Leadership is everyone's business.
Yeah, yeah, everyone can be a leader, but not everyone knows how to use their power to be a great leader. Power is, well, powerful, and can be misused quite easily. A wise man once said, "With great power, comes great responsibility" (AKA Peter Parker/Spiderman's uncle, Ben).
For starters, leadership is everyone's business because leadership affects everyone. Whether you are the leader, the follower, or anything in between, leadership is at play. Taking leadership literally, the decisions that President Obama make as a leader affect pretty much everyone in the world and their relationship with the U.S. On a more personal meaning, leadership is everyone's business at Ohio State because everyone has the opportunity to become a better leader or hone their leadership skills with the help of SLA ;)
Power has everything to do with leadership. You don't have to have power to be great leader as Luma taught us in Outcasts United. How much power does a woman from Jordan who has just been cut off financially from her family have? Not very much. And yet Luma did things that nobody thought was possible. To this day, Luma still doesn't have the power that she deserves. Like she said last night, the story of the Fugees has not changed very much since the publishing of Outcasts United. They don't receive any royalties from the book, and they still aren't financially stable. Luma's strong abilities as a leader have helped her succeed in Clarkston with the Fugees.
On the other hand, having power doesn't make you a great leader. Recently, it seems as though many leaders that we as society have looked up to have abused their power (i.e. Tressel, JoePa...). For the most part, both of these coaches used their power to be great leaders on and off of the football field. Unfortunately though, their power got the best of them and ultimately led to their "downfall" if you will. Power must be used responsibly. Let's stick with Tressel's downfall, maybe because it's still an open wound, and JoePa's is just too big to handle in one blog post. Coach Tressel (according to President Gee) assumed the most power at Ohio State. Football here seems to drive everything, or at least it did. Buckeye fans everywhere put Tressel on this big pedestal and worshipped everything he stood for. He had a great deal of power in his position as coach, and as community member. Unfortunately, he made a couple mistakes that cost him his job as coach of one of the greatest football programs in the nation. His power got the best of him as his balance of power and leadership toppled.
"With great power comes great responsibility."
With a strong balance of power and leadership, anything is possible. But if one thing is to be overbalanced, it should be leadership and not power. Power can be a dangerous thing, and all too familiarly it can be abused.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Luma the Leader
Can I start off by saying how comforting it is knowing that the book being read by first years this year is actually good? Sorry UAFYE, but Three Cups of Tea just didn't cut it...
Outcasts United is a fantastic book for everyone to read. Numerous lessons and values are taught throughout the book dealing with refugees, immigration, and basic life lessons of perserverence. Every aspect of the book is relatable to the Social Change Model of Leadership.
Luma personifies individual values to the T. Consciousness of Self: Luma's self awareness stands out in particular when looking at the definition of Consciousness of Self. Despite her early struggles after being cut off from family, Luma remained strong and true to herself. She stayed true to her values and was willing to take the risk of living on her own when she could have easily gone home to Jordan and lived off of her parent's wealth. This kind of self awareness builds a great leader: one that is able to stay true to themselves through the best and worst of times. Congruence: Luma "walks the talk" on numerous occasions, but most specifically when she begins coaching the girls volleyball team, she does the running and conditioning with the team, helping her athletes understand that if she is able to do the conditioning, they should be able to as well given the age difference. Commitment: If Luma doesn't show commitment to the boys on her teams, call me crazy. She is committed to their safety, success, and well-being on and off the soccer field.
Society/ Community Values is embodied throughout the book in at least three distinct ways. Citizenship: One example of citizenship in Outcasts United occurs when Bill Mehlinger goes out of his way to change the entire focus of his grocery store to cater to the needs of the refugees of Clarkston. Although he is benefitting from the sale of the groceries, the reader can tell that he cares about the citizens of Clarkston enough to stock his shelves with familiar ingredients, no matter how difficult or expensive it is to get them.
Group Values is clearly defined in the book through the Fugees. Collaboration: The boys on Luma's teams collaborate with each other. Although there are multiple nationalities represented on the teams, they collaborate with one another to win games and be successful. Common Purpose: Along with collaboration, the soccer players share a common purpose for being on the team. It is a way for them to bond with the other players despite their backgrounds. (They also just want to win.) Controversy with Civility: The team is clearly diverse. Many backgrounds, nationalities, and personal stories are brought to the team with each player. It is important that each player understand the diversity, while being able to look beyond it towards the common purpose of the team as a whole.
Approaching Leadership
Luma approaches her leadership a little differently with each family/player. On the field she is a hard ass that has one set way of doing things. The boys will listen to her and obey her rules or they will be kicked off of the team. She adapts her approach when dealing with the boys and their families off of the field. While during practice Luma can seem like she can never be satisfied with her players, she has a strong bond with each of them in other aspects of life. By taking them to movies and eating dinner with their families, she can seem like the "best friend" or aunt to them. It's an interesting approach, seeing as she takes on the role of two different people.
Outcasts United might be my favorite book I've read in college (International Business just isn't cutting it). Everyone loves a success story, and this book is no different. From the beginning, I felt inspired by Luma's courage with her family. Taking the path already paved is so easy, and yet Luma sees past the ease of her life back in Jordan and sets out to stick to her values and beliefs in America. And yet, that's only the beginning! Throughout the book Luma takes on challenges and responsibilities that astound me. Her passion for helping these refugees is limitless, and her caring nature is shown everywhere. I am truly looking forward to hearing her speak (unlike Greg Mortenson).
Outcasts United is a fantastic book for everyone to read. Numerous lessons and values are taught throughout the book dealing with refugees, immigration, and basic life lessons of perserverence. Every aspect of the book is relatable to the Social Change Model of Leadership.
Luma personifies individual values to the T. Consciousness of Self: Luma's self awareness stands out in particular when looking at the definition of Consciousness of Self. Despite her early struggles after being cut off from family, Luma remained strong and true to herself. She stayed true to her values and was willing to take the risk of living on her own when she could have easily gone home to Jordan and lived off of her parent's wealth. This kind of self awareness builds a great leader: one that is able to stay true to themselves through the best and worst of times. Congruence: Luma "walks the talk" on numerous occasions, but most specifically when she begins coaching the girls volleyball team, she does the running and conditioning with the team, helping her athletes understand that if she is able to do the conditioning, they should be able to as well given the age difference. Commitment: If Luma doesn't show commitment to the boys on her teams, call me crazy. She is committed to their safety, success, and well-being on and off the soccer field.
Society/ Community Values is embodied throughout the book in at least three distinct ways. Citizenship: One example of citizenship in Outcasts United occurs when Bill Mehlinger goes out of his way to change the entire focus of his grocery store to cater to the needs of the refugees of Clarkston. Although he is benefitting from the sale of the groceries, the reader can tell that he cares about the citizens of Clarkston enough to stock his shelves with familiar ingredients, no matter how difficult or expensive it is to get them.
Group Values is clearly defined in the book through the Fugees. Collaboration: The boys on Luma's teams collaborate with each other. Although there are multiple nationalities represented on the teams, they collaborate with one another to win games and be successful. Common Purpose: Along with collaboration, the soccer players share a common purpose for being on the team. It is a way for them to bond with the other players despite their backgrounds. (They also just want to win.) Controversy with Civility: The team is clearly diverse. Many backgrounds, nationalities, and personal stories are brought to the team with each player. It is important that each player understand the diversity, while being able to look beyond it towards the common purpose of the team as a whole.
Approaching Leadership
Luma approaches her leadership a little differently with each family/player. On the field she is a hard ass that has one set way of doing things. The boys will listen to her and obey her rules or they will be kicked off of the team. She adapts her approach when dealing with the boys and their families off of the field. While during practice Luma can seem like she can never be satisfied with her players, she has a strong bond with each of them in other aspects of life. By taking them to movies and eating dinner with their families, she can seem like the "best friend" or aunt to them. It's an interesting approach, seeing as she takes on the role of two different people.
Outcasts United might be my favorite book I've read in college (International Business just isn't cutting it). Everyone loves a success story, and this book is no different. From the beginning, I felt inspired by Luma's courage with her family. Taking the path already paved is so easy, and yet Luma sees past the ease of her life back in Jordan and sets out to stick to her values and beliefs in America. And yet, that's only the beginning! Throughout the book Luma takes on challenges and responsibilities that astound me. Her passion for helping these refugees is limitless, and her caring nature is shown everywhere. I am truly looking forward to hearing her speak (unlike Greg Mortenson).
And just in case you forgot how awful Mr. Mortenson was...
P.S. Sorry I posted 45 minutes late...I know you were all waiting anxiously to read my thoughts
Monday, October 24, 2011
Balconies of Brotherhood
I have always enjoyed balconies. Balconies overlooking the Grand Canyon, the Mediterranean Sea, and Delta Sigma Pi. I have always gone through the motions of sitting through a student org meeting and for the first time I just observed what went on.
While I can't talk about everything that went on during the meeting, the gist of it really surprised me.
The leader is not clearly defined. There is definitely one person that seems to be the leader because he is in charge of running the meetings, but his executive position is not president.
The followers are the members listening and sitting in the room. They value the core ideals stated in our bylaws and preamble. The members of the organization get involvement, relationships, and strong business ideals from Delta Sigma Pi. Some of the followers tend to talk through some of the meeting and have side conversations with their neighbors. The extra chatter does not help the meeting move along any faster, and is sometimes a total distraction from the rest of the meeting and what is being said.
The context of the meeting is not what you would expect as an outsider to a business professional fraternity. There is a lot more to the organization that just "business". The way the organization goes about their different activities is in the mindset of a business, but many different opportunities await members. For example, a 3 v. 3 charity basketball tournament was announced to help support a scholarship fund for a friend that had recently passed away. There are also professional speakers and fundraising events that support the fraternity.
The overall feeling in the meeting is one of brotherhood, friendship, and well-being. It is evident that everyone is there to support each other and genuinely cares for the fraternity as a whole, and individually as well.
While I can't talk about everything that went on during the meeting, the gist of it really surprised me.
The leader is not clearly defined. There is definitely one person that seems to be the leader because he is in charge of running the meetings, but his executive position is not president.
The followers are the members listening and sitting in the room. They value the core ideals stated in our bylaws and preamble. The members of the organization get involvement, relationships, and strong business ideals from Delta Sigma Pi. Some of the followers tend to talk through some of the meeting and have side conversations with their neighbors. The extra chatter does not help the meeting move along any faster, and is sometimes a total distraction from the rest of the meeting and what is being said.
The context of the meeting is not what you would expect as an outsider to a business professional fraternity. There is a lot more to the organization that just "business". The way the organization goes about their different activities is in the mindset of a business, but many different opportunities await members. For example, a 3 v. 3 charity basketball tournament was announced to help support a scholarship fund for a friend that had recently passed away. There are also professional speakers and fundraising events that support the fraternity.
The overall feeling in the meeting is one of brotherhood, friendship, and well-being. It is evident that everyone is there to support each other and genuinely cares for the fraternity as a whole, and individually as well.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Student Development Theory
Why wouldn't we learn about student development theory?
As Student Leadership Advocates, it is imperative for us to understand how students develop in college to understand how they develop as leaders. College is a place of learning and growing not only as a student and person but as a leader. We can utilize the student development theory to cater our facilitations to each individual and student organization. Evans notes that,
"Student Development reflects theories of human growth and environmental influences as applied to in-class and out-of-class personal learning opportunities."
For our fellow students, the out-of-class learning experience is facilitated by us. SLA directly affects student development through facilitations to student organizations. With knowledge of the student development theory, we have a base to start from in our facilitations, especially when dealing with new student organizations compared to established organizations.
We also benefit from learning the student development theory. We can understand our own journey through development as students, human beings, and leaders. A lot of people come in to college thinking they're hot stuff and are quickly put in their place. With development theory, students are able to look at their life through Chickering's seven vectors and analyze how far they have come and how much farther they need to go.
If not now, when?
Learning a foreign language is infinitely easier at a younger age than as an adult. The same goes for becoming a leader. Leadership can seem like a foreign language to some, especially those that don't see themselves as leaders. During your college years is the best time to develop as a leader. Leadership opportunities are endless, with thousands of student orgs, in the classroom, and even socially. With these opportunities, students can start their journey as leaders before entering the "real world".
At Ohio State, the leadership resources are endless, why not take advantage of them while they are available, and while you are still developing as a student? According to Evans,
"Student Development Theory is integrative in nature; it requires mutuality, equality, cooperation and collaboration among all parties (students, staff, faculty, and administration)."
The students, staff, faculty, and administration at OSU are available and willing to further the development of students. A well-rounded student is the most successful student, and all of the aforementioned are here to help and want to see each and every student succeed.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Leadership through my Lens
Looking through my lens, leadership means not being afraid to fail, taking chances, and looking at the big picture.
As a leader, failure is what helps me grow in my organizations and life. Failing allows me to reevaluate my decisions and leadership in order to make better decisions about the future. Going along with not being afraid to fail, taking chances is HUGE when looking at leadership. Especially in the student org capacity, if you don't take chances, how will anything change? Change is important for leaders to keep evolving with time. Thirdly, a leader should look at the big picture. If a leader focuses on the little details, rather than the big picture, it will be difficult for them to delegate tasks for an organization to succeed.
I see/feel/experience/learn leadership in a multitude of ways.
Leadership is everywhere. I see and feel it in the classroom, in my student organizations, in my family, in my group of friends.
To experience and learn leadership you have to be open and willing to do so. I experience and learn leadership through my various student organizations, classes and jobs:
My education on leadership didn't just start in college, but has been growing as I have grown. I have been informed about leadership my entire life from my parents, my family, teachers, coaches, bosses, and peers.
My leadership lens has been evolving my entire life. I am eager and excited to see where I venture next to continue to shape my lens.
Stay tuned....
As a leader, failure is what helps me grow in my organizations and life. Failing allows me to reevaluate my decisions and leadership in order to make better decisions about the future. Going along with not being afraid to fail, taking chances is HUGE when looking at leadership. Especially in the student org capacity, if you don't take chances, how will anything change? Change is important for leaders to keep evolving with time. Thirdly, a leader should look at the big picture. If a leader focuses on the little details, rather than the big picture, it will be difficult for them to delegate tasks for an organization to succeed.
I see/feel/experience/learn leadership in a multitude of ways.
Leadership is everywhere. I see and feel it in the classroom, in my student organizations, in my family, in my group of friends.
To experience and learn leadership you have to be open and willing to do so. I experience and learn leadership through my various student organizations, classes and jobs:
- Student Leadership Advocates
- Delta Sigma Pi
- OWL Program
- LeaderShape
- EDUPL 371
My education on leadership didn't just start in college, but has been growing as I have grown. I have been informed about leadership my entire life from my parents, my family, teachers, coaches, bosses, and peers.
My leadership lens has been evolving my entire life. I am eager and excited to see where I venture next to continue to shape my lens.
Stay tuned....
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