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.