For the last week of lecture, we were privileged to hear from a panel of three alumni and how they have used their education at BYU to go forth to serve others. Service has been a recurring theme of my first semester. I've heard from countless speakers and professors about how important service is. This is something that is very unique, and is not found at most universities. The focus of many of my friends at other schools is "I need to do well so I can get a good job and earn a lot of money." While there are some with this attitude at BYU, it is not as prevalent as those that want to serve others.
I was impressed with the panel, because despite their impressive success in their respective fields, they have not forgotten the importance of service. Many of them stressed the importance of church service. While this is not the only service we render, it is very important and should be a priority for everyone. This has been important to me during this semester as I've served as an Elders Quorum President. I've learned that leadership is not always glamorous as some would have you believe. Most of the work my presidency and I do is behind the scenes and no one ever knows about it. It hasn't been easy serving in my leadership role, especially with school and Lacrosse. However, it has been a very rewarding experience. I've learned a lot about myself, others, and the way in which the Church functions. Even though this class is now over, I will be serving in this role for the next semester, and this challenge to serve will be very important. As I keep my focus on serving others, I will be able to enjoy service more, and become a stronger leader.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Change
This week we discussed change, and how to bring it about as a leader. As I think back on famous leaders and their plans for "change", I separate them into two separate categories: those who actually bring it and those you talk about it. In the 2008 Presidential Election, all Barack Obama talked about was "change". I'm not sure that he even knew what this meant! Some say the President had detailed proposals regarding Energy, Immigration, or Health Care when in reality he never did. Two years later, Obama's poll numbers have plummeted, and caused his party to lose the most Federal, State, and Local seats of any party in the last 80 years. Why is this? Because he failed to define the "change" he wanted to bring.
In the 2010 midterm elections, the Democrats saw their support among Independent voters drop by 12%. This drop is largely attributed to disappointment with the President's message. The slogan of "Change we can believe in" was a remarkable strategy to get elected. However, when it came to governing, the same ambiguity which helped him get elected, frustrated voters who all had a different view of what this "change" was. Leaders must be clear when presented a goal, and must present a goal which is attainable and measurable. If President Obama had said "Unemployment is a problem, this is what we're going to do about it...within one year we want the unemployment rate to drop to 7.5%, and then the following year dropping to 7%", there could have been better puiblic reception.
In my calling, I'd like to see Home Teaching improve dramatically. Last month were around 85%. While this is good, I believe we can do much better. We've made an effort to stress Home Teaching more this month, and hope to see our numbers exceed 90% this month, 95% for January, and 100% for February.
In the 2010 midterm elections, the Democrats saw their support among Independent voters drop by 12%. This drop is largely attributed to disappointment with the President's message. The slogan of "Change we can believe in" was a remarkable strategy to get elected. However, when it came to governing, the same ambiguity which helped him get elected, frustrated voters who all had a different view of what this "change" was. Leaders must be clear when presented a goal, and must present a goal which is attainable and measurable. If President Obama had said "Unemployment is a problem, this is what we're going to do about it...within one year we want the unemployment rate to drop to 7.5%, and then the following year dropping to 7%", there could have been better puiblic reception.
In my calling, I'd like to see Home Teaching improve dramatically. Last month were around 85%. While this is good, I believe we can do much better. We've made an effort to stress Home Teaching more this month, and hope to see our numbers exceed 90% this month, 95% for January, and 100% for February.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Goals
The topic of the lecture this week was goal setting, and it was given by Chris Petersen, the President of BYUSA. It was one of favorite lectures of the class so far. We talked about setting goals, and how to achieve them. It really got me thinking about the goals that I have, both short term and long term. Also, I started to reflect on how I am doing in working towards those goals.
At the beginning if this year, for FHE one night we put together a list of goals we wanted to accomplish over the course of the year. I pulled out the list to look at it, and was pleasantly surprised to see I've done a good job this year in working towards my goals. While I will not accomplish all of them, I have done a good job working towards most of them. One idea that Chris had was to put the list somewhere where you see it everyday. This would be good for me, because it would help me to always think about the things I am trying to accomplish, because it is easy to get caught up in life and forget about things.
In my leadership position, I use goal setting on a regular basis. For Home Teaching, our goal is to get 100% of the members visited. This is a tall order, but it is one that we can monitor from month to month, and make an effort to talk to those who might not be going out. With this approach, hopefully we can improve every single month, eventually getting to 100%.
At the beginning if this year, for FHE one night we put together a list of goals we wanted to accomplish over the course of the year. I pulled out the list to look at it, and was pleasantly surprised to see I've done a good job this year in working towards my goals. While I will not accomplish all of them, I have done a good job working towards most of them. One idea that Chris had was to put the list somewhere where you see it everyday. This would be good for me, because it would help me to always think about the things I am trying to accomplish, because it is easy to get caught up in life and forget about things.
In my leadership position, I use goal setting on a regular basis. For Home Teaching, our goal is to get 100% of the members visited. This is a tall order, but it is one that we can monitor from month to month, and make an effort to talk to those who might not be going out. With this approach, hopefully we can improve every single month, eventually getting to 100%.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Teamwork
This week we were able to hear from Tom Holmoe, the Athletic Director at BYU. Mr. Holmoe has been very successful, as an AD, coach and player. As a player, Holmoe won three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers, and one more as a coach with the same team. In order to reach this level of success, he must have had to master and understand the concept of teamwork.
Teamwork is often taken for granted by many. I have been on teams in which not everyone has worked well together. No matter the talent of the individuals, the team always fails because cooperation is required. Other teams however have had great chemistry, and as the team worked together, the team succeeded. In lab we were tasked with created a skit within a small group, and use only certain props provided. My role in the group was to help brainstorm for ideas and to act in whatever small capacity my group needed in the actual acting out of the skit.
One important quality of teamwork that our group demonstrated well was the ability to accept everyone's ideas. Not once was someone's idea shot down or discounted because it wasn't very good. This was good because it helped us to all get along, and work in harmony and be more effective. I really liked this, and would like to apply it to my leadership role. In Presidency meetings, sometimes others bring up ideas that I may not think are the greatest or that interesting. However if myself and others treat those ideas with respect and courtesy, we will be more successful as a Presidency by working as a more effective team.
Teamwork is often taken for granted by many. I have been on teams in which not everyone has worked well together. No matter the talent of the individuals, the team always fails because cooperation is required. Other teams however have had great chemistry, and as the team worked together, the team succeeded. In lab we were tasked with created a skit within a small group, and use only certain props provided. My role in the group was to help brainstorm for ideas and to act in whatever small capacity my group needed in the actual acting out of the skit.
One important quality of teamwork that our group demonstrated well was the ability to accept everyone's ideas. Not once was someone's idea shot down or discounted because it wasn't very good. This was good because it helped us to all get along, and work in harmony and be more effective. I really liked this, and would like to apply it to my leadership role. In Presidency meetings, sometimes others bring up ideas that I may not think are the greatest or that interesting. However if myself and others treat those ideas with respect and courtesy, we will be more successful as a Presidency by working as a more effective team.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Ethics and Integrity
The topic of this week's lecture was integrity. Our speaker works in the Honor Code Office at BYU, and it was interesting to hear his perspective on Integrity. One of the major changes coming from my high school to college has been the huge increase in academic integrity. In high school, I'm not sure I took a test or an assignment in which every person was completely honest and did not cheat. On the other hand here at BYU I have not seen or heard of one person cheating.
Integrity also plays an important role in leadership. One of the most important thing a leader can have is the trust of those they lead. This trust is not built overnight, but is built over time as they prove themselves trustworthy and loyal. Those who lead through deception and dishonesty are not able to lead in a Christ-like manner. In lab this week we did a mock trial. It was interesting how differently two people can view a situation. Some of this can be an honesty issue, as some people are willing to compromise their integrity for personal gain. As difficult as it may be, we always need to be honest, despite the consequences.
In my leadership role it is very important for me to maintain my integrity. I have to deal with some confidential information, which at times may be difficult to keep to myself. However it is very important for me to understand my confidentiality.
Integrity also plays an important role in leadership. One of the most important thing a leader can have is the trust of those they lead. This trust is not built overnight, but is built over time as they prove themselves trustworthy and loyal. Those who lead through deception and dishonesty are not able to lead in a Christ-like manner. In lab this week we did a mock trial. It was interesting how differently two people can view a situation. Some of this can be an honesty issue, as some people are willing to compromise their integrity for personal gain. As difficult as it may be, we always need to be honest, despite the consequences.
In my leadership role it is very important for me to maintain my integrity. I have to deal with some confidential information, which at times may be difficult to keep to myself. However it is very important for me to understand my confidentiality.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Servant Leadership
The topic of this weeks lecture was Servant Leadership, given by Brother Cox. He gave interesting insights, drawing from his experience working with student leaders, serving as a student body officer, and serving as a Mission President. There are several approaches to leadership, which involve different motivations. Some seek power and benefits. Brother Cox told a story of a young man who ran for office because he thought he would enjoy the perks of leadership. However a few months into office, he quit because serving was hard work, unlike what he had expected.
Some people seek the opportunity to serve because they love others and love the feeling they get from meaningful service. In my opinion, these are the most effective leaders. Their genuine and worthy aspirations help them serve as well as they can.Even when things get difficult, they are much more likely to keep working hard, because serving means more to them than just getting some benefits along the way.
I can apply this to my leadership role by realizing what my motivation should be in service. By realizing that effective leadership stems from a desire to serve others, I can love those I serve and better understand their needs.
In my Book of Mormon class we've been discussing King Benjamin's sermon to his people in Mosiah. One key aspect of the sermon that i had not fully understood was how King Benjamin viewed himself as an equal, and a servant to his people. Unlike others in the Book of Mormon such as King Noah and Korihor who sought the praise and riches of the World, King Benjamin truly loved to serve his people. I believe this is what made him such an effective leader.
Some people seek the opportunity to serve because they love others and love the feeling they get from meaningful service. In my opinion, these are the most effective leaders. Their genuine and worthy aspirations help them serve as well as they can.Even when things get difficult, they are much more likely to keep working hard, because serving means more to them than just getting some benefits along the way.
I can apply this to my leadership role by realizing what my motivation should be in service. By realizing that effective leadership stems from a desire to serve others, I can love those I serve and better understand their needs.
In my Book of Mormon class we've been discussing King Benjamin's sermon to his people in Mosiah. One key aspect of the sermon that i had not fully understood was how King Benjamin viewed himself as an equal, and a servant to his people. Unlike others in the Book of Mormon such as King Noah and Korihor who sought the praise and riches of the World, King Benjamin truly loved to serve his people. I believe this is what made him such an effective leader.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Conflict Management
This week we discussed Conflict Management. This is a very important topic for leaders to understand well. Things are never happy and perfect like we'd like them to be. We're forced to deal with disagreements and conflicts with those that we work with. A good leader is a good crisis manager. Situations that foster conflict often threaten to tear a group of people apart.
As an Elders Quorum President, it is very important that harmony is maintained among the members of the quorum. Fostering a spirit of brotherhood is one of the main focuses of the quorum. However, there are often challenges, as boys will be boys. I may have to deal with roommates that are not getting along, or Home Teaching companions that are having a tough time together. I believe that the best way to approach this is to be kind and loving. I can play a role in trying to ease the hard feelings some people may have, but at the end of the day, they have to take the actions themselves in order to fix the crisis.
One of my favorite stories of conflict management is John F. Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis. A relatively new President, Kennedy was faced with one of the most serious National Security situations in American history. The Cubans, aided by the Russians, pointed missiles at the United States, in an attempt to put pressure on the new President. Unlike what many would have done, Kennedy reacted in a calm but firm way. We did not send in troops or make the first military move. He decided to set up a blockade. This strategy proved useful, and the Russians backed off. Reacting in a calm but firm way is very important when dealing with tough conflicts.
As an Elders Quorum President, it is very important that harmony is maintained among the members of the quorum. Fostering a spirit of brotherhood is one of the main focuses of the quorum. However, there are often challenges, as boys will be boys. I may have to deal with roommates that are not getting along, or Home Teaching companions that are having a tough time together. I believe that the best way to approach this is to be kind and loving. I can play a role in trying to ease the hard feelings some people may have, but at the end of the day, they have to take the actions themselves in order to fix the crisis.
One of my favorite stories of conflict management is John F. Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis. A relatively new President, Kennedy was faced with one of the most serious National Security situations in American history. The Cubans, aided by the Russians, pointed missiles at the United States, in an attempt to put pressure on the new President. Unlike what many would have done, Kennedy reacted in a calm but firm way. We did not send in troops or make the first military move. He decided to set up a blockade. This strategy proved useful, and the Russians backed off. Reacting in a calm but firm way is very important when dealing with tough conflicts.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Public Speaking
This week in lecture we talked about Public Speaking. I learned some new and interesting techniques that will help me become a more effective speaker. Our speaker started off by telling an interesting story, and leaving us on the edge of our seats waiting to hear what would happen next. This was effective, because I listened a lot more closely once she got my attention. Another thing was that she was a very energetic speaker, and changed her tone of voice frequently. This made what she was saying much more interesting than someone who is monotone.
Another point she made was to not use many main points. In a long speech, one should only outline 5 main points. This is important for me to remember in my calling when I'm teaching lessons. In order to help others remember the principles that are being taught, I should stick to five main points.
Something else I can work on is eliminating "ums" from my speech. Many people say "um" and it can be distracting. By eliminating this, I can have smoother speech patterns, and let others solely focus on the message I'm trying to convey. This can help me in my calling as an Elders Quorum President to seem more confident and prepared when publicly addressing others.
Another point she made was to not use many main points. In a long speech, one should only outline 5 main points. This is important for me to remember in my calling when I'm teaching lessons. In order to help others remember the principles that are being taught, I should stick to five main points.
Something else I can work on is eliminating "ums" from my speech. Many people say "um" and it can be distracting. By eliminating this, I can have smoother speech patterns, and let others solely focus on the message I'm trying to convey. This can help me in my calling as an Elders Quorum President to seem more confident and prepared when publicly addressing others.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Time Management
This weeks lecture was interesting, I learned a lot about time management and how I can be more organized. I believe that this is one of my strengths, as I had to be very good at it with all my activities in high school. I always find myself thinking about how I'm going to spend my time. I've found that by thinking about the things I need to do, and by planning them out in my mind, I'm able to work so much more effectively.
My leadership role has help me perfect my time management skills. With managing my time well, I would probably have a nervous breakdown. Part of managing my time well is delegating tasks to my counselors. I need to understand that I cannot and should not try to do everything. By delegating, I give others an opportunity to grow themselves, and to conserve my own sanity.
I have a very packed schedule. I have lacrosse practice everyday, classes, homework, and my calling. Sometimes I don't think there are enough hours in the day! But by cutting out activities that are maybe not as important, such as Facebook, naps, and sitting around, I'll be able to get my activities done faster, and have more time to rest.
My leadership role has help me perfect my time management skills. With managing my time well, I would probably have a nervous breakdown. Part of managing my time well is delegating tasks to my counselors. I need to understand that I cannot and should not try to do everything. By delegating, I give others an opportunity to grow themselves, and to conserve my own sanity.
I have a very packed schedule. I have lacrosse practice everyday, classes, homework, and my calling. Sometimes I don't think there are enough hours in the day! But by cutting out activities that are maybe not as important, such as Facebook, naps, and sitting around, I'll be able to get my activities done faster, and have more time to rest.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Divine Centered Leadership
This week, our leadership class discussed Christ centered leadership, and how we can use Christ as a model for perfect leadership. I enjoyed this weeks lesson, because it was more spiritually based. Especially coming off of General Conference last weekend, I enjoyed talking about the example of Jesus Christ. Christ was in every way the perfect leader. We was loving, humble, and kind. Yet at the same time, he was steadfast and firm in following the gospel. I marvel how in every lesson he taught, he did so in a loving way. It's so easy to get frustrated or upset with others if they don't catch on to things very quickly. Yet Christ exhibited such great patience with others.
I love the story in the New Testament about the lady that was to be stoned for committing adultery. Christ chastised the Jewish leaders, and after they fled, he said to the woman, "Now go and sin no more." I love that so much. The woman was definitely in the wrong in committing the sin, and it would have been so easy to just lash out at the woman. Yet, the Savior used such a firm, but gentle tone. He communicated his point to her without causing her any more pain. This is a great example for me in my role as Elders Quorum President. It's important that when dealing with others, that my tone and approach takes into consideration the feelings of that person first and foremost before anything else.
A constant theme of the Savior's life was service. He was always serving others. This is so important when serving in a leadership role. Those you lead will respect you so much more, and know that you actually love them. In the Savior's case, he showed everyone love, and people were more easily convinced of the Savior's divine call.
I love the story in the New Testament about the lady that was to be stoned for committing adultery. Christ chastised the Jewish leaders, and after they fled, he said to the woman, "Now go and sin no more." I love that so much. The woman was definitely in the wrong in committing the sin, and it would have been so easy to just lash out at the woman. Yet, the Savior used such a firm, but gentle tone. He communicated his point to her without causing her any more pain. This is a great example for me in my role as Elders Quorum President. It's important that when dealing with others, that my tone and approach takes into consideration the feelings of that person first and foremost before anything else.
A constant theme of the Savior's life was service. He was always serving others. This is so important when serving in a leadership role. Those you lead will respect you so much more, and know that you actually love them. In the Savior's case, he showed everyone love, and people were more easily convinced of the Savior's divine call.
Friday, October 1, 2010
MBTI Test
About two weeks ago, I took the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test in the counseling center. This week we received our results and discussed them. My personality type came out as ESTJ. Each letter stands for a certain trait.
"E" stands for Extraversion. I was surprised by this because I tend to be shy sometimes, and don't necessarily see myself as an extrovert. However thinking back, I was torn on a lot of questions on how to answer, and this could have made the difference. "S" stands for Sensing, meaning I tend to take in information based on the senses, and focus on the here and now. "T" stands for Thinking, meaning these people tend to make decisions based on objective analysis. And "J" stands for Judging, meaning people who like an organized layout in life.
I took this test last year in high school, and got vastly different results, which makes me question the accuracy of the test. Both "E" and "S" don't accurately describe me, and therefore I believe my results don't apply that well to me. This test helps you learn more about yourself, but there are many things I know very well about myself, and a fair amount of my results I would have to say aren't very accurate.
With saying that, I did see some interesting things. One of my strengths was listed as being motivated and driven to reach a goal. This is something that I've always tried to embody. In my role as Elders Quorum President, this is important. There is a lot to do, and while I delegate a fair amount, I have to be driven to get a lot done.
One of my challenges was listed as I may steamroll others to make my own decisions. This is so very far from the truth, but is important to note that good leaders let others make decisions. I should feel confident in my counselors that I feel like I can delegate to them, and that they will make a good decision without my help.
While I am skeptical of the test, and the results that they render, it allowed me to reflect on the strengths of a good leader. There's no way I will ever be a perfect Elders Quorum President, but I can examine my strengths, and my weaknesses and work toward making what is weak strong.
"E" stands for Extraversion. I was surprised by this because I tend to be shy sometimes, and don't necessarily see myself as an extrovert. However thinking back, I was torn on a lot of questions on how to answer, and this could have made the difference. "S" stands for Sensing, meaning I tend to take in information based on the senses, and focus on the here and now. "T" stands for Thinking, meaning these people tend to make decisions based on objective analysis. And "J" stands for Judging, meaning people who like an organized layout in life.
I took this test last year in high school, and got vastly different results, which makes me question the accuracy of the test. Both "E" and "S" don't accurately describe me, and therefore I believe my results don't apply that well to me. This test helps you learn more about yourself, but there are many things I know very well about myself, and a fair amount of my results I would have to say aren't very accurate.
With saying that, I did see some interesting things. One of my strengths was listed as being motivated and driven to reach a goal. This is something that I've always tried to embody. In my role as Elders Quorum President, this is important. There is a lot to do, and while I delegate a fair amount, I have to be driven to get a lot done.
One of my challenges was listed as I may steamroll others to make my own decisions. This is so very far from the truth, but is important to note that good leaders let others make decisions. I should feel confident in my counselors that I feel like I can delegate to them, and that they will make a good decision without my help.
While I am skeptical of the test, and the results that they render, it allowed me to reflect on the strengths of a good leader. There's no way I will ever be a perfect Elders Quorum President, but I can examine my strengths, and my weaknesses and work toward making what is weak strong.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Situational Leadership
This week we talked about the Theory of Situational Leadership. I really enjoyed this theory and learned a lot from it. We talked a lot about Nelson Mandela, and the movie Invictus. Mandela was such an effective leader in this situation, because he understood the differences in leadership style, and employed them based on what the situation called for. At times, Mandela needed to be more supportive, and other times he needed to be more directive.
Mandela is believed by many to be one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen. His leadership helped the South African people become united as one people, and not divided as black and white. Without this great man, South Africa could very well be suffering from the ill effects of apartheid and discrimination to this very day.
I can apply this to my leadership role by better understanding what certain situations call for. At times, I will need to delegate more to my counselors rather than taking the bulk of the work myself. At other times, I need to take a more hands on approach, and need to have a more directive style.
For my book, I've chosen to read, Life of Joseph Smith The Prophet by George Q. Cannon. I chose to read this book because Joseph Smith has always been my role model, and I'd like to learn more about him. He was a very effective priesthood leader. By analyzing his great church service, I can learn how to better serve others myself in my position as Elders Quorum President.
Mandela is believed by many to be one of the greatest leaders the world has ever seen. His leadership helped the South African people become united as one people, and not divided as black and white. Without this great man, South Africa could very well be suffering from the ill effects of apartheid and discrimination to this very day.
I can apply this to my leadership role by better understanding what certain situations call for. At times, I will need to delegate more to my counselors rather than taking the bulk of the work myself. At other times, I need to take a more hands on approach, and need to have a more directive style.
For my book, I've chosen to read, Life of Joseph Smith The Prophet by George Q. Cannon. I chose to read this book because Joseph Smith has always been my role model, and I'd like to learn more about him. He was a very effective priesthood leader. By analyzing his great church service, I can learn how to better serve others myself in my position as Elders Quorum President.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Interview
I interviewed my Mom about Leadership and what it means to her. She told me about some of the qualities which she feels is essential to effective leadership. These include listening, organization, taking input, recognizing talent, and setting an example. All of these qualities were important to my Mom in her various leadership roles, specifically as she served as Relief Society President.
I watched as she served and tried to best exemplify these attributes. She touched many people during her service. I think the attribute that helped her most as a leader was her compassion. She was so compassionate towards all the sisters she served, that they wanted to follow her, and loved her. That is a perfect pattern of leadership, one that Jesus Christ embodies.
In my leadership role as Elders Quorum President I can learn from her example in many ways. I think listening to others and taking input from counselors is important. I know I don't have all the answers, and I need to advice and counsel of my counselors. By listening to others and taking input I can more effectively lead in my role.
I watched as she served and tried to best exemplify these attributes. She touched many people during her service. I think the attribute that helped her most as a leader was her compassion. She was so compassionate towards all the sisters she served, that they wanted to follow her, and loved her. That is a perfect pattern of leadership, one that Jesus Christ embodies.
In my leadership role as Elders Quorum President I can learn from her example in many ways. I think listening to others and taking input from counselors is important. I know I don't have all the answers, and I need to advice and counsel of my counselors. By listening to others and taking input I can more effectively lead in my role.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Leaders in History
I enjoyed both Brother Ward's lecture, as well as the presentations in our lab this week. I find it very interesting to look back at the leadership styles of others, what has worked, and what hasn't.
Brother Ward touched on one of my favorite leaders, Abraham Lincoln, and his great leadership abilities. Lincoln took office at arguably the toughest and most unstable time in our nation's history. His mere election had prompted states to secede from the union, and many more would follow. The issue of slavery, one that he had not had the opportunity to deal with, was literally tearing the country apart. Any policy aspirations that he may have had were now unimportant. He was thrust into a quagmire that our nation's greatest minds, even the founding fathers had been unable to find a solution.
To make matters worse, Lincoln's cabinet was completely divided, and had a difficult time providing him with any good advice. The Union Army went through several commanders, with many of them refusing to listen to Lincoln.
So how did the North come out victorious? In many ways, I am surprised they did. Up until the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863, the South was in complete control, pushing up into the North, and searching for that decisive victory that would break the hearts and minds of the people. Some say it was divine providence that saved the Union. That could very well be true, but President Lincoln's leadership played a huge role. He was able to inspire the people, through providing a tremendous example. He was kind and compassionate, yet at the same time, firm and stalwart. After his assassination only a few days after General Lee's surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appamattox Court House in April 1865, Lincoln's casket was carried on a train through the Northern states as it made its way to Springfield, Illinois where he would be laid to rest. It's estimated that millions of Americans lined the train tracks waiting to pay their silent respects to a leader who did so much for those he served, and grew to love. They realized that such dedicated service could only stem from a sincere love for them. Interestingly, there is a picture of the train going through a town, and two little boys are seen leaning out of a window, silently admiring a fallen hero. One of the boys, was a young Theodore Roosevelt. Lincoln's service not only inspired most Americans, but the future generation who would lead the nation through different sets of struggles.
Brother Ward touched on one of my favorite leaders, Abraham Lincoln, and his great leadership abilities. Lincoln took office at arguably the toughest and most unstable time in our nation's history. His mere election had prompted states to secede from the union, and many more would follow. The issue of slavery, one that he had not had the opportunity to deal with, was literally tearing the country apart. Any policy aspirations that he may have had were now unimportant. He was thrust into a quagmire that our nation's greatest minds, even the founding fathers had been unable to find a solution.
To make matters worse, Lincoln's cabinet was completely divided, and had a difficult time providing him with any good advice. The Union Army went through several commanders, with many of them refusing to listen to Lincoln.
So how did the North come out victorious? In many ways, I am surprised they did. Up until the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863, the South was in complete control, pushing up into the North, and searching for that decisive victory that would break the hearts and minds of the people. Some say it was divine providence that saved the Union. That could very well be true, but President Lincoln's leadership played a huge role. He was able to inspire the people, through providing a tremendous example. He was kind and compassionate, yet at the same time, firm and stalwart. After his assassination only a few days after General Lee's surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appamattox Court House in April 1865, Lincoln's casket was carried on a train through the Northern states as it made its way to Springfield, Illinois where he would be laid to rest. It's estimated that millions of Americans lined the train tracks waiting to pay their silent respects to a leader who did so much for those he served, and grew to love. They realized that such dedicated service could only stem from a sincere love for them. Interestingly, there is a picture of the train going through a town, and two little boys are seen leaning out of a window, silently admiring a fallen hero. One of the boys, was a young Theodore Roosevelt. Lincoln's service not only inspired most Americans, but the future generation who would lead the nation through different sets of struggles.
Friday, September 10, 2010
What Is Leadership?
What Is Leadership? Leadership is such a broad and general topic. Often times, we view people that were great leaders as those who have done much good, such as Jesus Christ, George Washington, Joseph Smith, and many others. However, there have been many effective leaders that have left those they led in bad situations.
One such example is Adolf Hitler. Many people would not consider him a great leader, but think about what he accomplished. Following World War I, Germany was poor, depressed, and were being forced to pay massive reparations to the English and French. In a relatively short period of time, Hitler rose through the ranks, established the Nazi Party as the major party, gained a Legislative majority, and got the support of the German people. He was smart in the way he went about gaining power, but with the wrong motivations. He played off of fear, and this became a constant theme of his reign. Germans were too afraid to oppose him, so consequently when he began the systematic murder of the Jews, Gypsies, and the mentally handicapped, no one stood in his way. Also, Hitler was very secretive about his leadership role. While it was a well known fact that Hitler hated the Jews, the Holocaust and many other aspects of the government were kept quiet. These are not the qualities of a great leader. No where in history have I found an example of Adolf Hitler demonstrating the Christlike model of leadership, instead, he invented his own model for leadership, which is the complete opposite of that of the Savior.
A stark contrast to Adolf Hitler, is George Washington. As I look over the list of leadership attributes (good morals, caring, Christlike, competent, influence, inspiring, charismatic, listener, humble, vision, service, etc.), there is not one that I believe George Washington does not embody. Probably the most remarkable thing about Washington's leadership is that he had no desire to lead. At the start of the Revolutionary War, when offered the position of Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, Washington was very reluctant, and only accepted, out of his country's need for his service, not out of pride. Upon the surrender of the British at Yorktown, he immediately gave up the position. What an amazing thing! He surely could have become King if he wanted to. He cleverly stated, "I did not spend the previous years fighting against King George III to become King George I."
I will apply this to my role as Quorum President by seeking to serve others, and be a humble leader. It is important that I not be prideful about a title, but that I serve purely because that is what I've been called to do.
One such example is Adolf Hitler. Many people would not consider him a great leader, but think about what he accomplished. Following World War I, Germany was poor, depressed, and were being forced to pay massive reparations to the English and French. In a relatively short period of time, Hitler rose through the ranks, established the Nazi Party as the major party, gained a Legislative majority, and got the support of the German people. He was smart in the way he went about gaining power, but with the wrong motivations. He played off of fear, and this became a constant theme of his reign. Germans were too afraid to oppose him, so consequently when he began the systematic murder of the Jews, Gypsies, and the mentally handicapped, no one stood in his way. Also, Hitler was very secretive about his leadership role. While it was a well known fact that Hitler hated the Jews, the Holocaust and many other aspects of the government were kept quiet. These are not the qualities of a great leader. No where in history have I found an example of Adolf Hitler demonstrating the Christlike model of leadership, instead, he invented his own model for leadership, which is the complete opposite of that of the Savior.
A stark contrast to Adolf Hitler, is George Washington. As I look over the list of leadership attributes (good morals, caring, Christlike, competent, influence, inspiring, charismatic, listener, humble, vision, service, etc.), there is not one that I believe George Washington does not embody. Probably the most remarkable thing about Washington's leadership is that he had no desire to lead. At the start of the Revolutionary War, when offered the position of Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, Washington was very reluctant, and only accepted, out of his country's need for his service, not out of pride. Upon the surrender of the British at Yorktown, he immediately gave up the position. What an amazing thing! He surely could have become King if he wanted to. He cleverly stated, "I did not spend the previous years fighting against King George III to become King George I."
I will apply this to my role as Quorum President by seeking to serve others, and be a humble leader. It is important that I not be prideful about a title, but that I serve purely because that is what I've been called to do.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
My Leadership Role
Last Sunday, I was set apart as the Elders Quorum President of the South Quorum in the BYU 15th Ward. I'm excited for the opportunity to serve, and get to know the other young men, but I am also a bit scared. However, I know that as the Lord calls me, he will strengthen me and help me fulfill my duties!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Blog #1
For this semester, I'm defining my leadership role as being a leader on my lacrosse team by working as hard as I can in practice everyday.
What does leadership mean to me? I've always thought leadership is crucial to the success of any group of people trying to accomplish a goal. Leadership is not always the obvious things such as being a Quorum President, Relief Society President, or a team captain. Everyone has the potential to be a leader, and should be a leader regardless of position or title. How do they do this? I believe it is simple. By doing their very best in whatever their job may be.
People notice. People always will notice, even if someone goes about their business in a very quiet way. By doing our duty, with the utmost integrity and work ethic, we improve ourselves, those around us, and bring us closer to achieving whatever it is we set out to do.
What does leadership mean to me? I've always thought leadership is crucial to the success of any group of people trying to accomplish a goal. Leadership is not always the obvious things such as being a Quorum President, Relief Society President, or a team captain. Everyone has the potential to be a leader, and should be a leader regardless of position or title. How do they do this? I believe it is simple. By doing their very best in whatever their job may be.
People notice. People always will notice, even if someone goes about their business in a very quiet way. By doing our duty, with the utmost integrity and work ethic, we improve ourselves, those around us, and bring us closer to achieving whatever it is we set out to do.
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