Wednesday, December 22, 2010
future
I was talking with one of our family friends and he gave some some very good advice: poor people cannot help other poor people; the worst thing about being poor is not having options; I need money to do what I want to help others. So, what am I going to do in my future so that I can help others? That's all that I really want to do. I just want to help other people feel better, act better, see others better. How do I do that?
Monday, November 8, 2010
nov 1
Considering your role as a leader, Please describe who you view as your “customers” and how you practice the idea of meeting the needs of those customers?
My customers are my EDs, my roommates, my class peers, ect. I try and help them really with whatever they need and i guess i have the view point of 'the customer is always right' haha. I don't try to impose my views on them but i do share my passion for the Honor Code when the topic comes up. I usually bring it up.
Please describe a time when you have been involved in a significant change. Identify what those who were leading the organization did to help make the change successful or unsuccessful.
It's tough to change coordinators. I just had my last stewardship with Tamara today and she took me out to eat. It was nice just to talk and I had kind of forgotten that it was our last time together. It's really helpful to have a supportive team who is willing to help when called upon to be leaders. Positive attitude and assertiveness are VERY helpful.
Describe why you believe that Networking with others is a vital part of leading change.
I can not do it alone. I need people around me that can lift in areas that I'm weak in. Change doesn't happen with one person. It takes a team of people dedicated to a worthy cause. Sometimes the change has a negative result but that doesn't mean the leaders are negative. Sometimes the change doesn't happen and it's difficult but in the end life goes on, you know? Since time will pass I might as well make the most of it before it's too late!
My customers are my EDs, my roommates, my class peers, ect. I try and help them really with whatever they need and i guess i have the view point of 'the customer is always right' haha. I don't try to impose my views on them but i do share my passion for the Honor Code when the topic comes up. I usually bring it up.
Please describe a time when you have been involved in a significant change. Identify what those who were leading the organization did to help make the change successful or unsuccessful.
It's tough to change coordinators. I just had my last stewardship with Tamara today and she took me out to eat. It was nice just to talk and I had kind of forgotten that it was our last time together. It's really helpful to have a supportive team who is willing to help when called upon to be leaders. Positive attitude and assertiveness are VERY helpful.
Describe why you believe that Networking with others is a vital part of leading change.
I can not do it alone. I need people around me that can lift in areas that I'm weak in. Change doesn't happen with one person. It takes a team of people dedicated to a worthy cause. Sometimes the change has a negative result but that doesn't mean the leaders are negative. Sometimes the change doesn't happen and it's difficult but in the end life goes on, you know? Since time will pass I might as well make the most of it before it's too late!
Monday, October 18, 2010
two weeks ago
Two weeks ago I had a class with Tamara and she taught us about integrity and honesty and honor and all the rest of the quality, ambiguous meanings of life. The questions from class are as follows:
1. What does integrity really mean to you? How do you know personally when you are displaying integrity? During my basketball days in high school my coach yelled at us. He would yell things like: "If you cut corners on the court you'll cut corners in life!", "Touch with both hands!", "Finnish! Go 100%, 100% of the time!", "Integrity is what you do when no one is watching, girls!" Needless to say, I was fed words of encouragement at high octaves everyday for 3 years during my most impressionable time of life. I will forever and always think that integrity is how I act when no-one is watching and when everyone is watching. I know that I am displaying integrity because it's what I do every day. It's easy.
2. Choose one of the development suggestions, or your own, to work on this week. What did you choose? Why? How did it go? I'm always trying to be a better person in that I'm not sarcastic with people. I've realized over the years that sometimes I get too intense with my sarcasm and sometimes it huts people's feelings. I know this isn't an exact development suggestion but it is something I'm working on so that my character improves. I want to have a positive character; one that others look to as a beacon to be good to others. So far, it's been pretty good; I've been working on it for 2 years.
3. Think of someone you know who displays integrity regularly. What do they DO to demonstrate integrity? How does that impact you? My dad is great example of someone who displays integrity 24/7. He doesn't ever ask someone to do something that he wouldn't do himself. I see that as integrity becuase he does things (and doesn't do things) becuase he wants to/needs to regardless if other people are around. You get him as he is - no tricks, no hesitations, no funny buisiness - he's totally real all the time. He's my dad and I love him! I want to be just like him. He's one of my greatest friends.
1. What does integrity really mean to you? How do you know personally when you are displaying integrity? During my basketball days in high school my coach yelled at us. He would yell things like: "If you cut corners on the court you'll cut corners in life!", "Touch with both hands!", "Finnish! Go 100%, 100% of the time!", "Integrity is what you do when no one is watching, girls!" Needless to say, I was fed words of encouragement at high octaves everyday for 3 years during my most impressionable time of life. I will forever and always think that integrity is how I act when no-one is watching and when everyone is watching. I know that I am displaying integrity because it's what I do every day. It's easy.
2. Choose one of the development suggestions, or your own, to work on this week. What did you choose? Why? How did it go? I'm always trying to be a better person in that I'm not sarcastic with people. I've realized over the years that sometimes I get too intense with my sarcasm and sometimes it huts people's feelings. I know this isn't an exact development suggestion but it is something I'm working on so that my character improves. I want to have a positive character; one that others look to as a beacon to be good to others. So far, it's been pretty good; I've been working on it for 2 years.
3. Think of someone you know who displays integrity regularly. What do they DO to demonstrate integrity? How does that impact you? My dad is great example of someone who displays integrity 24/7. He doesn't ever ask someone to do something that he wouldn't do himself. I see that as integrity becuase he does things (and doesn't do things) becuase he wants to/needs to regardless if other people are around. You get him as he is - no tricks, no hesitations, no funny buisiness - he's totally real all the time. He's my dad and I love him! I want to be just like him. He's one of my greatest friends.
Monday, October 11, 2010
just thoughts, today
As a full time volunteer in BYU/SA it's required that you come in for your office hours every day. Not just a few times a week or when it's convenient for you. It's everyday from either 2-5 or 3-5. I have a few volunteers that think it's ok to just blow these hours off and not tell anyone but I'm here to blog to the world that this is not the case. People are depending on my volunteers, especially myself! Ah well. All is well in zion I guess. I need to be more proactive and help my people understand what I expect of them rather than just assume.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
9.27.10
1) A few ways that I've encouraged others to generate creative, resourceful solutions to problems is to simply ask them what they think the solution is. How are they supposed to learn if they don't try it out themselves first and THEN get outside help? For example, the other day Melissa asked me how far in advance she should advertise for Circle of Honor Awards and instead of going in search of the right answer I asked her what she thought.
Turns out Melissa had already asked around with the Brigham Award people and decided that she'll start in late October and have the due date be during January. I could have given her my answer but then I would have been completely side stepping her thoughts on what should be done. I suppose it wasn't really a problem but I feel like I helped her realize that this is her program, not mine, and that she has the freedom and responsibility to organize it. Of course, if she still needs help then I am more than willing to be there for her.
2) In my opinion, the most important behaviors in getting results with a project/problem are 1st, having integrity and honesty in all that you do. How anyone gets a head in this life with the expectancy to do so in the next while lying and cheating is beyond me. My best friend in high school was a master at manipulation. He would sneak his way into any and everything! I adored him because although he was a slime ball he would tell you as it was and wasn't afraid of hurting your feelings. In that way I can see how he does so well now but if he doesn't stop and re-evaluate how he completes tangible work then I just don't know where his life will take him. I wish he was honest in all his doings but I know that he isn't and it worries me because one of these days it's going to catch up to him and he'll be in a ton of trouble.
The 2nd most important behavior is to take initiative. At the first football game of this season my roommates and I were walking back to our apartment through the East parking lot of the stadium and these two dumb girls were on a scooter just sitting there. The one said to the other, "arrhh all these people! How are we going to get out?" and the other said, "just run them over or we won't!" I kinda said the same thing to them as we were passing, "girl, you gotta be assertive! If you would just go all the people would move." And its true! You don't get anywhere in life if you just sit on your rear and wait for other people to make room for you. The world just doesn't work that way. If you don't take the initiative to get something done then it won't. Who better to do the job than you, right?
My 3rd most important problem solving behavior (there are really just too many to pick but i'll only do three) is in building relationships. I love love LOVE talking and working with people, it's why I stay in BYU/SA honestly. If this were a job that had me sitting behind a desk with no interaction other than a talking computer I would go CrAzY!!! I often think of Hitler (I know, its a strange person to think of) when I think about relationships because he had many followers who were scared of him rather than trusted him. I didn't live back then but I imagine that even if someone disagreed in the slightest of his leadership technique they would be killed. Who would want to discuss their questions with a boss like that and quite possibly be fired, literally? I fell like the best way to help someone with their job is to understand them and the only way to understand them is to have a relationship with them and "know their heart". If you can be friends with those you work with it's a million times easier to resolve conflict and prevent it.
3) My largest personal strength (from past 360 evaluations) is inspiring and motivating others to high performance. This is good because in my current leadership position I need to be good at this! haha Student Honor's role is to inspire and educate others on the Honor Code so it'd be a good thing for the VP to have those skills. I really enjoy building relationships with people too because I feel like that is what keeps people coming back for more. Why would anyone want to volunteer in a boring/intimidating environment?? I can tell you they wouldn't and they don't. I treat everyone I know the same; we're all people and deserve respect so I give it to them. I treat my sisters the same way I do my professors. I speak to the boys I like the same way I do to my girl friends. There's just one mode of KariElle and this is me! I love everyone and try to lift them in any way I can. I do lead by example and that's the only sure way I know how to lead my team.
PS: I don't talk to the boys that I really, really like the same as everyone else but I'm not mean to anyone haha
Sunday, September 26, 2010
#2 reflection questions 9.20.10
1. Remembering that you don’t have to be good at everything, what are two or three strengths that you have developed in your life and that set you apart from others?
I'm pretty good at helping people when I see they need help. Whether they just need a smile or a hug or someone to take their trash out I see when they need a friend. That consideration sets me apart from others because not everyone thinks the way I do or sees people how I see them. My dad is amazing at seeing others in a loving way and I try to see people how he does. Everyone has something beautiful to offer and I try to find it. I love loving people and helping them when and where I can.
2. Why do you think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy?
Without character you are nobody. It doesn't matter how smart or intelligent you are if you have no personality. I most enjoy people who have some sort of interesting characteristic, good or bad, because they hold more interest to me. Why would I listen to someone who has a bland personality. It's kind of like the 'work horse' or the 'show horse'. The work horses have gumption and think and know how to get things done while the show horses only know how to stare and look nice. The work horses are much more practical and capable. This kind of doesn't make sense but in my mind it does! I'd rather be a work horse with character than a show horse with nothing.
3. In your BYUSA assignment, what have you chosen as your “hedgehog,” or the thing(s) that you will do better than anyone else?
I want to be "most helpful and kind to everyone"! haha in high school I was voted most friendly and I would still love to be the best at that but I want my hedgehog quality to be kind and helpful. I think I'm well on my way to be this person but I still have a lot to work on.
I'm pretty good at helping people when I see they need help. Whether they just need a smile or a hug or someone to take their trash out I see when they need a friend. That consideration sets me apart from others because not everyone thinks the way I do or sees people how I see them. My dad is amazing at seeing others in a loving way and I try to see people how he does. Everyone has something beautiful to offer and I try to find it. I love loving people and helping them when and where I can.
2. Why do you think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy?
Without character you are nobody. It doesn't matter how smart or intelligent you are if you have no personality. I most enjoy people who have some sort of interesting characteristic, good or bad, because they hold more interest to me. Why would I listen to someone who has a bland personality. It's kind of like the 'work horse' or the 'show horse'. The work horses have gumption and think and know how to get things done while the show horses only know how to stare and look nice. The work horses are much more practical and capable. This kind of doesn't make sense but in my mind it does! I'd rather be a work horse with character than a show horse with nothing.
3. In your BYUSA assignment, what have you chosen as your “hedgehog,” or the thing(s) that you will do better than anyone else?
I want to be "most helpful and kind to everyone"! haha in high school I was voted most friendly and I would still love to be the best at that but I want my hedgehog quality to be kind and helpful. I think I'm well on my way to be this person but I still have a lot to work on.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
First Entry with Questions
In the Quote that was a part of last nights discussion, Theodore Roosevelt gives credit in life to those who are “In the Arena.” Describe what you think it means to be in the Arena, and how you plan to be involved this year and throughout your lives.
This has been one of my favorite quotes, even before Brother Ward presented it to us in class. To be in the arena is to commit to something and give it your 100% all. I feel like I'm already in the arena as a VP! I'm here and I'm doing my best to learn how to teach my people and be a friend to them and direct them as I know how. It's a battle sometimes when I'm figuring out how to lead when I'm looked to as a leader at the same time. Then there are those times when all the struggles and trials of leadership and fighting in the arena of life fall into place and the world spins right. I love going to different activities within BYUSA as well. I feel like that helps me vent and it shows the people in my area that we really are one family with different arms that all do the same thing.
Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model. Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.
I just really enjoy helping people! There's really no reason other than that. I like being in the BYUSA office because I get to be with the people I love who love serving. What's better than that? I will tell you, blog; nothing. Nothing is better than being with the people I love who love to do what I love to do. It is hard sometimes though, I wont lie about that part. When I'm having a down day and feel like life is just too hard and I'd rather stay home I think about all those people who are counting on me to help them. I can't be selfish when there are so many who need my assistance to be selfless.
Divine-centered leaders need to know each heart. Describe an experience you have had with a leader who has taken time to know you. How did their efforts improve your experience? How can you reach out to those you lead?
When I first started at BYUSA I met a girl named Emily. She was (and is) this cute little asian girl who just loved life and helping people. She was involved with Clubs at the time and at my first leadership retreat, Adventure Experience 2009, we were talking about the different people in our group and she said about me, "this is kari. shes a freshman and i want to be her best friend!" That comment made me feel like a million bazillion dollars. I felt a part of something, a part of a bond of friends who loved others like I did. From that day on I wanted to be an Emily for others who were new to our service family. I hope that I am. I try to be. She's actually someone I've tried to be my whole life and it's an ongoing process. =]
This has been one of my favorite quotes, even before Brother Ward presented it to us in class. To be in the arena is to commit to something and give it your 100% all. I feel like I'm already in the arena as a VP! I'm here and I'm doing my best to learn how to teach my people and be a friend to them and direct them as I know how. It's a battle sometimes when I'm figuring out how to lead when I'm looked to as a leader at the same time. Then there are those times when all the struggles and trials of leadership and fighting in the arena of life fall into place and the world spins right. I love going to different activities within BYUSA as well. I feel like that helps me vent and it shows the people in my area that we really are one family with different arms that all do the same thing.
Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model. Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.
I just really enjoy helping people! There's really no reason other than that. I like being in the BYUSA office because I get to be with the people I love who love serving. What's better than that? I will tell you, blog; nothing. Nothing is better than being with the people I love who love to do what I love to do. It is hard sometimes though, I wont lie about that part. When I'm having a down day and feel like life is just too hard and I'd rather stay home I think about all those people who are counting on me to help them. I can't be selfish when there are so many who need my assistance to be selfless.
Divine-centered leaders need to know each heart. Describe an experience you have had with a leader who has taken time to know you. How did their efforts improve your experience? How can you reach out to those you lead?
When I first started at BYUSA I met a girl named Emily. She was (and is) this cute little asian girl who just loved life and helping people. She was involved with Clubs at the time and at my first leadership retreat, Adventure Experience 2009, we were talking about the different people in our group and she said about me, "this is kari. shes a freshman and i want to be her best friend!" That comment made me feel like a million bazillion dollars. I felt a part of something, a part of a bond of friends who loved others like I did. From that day on I wanted to be an Emily for others who were new to our service family. I hope that I am. I try to be. She's actually someone I've tried to be my whole life and it's an ongoing process. =]
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
August 31, 2010
Dearest Reflection Blog,
I lead now. I am a leader now. I can't expect to become a leader tomorrow if I don't first begin today. That's silly.
Until I have my real reflection questions from class I will blog about my experiences as the Student Honor Vice President in BYUSA of which I'm sure my wonderful coordinator will read and comment on. =] Oh the blessing of coordinators! Until next time.
Love,
KariElle
PS: I really missed my friend Ty yesterday. I walked into class and was at a loss of who to sit by because in the past I would always find and sit with him. For the next two years he is Elder Gregson.
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