Well, according to StrengthsQuest, I possess the following strengths: Learner, Individualization, Intellection, Achiever, and Deliberative. I feel as if my group will agree when I say that I used my deliberative nature the most during the challenge. Basically, I think about EVERYTHING way too much. It's almost a handicap, really. I remember writing emails to send to companies and student organizations and I burned SO much time re-reading and re-reading, and yup, re-reading. I got some pretty good feedback from one teammate about how meticulous I was being, and how it was indeed slowing our progress. However, I learned to channel these painstaking tendencies towards good. I drafted template emails to distribute to various organizations and entities, and this allowed me to have more time to devote to other aspects of our initiative. Other manifestations of my deliberate nature were our group discussions, in which I would often sit back and listen, contemplating, and only speak up when I had something to say- well, most of the time. Sometimes, I wouldn't stop talking. :) Otherwise, I tried to focus on planning, but, you know what? Things don't always go your way. Preparation is key, but it's important to be both proactive and to react appropriately.
I would say Deliberation is one of my most commanding strengths since it's the most observable. Everyone and their mother is an Achiever in SOME form or fashion (we can debate this if you'd like). But deliberation, makes me different, so I have come to conclude. Basically, I do everything on purpose (well, most things), and I try to forsee the outcome of my decisions. This has stimulated my development and has augmented my perception. I like the sound of being "deliberate", instead of wandering. Not everyone lives his or her life this way, but it works for me. It works especially well in situations which demand a balance of spontaneity and order. Meetings always got the creative juices flowing, but sometimes we lose track of time and of ourselves, getting immersed in the land of possibilities and fantasy. That's my cue to be like "so what's the point?" or "what are we really trying to say/do?" Purpose is the key. It's much easier to get somewhere if you know where you're going. So, I try to make sure people keep their eyes on the prize. I would say this trait serves me well, because my opinion is sometimes solicited whenever groups sense that we are "wandering", and they ask me to help get back on track. It's kind of cool. Everyone, everything, and every act has a purpose, so I try to draw out the meaning and go with it. I think my team liked the fact that I didn't waste much effort. Everything had a purpose, despite the outcome.
All these leadership books keep telling us to make inventories of our strengths. That feels weird to me. I feel like other people are better at observing our strengths. Oh well. Let's see, what am I good at? I think I'm good at making people feel comfortable, even when I make them feel weird. Basically, since people sense that I'm okay with awkwardness, I can basically do anything I want and it works, because they know it's okay. Now, I have my boundaries and I have integrity, so let's not get carried away with the "anything" part. I have been known to say some pretty off-the-wall things in my day, but now I'm more comfortable and other people can sense that. I think I'm good at challenging people. Too often we become satisfied with progress and lose sight of potential. I always challenge people to be better- the same approach that I use for myself. However, I have downplayed this in recent times, since I can come across a little controversial and contentious at times.Hmm. I think I'm also good at calling things like they are. On a personal note, everyone says I'm too hard on myself, but I just call it like it is. IT IS WHAT IT IS. And no amount of self-persuasion or delusion will change that. Objectivity. There it is. Only thing is, logic directs my sails, and sometimes logic changes based on the day. So, that objectivity has a disclaimer.
Of the aforementioned skills, I would say that this challenge offers a unique opportunity for me to challenge people- the way they think, the way they act, and the way they are. Through our group discussions, we have dug up some issues that need to be addressed. I like challenging people to go beyond the obvious and to tap into the core of their being to discover the reasons they hold certain views on the world. Only then can we change; only then can we grow; and only then can we make a difference. Basically, if people are open to being challenged, then I'll do it. I'm not afraid to offend people ("I ain't scurred) for the sake of progress. Remember, everything needs to have a purpose.
I'm doing a lot of talking, and could definitely use some feedback. How do I like my feedback? Thanks for asking. I prefer mine well-done. No juiciness, or tenderness. Just gritty, tough, and to the point. Be prepared for me to get mad and to shrink into my little defensive shell. But just know that I weigh all opinions equally, at first, and will consider the feedback being offered. But, one of my favorite questions is Why, or should I say How So? I don't expect a whole, you suck because of this. No, no. If you take the time to understand the situation, then I will be more willing to accept and act upon criticism. Seek to understand, and then to be understood. -Mr. Covey
Well, that's all I got folks. I think I'm getting a better grasp of this whole blog thing. Stream of consciousness (which is probably why this blog is so long and why I'm still typing.) Anyways, be well.
Ernesto, out.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Big Kahuna
When I first heard that we would be planning a Leadership Conference, I was slightly disappointed since I thought we would be doing something that had never been done before. Then, my excitement began to build because we can make this conference into anything we want; it can be fun, informative, and stimulating. And, since we know what we like, it will be easier to provide invited students with a memorable and educational experience. I'm anxious to see what kind of ideas the group comes up with. I also wasn't sure how I felt about working with a group of 19 people, but then I realized that this is one of the real-world components since we will indeed have to collaborate with large groups of people for long periods of time in our careers.
The only things that I'm nervous about are losing momentum, inefficient communication, and skewed divisions or responsibilities. As usual, everyone seems excited about starting the planning of the conference and we had a successful first meeting, but I'm interested to see how long this enthusiasm lasts, especially when we are faced with exams, internships, research, and other activities. With such a large group, we will have to implement a robust and effective communication system so that everyone can stay informed without inundating everyone with slightly relevant information. I am confident that we have enough trained leaders in the group to fabricate or utilize a good system. I'm also curious to see how the division of responsibility will take place and how people will handle the different levels of duty. Hopefully, people will step into roles that allow them to perform at a level consistent with their strengths, opportunity areas, availability, and commitment.
I hope we continue to demonstrate our creativity and leadership by creating a conference that ACTUALLY makes a difference and conveys innovation. I hope we can actually appeal to the non-traditionally involved students so that they may too be better equipped with the skills to accelerate them in their careers and professions. I hope that everyone remains focused on the goals, maintains a purposeful and professional demeanor, and continues to stay respectful of others opinions and characteristics.
I plan to contribute as much as I can to the conference planning without compromising my academics and other activities. I hope to challenge myself and to improve my teamwork skills. I expect to help with the maintenance of order during meetings and to summon the creative energy that exists within each person. I expect that this challenge with increase our interactions with alumni and hopefully our influence and reputation on campus.
I think this challenge will call upon us to exhibit all of the 14 competencies in some capacity, since over the course of the year, situations will undoubtedly emerge that will call upon us to either display or improve our skills in the established competencies.
Until next time, adios.
The only things that I'm nervous about are losing momentum, inefficient communication, and skewed divisions or responsibilities. As usual, everyone seems excited about starting the planning of the conference and we had a successful first meeting, but I'm interested to see how long this enthusiasm lasts, especially when we are faced with exams, internships, research, and other activities. With such a large group, we will have to implement a robust and effective communication system so that everyone can stay informed without inundating everyone with slightly relevant information. I am confident that we have enough trained leaders in the group to fabricate or utilize a good system. I'm also curious to see how the division of responsibility will take place and how people will handle the different levels of duty. Hopefully, people will step into roles that allow them to perform at a level consistent with their strengths, opportunity areas, availability, and commitment.
I hope we continue to demonstrate our creativity and leadership by creating a conference that ACTUALLY makes a difference and conveys innovation. I hope we can actually appeal to the non-traditionally involved students so that they may too be better equipped with the skills to accelerate them in their careers and professions. I hope that everyone remains focused on the goals, maintains a purposeful and professional demeanor, and continues to stay respectful of others opinions and characteristics.
I plan to contribute as much as I can to the conference planning without compromising my academics and other activities. I hope to challenge myself and to improve my teamwork skills. I expect to help with the maintenance of order during meetings and to summon the creative energy that exists within each person. I expect that this challenge with increase our interactions with alumni and hopefully our influence and reputation on campus.
I think this challenge will call upon us to exhibit all of the 14 competencies in some capacity, since over the course of the year, situations will undoubtedly emerge that will call upon us to either display or improve our skills in the established competencies.
Until next time, adios.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
New Goal
Goal 4: Figure out how to publish BLF blog instead of saving as a draft. Ugh. I guess mistakes are meant to be made at least once...
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
A Step in the Right Direction
My time spent with the Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program has truly been a blessing. From the numerous learning experiences to the fun memories to the immense insight gained, this has truly been a remarkable experience thus far. I initially had no idea what to expect of this program- and I'm glad I didn't. I was able to enter the quarter and accept the challenges with an open-mind and enthusiasm. One of the things that I most appreciate about the program is that I have been taken out of my comfort zone on several occasions and forced to act. These have been great exercises for me and have shown me new behaviors, thoughts, and aspects of myself.
I also had the privilege of delving into the core of my being by working with other talented, driven, and creative leaders. I was truly humbled not only by being accepted into the program but also by working alongside some of the best and the brightest that Ohio State has to offer.Working with these students taught me a lot about team dynamics and division of responsibility. Initially, we ran into issues with communication in that we would overwhelm each other with emails, since we wanted to keep everyone abreast of our efforts and to solicit feedback. This inundation of information caused us to miss key information. To alleviate this issue, we attempted to do daily updates, but this quickly fell through due to the laborious nature of the task. Eventually, we divided responsibilities and this improved our communication since we would only need to contact others individually if his or her duties merged with those of a teammate. Thus, we had excessive communication at first, but this was quickly improved and our correspondences become much more efficient.
I am pleased that my group began the challenge by forming a vision not only for our tangible goals but also for what we hoped to gain from the experience, as well as the change we hoped to bring to the campus and to the lives of those cancer patients that our efforts would help. The nature of the challenge as well as the gifts and opportunities that we received empowered me and motivated me to put forth my best effort.I look forward to making a greater impact on the campus by paying it forward.
Going into the new quarter, my goals are focused on improving time management, balance and focus:
1. Set Goals- My performance increases dramatically when I set and achieve small and manageable goals for myself. These can be as small as making my bed everyday, and as large as discovering my purpose in life. My main goal for the quarter is to achieve a 4.0, without detracting from performance in other endeavors.
2. No Excuses- My main slogan for this quarter is to decrease the amount of excuses that I make for myself. I had long periods of reflection over the break and recognized that I am performing below my potential. My goal is to discover what it means to do my best. I fully expect to see drastic increases in my academic, extracurricular, social, financial, and personal aspirations.
3. Develop Network- One goal that I have for my involvement with the Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program is to improve my networking skills and to expand my professional network. I look forward to making my interactions with others more meaningful and to establishing relationships with mentors and professionals.
I am looking forward to a challenging and rewarding Winter Quarter!
I also had the privilege of delving into the core of my being by working with other talented, driven, and creative leaders. I was truly humbled not only by being accepted into the program but also by working alongside some of the best and the brightest that Ohio State has to offer.Working with these students taught me a lot about team dynamics and division of responsibility. Initially, we ran into issues with communication in that we would overwhelm each other with emails, since we wanted to keep everyone abreast of our efforts and to solicit feedback. This inundation of information caused us to miss key information. To alleviate this issue, we attempted to do daily updates, but this quickly fell through due to the laborious nature of the task. Eventually, we divided responsibilities and this improved our communication since we would only need to contact others individually if his or her duties merged with those of a teammate. Thus, we had excessive communication at first, but this was quickly improved and our correspondences become much more efficient.
I am pleased that my group began the challenge by forming a vision not only for our tangible goals but also for what we hoped to gain from the experience, as well as the change we hoped to bring to the campus and to the lives of those cancer patients that our efforts would help. The nature of the challenge as well as the gifts and opportunities that we received empowered me and motivated me to put forth my best effort.I look forward to making a greater impact on the campus by paying it forward.
Going into the new quarter, my goals are focused on improving time management, balance and focus:
1. Set Goals- My performance increases dramatically when I set and achieve small and manageable goals for myself. These can be as small as making my bed everyday, and as large as discovering my purpose in life. My main goal for the quarter is to achieve a 4.0, without detracting from performance in other endeavors.
2. No Excuses- My main slogan for this quarter is to decrease the amount of excuses that I make for myself. I had long periods of reflection over the break and recognized that I am performing below my potential. My goal is to discover what it means to do my best. I fully expect to see drastic increases in my academic, extracurricular, social, financial, and personal aspirations.
3. Develop Network- One goal that I have for my involvement with the Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program is to improve my networking skills and to expand my professional network. I look forward to making my interactions with others more meaningful and to establishing relationships with mentors and professionals.
I am looking forward to a challenging and rewarding Winter Quarter!
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