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.
Friday, September 24, 2010
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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