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!