This week I had so much fun in our lab in leadership. There were different colored hats, which each represented different leadership styles.
blue: was the leader of the leaders, and made sure everyone had an equal opportunity to speak
red: was wrapped up in the emotion of the situations, and was especially angry or upset
white: focused on the facts and figures of the situations
green: came up with the creative ideas to solve the problem
black: was realistically focused on the risks
yellow (my favorite): only focused on the positive
I never thought that such dynamic traits could be used in leadership, but they are all necessary to solving a problem. The blue allowed everyone to share their opinions other wise the emotional red hats would be venting to the group the entire time. The white really showed the logistics of the situation so we were able to approach the situations in a more realistic way, or else the green though they came up with the creative idea, some ideas were not as helpful to the group. The yellow hats always focused on the positive and counteracted the negative statements from the red, and the black. Even though the black was negative, they proposed realistic problems that could affect the success of the missions. Each hat had its own purpose, and made me realize that each of the traits they stood for are needed to create a dynamic leader.
I had the yellow hat for the first scenario, in which we were all stranded on a island. Being yellow really showed me there is a positive side to every situation and to count our blessings because, " we are alive and have each other." But being yellow, I could only provide positive feedback, even though I did have ideas on how we could get off the island, that was green's job, not mine. Without all of us, we would not be able to get off the island. And I think we successful made a plan, whether the seahorses would have really worked, who knows?!
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Clown Who Changed My Life
When I was assigned to interview a leader, one person immediately came to my mind, Julie Terry. I first met Julie Terry or Beep-Beep who was a clown at my friend's birthday party. She began to paint my face, and I asked her how she became a clown, because its not everyday you meet a clown, rather 1 out of 10,000 people will ever meet a clown, so I consider myself pretty fortunate to have so many wonderful clowns in my life. Anyway, she saw my genuine interest in clowning around, and offered to be my senior project mentor, where we are required to spend 15 hours on learning something new for my high school's graduation requirement. So right off the bat, she showed leadership in offering to teach me the art of clowning.
A year later, enhanced all of my skills to become a true professional clown because of all that Julie taught me, whether it was how to twist balloons, paint faces, perform magic, interact with kids of all ages as a clown, the in and out of business, and so much about life in general. We became great friends and even went on a college road trip together, where I was deemed her "artificial daughter" by her family, and she is my "artificial mother." Through the hours and hours, whether it was at the Northwest Festival of Clowns, our various gigs, at the Big Foot Clown Alley, spending time at her house (sometimes three times a day) to work on various clown skills or just load our balloon bags, to talking for hours on our 30 hour road trip, I can say I know Julie Terry very well and she is one of the most amazing people I have ever met and admire her so much.
Dimple-Dee (The Clown I turned into)
When I interview Julie, she didn't really know how to answer the questions because she is very humble and doesn't see herself as the inspiration she truly is, I could answer the questions about her myself, but it was interesting to see her perspective of herself.
The qualities she admires about herself is she is very giving, service oriented, and does so much for her family. She is not judgmental, especially when it comes to people who have had a hard life and have not been making the best decisions, and is very understanding of their situations. I can testify to this times 100!! Julie Terry will go out of her way just to talk to people she does not even know, and this kind of one on one attention can have a profound effect on people. She serves everyone and is so gracious its unbelievable. She with the help of another clown, started the Caring Clown Program at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, she also volunteers he time and services in events throughout the community. Julie Terry gives her all to everyone, whether it is a stranger in the gas station, or being a clown for a child in the hospital.
Julie does not consider herself a leader, though she shines as an example of Christlike service where ever she goes. She says it depends on the situations whether she leads, or is more of the player and "goes with it." I think she doesn't view herself as a leader because she hasn't really had an official title, or position, but she is a leader in every aspect of the word, and has made a profound difference on many lives, mine included. In the Big Foot Clown Alley, she is loved and respected by all of the members because she knows each and everyone of them individually, and is very honest and down to earth with everyone of them.
Another way she leads is she always has an opinion and always shares it. Though she considers herself too outspoken and opinionated, I admire her audacity and wish I more of it. Julie Terry is very honest, and people seek advice from her because they know what she says will be true and not watered down. She is so knowledgeable, "Street Smart" and has clear common sense. Julie considers these qualities, and general life experience make her a leader in some aspects.
Julie is a true teacher, a guide, a counselor, and an example to so many. Everyday I have spent with Julie I saw her random acts of kindness. She has a way of being sensitive to everyone and their needs, and knows when someone need that extra bit of kindness. When we were in Rexburg, Idaho on our road trip, there were a few firefighters who were brought in from Oregon to fight the forest fires an hour away. These men were not members of the LDS Church, and being in a prominently Mormon town they really felt out of place, and would just sit on the curb and smoke. They really felt like outcasts, but whenever we drove by Julie would say hi and chat with them. She was such a good friend to them and felt bad that they, because the trucks they did have were only supposed to be used for business, and they really couldn't go anywhere. One man did mention he had a bike, but the chain was broken. We spent twenty minutes with them, just chatting and being a friend. And out of everyone that would drive past them everyone, she was the only one to stop and say hi. That a true follower of Christ, while everyone else would just pass judgments. The next day, Julie drove into town, and bought that man a bike chain.
I know Julie Terry made a impact on those firefighters experience in Rexburg, Idaho, as well as an impact on me with her Christlike example. But Julie Terry is hard on herself, and doesn't see the profound impact she has on people, but she has changed many lives for the better. I don't know where I would be without her example, guidance, love, and leadership.
Here is Julie's Clown Website
http://www.clownbuggie.com/
Not Sweating the Small Stuff
I am reading Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson. I ordered online and received it in the mail yesterday, and am already 43 pages into it. I can't put it down! I did not have high expectations but from reading the title, I knew it would be helpful in my life. I tend to over analyze some things, over exaggerate the other, and not focus on what is really important in my life. By doing this, I cause so much extra stress which could be eliminated by just changing my attitude, and focusing on others rather than the pity needs of myself.
I have already learned such great life lessons, which are so plain and simple, yet can make a profound difference on my life and how I perceive the world, and all of the little daily stresses.
In the introduction Carlson explains why he decided to write this book from the advice he was given from Dr. Dyer:
"Richard. There are two rules for living in harmony. #1) Don't sweat the small stuff and #2) It's all small stuff...Love, Wayne"
Though this advice is simple, and straight to the point it can make a profound difference on people's lives, I already know this book has had an impact on me. There are 100 chapters, and I am on chapter 15 and have been able to apply the advice from each chapter into my life. These are the chapters I have read so far,
1. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
2. Make Peach with Imperfection
3. Let Go of the Idea the Gentle, Relaxed People Can't be Superachievers
4. Be aware of the Snowball Effect of Your Thinking
5. Develop your Compassion
6. Remind Yourself that When you Die, Your "In Basket" Won't be Empty
7. Don't Interrupt Others or Finish Their Sentences
8. Do Something Nice for Someone Else-and Don't Tell Anyone About it
9. Let Others Have the Glory
10. Learn to Live in the Present Moment
11. Imagine that Everyone is Enlightened Except You
12. Let Others be "Right" Most of the Time
13. Become More Patient
14. Create "Patience Practice Periods"
15. Be the First One to Act Loving or Reach Out
Chapter Eleven really stuck out to me, because it directly affect how I view other people, and my role as a leader. Carlson goes on to say that perhaps everyone, (let me emphasize this) EVERYONE, you meet are all here to teach you something, whether it is patience, respect, humility, anything! As a leader, sometimes I saw that I should be doing everything for other people as well as teaching them if I was in that position, but now I can see the big picture. Those you lead can teach you something, everyone you meet can teach you something. In life we are supposed to learn and grow, so we should learn something from everyone we meet, and viewing life through this perspective creates more love and compassion for everyone you come in contact with, and in turn makes us more Christlike.
I have already learned such great life lessons, which are so plain and simple, yet can make a profound difference on my life and how I perceive the world, and all of the little daily stresses.
In the introduction Carlson explains why he decided to write this book from the advice he was given from Dr. Dyer:
"Richard. There are two rules for living in harmony. #1) Don't sweat the small stuff and #2) It's all small stuff...Love, Wayne"
Though this advice is simple, and straight to the point it can make a profound difference on people's lives, I already know this book has had an impact on me. There are 100 chapters, and I am on chapter 15 and have been able to apply the advice from each chapter into my life. These are the chapters I have read so far,
1. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
2. Make Peach with Imperfection
3. Let Go of the Idea the Gentle, Relaxed People Can't be Superachievers
4. Be aware of the Snowball Effect of Your Thinking
5. Develop your Compassion
6. Remind Yourself that When you Die, Your "In Basket" Won't be Empty
7. Don't Interrupt Others or Finish Their Sentences
8. Do Something Nice for Someone Else-and Don't Tell Anyone About it
9. Let Others Have the Glory
10. Learn to Live in the Present Moment
11. Imagine that Everyone is Enlightened Except You
12. Let Others be "Right" Most of the Time
13. Become More Patient
14. Create "Patience Practice Periods"
15. Be the First One to Act Loving or Reach Out
Chapter Eleven really stuck out to me, because it directly affect how I view other people, and my role as a leader. Carlson goes on to say that perhaps everyone, (let me emphasize this) EVERYONE, you meet are all here to teach you something, whether it is patience, respect, humility, anything! As a leader, sometimes I saw that I should be doing everything for other people as well as teaching them if I was in that position, but now I can see the big picture. Those you lead can teach you something, everyone you meet can teach you something. In life we are supposed to learn and grow, so we should learn something from everyone we meet, and viewing life through this perspective creates more love and compassion for everyone you come in contact with, and in turn makes us more Christlike.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Evil Dictators verses Prophets of God
This week in our labs we had to do our Leader Presentation. My group did our presentation on Robert Mugabe, the President of Zimbabwe who is a very very bad man. He was involved in many political parties who opposed white rule, lead the largest guerrilla forces in a bloody war against the Rodesian Front Government, and continues to be re-elected by the people because of threats to opposing candidates who withdraw from their campaigns. He was quoted, "This Hitler has only one objective: justice for his people, sovereignty for his people, recognition of the independence of his people and their rights over their resources… If that is Hitler, then let me be a Hitler tenfold." With this statement, it seems like he not only view Hitler favorably, but wants to be better than him. Adolf Hitler was responsible for killing 11 million people. I cannot even fathom how people can be so evil, it really bothers me. Honestly, I absolutely hated doing this research project on Robert Mugabe because it bothered me so, and made me very angry that some leaders could be so selfish and cruel.
After our presentation, the next group did their leadership power point on President Gordon B. Hinckley, and the tension in the room was completely removed. President Hinckley was an absolutely remarkable man and did everything within his power for the benefit of others. He was humble in his calling, being President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and made such a positive impact on the world.He just sparkles from the inside out in my opinion.
The differences between these two leaders is absolutely massive! In one hand, we have an evil dictator who steps on everyone he can, including his people, to rise to power, and in the other hand we have a man who lived, and breathed to serve others. Though it may not seem so because of the evil world we live in, the good guy always wins. The bad guys will be punished for all the suffering they caused to others, and the good guys will be rewarded for the service. Though its hard to see such evil in the world, there will be justice in the end.
After our presentation, the next group did their leadership power point on President Gordon B. Hinckley, and the tension in the room was completely removed. President Hinckley was an absolutely remarkable man and did everything within his power for the benefit of others. He was humble in his calling, being President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and made such a positive impact on the world.He just sparkles from the inside out in my opinion.
The differences between these two leaders is absolutely massive! In one hand, we have an evil dictator who steps on everyone he can, including his people, to rise to power, and in the other hand we have a man who lived, and breathed to serve others. Though it may not seem so because of the evil world we live in, the good guy always wins. The bad guys will be punished for all the suffering they caused to others, and the good guys will be rewarded for the service. Though its hard to see such evil in the world, there will be justice in the end.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
My Leadership Role
I really pondered on what my role as a leader should be in BYU, and I have realized I have many roles in which I can lead and make a difference. My official leadership role is being a committee member for BYUSA activities. I have always been actively involved in all of the activities in my high school, and I really want to be involved in BYU activities as well. I think activities are so important because it gets the students involved and they are able to feel like they belong, and have a bunch of fun too!
Another leadership role I was just called to, is being the first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency in my ward. I was so surprised though it is a bit intimidating, but the Lord obviously called me for a reason and I am excited to serve the other girls in my ward.
This biggest impact I can have being a leader, is being a friend. There was this girl in the bookstore line, and we just started talking to me about how she got hit by a car riding her bike and the difficulty of her classes. I could tell she really needed someone to vent to, and I told her I would pray for her. She thanked me for listening, and went on her way. I was there for her, when nobody else was, though it was only for five minutes waiting in the line for the register.
Opportunities to lead and serve are everywhere.
Another leadership role I was just called to, is being the first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency in my ward. I was so surprised though it is a bit intimidating, but the Lord obviously called me for a reason and I am excited to serve the other girls in my ward.
This biggest impact I can have being a leader, is being a friend. There was this girl in the bookstore line, and we just started talking to me about how she got hit by a car riding her bike and the difficulty of her classes. I could tell she really needed someone to vent to, and I told her I would pray for her. She thanked me for listening, and went on her way. I was there for her, when nobody else was, though it was only for five minutes waiting in the line for the register.
Opportunities to lead and serve are everywhere.
Christlike Attributes
On Wednesday my Student Leadership Development class had a discussion on what the attribute of a good leader is, and I recorded the following:
One of my classmates shared how the underdog of her school won student body president, though he had much opposition. Every Friday he would stand in front of the doors to the school and greet everyone. There was always one kid who would criticize him every week saying he couldn't possibly make a difference. At the end of the year, this one kid came up to the president and said though he hated school, he looked forward to being greeted by him everyday though he criticized him, and made such a difference in the his life. Though the student body president did not do anything really remarkable he made such an impact by being a friend and saying hello to everyone. The smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact in people's lives by being a leader in the smallest calling, by being a friend.
- one who has good morals
- cares about the ones they serve
- competent
- listens twice as much as they speak which is why we have two ears and only one mouth
- influence
- inspiring
- charismatic
- humble
- vision with a plan
- doers-- speaker of words and doing of deeds (As Victoria mentioned quoting her Greek Mythology teacher
- one who serves the people--As King Benjamin did, he did not just send out troops to the war, but fought in them himself, a leader needs to be on the same level as the one's he serves
- integrity
- relatable
- responsible for the failures and successes
- hardworking
- delegator
- trusting/trust worthy
One of my classmates shared how the underdog of her school won student body president, though he had much opposition. Every Friday he would stand in front of the doors to the school and greet everyone. There was always one kid who would criticize him every week saying he couldn't possibly make a difference. At the end of the year, this one kid came up to the president and said though he hated school, he looked forward to being greeted by him everyday though he criticized him, and made such a difference in the his life. Though the student body president did not do anything really remarkable he made such an impact by being a friend and saying hello to everyone. The smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact in people's lives by being a leader in the smallest calling, by being a friend.
Friday, September 3, 2010
What Leadership means to me...
When I hear "Leadership" I once thought of those who have a great influence in the world, the President, the CEO of a billion dollar industry, Oprah, but being at Brigham Young University and attending the Foundations of Leadership Conference has given me a different perspective. Instead of a leader being someone with the most power, money, or the highest status, it is someone who is humble enough to bring themselves down and do whatever they can to lift someone else up.
In these it seems like everyone is racing to the top, everyone wants "to be a billionaire so fricken bad," and they will do anything to gain fame and fortune. With these worldly achievements, one will gain influence and be looked upon as a leader. This selfishness is the opposite of what a leader should be, and how they should act. Being a leader, is more of being the Chief servant, doing all that is within their power to serve everyone. The best leader of all is Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ lived his life on earth doing all that he could for everyone else. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, everyone knows of the miracles he performed with his own hands, though they were the humble hands of a carpenter. He did not have the highest status, the most power, and certainly was not a billionaire, but thousands followed him and worshiped him. This was because of his service to everyone, he attended to all as the Shepard he was.
One of the best examples of his leadership was when he knelled down before the 12 disciples, and washed their feet. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, washed the feet of those who followed him. What a great act of humility and love. As I am at BYU I am striving not to be a leader specifically, but to serve all those around me to the best of my ability. I am not much, just a poor college student trying to survive, but my service to others can really make a difference, and I can be the answer to someone's prayer.
In these it seems like everyone is racing to the top, everyone wants "to be a billionaire so fricken bad," and they will do anything to gain fame and fortune. With these worldly achievements, one will gain influence and be looked upon as a leader. This selfishness is the opposite of what a leader should be, and how they should act. Being a leader, is more of being the Chief servant, doing all that is within their power to serve everyone. The best leader of all is Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ lived his life on earth doing all that he could for everyone else. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, everyone knows of the miracles he performed with his own hands, though they were the humble hands of a carpenter. He did not have the highest status, the most power, and certainly was not a billionaire, but thousands followed him and worshiped him. This was because of his service to everyone, he attended to all as the Shepard he was.
One of the best examples of his leadership was when he knelled down before the 12 disciples, and washed their feet. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, washed the feet of those who followed him. What a great act of humility and love. As I am at BYU I am striving not to be a leader specifically, but to serve all those around me to the best of my ability. I am not much, just a poor college student trying to survive, but my service to others can really make a difference, and I can be the answer to someone's prayer.
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