November 28th, 2011

The video comes into play in reference to my very last comment. Read that before watching or else it won't make sense... 

Please describe a situation where you have watched a someone successfully lead an organization through a change.  Identify what went well and how they helped the process succeed.

I think the best example that I have for this would be my parents, helping our family make it through hard financial times. I don't think I was very young at the time, but I think what made it successful was their belief in the end result or end goal. I think they constantly looked forward to what they were trying to achieve, and that motivated them. I think in terms of leading our family, they did a great job of information control. They understood that as children we wouldn't understand some things and so they were careful about what they told us, and what was going on. There were simply some things that we didn't have to know, and that was alright. Growing up I was somewhat aware but not entirely, but looking back, I think we really had some struggles, and I can see the success and progress made was through my parents' ability to lead us as a family.

Please share the three discovery statements that you wrote down as you completed each of the challenges.  What do those statements help you understand about your abilities to lead change and what insights do they give you on how you can be effective as a leader in a changing environment.

I had to leave early so I didn't get to participate in the third one, but the first one I wrote that I felt slow, like I wasn't progressing, and like I was wasting a lot of time trying to accomplish that task in a different way.
The second statement was that I didn't trust myself and my own abilities to be able to accomplish the task without being able to see what was going on. I was uncertain and doubting my abilities.
I think collectively these thoughts can apply to leading change, because if we aren't focused or if we aren't guided we can feel lost and we don't trust ourselves, and if we don't trust ourselves and our own abilities, we won't be able to help and lead others to do the same. I found this video on TED about leading change (It's the video I posted) and I thought it was interesting. Sometimes the most influential leaders are the dedicated followers. I think that's an important concept that we need to realize about leadership. 

Nov. 21st 2011

1) Give an example of a time in your life when you've seen successful teamwork or collaboration in action. What can you learn from that example that you can apply today?

 

-I love answering these questions, because I get to think about my past projects and things that I've done. With working at the library we had the opportunity to work on film projects. I love working on a film because in order to be successful you HAVE to be organized, efficient, productive, and reliable. No if's, and's or but's, otherwise you just wasted a lot of money, time, and personal connections. It's very much a survival of the fittest sort of field, and I love that kind of environment.
The reason that teamwork in film making works, is because everyone knows what their job is. The definitions are clear cut and there is no confusion. You know exactly what you need to do in pre-production to prepare for production, and everyone is in the know all the time. You have to clearly communicate messages to many different people, and in different ways. There is an established hierarchy that all of the crew members are required to follow, which allows for everyone to do their job most effectively. Another aspect that makes it so successful, and in my mind one of the most important aspects, is the big picture. Film making is hard, and it's tiring, and you love it and hate it all the time, but what keeps you going is working on a project that you care about. Everyone on the team is motivated to accomplish their work, whether it's for money, or the sake of the project, or the networking that comes from that. Either way, people are motivated to complete their tasks and do the best job possible. I love film making =).
I can apply these aspects to my team by helping people see the big picture, communicating clearly and effectively, helping motivate people to get results.

2) What challenges do you face with teamwork/collaboration and how can you overcome them?

-I think any team faces the challenge of communication. It just so happens that the Communications area in BYUSA happens to struggle the most with communication I feel like. Thinking about this gives me a headache. . Adrian's training from adventure experience does a good job of demonstrating how we should communicate with each other I feel. We can overcome poor communication by checking up with people, and checking in. It's better to over-communicate than under communicate to people.

Nov. 14th 2011

What are some ways you can build integrity and trust with your team?

I think the best way for our team to build integrity and trust is through time. Providing our team with the time necessary to get to know each other and trust each other in a work environment is important. We also have to provide opportunities for our team to rely on each other and trust each other. I'm excited for our two hour area meeting today because I feel like we can help each other problem solve and brainstorm effective ways to improve our various endeavors in our area. I think in terms of building integrity with our team, I don't even know what that means in a team setting. Integrity to me means that regardless of who you are with or what you are doing, you act in a way that represents the best of who you are and the best ideals of your team. In applying that to our team, I think that maybe means that when we are with other areas or meetings, we can step outside of our own personal feelings or situations, and make sure that our decisions and actions meet the best interest of representing our team well. I think in order to build a sense of integrity with our team, we have to find our team meaningful in each of our lives. I think in order for us to each WANT to have integrity with our team, we need to love being a part of it and feel valuable. I think for our team there members who don't feel valued and appreciated as part of the team, which affects the group as a whole. If we can help each member of the team feel valued, they will be inspired to contribute to the team in more helpful ways, and act with integrity. 

In what ways do you make sure your team is in agreement with a project before moving forward?

I think with bigger projects, I really do care about what my team thinks of it. I definitely seek the opinion of my team before I spend a ton of time and energy on something. I brainstorm and come to them with an idea, and see what they think. If their opinions are positive, I move forward, if they are negative, I look at the problems and see if they need fixing, and then move forward.

 

What are a couple of creative ways you can communicate a new idea to your team?

The first thing that came to my mind was Carrie from the Stephen King movie... with the pigs blood or whatever. That isn't quite the tactic I think would be most effective, however I do think it will grab and hold attention. I think my team is receptive to new ideas, so I don't think anything out of the ordinary would necessarily be needed, but I'll consider it?

November 7th, 2011

Q. 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.
- I think the most important behaviors in getting results would be 1. Planning and Organization 2. Having a Clear Vision of Desired Results 3. Having a Commitment to Quality 4. Anticipating Problems and 5. Acting Quickly.
1. Planning and organizing your event is very important because that is where you have the chance to create your attack plan (of sorts). You go through all of the options, look forward and anticipate problems, and have an organized approach in which you are trying to attain a desired vision. Organization and planning are huge because it helps keep your goal in mind and helps you be more prepared and on task. For example with Guitars Unplugged last year we sat down and planned everything that was going to happen. We organized the volunteer efforts and we hypothetically knew everything that was going to happen. This was great because there were few problems that unexpectedly arose.
2. Having a clear vision of desires results is important because you need to know what you're working for. If you have a fuzzy vision then you're not going to make strategic moves and decisions to help you get from point a to point b. You need to have a clear vision because that is how you will improve the quality of your final result, and the processes in how you get there. For example with dating to find a spouse, if you don't know what you're looking for, you will never find it. If you have a fuzzy idea of what you want, you will probably make good decisions to get there, but it won't be as clear cut of a process as it could be if your vision were crystal clear (all hypothetically of course... obviously.)
3. Having a commitment to quality is important in attaining results because you don't just want something done, you want it done well, or at least I do. We need to have standards of excellence, and stretching goals to help those we are over and ourselves achieve those goals. By being dedicated to high standards of excellence we are able to improve our own abilities, and help others enjoy the fruits of our labors. It won't be as meaningful if it wasn't a challenge for us. A commitment to quality is a challenge.
4. Anticipating problems in projects is important because it keeps you actively doing and actively aware of what is going on. In film production you HAVE to have a plan b and c BEFORE you start shooting your film, because on set, you can't move and fly from the seat of your pants on important decisions that affect the quality of your end result and the happiness of your cast and crew (with also indirectly affects the quality of your end result). You have to limited time, money, and people and any time you aren't prepared you put those 3 important things in jeopardy, and ultimately your end result.
5. Acting quickly is also important especially with foreseeing problems. Especially with film production, as a producer or director you need to be able to think on your feet; there are almost always small problems that come up that either need to be fixed or cut out of the filming process. You have to be able to think quickly about the significance of the issue and what it will affect and make a decision in seconds (because you have time, money, and people on the line. There isn't time for dillydallying).


Q. 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 strengths in getting results on projects or problems in previous experiences would probably be my ability to analyze and foresee problems as well as an attention to detail. I think I can use these skills to help the projects and tasks that I have stewardship over now. I can analyze problems and have an attention to detail which will help the end result be effective and worth our time, money, and resources used in achieving that result. That makes me a valuable asset to any team, I feel like.

October 31st 2011

1)      Share one personal experience where you have seen the Technical/Professional Expertise leadership competency in action.

-One personal experience where i've seen a lot of technical expertise in leadership is with Jeff Whitlock. I've had various questions about social media, and he is very knowledgeable about that area and is a great resource for networking. 

2)      Share one personal experience where you have applied skills from the Solves Problems and Analyzes Issues leadership competency.

I think that this is one area of life and leadership that I am good at and do naturally. I'm very analytical and I'm always trying to problem solve and be better and make things better. With BYUSA specifically I've researched and been very analytical of the "Experience More" branding campaign, and my area responsibilities in general. Our current branding campaign is targeted on solving the problem of a misperception of the individuals involved in BYUSA. 

3)      How does innovation apply to your specific responsibilities?  How do you show support of innovation in others?

Innovation plays a part in my responsibilities because there are new ways to do things. There are new branding campaigns, ways to advertise BYUSA and get our name out there. I support the innovation in others and their responsibilities in helping them think outside the box and consider things that haven't been done before. 

Oct. 24th, 2011

1. Why is character the center pole of the leadership tent? Give an example of a leader in your life who has demonstrated character and how that affected you.

I think character is the center pole of the leadership tent because it is our potential. If we are looking at it from an eternal perspective, then our potential is eternal as well. Character can be our dedication in applying the various principles of honesty, integrity, and so forth. One person in my life who exemplifies being a leader showing character would be my mother. She is a very strong woman who knows who she is and why she is here. I think together, her and my father, did an excellent job of teaching us as children who we are and that we are always trying to live up to our divine potential. It has affected me in many ways; because of her example, I know that I don't need to compromise my values or compromise who I am as a daughter of God to be successful or happy, but in fact all happiness and success can actually be attributed to being true to who I am and all that I can be. 

2. Share one or two things from the lesson that impacted you personally.  Why? How will you apply it to your life?

I loved that the focus was on being true to our divine self and focusing on that as our goal. This is something that I am passionate about, I think so many people struggle and fall because they lack an understanding of who they are and where they came from. Actually, the moment that I understood this was in my 3rd year at Girls Camp in Portland, OR, and was how I gained my testimony and passion for the gospel. Because of this knowledge, and knowing my relationship with the Lord, I have the faith that I need to go forth and accomplish all that Heavenly Father has in store for me to do. I have confidence in who I am, I'm a daughter of God, and I know that He loves me and knows all that I can be. I know that I can turn to Him in my hour of need and He will help me. 

Now with this knowledge, I know it for myself, and it's my opportunity and responsibility to help other people see and understand that as well. As I'm learning more about the gospel every day, I've recently understood that the gospel of Jesus Christ is about people. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is about people. We learn things for ourselves, we make sacred covenants for ourselves, and then we turn around and teach and help others. I've always known that, but recently it hit me, and I REALLY think I've begun to understand that. 

Sept. 26th, 2011

 1.  In your own words, briefly describe the "servant leadership" model we discussed in class.

-The servant leadership model we discussed in class is about leaders being servants first, and seeking to do the will of the Father before seeking to do our own will. 

   2.  Identify someone with whom you have been personally acquainted and who exemplifies the concept of servant leadership.  Briefly describe the leadership/life style of this person(s).

-Someone that I am personally acquainted with who exemplifies this, is a man named Bob. Bob was our families home teacher growing up;  his family was the first I ever babysat when I turned 12, and their family was always very active in the church. I'm not sure how successful Bob was or has been in his career, but I know that he served so selflessly in the church and was/is blessed for that. I remember him always being very involved in the Young Men's program, and just always so willing to do whatever was needed. I remember that they didn't ever have crazy extravagant luxuries, but he drove a junky red car with a busted handle on the passengers door (I LOVED this car, I thought it was so cool), but his family was always happy and willing to serve and do what was needed. Bob is someone that I respect, knowing he held leadership positions in the church, and knowing his family and their attitude towards life and service. 

   3.  Some argue that a servant leader will not have much success in his/her career because they will give too much attention to others and too little consideration of their own professional advancement.  How would you counter this argument?

All throughout the scriptures, there are countless examples of the Lord's people being promised that if they keep the commandments, they shall prosper in the land. We are commanded to serve those around us, to be instruments in the Lord's hands- to do that which he cannot do himself here on the earth. If we neglect serving and thinking of others, we will not prosper and the Lord will not see it fit to bless us with earthly gifts if we are not first seeking to build up the kingdom of God. 

Sept. 19th 2011

1. Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model.  Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.
-I volunteer in BYUSA because I love the students here on BYU campus. I love BYU. The opportunity to attend this university has changed my life, and has helped me personally in my path to eternal life. I love that everyone here has entered to learn and will go forth and serve in whatever capacities they will. 
There are students here who don't know what joy and peace service can bring to their own life and the lives of others. There are students here who only think service is a one time action or event and not a lifestyle choice and decision, and I think that I specifically can help other people see that leadership and service are for everyone. 


2. "Each of us might well ask, “In what ways am I shrinking or holding back?” Meek introspection may yield some bold insights! For example, we can tell much by what we have already willingly discarded along the pathway of discipleship."  Describe how you can use this question to help you improve as a leader in terms of the  concept of challenging unrighteosness.


-I think asking myself this question will be useful on my pathway to discipleship, because I can honestly answer and see if I'm really giving all that I can to being a leader centered on Jesus Christ. 


3.  Describe an experience where you have had to make a sacrifice in a leadership role.  How did this experience help you improve as a leader?


-One time that sticks out to me, i'm not sure if this entirely applies, was in high school. I was the Senior Class President, and I happened to be voted on homecoming court and for the homecoming parade there is a special float for all the of the seniors who were on homecoming court. Being the class president, I had special obligations to our senior class and creating our own float for the contest. Everyone who is on the homecoming court is expected to ride the homecoming float, but I told the leadership director that I didn't want to be on the homecoming court float, but I felt it was more important to be on the senior class float with all of the people in my class who I have stewardship over, instead of leaving them to be on the other float. That was a sacrifice that I made; I gave up some glory (in a sense) of being on the homecoming court float, so that I could be with and support the entire senior class that voted me into that office. I feel by making that sacrifice it told my class where my priorities were and that I wasn't afraid to challenge tradition and norms, but instead do what I felt was the right thing. I think I improved as a leader from that scenario because I had a chance to exercise my agency, and make a decision that I felt was right, even though it wasn't popular. It helped me focus on the needs of the students I was over instead of pursuing my own happiness or attaining of glory. 

Conflict Resolution

(Disclaimer: I was not here for the lesson, I was with Brandon at the social media committee meeting)

One important aspect to conflict resolution in my opinion is choosing not to take offense. I read the talk called "And Nothing Shall Offend Them" by Elder David A. Bednar where he addresses the fact that taking offense is a choice that one makes, and not an imposed will of another. At first you may not think this skill is applicable to resolving conflict, but it makes sense if you think about it. I think a lot of the time when there is a conflict that arises between two people, it is sometimes hard to keep personal feelings out of it. We can sometimes let other smaller issues build up to the point of bursting, and let suppressed smaller issues dictate our feeling and tone of other problems. I know for me, this has certainly been the case; I have let smaller problems build up and when it gets to the bursting point, I have freaked out at a seemingly small issue and the root of the problem is built up feelings offense. We as leaders need to choose not to be offended in our callings in the church, in our various careers, with our children, or with your parents or spouse. If we can choose not to be offended, we can avoid petty conflicts, and push away the emotional factors that can sometimes cloud our judgement and attempts at conflict resolution. 

Honor Code

1. I think we have an honor code because BYU is associated with the LDS Church, and we need to represent both in the best way possible. If we ensure that we are living our lives in accordance with the Honor Code then we are living our lives up to the standards of the church. Also, as BYU is a place of higher learning, we can have higher standards than the world. We can grow and learn without the silly worldly influence getting in the way of our education.

2. I think one of the major blessings that has appeared in my life by following the Honor Code is that I'm more accountable for my actions, and people can count on me upholding the Honor Code. I think it reflects well on my person, and puts me in a good respectable light with my friends.

3. I think the best way to inspire and educate is to live the Honor Code, and not be afraid to bring it up. I think the most controversial aspect is the curfew. Don't be afraid to leave at midnight, and honor the commitment that you have made.

Delegation and Empowerment

Self-efficacy:
I want to be very competent and knowledgable in branding and in PR. If I can research and increase my knowledge in these areas I will be better at knowing what is required of my position, and help lead those who will actually carry these initiatives or programs through. I will search out the best resources to gain more knowledge in the areas of branding and in PR to gain a better sense of what I need to be doing, and help BYUSA be more efficient and streamlined in all of it's facets.
-Follow up-
I will measure this by how well I am able to explain the new concepts and ideas that I have simply, and effectively to my team. They can help me measure it, by helping me understand if I'm too confusing and not clear enough.

Self Determination:
This is consistently an issue for me in various aspects of my life. It is sometimes hard for me to accomplish things (like my blog posts, homework, or other responsibilities) if I'm not motivated to do them. However, if i'm passionate about something, you can't get me to stop doing it. I think the key to being able to overcome this habit in my life, is choosing to accomplish and get these things done and out of the way as soon as I can. I think the underlying problem is that I let the pressure build up until it forces me to accomplish the specific task, and what I need to do is just do it. Don't wait, just do it as soon as I can. By not getting behind in my personal life, I will be able to focus and help lead those who help me with programs and campaigns in a more effective manner. I promise, everything will be better if Olivia can get her personal life on track!
-Follow up-
I will measure this by whether or not I'm behind in my classes? If I am behind, then I'm not doing things on-time and right when I get them. I can follow up with Tamara because, she will know or need to know if I am failing (even though that really isn't an option...)

Personal Consequence:
For personal consequence I can help those who I lead feel a sense of responsibility and duty to their various programs and events. I can do this by meeting with them, educating them on their responsibilities, and tell them that they can have an impact on the lives of students if they work hard and desire to serve more fully.
-Follow up-
I can follow up with Tamara in telling how how my relationships with my PD's are going. If they are going well, and if I stress these principles accurately, our relationship will be healthy and good.

Meaningfulness:
This is helping my PR area know that what they are doing is important and can really make a difference. I can do this by sharing personal experiences that I have had with BYUSA and what we do, that have helped change my mind and my perspective. Another thing I can do is invite them to know more people and be more involved in the office, and then from there, they will know other people's stories and understand how important their work is.
-Follow up-
I can follow up with area and see if they think that my PD's are getting to know other people in the office, and if they actually know who my PD's are.

Trust:
One thing that I can do to establish more trust in my PR area is to let them know that I am their friend; I will be more involved in their lives and ask them how their personal lives are going, and get to know them better. This also goes for our Comms area as well, letting the other ED's know that I am their friend, as well as their co-worker (so-to speak). We can work together and have fun. I enjoy that aspect about the organization and I think that is really what establishes trust.
-Follow up-
I can follow up with Tamara on my relationships with all of us in Comms. If things are going well, then we are communicating well, and trusting each other in our various responsibilities.

Leader of Leaders

1. I am a leader of leaders because I think that's just what happens when you choose to serve and lead others. Everyone is a potential leader and you need to give them opportunities to flourish instead of squandering their creativity and opportunities to do. I think of this as the difference between leading and commanding. Leading is teaching them correct principles, giving them the right tools, giving them the right counsel to complete their tasks and letting them go and do it. I am a leader of leaders because the people I lead turn around and do the same thing that I do, but to others. It's all about encouraging and uplifting others to be the best servant they can be.

2. I think the love that I reflect can reflect to volunteers through my words and my actions. I have a love of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a love of service, a love of people, a love of freedom, a love of fun - I could share that love by saying that I love _____, or I could show it by the attitude in which I serve, the way I talk to others and encourage them to volunteer, the amount of enthusiasm I put into being involved and helping with events. I think the more effort I can put into reflecting the love that I have, the more it will.

3. I can be a more divine-centered leader of leaders by being in tune with the spirit. By making sure that my spiritual life is where it needs to be, so that I can most effectively perceive the needs of those that I serve and lead. If I am always trying to do the Lord's will, I will always be seeking his counsel and will always have to make sure that I have my life in line in order to be able to pick-up on and receive that counsel.

Branding

Disclaimer: this post ended up being brainstorming on my branding concepts and ideas. It was helpful, but I actually answer the prompt towards the bottom :)




In any organization or business, their brand is their image and the culture associated with that specific good or service. There are various components that make up a brand for example: a logo, employees and the customer. The brand is the overall experience that customers work away with. For BYUSA our branding is very extensive; we have a range of "goods" that benefit the student body in a number of ways. We offer opportunities for students to serve, and we also offer many opportunities for students to be served in the form of dances, clubs, SAC, concerts, and various programs. Collectively, the opportunities to serve and be served help contribute to a more Zion-like community here on BYU Campus, which is the vision of BYUSA. 


The vision of BYUSA is: As a part of a BYU education, 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, spiritually, emotionally, or physically poor among us.


From this vision, the ideal way that we as an organization would desire to be viewed would be that we are a diverse group of individuals that come from all walks of life united in serving the wonderful diverse and unique BYU campus that we all belong to. We all uphold and endorse the honor code and live our lives in accordance with the gospel of Jesus Christ, with him as the ultimate example of the leader of leaders. We invite others to be a part of the service by getting involved and enjoy the blessings that are available to them through service. We also invite students to enjoy the various events we put on, various clubs they can be a part of, and the opportunities they have to share their opinions about campus life. Our efforts in combining service with being served result in a unified BYU campus. 


To then describe our current brand in the eyes of the public is that BYUSA is full of nice/snooty/stuck-up kids who were involved in leadership/student government in high school, they love serving and helping people (if they understand that we're a service organization), they are "Molly Mormon"'s and "Peter Priesthood"'s who have always been that way. 


I think we are perceived this way is because we are only approaching our advertising and branding in terms of people being a part of us. No one likes to be told what to do, and so that puts them on the edge and puts us in a position to be judged by our immediate outward appearance. Which lends to our biggest branding faux pas - students and our generation associate themselves with the type of people who are associated with the organization. If they can't connect or feel like it's something cool then they have no incentive to join or be a part of it. 


We have been branding ourselves as the place where "Molly Mormon" and "Peter Priesthood" can come and re-live their glory days in high school, but this time in college! We haven't been advertising to the right Psychographics (def: The use of demographics to study and measure attitudes, values, lifestyles, and opinions, as for marketing purposes.)


Now... How do we fix this?! We don't want to be branded like this because it's NOT TRUE! We are so diverse and we all love service and helping others and creating a more zion-like community, but we are still ourselves. We still have our unique interests and quirky personality traits that make us who we are, we're not perfect and we honestly don't profess to be. 


We fix this by showing that we are diverse and just like everyone else on campus because we are. We're all BYU students, and some of us choose to serve in BYUSA. 

Group Development

I think collectively as a group we are in the storming/norming stages. As we've been working together for a couple months, we've been able to work collaboratively for various reasons and have begun to understand how to work with each other and what does and does not work. The only reason I would say we are still in the storming stages are because I think as stress amounts with fall and all of our various things that will appear in the fall, I think we will still find trouble in working together in a successful way. Another reason I think we are still in the storming phase and will be for a while is because we are all different people and in different phases in working with our programs and our PD's and we all progress at different rates.

I will help BYUSA achieve and maintain the performing stage by being a good problem solver. I think as issues come up and we are getting through the storming phase and into the norming if I can be positive and set on helping our group be unified, that can help Communications add to the total unity of the office therefore helping us all get to the performing stage.

Volunteer

I volunteer because of my testimony of service. I think serving is important and valuable, and it can help to bless the lives of others. I can be a helping hand to others, and volunteering is an avenue that I have to put that thought and testimony into action and really make a difference.

I personally can make BYU a more Zion-like community by smiling- for the past couple of months i've heard comments similar to, "Whoa, it can't be that bad today!" (referring to my intense thinking face that I have when I walk and am thinking about stuff) and I would always reply with a smile and assure them that there was nothing wrong and that is just how my face looks when I think! After having had a couple of those experiences I decided that I wanted to display my happiness and energy all the time and not let anyone have the opportunity to think i'm not happy and grateful for life, when I completely am! This goal I think makes a difference, it's a small one but I feel like it can help make someone's day better.

Finances

I will ensure that everyone is trained and held accountable for financial processes by allowing them the opportunity to be certified and help them in any way so they can know and understand the processes. I can also lead them to answers if they have difficult questions.

I think that the financial processes can help me manage my own finances because it makes sure that you plan ahead of time, and it means you are prepared and being proactive in your responsibilities. If I can keep on top of my finances, I can keep on top of my projects and deadlines!

Professionalism and Protocol

One experience that I have had with professionalism would be when I worked on the Greenburg and Steele campaign when they were running for BYUSA President and Ex. VP - there were so many experiences being apart of the campaign that were professional but in general, Ryan and Brittanie at every meeting were well prepared, prompt, and amiable when they had meetings. I loved working with them because I felt respected, and like I was a valuable part of their team.

I believe that organizations use protocol because it is an organized manner in which people can act and ensure that they represent the organization in the correct light. Without protocol, there is chaos and the branding of an organization can easily be misrepresented. It also helps ensure consistency and accuracy in programs, manners, and the displayed brand of an organizatin.

Divine-centered Leadership

My motive for service are the experiences that I have had with being served and the knowledge that I have of Jesus Christ and the example that he set. I'm grateful for the wonderful people that I have in my life who have been a stellar example of selfless service. Those examples have helped me and inspired me to be instruments in the hands of God and focus outside of my own problems and issues.

In class we talked about making "To-be" lists about the type of qualities that we want to possess and type of people we want to be. Here is a little "To-be" list of mine:
-Kind
-Charitable
-Thoughtful
-Genuine
-Fun

RACE

RACE prepares me to be a more successful leader because through using it, I can be more organized and more prepared to help others fulfill their duties. Organization is the key to success in my experience; the more organized and prepared you are, the more able you are to help others to succeed in their own endeavors.

I plan on using RACE for the "Give Back" campaign that we are starting, to promote awareness of the fact that BYU students are obligated to give back in some way to their university.

BYUSA Vision

If you think about it BYU should be one place that most resembles a Zion-like community; over 90% of the students here are Latter-day Saints who all believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, we ALL sign the Honor Code, and promise to live our lives in accordance with specific standards of modesty, honesty, and integrity, and we have a duty to give back to this University that has given us so much.

Granted, not everyone believes in and is dedicated to the doctrine and teachings of Jesus Christ as much as the next person, but imagine if all 34,000 students on this campus gave 100% effort to doing their Visiting and Home Teaching each month. Imagine if everyone you sat next to in class became a friend. Imagine if we all decided to think a little more about others, rather than ourselves. Imagine if BYU campus felt a little more like Zion.

That is one reason why I'm grateful for the vision of BYUSA, it's purpose is to help create more of a Zion community here on campus. It's vision reads: "As part of a BYU education, 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, spiritually, emotionally, or physically poor among us. "

I think my favorite part of the BYUSA vision and BYU's is the fact that we are taught these leadership principles and skills, not just for our lives now, but to help build up the kingdom our whole lives. We are here to learn, and will go forth and serve in our various career fields, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through our words but more importantly, through the way we live our lives each day.

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Now how do I apply this vision to my role in BYUSA? I think by having a selfless mindset- in our area we talked about how Communications this year is trying to enhance the lives of everyone involved, and portray the amazing activities and endeavors we spearhead in the best light possible. There are so many amazing things that people do within the organization that can get positive press, and really emphasize what BYUSA is all about. The focus needs to be outward, and not inward. Always thinking about how I can help others and the organization itself be the best it can be!

Reflection

Being able to attend Brigham Young University is honestly one of the biggest blessings in my life. Did you know that 70% of every student's cost of tuition is subsidized by the LDS Church? This is incredible in and of itself; add that to the amazing professors who take huge pay-cuts to teach here, and to the amazing students who not only learn, but go forth to serve. BYU is a remarkable university.

 I have been privileged to learn about the Founding Fathers, ancient Greek, The Book of Mormon, a good back-hand in tennis, what makes a film successful, and so much more. The environments that I learn in extend far beyond the classroom, and the teachers that I learn from extend far beyond my professors. The people that I have met here have changed my life and helped to shape me into a better person.

Because of these experiences, not only am I expected to give back, but I want to give back to this university. When you think about 'giving back' you think about having a lot of money and writing a fat check - but people don't realize that you can give back now. I'm excited to give back now through being involved in the BYU Student Service Association. I'm specifically in charge of public relations and work with the most amazing students and coordinators on campus. I'm so excited to have wonderful experiences and to learn to become a better leader.


-Olivia