Leadership: In my own words

Throughout this whole semester, we have learned about different types of leadership, and how to become better leaders in all areas of our lives. There have been a lot of different principles taught that I feel have really impacted my life and the things I do.

To me, leadership means impacting the lives of others. It doesn't mean having some kind of high up position, or being extremely outgoing. Some of the best leaders do it from the quiet walls of their home. I think great leadership begins in the home, which we learned about in one of the lectures. It means working well with others, knowing the hearts and minds of those with whom you associate. It's encouraging others to do their best, and assisting them in reaching their goals. There are all sorts of leaders in the world, and none of them are exactly the same.

There were a lot of things that I learned this semester that really impacted me. However, there were two events that really stuck out in my mind.

The first one was the firelighters/firefighter discussion. I loved this! It really made me examine myself and how I do things/treat other people. I noticed that subconsciously, I sarcastically will put people and their ideas down without realizing that it might actually be detrimental. After this discussion, I made an effort to try and make sure that I don't put others ideas and what not down, in even joking.

Another part of the class that really impacted me was an activity that we did in lab. We went and took candy to the library with notes, and gave them to random people. There were a few people who seemed really weirded out by the fact, but there were a couple of people that seemed to really appreciate it. There was one guy that particularly stood out to me. He was sitting and doing his homework, and I gave him some candy and a note. His face just lit up and he acted to gracious, and thanked me a couple other times when I walked by him. It really made me feel good that it made him happy. This particular activity helped me realize how big little acts of service can turn out to be.

Overall, this was an awesome class. I learned a lot and I feel like I grew a lot as well. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to be in the class, and I will definitely take all of the things I learned and apply them to my life, now and in the future.

Leadership in the Community

The lecture on shared leadership in the home was probably one of my favorite lectures. I thought that Brother Hill had some excellent insights and I really enjoyed the lecture. Although I am not married and have no children right now, I feel like this topic was still applicable to my life as I am still part of a family, as a sister and daughter. However, the topic for this week is leadership in the community.

In lab, we watched the movie "Validation". At first I thought it was kind of weird, but by the end I could not stop smiling. It put me in such a good mood for the rest of the day. After leaving the class, I couldn't help but smile at everyone I walked by. Sure, I got a few weird looks from some people, but it still made me feel good.

Honestly, I think that just smiling and saying hello to people is one of the best ways to serve the community. I know that when I am walking around campus, when someone simply smiles at me, I'm put in an even better mood because of it. Awhile ago, I was thinking, and I realized that hey, if it makes me that happy, then why not pass that on to other people. Most people probably will not think anything of it, but you never know what might help someone else out!

I think another way to be a leader in the community is just to get out there and be involved. It doesn't mean starting up some foundation that will save the world (even though that would be awesome), but more, getting to know those that live around you. Although I grew up on the same street my whole entire life, I couldn't name more than 5 people that live on my street. However, one of my best friends grew up on a street only blocks away from me, where all the neighbors knew each other and were really good friends. That was because there were a couple of people on the block that made sure to get out and introudce themselves, and then organize events where they could all get to know each other better. I think doing things like this really brings a community together.

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.

Myers-Briggs Personality Test

When I found out that we would be taking and discussing the Myers-Briggs test for class this week, I was really excited. When I was a senior in high school, my sociology teacher had us take this test, and I have ever since loved learning about it. I have taken it several times over the past few years, and my results have been fairly consistent. I always get the same last three letters, and the scores on them are always relatively high. However, the first letter varies from I to E, and the score is always rather low on that. Steve Smith, the man who spoke to the class on Monday, talked about how this was often the situation for him. He said it means that you are comfortable in a variety of different situations, and depending on the scenario, you can extroveted or introverted. He used the example of being in a class, and how he never really raises his hand or talks, but when he's teaching, he's loud and outgoing. This  is similar to me. I rarely talk in classes. I'm the person who will sit in the very back and not say a single comment the whole entire time. I think a lot during classes, but I never feel like I know how to articulate my thoughts in the way I want them to come out. I analyze situations but rarely comment. When I do talk, how I sound is completely different than when I am with a group of people I am comfortable with.  However, when I'm in a small group of people, usually friends, family or acquaintances, I am completely the opposite. I just say everything that comes out of my mouth and rarely (unfortunately) think before I say things. I still analyze the situation, but I'm more outgoing with what I say.

After reading a description of both an EFSJ and ISFJ profile, I realized that I definitely have qualities of both. These profiles are labelled as "The Nurturer" and "The Caregiver". I just find it very interesting how I read both the descriptions and I find myself throughout them. Obviously, there are going to be some differences in some areas, but for the most part, they are fairly accurate.

One of my favorite parts of the Myers-Briggs is that most of the time, there is given an analysis on relationships and the types of personalities you best work with. I've actually found out quite a bit about myself, and how to better deal with others that may not particularly be the same type of person as I am. When I was dating my last boyfriend, we had some issues. He was a very cynical person, and I was very much not. One day, he told me to read the description of his personality type, and honestly, it helped me understand him a lot better. That relationship didn't work out for some reasons that were really beyond repair, but it was then that I realized that even if two people are completely different, they can work together. I think that this is important in all areas of life, whether it be marriage, friendships, families, or just working on a group project. If you just recognize the strengths and weaknesses of others, and in yourself, and try and make them work together, everything works out for the better. It takes a lot of practice, in my opinion, but it is worth it to try. Every personality type is needed for a community to function, and everyone has some kind of gift or talent to contribute. I think as leaders it is so important for us to recognize those talents, and help others develop ones they might not know they have.

Situational Leadership

To be honest, I was somewhat confused with these four "quadrants" and exactly what they meant. To me, delegating and directed sounded like the same thing, and coaching and supporting seemed similar as well. However, after reading about each of the four different sections, I think I kind of understand them a little better. But in all honesty, I kind of still don't, so if none of these don't make any sense...Oh well!

The lecture was interesting, but I had a hard time paying attention, so I don't remember much of what happened. I don't know if I should admit that or not though. Haha. The parts I do remember were interesting and I feel like I did learn some things about leadership that I didn't already know.

Directing: For this one, I am most reminded of my World History class my junior year of high school. The teacher basically just got up in front of the class, told us what we needed to read or showed a video, and then assigned us a project in which we had precise directions to complete. He didn't act very interested in the students, but just told us exactly what we needed to do.

Coaching: This section reminds me of my voice teacher. I had about four years of vocal training while I was in high school, and I had an excellent teacher. Although she obviously had many more years of experience than I did, she would always listen to my ideas. There was a lot of communication. She always gave me wonderful suggestions, and would help me to understand certain concepts or why she was having me do a certain song/exercise. However, if I suggested another course of action would be more effective for me, she would always listen to me and we would come to a compromise. I think that this is my favorite type of leadership.

Supporting: I mentioned this example in class, but it's getting late so I think I will use it again. Throughout my youth, I was almost always in some type of presidency within the Young Women's program at Church. Because of this, I often had to attend Presidency meetings. We always had to have some type of advisor there, or in BYC, the Bishopric, to help facilitate conversations and ideas and help us accomplish certain tasks, but the control was with the members of the presidency.

Delegating: This type of leadership reminds me of family get togethers. My mom sets up a date for everyone to come over for dinner, and asks everyone to bring some type of dessert, appetizer, etc. Beyond that, it is up to everyone to bring what they think everyone will enjoy, and enough of it to share. My mom will tell everyone what the main dish is, and then everyone just decides on something that goes with it.


The quiz on about.com said that I was a "participative leader", which I agree with. I think that leaders definitely need to take the ideas and talents of others into consideration, but at the same there needs to be someone that makes the final decision. I feel like if no one is overlooking the group and making sure everything is being addressed, things tend to fall apart. However, I also believe that if a person takes complete control and doesn't listen to others, the organization or group will not function completely correct either. There is a time and place for all these types of leadership, and it's all about discerning the needs of the group and the type of leader that is needed.

I'm not going to lie, sometimes I tend to get into the mode of leadership where I want everything my own way, and I have a hard time really taking other ideas into consideration. When I get my heart set on something, or think my idea is the best, I have a hard time changing my mind--I'm very hardheaded.  I think that this stems from high school where I often was put with the "slacker" kids that never did their work in projects, so I just got used to doing everything my own way. I should probably work on that, because obviously everyone has ideas that are worth listening too. With my leadership position of being in charge of the BYU/SA blog, I am going to make it my goal to listen to the people on my committee and help involve them more.

From lab today, I really loved the quote that Audrey told us towards the end. In order to be an effective leader, it is necessary to understand the needs of those that you are working with. My mom always tells me that you need to be able to adapt to certain situations, even if it's not exactly how you originally wanted it to go. Being able to be intune with the emotions and situations of others is a skill that is sometimes hard to obtain but once you have mastered it will benefit you in all aspects of life. Even though I can be kind of hardheaded, like I mentioned earlier, I do believe this is a quality I do have, and I find it easy to understand the viewpoints of others. Though, there is definitely always room for improvement, because even if I do understand the viewpoints of others, I still am very slow to change my mind.

And PS...this has nothing to do with anything, but you all should check out my other blog here. I am always looking for more people to read my blog/critique it! haha :)

Inspirtational Leader

When I was thinking about the inspirational leaders in my life, the first person that came to mind was my mom. Not only has she successfully been a joint leader of my family with my dad, she has served in many callings throughout her life and has affected many lives by doing such. While watching her serve to the best of her capacity in these various areas, I have noticed her display many exemplary leadership qualities that I have come to admire. Because of this, I chose to interview her for this assignment.

My mom, Babzanne Barker, is currently the Relief Society president in my ward back in Colorado. It is a rather difficult ward, but she has rose to the occasion and done an awesome job. I asked her to tell me what being a leader meant to her.  She said that it means being organized, understanding, and caring about the needs of those in the organization. One thing that I found interesting is that she feels that by being a leader, "the buck stops here" which means that if something goes wrong or someone is upset by something, that person needs to take responsibility, regardless of who's fault it is. When she told me this, I realized how humble a person has to be in order to do that. Leaders must have humility in order to be positively successful.

Although my mom has served in many leadership positions, I asked her what specifically were her roles as the Relief Society President. She explained that she has to help conduct and teacher First Sunday meetings, attend various meetings, be in charge of Visiting Teaching, make hospital visits, conduct weekly presidency meetings, and serve over the Compassionate Service committee. All of these tasks take a lot of organization to accomplish.

Beyond talking about her current leadership position, I asked her what skills and attributes a person needs to have in order to be a leader. What she said was simple and are things that most anyone can develop if they have enough desire. She said that communication skills are helpful in many things, but it is absolutely necessary for someone to display patience, have organizationals skills, have humility and be able to show love for those in the organization.

While I believe my mom was a natural born leader, most people have room to improve, no matter how good they are. She said that after becoming RS president, she has become more patient with others and learned how to determine what the most important and immediate needs are. She has also learned that the more positive your attitude is, the easier it is to work together with those you are assigned. Most of all, she has learned to have faith, and that when she doesn't know what to do, Heavenly Father knows and will help her if she shows faith in Him.


I asked my mom for an experience that has shaped her in the passed to help her work at the capacity she is in now. I decided to just copy and pasted what she said:


"One experience I had was a couple of years ago.  I was Compassionate Service Leader and had offered to help a young mom in our ward get ready to move.  At the time I was also responsible to get a very large billing for Castlewood Sanitation District ready by the next day. I thought about canceling with the young mom because I knew I would not have enough time to finish the billing if I took that whole morning off.  But I didn't feel right about doing that--I knew she really needed me--so I decided to go and help.  That night I was able to finish the billing in several hours less than I ever had before.  I learned that when we do what we have promised to do, or in the case of an emergency, what needs to be done that our Heavenly Father will always give us the time we need to do the other things we need to do."



Another experience she talked about was when she was a Primary Counselor. She talked about how the president was always very supportive of her ideas and thoughts, even if they weren't very developed. My mom said that this helped her gain a lot of self-confidence in her abilities, and that her example inspired her to always be supporitve of her counselors and let them fulfill their repsonsibilities "without micro-managing everything."



I feel that the best way to become a better leader is by observing others in action. I asked my mom if she had any tips for developing good leadership skills. She said that you should read your scriptures and pray always,and have faith that you are the right person for the job. She said that you shouldn't be afraid to ask for help and gain all the insight that you can. She also suggested that you surround yourselfe with people who can work with easily and that are diligent and dependable. Most of all, she mentioned the advice her sister gave her when she was first called to be RS president: "Don't let doing good things get in the way of doing the things that matter most," like your family.

 Finally, I asked her if she had any closing thoughts about being a leader. She said it is important to always remember that Heavenly Father wants you to succeed, so rely on him. It's okay to make mistakes, so don't be hard on yourself if you mess up. Care about the people you work with and show appreciation. And most of all, have fun!

Definition of Leadership

Leadership has many different meanings. It can be something as big as being a leader of a country, or as small as facilitating a group project for a class. I think far too many people are intimidated by the thought of being a "leader" because of the general idea that to be a leader you have to be outgoing, extremely smart, and a big people person. I know that's how I always thought of leaders when I was younger. However, to be a leader, all you need is determination and the ability to inspire others. There have been many people that I have met in my life who may not be the best looking, articulate or outgoing people in the world, but they have the ability to inspire others through their actions, big or small.

Everyone can be a leader, whether it be in their family, community, or a much larger venue. There are leaders needed in every aspect of life and anyone who has the drive to do so can be one.

Before writing this and while preparing for the leadership presentation, I decided to google "leadership qualities". After looking through several pages of lists of what qualities leaders posses, I saw a common theme. Almost all the websites said that leaders care about others, have confidence in their decisions, have integrity, and set an example. I believe anyone can accomplish those tasks, but it does take practice.

I'll admit, I can be a rather timid person. After working very hard to come out of my shell, I have started to possess more qualities that enable me to be a leader over the years. I am grateful for the callings I have received within Church that have allowed me to develop the qualities I know that I have which help me to be a leader. The opportunity that I have to work with the BYU/SA blog has been a wonderful experience thus far and I look forward to see how it turns out over the next semester.

All members of this Church were foreordained to be leaders, in my opinion. We are supposed to be an example in our families, communities, and countries. The Lord will provide us with opportunities to be leaders and set an example if we are willing servants. We are a powerful people with so much potential, whether we realize it or not.

My Leadership Project

Since I haven't actually been to class yet, I'm not entirely sure what I'm supposed to write here. So if it's wrong, don't grade too harshly :-)

After thinking about the different areas in my life where I am a leader, I decided that, for the the purpose of this class, to focus on my recent endevour, being the program director for the up and coming BYU/SA Blog. This blog is set to launch sometime this week. Back in December, I started working on this project with the Communications department, and have since sought out writers, thought of topics to write about, and soon will manage the posts that are being published, as well as the upkeep of the blog.

This project has required a bit of time, and I'm sure it will in the future. I am supposed to hold meetings with the fellow writers, facilitate the blog and make sure it is functioning correctly, and be a person that all of the writers can rely on. I am really excited for this project, and I really feel like I will gain some valuable leadership skills through doing this.

(I'm not sure if there is any other posts I need to write, so if so, let me know! :)