Intergrity

In a couple of my classes lately, the topic of integrity has come up. In my Principles of Journalism, we just had a presentation on ethics and integrity in the field of journalism. We talk about integrity a lot in my religion classes as well. Obviously, it's a trait that can and should be applied to all areas of our life, whether it be in school work, personal relationships, or in the professional field.

As I've grown up, I have noticed a steadily declining level of integrity in people as a whole. It has suddenly become more acceptable to cheat in class, have infidelity issues, and to lie in order to get what you want. Watching this, it makes me really sad. It makes me scared to raise children in this world, because of the mixed messages in which they will be getting from the media, friends, and many other areas. It makes me grateful to have been raised by parents who have a lot of integrity and have taught me that it's better to be honest than avoid getting in trouble for something.

There is a quote by President Hinckley that I love that goes "Wrong is still wrong even if everyone's doing it. Right is still right even if no one's doing it." It is so true! I look at tv, magazines, and even classmates from my graduating class, and I see the lives they live. They don't think there is anything wrong with living with significant others before marriage, lying, etc. But we must always remember it's importnat to do what's right, even when no one else is doing it.

The presentation was very interesting and I enjoyed listening to the presenter speak. He gave a lot of excellent points that I plan on implementing in my own life.

Servant Leadership

This last weeks discussion was probably one of my favorites. However, as luck would have it, I had forgotten a pen so I wasn't able to take notes. So, hopefully my insights make sense and are at least somewhat relevant to what he said.

When the speaker (I forgot his name . . . sorry!) first said he was talking to servant leadership, I kind of laughed to myself and jokingly considered that he would be talking about how those that serve under us should be our servants and do everything for us . . . cook dinner, do laundry, drive us places, etc. Of course, it wasn't, and what servant leadership is, is much better.

In all areas of our life, we probably participate in servant leadership. In fact, I believe that to truly be an affective leader, we need to fully embrace the idea of it. To me, servant leadership is complete, selfless service to those around us. In class, we were asked to think about someone we know that we believe emulates servant, Christ-like leadership and service. There are many people that come to mind and they all emulate love and true compassion in their service. By watching them, I have learned how I need to better myself and become more of a servant leader.

Obviously, Christ is the greatest example of servant leadership. His life was dedicated to serving and blessing the lives of others. He paid the ultimate price when He died for us so that we may have eternal life. The scriptures are full of stories in which servant leadership was portrayed. One that comes to mind right now in John 13.

It was the night before the Passover. After supper, Christ washed the feet of the Twelve Apostles, even those of Judas Iscariot, even though He knew that he was going to betray him. Simon Peter told him not to wash his feet but Christ said "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me." Even though Christ was perfect, and everyone probably wanted to serve Him, He always served others as if He was their servant.

 In this chapter, Christ also says "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not great than his lord; neither he that is sent great than he that sent him." I think that Christ is saying that, it doesn't matter what your "position" is, or how high/low you are on the totem pole, no one is greater than anyone else. And because of this, everyone needs to serve each other.

Servant leadership is very important. After hearing the presentation given in class, I have felt inspired to become better in this aspect of my life and leadership positions.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is a necessary skill that everyone needs to work on having. As the person who presented (forgive me, because I can't remember his name :) said, conflict resolution isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, things will come up in which individuals may not agree, and it needs to be handled in a way that the best decision is reached. 


As leaders, it is important for us to understand how to properly handle conflict. Otherwise, situations will get blown out of proportion, and certain decisions may not be made in an effective manner. 


I feel like the presentation that was given gave a lot of helpful insights on how to handle conflict in all sorts of areas. Whether it be while leading a group, being the Relief Society presidency, or even in ones home, by handling conflict properly, things will work out better. 

Stand Close Together and Lift Where you Stand

The theme for this weeks blog is "Stand Close Together and Lift Where You Stand". Even though this talk was given in the Priesthood session of General Conference, I love it and feel it is very applicable to everyone. By helping each other out, hard tasks become easier. We become united as one, and a bond is built that cannot be broken. I really feel like this can be applied to every group that we are a part of; a family, roommates, classmates, church-friends, fhe groups...the list could go on.

Tom Holmoe talked about how, if we tell people about our goals, we will be more likely to achieve them. I think this applies to the title of this blog because when others are aware of our struggles/goals/motives, they will likely help us out. Sometimes when we are trying to accomplish a rather lofty goal, it can be discouraging when you don't always see results. I have found that when you have someone rooting you on and being your cheerleader, it becomes easier. Another reason why it is important to tell people about your goals is because it makes you feel more accountable, and more likely to keep the goals. I currently have a goal to run a 5K in May. I was never much of a runner before the past 6 months, but I am determined to do this. After hearing Brother Holmoe's talk, I decided that I needed to tell people about my goal. So I started a blog, where I have been tracking my progress. It has really helped me to stay on track and work towards my goal.

Brother Holmoe talked about the two kinds of people; the firelighters and the firefighters. After hearing the description, it made me think about what type of person I was. Am I someone that supports others, no matter what, or do I rain on peoples parades and discourage them in their endeavors? As much as I hate to admit it, there are times when I am a firefighter. However, I do think that for the most part, I am a firelighter. I think that most people are that way. Sometimes it is hard to always be supportive, especially if you aren't feeling too motivated or confident yourself. I have found that the more you encourage others, the better you feel. I have made it my personal goal to be come more of a firelighter, and not a firefighter.

Finally, I really enjoyed Brother Holmoe's lecture on the "Five Stages of Relationships". I feel like there are people in my life that I can put under all of those categories. I am grateful to say that there are people that I consider to have a "significant" relationship with. I don't think it's bad to have "surface" relationships though either. It's important to have different sorts of relationships with many different people.

Balance and Time Management

For a long time, I have struggled with procrastination. I am a huge procrastinator. Ever since I was in elementary school, I would always put of projects until the last minute, and I would stay up all night finishing the project. It always worked for me, and I still did well, but it wasn't the most efficient way to do things. When I started college, I vowed to break my procrastination problems. However, I'm pretty sure it has just gotten worse. I never write papers until the day (or few hours) before they are due. For some reason I struggle with getting motivated until it's the very last second. However, I always get everything done that I need to. Like I previously said, it's not the most efficient thing in the world, but it works for me.

Despite my procrastination, I feel like I do manage my time well. Yes, I could start projects earlier, and go to bed earlier, but I'm happy with the way my life runs. I have so many friends that either are constantly doing homework, or constantly partying, and none of them ever seem completely satisfied. However, I have found a good balance between homework and play. I truly believe that if you don't allow yourself to relax every now and then, things are a lot harder, as well if all you do is party and forget the priorities in life. We talked about in class the "Rock/Sand" analogy. Although it is sometimes hard to know exactly where certain priorities fall, I know that when you put the big things first, everything else will fall together perfectly. I have found that when I take 2 hours out of my day to attend the temple every Saturday, rather than do other things, whether it be hanging out with friends or even doing homework, everything works out better. If you put your priorities in line, it becomes easier to let the "sand" filtrate into our lives, without pushing out the rocks.

Divine-Centered Leadership

This was by far one of my favorite sections of the semester. I felt that Brother Cox gave a really wonderful presentation on divine centered leadership. I really liked the "Five Practices of Divine-Centered Leadership" that he discussed in-depth. I feel that by applying each of these principles in our leadership positions, we will more effectively serve others and be leaders at our greatest capacity.

Five Practices of Divine-Centered Leadership:

1) Sharing an Inspired Vision
Brother Cox shared a quote that said "A great leader not only listens to others but also to his conscience and promptings of God." I think as leaders, it's important to express our goals and vision for certain tasks. While it is very important to listen to the ideas of others, I think that leaders have a certain ability to discern what is the best direction to take the group/activity/etc. that they are leading. By listening to the Spirit and conscience, we can receive certain insight to what way to best lead. By sharing these promptings and feelings with those who we serve, they will be able to serve to the best of their ability as well. I think that by doing this it also unites everyone together. It is also important to listen to the thoughts of others and incorporate them, as to make a united inspired vision.

2) Challenging Unrighteousness
At first, I wasn't quite sure what this "practice" was about. However, after hearing what Brother Cox said, and then reading through my notes, I feel that this was about opposition. Many times within a leadership position things will go wrong, people will get upset, and plans will have to be changed. Although this is frustrating, if, as leaders, we know how to handle opposition and challenges, it will all work out. D&C 3:10 says "But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art called to the work." We all need to remember that we were called to this leadership positions for a reason, whether or not that is apparent at the time. I think this is especially important to remember in Church callings, where there was obvious inspiration. I know it brings me a lot of comfort to know that Heavenly Father does want me to succeed, and even when things are hard, He will help me if I ask. Opposition is hard. But by searching the scriptures, praying for the Spirit and guidance, and doing our best, we will be successful in this positions.

3) Modeling the Way, the Truth, and the Life
So many times, people will preach one thing at Church, and say they believe certain things, and then when they are around other people, they do the complete opposite. I remember seeing this a lot in high school, when I would have friends who would bear their testimonies every Sunday about their love for the Gospel, and then tell everyone at school how much they hated being LDS and couldn't wait to move out of their parents apartments. When people do things like that, it really makes you doubt their integrity. As leaders, we are examples, and people watch what we do, whether we like it or not. We need to constantly make sure our actions line up with our words. Even when we aren't in leadership positions, we should always try and maintain an example of Christ in our life. By showing our love for and commitment to Christ, others will be able to tell. My patriarchal blessing tells me to show the world that those who serve the Lord are blessed. I have taken this to heart, and try very hard to make sure the things I do in my life will demonstrate that. I'm obviously not perfect, and I have a lot of work to do, but I know that by showing integrity in all areas of my life, I will be blessed to have the Spirit with me, and others will see that and strive to have it as well.

4) Knowing Each Heart
It is easy to overlook people, especially when serving a large group of people. There will always be the loud, outgoing ones that everyone notices and pays attention too. However, there will also always be the quieter, soft spoken ones that often get pushed to the side. As a leader, it's important to seek out everyone, and to know their hearts. Everyone has a story and special talents to contribute. During high school, I was always one of the quiet ones. I would often just sit in the back of the classroom and most of the time never say a word. I am pretty sure I had the reputation as "the quiet one". It wasn't that I was shy or didn't have anything to say; I just did not feel overly comfortable talking a lot in big groups of people, especially ones that I had nothing in common with. When I was at Church, or with family and friends, it was (and still is) a completely different story. However, I had a teacher that, despite the fact I never participated in class and just took studious notes, reached out to me. This teacher changed my whole high school experience. He would seek me out, and got to know me on an a more individual level. At one point, I was even his student assistant for a semester. He acted like I had something important and special to contribute, and it really made me have more confidence. His example stuck with me, and I have tried to implement it into my own life. Whenever I am in a group of people, no matter the demographics of it, I try and get to know everyone in the group. I've learned that everyone truly has a gifts that are unique to them and are always worth knowing. "Knowing each heart" is so important, not only to make sure everyones talents are being utilized, but so we can be in tune to the needs of all those individuals. As Harold B. Lee said, "You can't lift others unless you are on higher ground."

5) Serving Others so They May Act
As leaders, we may sometimes feel like we are constantly serving others. In most cases, this can be true. However, we need to make sure that we are serving with our hearts, and not just to "fulfill our duty". I'm not sure if this applies, but I remember something that the person over me on the BYU/SA blog shared with me that has stuck with me. She told me that it is important to thank those and show appreciation to those who you associate with. By showing that you appreciate the help of others, it makes people want to serve more. I know that with me personally, I am more likely to want to help someone out again when they act appreciative, and don't just brush off acts of service as something that they just deserve. I'm not saying that we should serve just for gratification. But I do believe that showing appreciation goes along way, and makes it a lot easier to serve.