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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 
                                                                                

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.

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.