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.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Class: Mon. March 9
Today in class we discussed more on goal setting and vision statements. It was surprising to see that although we had discussed in class the importance of setting group goals, how many people actually got together as a group and made them. It seemed like no one had! I think that most people in the class want to get an A, if not, then a B. I think that GPA and personal satisfaction are huge driving motivators for this goal. As a group, I would say that our goals are to get A's and to become better leaders. But how do we measure if we have become better leaders? By our future habits? By our attitudes in the work place?
How do we ever really know if someone is a good leader? When it comes down to it, I believe that the production of the company is a major sign. If the company is producing strong sales, new products, and achieving other measurable goals on time...then there must be strong leaders in that organization.
A president, Joe, was finally elected by our CEO. He seems like he is going to be a good leader. I think that past performance is the best indicator for future performance. He achieved success last year in the class, and in his past career and personal lives. The other thing that I like about him, is that he is not being forced or paid (from what we know) into doing this gig. He simply wants self-improvement. A person displays STRONG leadership when they are motivated enough to go above and beyond simply for the sake of personal growth and development. This was impressive. I hope that we see great things from him, and I hope that his actions of stepping up to the plate will inspire me and my fellow classmates.
How do we ever really know if someone is a good leader? When it comes down to it, I believe that the production of the company is a major sign. If the company is producing strong sales, new products, and achieving other measurable goals on time...then there must be strong leaders in that organization.
A president, Joe, was finally elected by our CEO. He seems like he is going to be a good leader. I think that past performance is the best indicator for future performance. He achieved success last year in the class, and in his past career and personal lives. The other thing that I like about him, is that he is not being forced or paid (from what we know) into doing this gig. He simply wants self-improvement. A person displays STRONG leadership when they are motivated enough to go above and beyond simply for the sake of personal growth and development. This was impressive. I hope that we see great things from him, and I hope that his actions of stepping up to the plate will inspire me and my fellow classmates.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Class: Wed. March 4
Today in class we discussed the importance of goals and mission statements
The video today showed different members of organizations speaking about their job, their satisfaction level, and what they thought about the company’s goals. Many people said that they were happy with their jobs, but few of them could name the actual goals of the company. As the video continued, the members stated that they feel better when they are working for a higher purpose. Once again, WIIFM?? These individuals need to know the “What’s in it for me?” When people know that they are working for a common goal and they believe in it, they are more motivated to succeed. Good leaders in top management positions know their mission statements. They not only set goals for their organization, but they can benchmark them so they know the progress they are making. These mission statements let their employees know that their work is not going unnoticed, and creates cohesiveness amongst members so they are working toward a common goal.
We also watched the Jerry Maguire scene where he writes his mission statement. He believes that the company should take on fewer clients so that they can give them better service. This would also equal less money. This mission statement was not something that the company believed, so they had to fire him. This example showed the class that a mission statement not only needs to be well thought out and well-written, but it needs to be cohesive with the other members of the organization. Everyone needs to work toward the same goal. Everyone needs to be on the same page. Once someone does not believe in the mission statement, they are no longer working toward the goals, and thus cannot be apart of the organization.
The video today showed different members of organizations speaking about their job, their satisfaction level, and what they thought about the company’s goals. Many people said that they were happy with their jobs, but few of them could name the actual goals of the company. As the video continued, the members stated that they feel better when they are working for a higher purpose. Once again, WIIFM?? These individuals need to know the “What’s in it for me?” When people know that they are working for a common goal and they believe in it, they are more motivated to succeed. Good leaders in top management positions know their mission statements. They not only set goals for their organization, but they can benchmark them so they know the progress they are making. These mission statements let their employees know that their work is not going unnoticed, and creates cohesiveness amongst members so they are working toward a common goal.
We also watched the Jerry Maguire scene where he writes his mission statement. He believes that the company should take on fewer clients so that they can give them better service. This would also equal less money. This mission statement was not something that the company believed, so they had to fire him. This example showed the class that a mission statement not only needs to be well thought out and well-written, but it needs to be cohesive with the other members of the organization. Everyone needs to work toward the same goal. Everyone needs to be on the same page. Once someone does not believe in the mission statement, they are no longer working toward the goals, and thus cannot be apart of the organization.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Class: Mon. March 2
Today in class we saw several examples of leadership....
First, the spokeswoman for J.C. Penney described the qualities that the company looks for in job candidates. She explained that when she reads over a resume, she does not look for a job description. Instead, she looks for leadership potential. She will read a previous job and decide if that person displayed signs of leadership. Next, she said that she also looks for a high GPA and/or Dean's List and Honors. This shows her that the candidate was an academic leader. The activities that she looks for are also leadership positions. Was this person simply a member, an active member, or did they hold a leadership position? This presentation made me question my resume, and the adjustments that I can make to position myself as a leader in my previous experiences.
We watched a video about a woman that was in the armed forces, and was hurt so badly that the doctors had to remove a section of her skull. This horrific occurrence would stop most people in their tracks. Many people would lose the will to live. Instead of taking this route, the woman decided to be a leader. She now encourages others that are going through life threatening illnesses, diseases, or serious disabilities to not give up. There is a lot to be said about a leader that has determination.
We played a game with finger trap toys. People linked up and were instructed to walk out one set of doors and into the next. We witnessed what happened when one person of an organization decides not to listen. How can a real leader motivate this person? A good lead tells the members of his or her organization one simple thing: WIIFM....What's in it for me. A good leader not only verbally explains benefits, but demonstrates them with their actions. A good leader explains that they are 100% in it for the members of their organization. They believe in the work and the goals at hand.
There were several different displays of leadership in Monday's class. These 3 were just a few examples of the lessons we learned. To summarize:
1. Show leadership on a resume, not job descriptions
2. Never give up! Determination!
3. Motivate your team by telling them the amazing benefits!
First, the spokeswoman for J.C. Penney described the qualities that the company looks for in job candidates. She explained that when she reads over a resume, she does not look for a job description. Instead, she looks for leadership potential. She will read a previous job and decide if that person displayed signs of leadership. Next, she said that she also looks for a high GPA and/or Dean's List and Honors. This shows her that the candidate was an academic leader. The activities that she looks for are also leadership positions. Was this person simply a member, an active member, or did they hold a leadership position? This presentation made me question my resume, and the adjustments that I can make to position myself as a leader in my previous experiences.
We watched a video about a woman that was in the armed forces, and was hurt so badly that the doctors had to remove a section of her skull. This horrific occurrence would stop most people in their tracks. Many people would lose the will to live. Instead of taking this route, the woman decided to be a leader. She now encourages others that are going through life threatening illnesses, diseases, or serious disabilities to not give up. There is a lot to be said about a leader that has determination.
We played a game with finger trap toys. People linked up and were instructed to walk out one set of doors and into the next. We witnessed what happened when one person of an organization decides not to listen. How can a real leader motivate this person? A good lead tells the members of his or her organization one simple thing: WIIFM....What's in it for me. A good leader not only verbally explains benefits, but demonstrates them with their actions. A good leader explains that they are 100% in it for the members of their organization. They believe in the work and the goals at hand.
There were several different displays of leadership in Monday's class. These 3 were just a few examples of the lessons we learned. To summarize:
1. Show leadership on a resume, not job descriptions
2. Never give up! Determination!
3. Motivate your team by telling them the amazing benefits!
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