CSR 309 is one of those classes that I'll never forget. Not only did we learn about leadership, but we learned how to apply it in school, the job market, and in our personal lives.
Will they follow me??
During our first couple of classes, I thought this question was sort of menial. Of course they will follow me. I'm smart, creative, and I always thought that I had excellent leadership qualities. However, I recently went into a huge job interview and while preparing for it I learned that I needed to find a way to put this into words. When interviewing for jobs, we have to remember that these people have NEVER met us before. They do not know the first clue about me, my accomplishments, or the skills that would make me their best choice. CSR 309 taught me how to explain this to an interviewer. How to best show that I am a great leader, and the one that they should choose.
Leaders have a vision.
What good is a vision if the group members do not have the same mission, or even know what it is? A good leader helps formulate a vision with the input of the group members. They decide goals and lifestyle decisions for the organization. A vision is only as strong as those that believe in it. Half way through the semester we were asked what our vision was. My group did not even know what it was at the time. We had to discuss what we wanted to get out of the class, and pull together to decide the common objectives. A vision helps to provide a bigger picture that the group is working toward.
Look for the opportunity
Always keep your eyes open, because you never know where the next greatest opportunity is going to show up. I cannot explain how many times one door has closed, and another has opened. Having faith in my life has helped me to realize that sometimes I'm meant to fail so that I can succeed in something else. I'm constantly seeking my next opportunity to do something great.
Leaders are optimistic.
People need excitement and enthusiasm in their lives. They want to feel like their leaders are cheering them on. Members of an organization want to feel supported. They believe in their objectives, and in remaining faithful to them, keep an optimistic mindset. Who wants to follow someone that is negative? People need the enthusiasm to make them feel like their work is appreciated
Leaders deliver.
Leaders keep these promises of visions, opportunities, and excitement. They show their members that they are honest people by giving the members what they have promised them. Leaders show results. People want to feel like their work is appreciated and like they have contributed.
Leaders sell passion.
People will work harder and do it more enjoyably if they know what is in it for them. Leaders not only explain this to their members, but they make their members passionate about their line of work. If a member has an innate passion for their line of work, they will succeed. This passion is what gets them through the rough times.
These are the most important points that I have learned over the course of CSR 309. I hope that I demonstrate to others that I am a good leader. I hope that I give them good reasons to follow me. I believe that I have the passion and the vision for myself, but I also hope that I can communicate this effectively to my followers.
I have truly enjoyed the class, and I hope that it will continue to be taught in the same fashion. Thank you!!!!!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Class Mon. April 13
Never send an email when you're mad. Write it, sleep on it, wait 48 hours. If you're still upset then you can send it.
Women are just as good as men in the workforce. If they stay at home and look after their kids, they're just as good as a woman in the workforce.
Today we watched a video about the various racism issues that have been going on on different college campuses. It was really sad to see how ignorant people can be. It was also amazing to see how many educated people were committing these horrible acts. We would think that if one is enrolled in secondary education, then they should be smart enough to know right from wrong. This is also not to mention the diversity we are exposed to once we begin our college careers. One thing that I have loved during my 4 years in school is my exposure to this great diversity. I grew up in a small Indiana town and went to school with people similar to me...from my ethnicity to my religion. College has opened my eyes to the differences of people, and I have fully embraced this great opportunity.
On this note, we further discussed peoples' pain. I got the chills each time I read a different one. I only want to add good to others' lives. I know that this may seem cliche, but it is very true. It can be hard to do this sometimes, but it is something that I make a conscious effort toward each day. Good leaders bring a sense of purpose and with this fulfillment, to their teams' lives.
Women are just as good as men in the workforce. If they stay at home and look after their kids, they're just as good as a woman in the workforce.
Today we watched a video about the various racism issues that have been going on on different college campuses. It was really sad to see how ignorant people can be. It was also amazing to see how many educated people were committing these horrible acts. We would think that if one is enrolled in secondary education, then they should be smart enough to know right from wrong. This is also not to mention the diversity we are exposed to once we begin our college careers. One thing that I have loved during my 4 years in school is my exposure to this great diversity. I grew up in a small Indiana town and went to school with people similar to me...from my ethnicity to my religion. College has opened my eyes to the differences of people, and I have fully embraced this great opportunity.
On this note, we further discussed peoples' pain. I got the chills each time I read a different one. I only want to add good to others' lives. I know that this may seem cliche, but it is very true. It can be hard to do this sometimes, but it is something that I make a conscious effort toward each day. Good leaders bring a sense of purpose and with this fulfillment, to their teams' lives.
Class: Wed. April 8
Movies
Today we discussed the magic behind movies. Some make you laugh, some make you cry. Movies are just entertaining and fun. They make you feel good. I don't really know what it has to do with leadership, but it was still a fun class.
Since we were discussing movies, we learned that Netflix is the largest user of the U.S. Postal Service. The company has become a leader in their field. They offer a great product, at an affordable price, with the right distribution. People don't want to have to go into a movie rental shop each time they want a movie, and even ordering a new one on Pay per view is pricey. Netflix just makes sense.
Today we discussed the magic behind movies. Some make you laugh, some make you cry. Movies are just entertaining and fun. They make you feel good. I don't really know what it has to do with leadership, but it was still a fun class.
Since we were discussing movies, we learned that Netflix is the largest user of the U.S. Postal Service. The company has become a leader in their field. They offer a great product, at an affordable price, with the right distribution. People don't want to have to go into a movie rental shop each time they want a movie, and even ordering a new one on Pay per view is pricey. Netflix just makes sense.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Class: Mon. April 6
Today we discussed the importance of making decisions.
This is something that I have always struggled with. In fact, I would say that one of my biggest, if not my biggest, is my inability to make a decision. I am so scared of making mistakes and picking the wrong choice that it inables me to make decisions. The sad thing is, I know that good leaders have to make decisions.
Feinberg said that leaders will get in their groups, talk strategy, discuss options, make a decision, and then stick by it. Who cares if it is unsuccessful? You'll deal with those things when they come. We cannot predict the future. We don't ever really know if the decisions we make are good ones. However, this should not paralyze us from making them. If we screw up, good leaders know how to fix it. I love the quote that was said last week in a video that was played in class. Donald Trump said, "Hire great people, and then listen to them." Do not be afraid to listen to someone else and make a decision from what they said. Good leaders hire good team members, and then listen to their decisions.
One decision that I have to make is between 2 jobs right now. One has offered me the position, and I am headed to the final interview for the second one next week. Although I do not have to make a decision right now, I am hoping to be offered the job and then obviously be forced to make the decision. I am struggling because the retail world is so tough right now. How will I know if I am choosing a company that will fold in the next year? Yes, they are both billion dollar companies, but wasn't Macy's when they filed Chapter 11? One thing is clear--I cannot predict the future! I need to make a decision based on the information I have. If I make a decision that turns out not to be my best option--I'll go from there. Good leaders know how to problem-solve.
This is something that I have always struggled with. In fact, I would say that one of my biggest, if not my biggest, is my inability to make a decision. I am so scared of making mistakes and picking the wrong choice that it inables me to make decisions. The sad thing is, I know that good leaders have to make decisions.
Feinberg said that leaders will get in their groups, talk strategy, discuss options, make a decision, and then stick by it. Who cares if it is unsuccessful? You'll deal with those things when they come. We cannot predict the future. We don't ever really know if the decisions we make are good ones. However, this should not paralyze us from making them. If we screw up, good leaders know how to fix it. I love the quote that was said last week in a video that was played in class. Donald Trump said, "Hire great people, and then listen to them." Do not be afraid to listen to someone else and make a decision from what they said. Good leaders hire good team members, and then listen to their decisions.
One decision that I have to make is between 2 jobs right now. One has offered me the position, and I am headed to the final interview for the second one next week. Although I do not have to make a decision right now, I am hoping to be offered the job and then obviously be forced to make the decision. I am struggling because the retail world is so tough right now. How will I know if I am choosing a company that will fold in the next year? Yes, they are both billion dollar companies, but wasn't Macy's when they filed Chapter 11? One thing is clear--I cannot predict the future! I need to make a decision based on the information I have. If I make a decision that turns out not to be my best option--I'll go from there. Good leaders know how to problem-solve.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Class: Mon. March 30
Today’s class we discussed 2 way communication. There was an exercise done at the beginning where we had to draw shapes according to what a girl in another room was telling us. At first I did not know how Dr. Feinberg was going to relate the experiment back to the leadership topic. Once 2 way communication was integrated, almost every person in the class drew the figures correctly. We were given 2 ears and one mouth because we need to listen twice as much as we speak. Each person in the class listened to the instructions on what to draw closely, and then asked a few questions in order to make sure we were drawing it correctly.
This experiment also demonstrated the importance of active listening. We were so engaged in the exercise that we wanted to listen to directions, and ask questions. I think that I am one of those people that asks a ton of questions. Sometimes I think it probably gets annoying, but I am the type of leader that wants to succeed in all that I do. I want to make sure that I have all of the information and that I am completing my assignment correctly.
I liked how we were taught that there are not 2 sides to every story, but rather we should think of it as a circle. Each thing that is said affects the next. Words can get changed around as they travel through the grapevine, so it is important for members of a team to clearly (and actively) listen to one another.
Finally, we discussed the importance of reviewing what you’ve heard. I thought that Feinberg just gives us 10 points of extra credit sometimes to help us out. While I am sure that this is true, it is also his way of verifying his teaching methods. He wants to make sure that he is getting through to us, and getting his point across. I think it’s great that even though he has been teaching for a long time, he still wants to review his effect on his students. A great leader never stops learning or improving on their method. It is just as important to review the lesson as it is to teach it.
This experiment also demonstrated the importance of active listening. We were so engaged in the exercise that we wanted to listen to directions, and ask questions. I think that I am one of those people that asks a ton of questions. Sometimes I think it probably gets annoying, but I am the type of leader that wants to succeed in all that I do. I want to make sure that I have all of the information and that I am completing my assignment correctly.
I liked how we were taught that there are not 2 sides to every story, but rather we should think of it as a circle. Each thing that is said affects the next. Words can get changed around as they travel through the grapevine, so it is important for members of a team to clearly (and actively) listen to one another.
Finally, we discussed the importance of reviewing what you’ve heard. I thought that Feinberg just gives us 10 points of extra credit sometimes to help us out. While I am sure that this is true, it is also his way of verifying his teaching methods. He wants to make sure that he is getting through to us, and getting his point across. I think it’s great that even though he has been teaching for a long time, he still wants to review his effect on his students. A great leader never stops learning or improving on their method. It is just as important to review the lesson as it is to teach it.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Pain
This morning we received an email with an attachment about the pain that people wrote about earlier in the semester. To be honest, I had actually forgotten about the exercise and quickly scribbled something down when we were told to do it. As I began reading the excerpts, I got the chills. I could not believe that people have gone through such terrible things at such young ages. I would have thought that the people writing these things were in their 60's, not early 20's. I got tears in my eyes when I read a few of them. It's weird to think that I see these random people in my classes each day, and I never think that they have had such painful experiences in their lives. I say hello to people and don't think twice about it.
I liked how at the end it was written, "and you want to add to someone's pain?" I try each day to be a truly nice person. I will now try 150 times harder. It reminds me of a quote that I once heard that goes something like, "Be kinder than necessary to all those you meet. For each person is facing some kind of battle." So true! I never think when I meet someone that they have other things going on in their lives. As humans, we tend to forget about others. I want to add to someone's happiness, not take away from it.
I thought it was interesting that all these quotes were from people that are in a leadership class. Great leaders have to overcome huge obstacles to get places in their lives. These are the leaders of tomorrow. These people will overcome their personal hurdles, as they have done before. These people have chosen to go somewhere with their lives by enrolling in college. While many would be stopped in their tracks and just quit, these people haven't. I say a prayer for each person that they may have strength and continue on their own personal paths to success.
I liked how at the end it was written, "and you want to add to someone's pain?" I try each day to be a truly nice person. I will now try 150 times harder. It reminds me of a quote that I once heard that goes something like, "Be kinder than necessary to all those you meet. For each person is facing some kind of battle." So true! I never think when I meet someone that they have other things going on in their lives. As humans, we tend to forget about others. I want to add to someone's happiness, not take away from it.
I thought it was interesting that all these quotes were from people that are in a leadership class. Great leaders have to overcome huge obstacles to get places in their lives. These are the leaders of tomorrow. These people will overcome their personal hurdles, as they have done before. These people have chosen to go somewhere with their lives by enrolling in college. While many would be stopped in their tracks and just quit, these people haven't. I say a prayer for each person that they may have strength and continue on their own personal paths to success.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Class: Mon. March 23
In today's class, we spoke about one's expectations within an organization. These range from what an individual can expect from the organization and what the organization expects from the individual. How can we perform at our best if we never know our goals? We need purpose to our work.
During my final interview with a company (that I will most likely accept an offer from), I was asked what I expect from my job. I explained that I expect to be creatively fulfilled, but challenged at the same time. I want freedom to perform on my own with the goals set for me by the organization. I understand that I will not be accepting my dream job straight out of school. I will not particularly love each and every part of my job. I do not expect this. However, I do expect to wake up everyday wanting to go into work. Wanting to contribute to the goals of my organization.
The things that I do expect from my job are things that I struggle with in my everyday life: being creatively fulfilled, but challenged at the same time. This is a difficult balance that I am constantly striving to achieve. I think that I am choosing the fashion industry as my line of work because it encompasses both of these ideas. I want to be a leader in my field. I need to feel like I am contributing. I need my life to have a purpose.
Nothing is ever certain in life. I do not know if this job will fulfill my exceptions. With that being said, it is important to take chances. I'm excited to take a chance on this company, and I hope that they meet most of my expectations.
During my final interview with a company (that I will most likely accept an offer from), I was asked what I expect from my job. I explained that I expect to be creatively fulfilled, but challenged at the same time. I want freedom to perform on my own with the goals set for me by the organization. I understand that I will not be accepting my dream job straight out of school. I will not particularly love each and every part of my job. I do not expect this. However, I do expect to wake up everyday wanting to go into work. Wanting to contribute to the goals of my organization.
The things that I do expect from my job are things that I struggle with in my everyday life: being creatively fulfilled, but challenged at the same time. This is a difficult balance that I am constantly striving to achieve. I think that I am choosing the fashion industry as my line of work because it encompasses both of these ideas. I want to be a leader in my field. I need to feel like I am contributing. I need my life to have a purpose.
Nothing is ever certain in life. I do not know if this job will fulfill my exceptions. With that being said, it is important to take chances. I'm excited to take a chance on this company, and I hope that they meet most of my expectations.
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