I cannot help but be honest when I say that the first two weeks that I sat in Physics Room 114 for CSR 309 were purely frustrating. I had no idea why I was wasting my time or allowing a non-existent professor dictate my ability to learn and my demeanor as a student. I questioned his motives, his credentials, and his ability to lead a class of around 300 students. I wondered how in the world he could still have a teaching career at a major university.
All of these feelings and attitudes quickly began to fade when Dr. Feinberg stepped in and truly took charge. He began testing us and pushing us. He made us think for ourselves and learn to exceed our own expectations of life as students. He scared us in a way that forced us to be independent and not run to someone else for the answers.
The videos and stories shared by Dr. Feinberg are so incredibly powerful to his students. I cannot count the number of times I felt a lump in my throat or tears burning my eyes from the things I witnessed or heard in this class. Never in my life have I met someone as motivating and inspiring as Dr. Feinberg. I’ve been to countless leadership conferences and participated in what seems to be an infinite number of leadership exercises, but I have never been deeply affected the way I have been from Dr. Feinberg. I have told everyone close to me what an amazing experience this has been, and encouraged all of my friends to take this “life-changing class.”
The principles of leadership that I have learned in this class, I have already put to use. I was the Vice President of Pledge Education this semester in my Business Fraternity. In previous semesters, we have had a major issue with the pledges not being professional and representing our Fraternity well. I decided to test out a few of Dr. Feinberg’s theories. Specifically, I did not give the pledges all of the answers up front. I made them work and contribute greatly to the organization before I expressed my personal care for them. I found out what motivated them and what mattered most to them in their lives. I figured out how they learn and what they wanted out of the Fraternity. And I made absolutely sure that they were rewarded for their individual and collective efforts and hard work.
I have utilized inspirational stories with the pledges and instilled in them the values of our organization. I have empowered them all with not only their own future, but the future of an organization I care immensely about and have spent three years developing into a top-notch business Fraternity. I have expressed to them my confidence in their abilities and my trust in them to carry on a 25-year legacy here at Purdue with our Chapter.
Although I have always been a passionate person, I have gone through what feels to be a life-renewal process over this past semester. It all stems from CSR 309. I take time out of my day to make others feel better. I tell everyone I care about how much they mean to me. I choose to “scoop the poop” rather than leave a pile which everyone else chooses to avoid. I no longer feel that external circumstances can keep me from achieving my goals. I surround myself with the people I love and I cut out those who bring me down. I ensure my peers, superiors, and constituents all understand my devotion to them and that I am a person they can trust to follow.
I found myself sitting in my seat after Dr. Feinberg’s last lecture on Wednesday. I did not want to leave. How do you say goodbye to a person and an experience that literally has changed your life for the better? Although I still wish I could sit in Dr. Feinberg’s lecture for another 5 years, I understand that I must learn from myself and others around me now. He has trained me to see leadership in everything, and I am inspired my even the simplest act of kindness. As soon as the last lecture ended, I drove to see my closest friends who happened to be playing a softball game. I had been crying pretty hard since leaving the lecture hall, but I felt an overwhelming need to hug all of them and tell them they meant the world to me. If I can show them even a glimpse of what I learned about life and leadership in this class, I am confident their lives will be forever changed as well.
The objective of this semester wrap-up was to discuss everything I learned from CSR 309 and Dr. Feinberg. Although I did not discuss very many principles here, I can assure everyone I learned an infinite amount of leadership techniques and strategies. I just find myself so emotionally moved that I enjoy discussing the personal relationships which are vital to being a great leader. If I tell my constituents why they should follow me, and I fight tooth and nail for them, my organization will be better off and everyone in it will be fulfilled.
All in all, I have grown immensely over the past semester, and I am forever grateful to Dr. Feinberg for that. There are several big events coming up in my life that will truly test my ability to put what I have learned into practice. I can’t wait to go out into the world with my new found passion and knowledge. I can’t wait to begin changing the lives of others. I can’t wait to hit the ground running full speed ahead. And I can’t wait to do my small part to change the world.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
04/12/09 Class
Today, I found myself at the beginning of my most stressful week of the semester. I knew I would not have a spare second to breathe due to the many projects, exams, presentations, and meetings I had. Like every college student toward the end of the semester, I had a beautiful plan laid out for this week several weeks ago, but everything still seems rushed and packed into my schedule tightly. So why is it that I'm not having a panic attack about everything I have to accomplish? Because I've learned over the past 3 months how to deal with stress like a true leader would.
When people rely on me to give my best effort and keep an organization in tact, I cannot appear stressed out or overwhelmed. I have to keep my cool for my constituents. I have learned from Dr. Feinberg that leaders must be a model for success. They must demonstrate professionalism, level-headedness, and poise. I am so incredibly happy with my demeanor these days as I have come to realize what is important in my life and everything else seems to be secondary. I do not feel the same stress levels I used to feel, and I am a much happier person in my current disposition. So, to all you college students who still think acing every single exam or assignment will make or break the rest of your life or career....chill out. Have some fun. Enjoy your family and friends. Take a breather. Have a drink (or whatever relaxes you). Watch a sunset. Talk to a long lost friend. Enjoy life's simple gifts. Then, you will see, people will naturally want to follow you.
When people rely on me to give my best effort and keep an organization in tact, I cannot appear stressed out or overwhelmed. I have to keep my cool for my constituents. I have learned from Dr. Feinberg that leaders must be a model for success. They must demonstrate professionalism, level-headedness, and poise. I am so incredibly happy with my demeanor these days as I have come to realize what is important in my life and everything else seems to be secondary. I do not feel the same stress levels I used to feel, and I am a much happier person in my current disposition. So, to all you college students who still think acing every single exam or assignment will make or break the rest of your life or career....chill out. Have some fun. Enjoy your family and friends. Take a breather. Have a drink (or whatever relaxes you). Watch a sunset. Talk to a long lost friend. Enjoy life's simple gifts. Then, you will see, people will naturally want to follow you.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
04/08/09 Class
Today's class was interesting for everyone because we studied the fundamental differences between men and women. In a society where women are earning a higher education, attaining upper-level managerial and leadership positions, and outperforming their male counterparts in some professions, it is important to understand and work with these differences. Although Professor Feinberg shed an entertaining light on the situation, he has taught us the serious nature of the gender inequality in the workplace.
Being a female in the business world, I still unfortunately hear about and experience first-hand negative perceptions of women in leadership positions. Some men continue to believe that women are incapable of surviving and thriving in business, and that often stems from their general attitude toward the female population. I hope that our society will continue to take strides in encouraging all races, ethnicities and genders to work toward greatness rather than discriminating against them. Our world will never make progress if we focus on the negative stigmas that should only live shamefully in the history books.
Being a female in the business world, I still unfortunately hear about and experience first-hand negative perceptions of women in leadership positions. Some men continue to believe that women are incapable of surviving and thriving in business, and that often stems from their general attitude toward the female population. I hope that our society will continue to take strides in encouraging all races, ethnicities and genders to work toward greatness rather than discriminating against them. Our world will never make progress if we focus on the negative stigmas that should only live shamefully in the history books.
04/06/09 Class
What is the breaking point of being an encouraging leader and knowing when to cut members from your organization? When does a leader realize he or she cannot possibly encourage a constituent anymore in a way that will produce results? I have been learning this lesson over the course of this semester, and I feel much more comfortable making the decision to either stick with one of my constituents or cut ties in the best interest of the organization.
Being a leader puts individuals in a position of scrutiny and criticism. If a person wants to take on a leadership position, he or she must understand that people will not always agree with, like, support, or appreciate his or her efforts; therefore, it is vitally important for leaders not to expect to always be the most popular person, but rather put himself or herself in the position to be respected for doing what is best for the collective whole.
Being a leader puts individuals in a position of scrutiny and criticism. If a person wants to take on a leadership position, he or she must understand that people will not always agree with, like, support, or appreciate his or her efforts; therefore, it is vitally important for leaders not to expect to always be the most popular person, but rather put himself or herself in the position to be respected for doing what is best for the collective whole.
Monday, April 6, 2009
04/01/09 Class
Three years ago today, I lost a very close friend of mine to a horrible and extremely rare disease. She was the mother of one of my best friends, and I grew up with her always around encouraging us at school functions, sports games, and social gatherings. Before her passing, the only other time I had to deal with the loss of a loved one was when I was 5 years old, and I was too young to understand what was going on then.
How can the loss of someone close to you teach you something about leadership? Because leadership is about first finding your inner self. It's about creating a satisfying and fulfilling life spiritually and emotionally before venturing out to impact the lives of others. No one can effectively encourage or inspire another person without first leading his or her own extraordinary life.
I miss my friend's mom dearly. I still find myself looking at a beautiful sunset and wondering what she's doing in Heaven. I still think of her warm smile and contagious laugh, and it brings my own face to a smile. I still ache for the family she left behind as the kids are starting to get married and do not have their mother at their weddings, children's births, or holidays. But I know that she is not suffering anymore and that God has instilled a strength in her and her family for them to be able to carry on from their experience. And despite my relentless efforts to be successful in school and in my career, I know that life is too short to be anything but happy. I know that my family and friends are the most important people in my life, and no matter how stressed I can be on some days, they keep me grounded and focused on the important things in a genuine perspective. I appreciate everyone around me and make sure they know it because I never know when God has a change of plans in mind.
How can the loss of someone close to you teach you something about leadership? Because leadership is about first finding your inner self. It's about creating a satisfying and fulfilling life spiritually and emotionally before venturing out to impact the lives of others. No one can effectively encourage or inspire another person without first leading his or her own extraordinary life.
I miss my friend's mom dearly. I still find myself looking at a beautiful sunset and wondering what she's doing in Heaven. I still think of her warm smile and contagious laugh, and it brings my own face to a smile. I still ache for the family she left behind as the kids are starting to get married and do not have their mother at their weddings, children's births, or holidays. But I know that she is not suffering anymore and that God has instilled a strength in her and her family for them to be able to carry on from their experience. And despite my relentless efforts to be successful in school and in my career, I know that life is too short to be anything but happy. I know that my family and friends are the most important people in my life, and no matter how stressed I can be on some days, they keep me grounded and focused on the important things in a genuine perspective. I appreciate everyone around me and make sure they know it because I never know when God has a change of plans in mind.
03/30/09 Class
Sometimes, leaders are tested. And sometimes, leaders are discouraged and put in uncomfortable positions as a result of those tests. I was tested yesterday and today. I made a decision as a leader in my business fraternity that had a significant impact on the members of the chapter as well as the pledges. I had to bring the chapter to vote one of the pledges out of the program due to lack of performance and participation. What came afterward, I had not expected, especially from the particular people in question.
One brother, who happened to be a friend of the pledge, completely abandoned me on my performance of officer responsibilities. He chose to fire back at me personally because his ego was a bit hurt from his friend not performing. Although I was simply trying to do my job and uphold the high standards people over 25 years at our chapter have worked toward, this member of the chapter chose to make things personal as an attempt to lick his wounds. I went through two days of shock and pain that this member turned his back on me and tried to blame me for doing what was in the best interest of the chapter and pledge class.
Being in leadership positions, I am continuing to learn that you cannot always please everyone. You will always be criticized and scrutinized because your every move is under a microscope. Although it is not a desirable position to be in, I am learning to deal with it a little better each time a difficult situation arises. Sometimes, you can't be the most popular person in the organization with your decisions, but as long as the integrity and betterment of the organization are the driving forces in the decisions, everyone will be stronger in the end.
One brother, who happened to be a friend of the pledge, completely abandoned me on my performance of officer responsibilities. He chose to fire back at me personally because his ego was a bit hurt from his friend not performing. Although I was simply trying to do my job and uphold the high standards people over 25 years at our chapter have worked toward, this member of the chapter chose to make things personal as an attempt to lick his wounds. I went through two days of shock and pain that this member turned his back on me and tried to blame me for doing what was in the best interest of the chapter and pledge class.
Being in leadership positions, I am continuing to learn that you cannot always please everyone. You will always be criticized and scrutinized because your every move is under a microscope. Although it is not a desirable position to be in, I am learning to deal with it a little better each time a difficult situation arises. Sometimes, you can't be the most popular person in the organization with your decisions, but as long as the integrity and betterment of the organization are the driving forces in the decisions, everyone will be stronger in the end.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
03/25/09 Class
How effective are peer and leadership reviews? Can they truly change the trajectory of an organization if necessary? What does a leader and her constituents have to do in order to make sure the right changes are implemented?
I was left with all of these questions after class today, and that makes me extremely nervous for the last two weeks of CSR 309. Each group met today in class, and the group leaders passed out two exercises to obtain feedback on our group's progress thus far in the semester. Although our leader listened to everyone's feedback and took notes, is it too late in the semester to effectively make changes? I feel that with only two weeks left in this class, the only people who will benefit will be students who take this class in future semesters rather than us. I have learned so much in this class about leadership, yet I feel that our group did not successfully demonstrate all of the principles we learned.
I have actually tried a number of leadership strategies I have learned in this class with a student organization I am an officer in, and the strategies have worked brilliantly. So why can't we make them work in our group within CSR 309? I am curious to see how the next two weeks develop our group and if we can all pull together in a way that Dr. Feinberg would be proud to recognize. If we don't, if we just stay in a place of mediocrity, then we have failed. Failed ourselves, our class, Dr. Feinberg, and Purdue. And I think we are capable of being extraordinary.
I was left with all of these questions after class today, and that makes me extremely nervous for the last two weeks of CSR 309. Each group met today in class, and the group leaders passed out two exercises to obtain feedback on our group's progress thus far in the semester. Although our leader listened to everyone's feedback and took notes, is it too late in the semester to effectively make changes? I feel that with only two weeks left in this class, the only people who will benefit will be students who take this class in future semesters rather than us. I have learned so much in this class about leadership, yet I feel that our group did not successfully demonstrate all of the principles we learned.
I have actually tried a number of leadership strategies I have learned in this class with a student organization I am an officer in, and the strategies have worked brilliantly. So why can't we make them work in our group within CSR 309? I am curious to see how the next two weeks develop our group and if we can all pull together in a way that Dr. Feinberg would be proud to recognize. If we don't, if we just stay in a place of mediocrity, then we have failed. Failed ourselves, our class, Dr. Feinberg, and Purdue. And I think we are capable of being extraordinary.
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