makes them work their hardest from 9 in the morning to 12, then let's them take care of everything else from then until 6 PM. After that, he shuts off the electricity in the building so that nobody can work after that period of time. The result is, that these employees work extremely hard in that short amount of time to finish the tasks that they have been given, then go home early to their families to spend personal and family time. Not only that, but Luke gives extra support from the company to those who want to attend night classes to increase their level of competitiveness. The result is, that Nu Skin Enterprises, Korea makes the highest revenue per employee in the country. Churning out the greatest amount of efficiency, while maintaining the happiness of the employees is something that is possible because of the great love, and great leadership that Luke employs in the management of the company.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Defining the Role
I do not have many leadership qualities. However, I read somewhere that the best leaders are always looking to improve. Hopefully, that is one characteristic that I do have: a recognition of my shortcomings, and a desire to make strong my weaknesses. With that, I hope to become a greater leader. This semester I find that I can exercise a tremendous amount of leadership as a roommate. First, I think it would be appropriate to explore the nature of rooming together with someone.
Roommates, quite obviously, live together. They most often eat together, sleep together, go to the same ward, and if you're one of those lucky ones, indulge in deep conversations that go late into the night. Sometimes, roommates share a bond, that improve through a progression from shallow pleasantries, to a sense of rapport, to some conflicts, and finally to a relationship that has been tested of time, stress, and pressure. Out of all these things, the aspect that I would like to emphasize in this entry on the nature of roommate relationships is the aspect of example. Roommates, interacting so much on such a basic level, cannot help but become somewhat similar to each other. Starting from the small things like whether or not you make your bed, to big things like doing well on your academics, or becoming very social. Depending on the habits and characters of each roommate, some of these habits and qualities will rub off on the other roommates. For me, I think this is a wonderful opportunity to exercise leadership, through my own example as a roommate.
To give some more background information on my roommates, I have three roommates. Two are Korean friends that I met during the spring and summer terms and one is an American student who, understandably, might feel a sense of pressure from being surrounded by three students from unfamiliar cultures and who speak a language different from his own. Although I am fluent in English and thus, can communicate well with our single American roommate, my two Korean friends are not very comfortable speaking English, nor with the American culture. Even in that one description, I can already see a leadership opportunity.
Although this opportunity poses a relishing challenge of communication and having our roommates get along despite the language barriers, I see a greater opportunity for leadership that holds dearer to my heart.
My Korean friends, as Korean citizens and as Church members, are required and obligated, respectively, to serve a two year draft in the Korean military, as well as a two year mission for the Church. Being already required to sacrifice two years of their time for their country, it could be seen as a greater decision to serve a mission for the Church for these two Korean roommates. However, from the many things I have heard from fellow Korean saints, many Korean men, though determined to serve their missions before serving their military draft, after having gone through two years of military, decide not to serve missions. It is understandable that they would come to such a decision, but I cannot help but feel much sorrow that these men will not be able to experience for themselves the wonderful joys and blessings that come with serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And as such, my concern is for my roommates, who will have to go through the same decisions. As of now, they are set on serving missions after their military service, however I know, from the warnings of many RM's, that Satan can and will try to deter my friends from serving their missions. I love my friends, and as such, I cannot bear to watch them not serve missions. In the end, it is their decision and I must respect their agency, however, I also know that example is a strong motivator.
By living a life that is consistent with those principles that prepare a man to enter the holy temple and serve a mission, I seek to be an example to my roommates, so that when the time comes for them to make this difficult decision, they will have, as extra support, my example. Thus, it falls on me to set a strong example for my roommates, so that it may give them the strongest motivating factor that I, within the bounds of my abilities, can possibly provide. That is my leadership role this semester, and I seek to accomplish it by doing all the things necessary to prepare myself to serve a mission and by communicating to my roommates on such matters.
Roommates, quite obviously, live together. They most often eat together, sleep together, go to the same ward, and if you're one of those lucky ones, indulge in deep conversations that go late into the night. Sometimes, roommates share a bond, that improve through a progression from shallow pleasantries, to a sense of rapport, to some conflicts, and finally to a relationship that has been tested of time, stress, and pressure. Out of all these things, the aspect that I would like to emphasize in this entry on the nature of roommate relationships is the aspect of example. Roommates, interacting so much on such a basic level, cannot help but become somewhat similar to each other. Starting from the small things like whether or not you make your bed, to big things like doing well on your academics, or becoming very social. Depending on the habits and characters of each roommate, some of these habits and qualities will rub off on the other roommates. For me, I think this is a wonderful opportunity to exercise leadership, through my own example as a roommate.
To give some more background information on my roommates, I have three roommates. Two are Korean friends that I met during the spring and summer terms and one is an American student who, understandably, might feel a sense of pressure from being surrounded by three students from unfamiliar cultures and who speak a language different from his own. Although I am fluent in English and thus, can communicate well with our single American roommate, my two Korean friends are not very comfortable speaking English, nor with the American culture. Even in that one description, I can already see a leadership opportunity.
Although this opportunity poses a relishing challenge of communication and having our roommates get along despite the language barriers, I see a greater opportunity for leadership that holds dearer to my heart.
My Korean friends, as Korean citizens and as Church members, are required and obligated, respectively, to serve a two year draft in the Korean military, as well as a two year mission for the Church. Being already required to sacrifice two years of their time for their country, it could be seen as a greater decision to serve a mission for the Church for these two Korean roommates. However, from the many things I have heard from fellow Korean saints, many Korean men, though determined to serve their missions before serving their military draft, after having gone through two years of military, decide not to serve missions. It is understandable that they would come to such a decision, but I cannot help but feel much sorrow that these men will not be able to experience for themselves the wonderful joys and blessings that come with serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And as such, my concern is for my roommates, who will have to go through the same decisions. As of now, they are set on serving missions after their military service, however I know, from the warnings of many RM's, that Satan can and will try to deter my friends from serving their missions. I love my friends, and as such, I cannot bear to watch them not serve missions. In the end, it is their decision and I must respect their agency, however, I also know that example is a strong motivator.
By living a life that is consistent with those principles that prepare a man to enter the holy temple and serve a mission, I seek to be an example to my roommates, so that when the time comes for them to make this difficult decision, they will have, as extra support, my example. Thus, it falls on me to set a strong example for my roommates, so that it may give them the strongest motivating factor that I, within the bounds of my abilities, can possibly provide. That is my leadership role this semester, and I seek to accomplish it by doing all the things necessary to prepare myself to serve a mission and by communicating to my roommates on such matters.
An Introduction
Hello! My name is Heeje Yoo and this blog is going to be about leadership and its role in my life, as well as my take on some of its principles.
Firstly, to give a better background on who I am, both my parents are Korean, and I was born in Hawaii. I lived there for about five years, attending kindergarten there, then about 2 and a half years in Utah. In the middle of third grade I moved to South Korea and attended an international school, up until I graduated high school and enrolled at BYU for the Fall 2008 semester. Here I am, and I am currently planning on serving my mission right after this Fall 2009 semester. From this class, I expect to learn more about the different styles of leadership, what works and what doesn't, and how we can always exercise leadership in everything we do. I am especially interested in learning more about Christ-like leadership, if that is going to be a topic of discussion in this class. Hopefully, I will be able to share all the things that I learn throughout this semester through this blog.
Firstly, to give a better background on who I am, both my parents are Korean, and I was born in Hawaii. I lived there for about five years, attending kindergarten there, then about 2 and a half years in Utah. In the middle of third grade I moved to South Korea and attended an international school, up until I graduated high school and enrolled at BYU for the Fall 2008 semester. Here I am, and I am currently planning on serving my mission right after this Fall 2009 semester. From this class, I expect to learn more about the different styles of leadership, what works and what doesn't, and how we can always exercise leadership in everything we do. I am especially interested in learning more about Christ-like leadership, if that is going to be a topic of discussion in this class. Hopefully, I will be able to share all the things that I learn throughout this semester through this blog.
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