Judge Griffith

1. Judge Griffith spoke about the importance of remembering the "least" among us.  Describe how you can apply this concept in your leadership role today in BYUSA.  Also, describe how you intend to apply this focus on the "least" in the future as you serve in leadership roles.

I really think this is key in serving as a leader, emphasis on serving. As we strive to focus on the "least" of these our impact and strength as a leader and a group will have that much more of an impact. It bring to mind, "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass."

2. Judge Griffith talked about how we learn what God wants us to learn from listening to those who speak to us through talks, lessons and home teaching. Please describe how it is possible to learn from those who might night have the same level of education.  Identify and describe a time in your life when you have learned from an individual with a differing educaitonal background.

I absolutely loved this. It completely changed my experience and perspective in church last Sunday. I focusing on what was being said and listening to the Spirit I learned far more than I ever could have. Fellow students were able to teach and edify me because I was willing to listen. I had and open mind realizing that they had so much to give. I have had so many experiences where those with a differing educational background were able to teach me. I have especially seen this in my younger siblings. They are such great examples to me not just in word but in deed as well. It could be easy to say that I have more experience and knowledge but as I listen to their advice and follow their examples I improve so much and in turn help them.

3. Please describe something you learned about leadership from Judge Griffith's presentation.

I thought it was such a moving lecture. The largest lesson I took from it was motive. Leadership and your success as a leader largely depend on what motivates you. If your drive is money and recognition you are in it for the wrong reason and you will not be happy or as successful. But as your focus becomes Christ-centered you will be able to better serve and impact those you interact with for the better.

Leading Change

1. Please describe a situation where you have watched a someone successfully lead an organization through a change.  Identify what went well and how they helped the process succeed. 

I think a great example of someone leading through change is Kylie this year in the Student Honor Area. I think, first of all, that it shows a sign of a great leader that she show something that she wanted to change and improve and she didn't. Just doesn't just assume that the way things are done in the best way but she is consistently looking for ways that our area can improve and that we as leaders can improve. The organization of Student Honor and the way assignments are delegated are pretty different this year. But I feel like it has gone successfully. Through the whole experience she has remained confident and calm as a leader. She also always excepts and truly listens to feedback. She is constantly trying to improve and change herself as a leader as well.

2. Please share the three discovery statements that you wrote down as you completed each of the challenges.  What do those statements help you understand about your abilities to lead change and what insights do they give you on how you can be effective as a leader in a changing environment.

Discovery Statement #1: The change felt very awkward and shlowed me down a lot. However, I was excited to try something new and switch things up.

Discovery Statement #2: This made me nervous and a little disappointed because I was excited to draw the picture but felt like I couldn't with my eyes closed.

Discovery Statement #3: It was uncomfortable and I also felt self-conscious. I definitely didn't feel normal.

While we were doing the various activities I didn't feel like I was learning anything thing about myself as I learn, but that they were just fun and entertaining. However, as I went back and read what I had written it was very eye-opening. I saw that although change is difficult and overwhelming at times it excites me because I like meeting a challenge and overcoming it. I saw that I like to have a clear picture and plan infront of me though, and it can overwhelm me to not have a good idea of what will happen next and an ability to plan ahead. I do get self-conscious and nervous of making a mistake infront of others which can hold me back in certain situations. That is something that I need to work on because at times I feel that it holds me back from reaching my true potential as a leader.

Teamwork

1) Give an example of a time in your life when you've seen successful teamwork or collaboration in action. What can you learn from that example that you can apply today?

Some of my favorite memories of teamwork and collaboration are actually within my own family. Working together with them on countless different projects were always an adventure. It was incredible how much more we were able to get done when we decided to work together. It also allowed us to enjoy the experience so much more. This is something I definitely need to apply to my experience here in BYUSA as well. I have already seen it a few times in our area and I have loved those times. It makes the experience much more enjoyable and the work of more quality as well as much more successful!

2) What challenges do you face with teamwork/collaboration and how can you overcome them?

I think teamwork itself is a challenge. It isn't something that just happens without effort, you have to be willing to work for it. But the effort and work you put into it is always worth it. I think one of the biggest thing is you have to be willing to not always have your way but be willing to give a sacrifice. We saw countless examples of that in Cool Runnings. The team had to be willing to give for the sake of the teams in multiple situations and in the end it was well worth it for them as they made it to the Olympics.

Integrity

1. What are some ways you can build integrity and trust with your team?

I think the biggest way to show integrity to your team and build their trust is to follow through. If you are consistently making commitments and promises but never following through you are going to lose their trust and be seen as without integrity quickly. However, if you act respectfully and keep your commitments you will be successful as a leader. You will be respected, trusted and seen as one with integrity.

2. In what ways do you make sure your team is in agreement with a project before moving forward?

Communication is the best and most obvious way to be sure your group is in agreement on projects and decisions. In the meeting when you allow people to voice their opinion and the creative juices to flow the best ideas and teamwork is created. When you allow that communication decisions can be made collectively. Each person will have to give a little but eventually the group can come to an agreement that satisfies everyone. That's not to say it won't be difficult at times but it will be the most successful way.

3. What are a couple of creative ways you can communicate a new idea to your team?

This is an interesting question to me because I usually just present the idea but I like that it makes me think of the new and fun ideas. A few ideas are a PowerPoint or a story of past years to start it out. That will catch the teams attention and get the excited about the idea. It can also inspire creativity and collaboration. Another way to start conversation of a new idea or program is to begin with a group discussion about the inspiration for the program. Asking questions that will require thought and conversation about the purpose of the event, such as honor during Honor Week, will help to insure the rest of your planning is centered around that purpose.

Focus on Results

1. In your opinon, what are the most important behaviors (as defined in your student manual) in getting results with a project or problem? Explain why you have chosen those and use specific personal examples to add merit to your claim.

 The two behaviors that stand out as most important in getting results to me are gains the support of others and decisiveness. Without the support of others you are going to have a very difficult time seeing results. A large part of leadership is working and interacting with others. Its been amazing to me to see the difference in a project when you do and don't have support. In BYUSA I have had experiences with the committees that do and don't support the project. When I have the backing and excitement of the committee on the project we are able to much far more successful. I have also been committees and lead committees that weren't able to make decisions- exercise decisiveness. Those committees have not been successful, often times the program doesn't even get completed. When a group has been decisive the results have clear and impact much deeper.

2. What are your personal strengths in getting results? How can you use them/ implement them?

I think one of my strengths in getting results is gaining the support of others. One of the very first things I do when working on a program is gather a committee. I love working with a group and collaborating and brainstorming. It's amazing what ideas can come about from a solid committee. When you get a good with excitement and a common vision the program will take off and the results are amazing. One thing that I think I can improve on is my decisiveness. I am usually pretty good about it in a committee meeting but it is when I am doing work on my own that decisions become drawn out and procratinated.

Personal Capabilities

1. Share one personal experience where you have seen the Technical/Professional Expertise leadership competency in action.

Watching Kylie serve as Vice President of Student Honor this year I have seen this in action many times. It has especially stood out to me in her revamping of how the duties of Executive Directors are given as well as the format of Honor Week. I have especially seen her use Innovation from the Technical/Profession Expertise leadership competency. I believe Honor Week will be much more effective and less stressful for ONE person because of Kylie's creativity and innovation.

2. Share one personal experience where you have applied skills from the Solves Problems and Analyzes Issues leadership competency.

I have had a lot of experiences in leadership roles and group settings in general where I have had to let go of a previous bias. In high school as a member of student council I wasn't friend or even necessarily got along with everyone I was asked to serve with. In the beginning I wasn't excited about it and for quite awhile it held me back. It impeded on my ability to serve and lead. When I was able to let go of that bias it was incredible the difference it made in my experience. As a group we worked much more efficiently. It also made the opportunity a lot more fun. When the group worked together and without bias we were able to better serve and impact the group we lead. I gained lifelong friends from that experience as a leader because I was able to let go of previous bias.

3. How does innovation apply to your specific responsibilities?  How do you show support of innovation in others?

Innovation is a huge part of the my responsibilities in BYUSA. We are always trying to improve our programs and think of new and exciting ideas to draw students in and make them more effective. Many of my programs are also being done for the first time, such as Honor Campaign, so the majority of it is done through innovation. I think that the biggest way I show support of other innovation is through discussion. In committee meeting conversation is incouraged and often when the best ideas are created. By allow everyone to speak up and be a part of the planning they also gain excitement about the program and as all of the ideas bounce of each other innovation is seen at work.

Character

1. Why is character the center pole of the leadership tent? Give an example of a leader in your life who has demonstrated character and how that affected you.

Character is a quality that encompasses all of the characteristics of a leader. If those you serve don't view you as having a good character they won't feel they can trust you and look to you as a leader. My senior year of high school I had the opportunity to serve on student council with Nate Heaps. He was an amazing example to of character. He always put those he served first, he made everyone feel significant, he honored all commitments and was honest in all of his dealings. He made my experience on student council one that shaped who I am today and allowed me to grow and flourish as a leader.

2. Share one or two things from the lesson that impacted you personally.  Why? How will you apply it to your life?

Not surprisingly the Pirates of the Caribbean clip stood out to me. However, I didn't just remember it because I like the movie, but the lesson that went along with it. It really made me think about my own definition of character. I had never thought about it in depth like that before. It was hard to decide which person was displaying honor. It made me commit to myself that I would display character in all I did, especially as a leader, so others were never left to question my character. The other part of the presentation that impacted me was the list of leadership traits. Trying to define each characteristic with a partner was surprisingly hard. It was interesting to realize that ultimately each quality fit under the umbrella of character. I want to focus on developing my character because that will help me improve as an all around leader.