To sum it all up...

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!!!!!!