Lesson 15.2/Travel log/December 15, 2017
This is the end, which is really the beginning. I keep going back to a quote from the materials this week-
Ralph Waldo Emerson once asked what we would do if the stars only came out once every thousand years. No one would sleep that night, of course. The world would become religious overnight. We would be ecstatic, delirious, made rapturous by the glory of God. Instead the stars come out every night, and we watch television.
I’ve tried to remember lately that we have one shot at this. One shot at this life. One shot at this planet. Why not make every single moment count? I have learned a lot this semester. I went back to my beginning posts where I promised myself I would move forward and step outside of my comfort zone, and I’m happy to say I feel that I have succeeded. I put my all into this. I put myself out there and really tried to dig deep and take an honest look at myself. Like I said earlier in the semester, I truly believe that to be a successful leader, you have to be able to give people the absolute best version of you. I’m worthless to others if I can’t help myself. If I don’t have the courage to chase my own dreams, how can I help someone else chase theirs?
There are many places I would like to visit in the future, but three really stand out on my bucket list. The first is Alaska. I’ve always envisioned Alaska as this pure, fresh, amazingly beautiful place. I think it would be valuable to visit at a time I feel like I need to reconnect to myself. Something about being in nature and out of the chaos of city life always screams rejuvenate. It’s also by the ocean, and that always feels like home to me.
The second is Bali. To me Bali represents a soul searching, go all by yourself, get outta here kind of place. I think spirituality and reflection. Plus, I have heard it is amazingly beautiful and serene, which is always welcome in my life.
The third is South Africa. I think it is the history of South Africa that draws me to it. I would love to be submerged in the culture and experience learning about the important history the country has to offer.
My creative leadership ideal is a role in which I am part of something I am passionate about. I want to work around people that bring out the best in me and vice versa. I want open communication and driven and hardworking teammates, but ones that also balance fun into their lives. I want to feel like I am appreciated by both those above and below me. I want the people I work with to know that I appreciate them. I want to practice alternative methods of communicating and leadership- for example- implementing Socratic sessions within my group. I want to take all I have learned about myself as a person and all I have learned about myself as a leader, and put my heart into something that matters to me; and I couldn’t be more excited to do it!
-Brenna
Lesson 14.3/Travel log/December 13, 2017
This has been an amazing journey. As I sit outside in the cold, crisp air, I can’t help but think about where I was just a few short months ago. I think about the seasons and how every winter the world around me appears on hold. Animals disappear, the leaves fall; the grass becomes covered in snow- everything is in recharge mode. I feel like this course has recharged me. I feel like it has been my winter. My time to reflect on myself, on my past and contemplate how it is I want to spend my future.
I have gathered the necessary tools now to continue on. I am ready for spring. I am ready for life. I am ready for change. I am ready to blossom. Like the seasons, we are given a new opportunity every single sunrise. You had a bad day? Learn from it, leave it behind you and prepare for tomorrow. Nature has this whole thing figured out. When grass gets walked upon, pressed deep into the soil, it doesn’t die. Instead it has figured out how to rebound and stand tall once again. Birds have determined how much more efficient it is to fly in a flock- trading leadership roles and taking care of one another. I’m ready to take all the valuable lessons I have learned thus far and put them into action. I am ready to continue on my journey into the unknown.
Lesson 13.2/Travel log/December 1, 2017
This lesson included the following visualization:
It is 3 years from today. You’re in bed and it’s almost dawn. You are just beginning to hear the birds starting to sing, and it makes you smile. You’re incredibly comfortable lying there, but you are also very excited about the day ahead and decide pop up before the alarm goes off. You are thinking about how much has happened since you finished your SDO program and (or) took that Creative Leadership course – so much more than you ever imagined would have happened. You are particularly pleased because you know, deep inside, that all this has happened because of your unique and devoted creative leadership efforts. You’re excited today because you’ve been waiting eagerly for an announcement that you know is going to come in your email today. So, even before you make coffee, you scamper over to your laptop, open your email, and there it is – the announcement you’ve been waiting for. What does it say?
It is difficult for me to say exactly what it is I want to do let alone where I see myself in three years. However, when I sat and contemplated the dialogue of this exercise, I envisioned myself as a sustainability consultant striving to make a difference in the world around me. I thought of the first deal I would get, the first company willing to take a chance on me, the first chance for me to show people what I am capable of; and imagined receiving that news below.
Brenna,
I can’t express how excited we would be to work with you. I appreciate all of your suggestions and honest critique of our business. Before our discussion, we knew we had to make some changes, but had no idea how to go about doing so. I was really impressed with your knowledge and enthusiasm of sustainability. I think the future of our business will be brighter because of your additions. I look forward to going on this journey with you and can’t wait to see the changes in action.
Regards
This lesson included the following visualization:
It is 3 years from today. You’re in bed and it’s almost dawn. You are just beginning to hear the birds starting to sing, and it makes you smile. You’re incredibly comfortable lying there, but you are also very excited about the day ahead and decide pop up before the alarm goes off. You are thinking about how much has happened since you finished your SDO program and (or) took that Creative Leadership course – so much more than you ever imagined would have happened. You are particularly pleased because you know, deep inside, that all this has happened because of your unique and devoted creative leadership efforts. You’re excited today because you’ve been waiting eagerly for an announcement that you know is going to come in your email today. So, even before you make coffee, you scamper over to your laptop, open your email, and there it is – the announcement you’ve been waiting for. What does it say?
It is difficult for me to say exactly what it is I want to do let alone where I see myself in three years. However, when I sat and contemplated the dialogue of this exercise, I envisioned myself as a sustainability consultant striving to make a difference in the world around me. I thought of the first deal I would get, the first company willing to take a chance on me, the first chance for me to show people what I am capable of; and imagined receiving that news below.
Brenna,
I can’t express how excited we would be to work with you. I appreciate all of your suggestions and honest critique of our business. Before our discussion, we knew we had to make some changes, but had no idea how to go about doing so. I was really impressed with your knowledge and enthusiasm of sustainability. I think the future of our business will be brighter because of your additions. I look forward to going on this journey with you and can’t wait to see the changes in action.
Regards
Lesson 12.1/Travel log/November 18, 2017
What an experience! I held my Socratic Session at a local coffee shop with friends and co-workers. I wanted to mix up the people that were there a bit because my work people are very different from my personal ones. There were ten of us there, and our ages ranged from early twenties to late forties. There was an equal mix of genders present as well as a variety of professions.
The coffee shop we met at was quiet and intimate. There was soft music playing, comfortable couches and the strong aroma of freshly ground beans. This environment allowed us to feel as though we were the only ones there. That it was our space- despite the numerous patrons passing in and out.
The question I chose to start with was “What is the perfect job?” Seeing as we are all on different career paths, I was hoping this question would look much deeper into a job than just the title. It was amazing the discussion that followed.
Never once did anyone mention a specific job- being a doctor or a dentist or a creative director- but instead all the questions and dialogue that occurred focused on the qualities of a job, the benefits of a company, the happiness and fulfillment you feel, the acknowledgement received and the self-discovery and completeness felt.
I was amazed by this experience. What an amazing way to have an honest and meaningful discussion. There were a few times when it seemed like we got caught up on one particular topic, debating the real importance of it to us individually, but these moments only added to the experience. I went into this experience expecting particular people to be super involved and opinionated but was pleasantly surprised. Everyone was excited to participate and I think felt comfortable talking. It was interesting how this method works to reveal discussion without introducing fear or judgement. Facilitating a discussion in this manner creates an atmosphere where even quiet people feel comfortable participating. I am anxious to use the Socratic Method again.
What an experience! I held my Socratic Session at a local coffee shop with friends and co-workers. I wanted to mix up the people that were there a bit because my work people are very different from my personal ones. There were ten of us there, and our ages ranged from early twenties to late forties. There was an equal mix of genders present as well as a variety of professions.
The coffee shop we met at was quiet and intimate. There was soft music playing, comfortable couches and the strong aroma of freshly ground beans. This environment allowed us to feel as though we were the only ones there. That it was our space- despite the numerous patrons passing in and out.
The question I chose to start with was “What is the perfect job?” Seeing as we are all on different career paths, I was hoping this question would look much deeper into a job than just the title. It was amazing the discussion that followed.
Never once did anyone mention a specific job- being a doctor or a dentist or a creative director- but instead all the questions and dialogue that occurred focused on the qualities of a job, the benefits of a company, the happiness and fulfillment you feel, the acknowledgement received and the self-discovery and completeness felt.
I was amazed by this experience. What an amazing way to have an honest and meaningful discussion. There were a few times when it seemed like we got caught up on one particular topic, debating the real importance of it to us individually, but these moments only added to the experience. I went into this experience expecting particular people to be super involved and opinionated but was pleasantly surprised. Everyone was excited to participate and I think felt comfortable talking. It was interesting how this method works to reveal discussion without introducing fear or judgement. Facilitating a discussion in this manner creates an atmosphere where even quiet people feel comfortable participating. I am anxious to use the Socratic Method again.
Lesson 11.4/Travel log/November 11, 2017
It was interesting this week to see first-hand how people perceive certain “labels” and attitudes that you portray. It definitely made me more aware of how much my individual traits and qualities can affect a group. My behavior and my personality traits or “labels” directly affect how someone reacts to me and my actions. I was never aware just how noticeable certain things are to others, and how much changing them can alter their behavior. It was so interesting to step outside my norm and definitely made others do the same. I feel like we get in a routine with others, and when some different label is thrown in the mix, it really stirs things up. I think being aware of this and the control you can have over a situation solely based on your actions is very important. When being a leader, it is important that we are able to connect to a variety of personality types. Altering our labels to connect with them is sometimes necessary.
It was interesting this week to see first-hand how people perceive certain “labels” and attitudes that you portray. It definitely made me more aware of how much my individual traits and qualities can affect a group. My behavior and my personality traits or “labels” directly affect how someone reacts to me and my actions. I was never aware just how noticeable certain things are to others, and how much changing them can alter their behavior. It was so interesting to step outside my norm and definitely made others do the same. I feel like we get in a routine with others, and when some different label is thrown in the mix, it really stirs things up. I think being aware of this and the control you can have over a situation solely based on your actions is very important. When being a leader, it is important that we are able to connect to a variety of personality types. Altering our labels to connect with them is sometimes necessary.
Lesson 10.2/Travel log/November 4, 2017
Dearest Brenna,
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It is critical to remember that success in any aspect of life doesn’t come without failure. Recognizing that you are putting your heart into your work and searching for the best absolute version of yourself is just the beginning. You aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s OK.
It is apparent that the person you are becoming and the leader you hope to one day be has been shaped by your past. Some of the most valuable lessons we learn in life are taught by our experiences. We also have to ability to influence others on their journey. Remember this when you are welcomed into someone else’s life. People are mold-able beings. Our surroundings and those close to us are some of the biggest influences we will encounter along our way.
Be inspired. Inspire others. When you fall, get back up. Know what you are going after but remember that it is ok wander off course. You cannot plan everything. Most importantly, be the best you can be and allow others to see your transparency and your heart. I believe all true leaders put themselves on the line for the good of the cause. Risk it all.
Along the way, take what others give you. Work with them. Learn from them. Teach them. Work for them, but most importantly, work with them. A leader doesn’t have to be someone wiser, better or smarter than others. A leader is someone that has the courage to stand for others. To fight for the pack.
You’ve come a long way already. You’ve become aware of what it is you believe a leader to be, and what it is you want to see in yourself as a leader. Don’t lose sight of where you’ve come from. Remember to always stay humble and always stay true to you. Be determined to succeed. There are no limits other than the ones you set for yourself. People will be drawn to your inspiration and heart, so don’t forget someone is always watching you. Bring people together. Be the reason someone has the courage to stand up.
Most importantly, follow your dreams.
Truly yours,
Brenna
Dearest Brenna,
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It is critical to remember that success in any aspect of life doesn’t come without failure. Recognizing that you are putting your heart into your work and searching for the best absolute version of yourself is just the beginning. You aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s OK.
It is apparent that the person you are becoming and the leader you hope to one day be has been shaped by your past. Some of the most valuable lessons we learn in life are taught by our experiences. We also have to ability to influence others on their journey. Remember this when you are welcomed into someone else’s life. People are mold-able beings. Our surroundings and those close to us are some of the biggest influences we will encounter along our way.
Be inspired. Inspire others. When you fall, get back up. Know what you are going after but remember that it is ok wander off course. You cannot plan everything. Most importantly, be the best you can be and allow others to see your transparency and your heart. I believe all true leaders put themselves on the line for the good of the cause. Risk it all.
Along the way, take what others give you. Work with them. Learn from them. Teach them. Work for them, but most importantly, work with them. A leader doesn’t have to be someone wiser, better or smarter than others. A leader is someone that has the courage to stand for others. To fight for the pack.
You’ve come a long way already. You’ve become aware of what it is you believe a leader to be, and what it is you want to see in yourself as a leader. Don’t lose sight of where you’ve come from. Remember to always stay humble and always stay true to you. Be determined to succeed. There are no limits other than the ones you set for yourself. People will be drawn to your inspiration and heart, so don’t forget someone is always watching you. Bring people together. Be the reason someone has the courage to stand up.
Most importantly, follow your dreams.
Truly yours,
Brenna
Lesson 8.3/Travel log/October 22, 2017
Today was a perfect fall day to be outside taking in my surroundings. The air was crisp, the wind was strong and the leaves on the trees were the most vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. This was a much needed break for me. To just sit in silence and allow myself to reflect was a beautiful thing. For some reason fall weather always makes me think of crisp and fresh. I think of what nature is going through, preparing for the long winter ahead, and anticipating a cold and bleak world. It is so amazing to me that plants and animals are capable of reading their environment and adapting in a way which they can survive through such drastic climate changes. There are so many instances in life where people could learn from nature- when to retreat, when to flourish.
I also reflected on some of the leadership qualities we have been looking at. I am trying really hard to put myself out there and accept and expect failure- which is way out of my comfort zone. Maybe this session was a bit of a mental pep-talk to myself, but I really tried to reach deep and bring out the courage to just be me and have the confidence that I am capable. It's all a process...
Today was a perfect fall day to be outside taking in my surroundings. The air was crisp, the wind was strong and the leaves on the trees were the most vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. This was a much needed break for me. To just sit in silence and allow myself to reflect was a beautiful thing. For some reason fall weather always makes me think of crisp and fresh. I think of what nature is going through, preparing for the long winter ahead, and anticipating a cold and bleak world. It is so amazing to me that plants and animals are capable of reading their environment and adapting in a way which they can survive through such drastic climate changes. There are so many instances in life where people could learn from nature- when to retreat, when to flourish.
I also reflected on some of the leadership qualities we have been looking at. I am trying really hard to put myself out there and accept and expect failure- which is way out of my comfort zone. Maybe this session was a bit of a mental pep-talk to myself, but I really tried to reach deep and bring out the courage to just be me and have the confidence that I am capable. It's all a process...
Lesson 7.3/Travel log/October 14, 2017
There are many important factors in being a successful creative leader. I read a blog post this week that talked about the success of creative individuals being driven by their ability to fail and accept failure. When people fear failure, they don't take risks. Risks are necessary to be creative. I may have ten ideas, all ten ideas are worth exploring, and all ten could end up failing. But without risking the chance of failure, I will never know. I think being open to failure and being able to be influenced by that failure is imperative to success as a creative leader. I don't see grand ideas coming about without risk. I don't see some of the most successful creative businesses creating their masterpieces without first creating duds. Success in my role as a creative leader depends on my ability to accept this, and more importantly, expect this.
I also appreciate my ability to collaborate and my ability to be influenced. Closed-minded individuals have no place in a creative leadership role. The most amazing ideas are formed by working with a team of other creative individuals and collaborating with internal and external work partners. I enjoy being social and that has helped shape my desire to work as a team and my ability to collaborate well with others as well as being influenced by others. Sometimes people have ideas that aren't exactly what you were thinking, but allowing their ideas in can create a far better outcome than a single idea alone.
Being inspired is also important to my creative leadership success. A lot of my inspiration comes from searching within myself. I am an introvert, and although I work well with others, I enjoy my time alone. In order to be a successful leader for others, I must first be the best version of me I can be. I'm not unrealistic, and I am well aware this is a life-long process, but at any given moment, I would like to be in a good place so I can be the best leader I can be.
There are many important factors in being a successful creative leader. I read a blog post this week that talked about the success of creative individuals being driven by their ability to fail and accept failure. When people fear failure, they don't take risks. Risks are necessary to be creative. I may have ten ideas, all ten ideas are worth exploring, and all ten could end up failing. But without risking the chance of failure, I will never know. I think being open to failure and being able to be influenced by that failure is imperative to success as a creative leader. I don't see grand ideas coming about without risk. I don't see some of the most successful creative businesses creating their masterpieces without first creating duds. Success in my role as a creative leader depends on my ability to accept this, and more importantly, expect this.
I also appreciate my ability to collaborate and my ability to be influenced. Closed-minded individuals have no place in a creative leadership role. The most amazing ideas are formed by working with a team of other creative individuals and collaborating with internal and external work partners. I enjoy being social and that has helped shape my desire to work as a team and my ability to collaborate well with others as well as being influenced by others. Sometimes people have ideas that aren't exactly what you were thinking, but allowing their ideas in can create a far better outcome than a single idea alone.
Being inspired is also important to my creative leadership success. A lot of my inspiration comes from searching within myself. I am an introvert, and although I work well with others, I enjoy my time alone. In order to be a successful leader for others, I must first be the best version of me I can be. I'm not unrealistic, and I am well aware this is a life-long process, but at any given moment, I would like to be in a good place so I can be the best leader I can be.
Lesson 4.1/Travel log/September 22, 2017
This week seemed to hit close to home. I am a dreamer. I have always been a dreamer and have always been someone who thinks up a million ideas of projects to do, starts most of them, and fails to complete all but a couple. I am most definitely an impulsive person. I come up with something that I think is a great idea and I’m so excited about it I skip the whole planning stage and implement something that doesn’t end up amounting to much. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I am very unorganized. I have a lot going on in my life. I’m a single mom of two kids that works full time and goes to school. Planning ahead hasn’t been a part of my life for quite some time. After reading through sections of Making Ideas Happen and watching the videos, I see now just how important planning and the entire process of an idea- from birth to execution to finalization- really is.
I consider myself an introvert. Growing up I was always the kid in class that knew the answers to questions or had a great discussion topic, but was too timid to raise my hand to participate. Something about the fear of being wrong or sounding silly deterred me from sharing myself with others. As I’ve matured and grown up, I have come out of my shell but still hold onto a little bit of fear in the back of my mind.
I think if I were able to better plan out my ideas and a course of action to execute them I would feel more confident in them. Professionally I have grown into a wonderful leader, but my current position in the legal field doesn’t allow for much creativity. My ideas are often guided by requests for action or change and with that I come up with a plan. I am excited to learn better skills to plan out execution of my own ideas and thoughts.
I plan to start in my personal life. I feel like that is the biggest area where I can make changes, and with those changes, will come the confidence and skills to implement them into my professional life. I would like to start with the notebook idea. At the start of the day I will write out all the things I would like to see happen- both sooner and later- and prioritize them by importance. Everything from grocery shopping and cleaning to jewelry making and painting. I think this will make a huge difference in my life. When I have ten minutes to myself where my mind is racing and I waste the time trying to think of what I should do, I can open up my notebook and pick an action item. I also think writing down these ideas and such will allow me to control the chaos in my life. The saying there aren’t enough hours in the day could not hold more true. I am looking forward to better organizing the things I want to get done and effectively using my energy to turn those ideas into actions. Once I have mastered the whole keeping track and planning out my ideas, I will be more confident finding the community to really get some great ideas accomplished.
-Brenna
This week seemed to hit close to home. I am a dreamer. I have always been a dreamer and have always been someone who thinks up a million ideas of projects to do, starts most of them, and fails to complete all but a couple. I am most definitely an impulsive person. I come up with something that I think is a great idea and I’m so excited about it I skip the whole planning stage and implement something that doesn’t end up amounting to much. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I am very unorganized. I have a lot going on in my life. I’m a single mom of two kids that works full time and goes to school. Planning ahead hasn’t been a part of my life for quite some time. After reading through sections of Making Ideas Happen and watching the videos, I see now just how important planning and the entire process of an idea- from birth to execution to finalization- really is.
I consider myself an introvert. Growing up I was always the kid in class that knew the answers to questions or had a great discussion topic, but was too timid to raise my hand to participate. Something about the fear of being wrong or sounding silly deterred me from sharing myself with others. As I’ve matured and grown up, I have come out of my shell but still hold onto a little bit of fear in the back of my mind.
I think if I were able to better plan out my ideas and a course of action to execute them I would feel more confident in them. Professionally I have grown into a wonderful leader, but my current position in the legal field doesn’t allow for much creativity. My ideas are often guided by requests for action or change and with that I come up with a plan. I am excited to learn better skills to plan out execution of my own ideas and thoughts.
I plan to start in my personal life. I feel like that is the biggest area where I can make changes, and with those changes, will come the confidence and skills to implement them into my professional life. I would like to start with the notebook idea. At the start of the day I will write out all the things I would like to see happen- both sooner and later- and prioritize them by importance. Everything from grocery shopping and cleaning to jewelry making and painting. I think this will make a huge difference in my life. When I have ten minutes to myself where my mind is racing and I waste the time trying to think of what I should do, I can open up my notebook and pick an action item. I also think writing down these ideas and such will allow me to control the chaos in my life. The saying there aren’t enough hours in the day could not hold more true. I am looking forward to better organizing the things I want to get done and effectively using my energy to turn those ideas into actions. Once I have mastered the whole keeping track and planning out my ideas, I will be more confident finding the community to really get some great ideas accomplished.
-Brenna
Lesson 3.3/Travel log/September 17, 2017
This week has been very interesting learning about leadership systems in nature and thinking about ways humans could learn from them. It's amazing to me to think about how some natural systems organize themselves so successfully and humans struggle so much. Schools of thousands of tiny fish have figured out how to move in such a graceful way as one single object. Prides of lions have discovered, that although they may end up sharing with more mouths, sticking together in a group allows for them to take down larger prey and have a better meal. Flocks of geese have realized that by flying in a V formation, rotating leadership at the front, they can save energy and cover more ground. Animals and elements in nature have it figured out. They can adapt and change when necessary. They can collaborate and work together because they have experienced what happens when they don't. I'm a little discouraged why people can't get on the same page. Why is it that we bring each other down? Why do we feel it necessary to compete with our neighbors? With our friends? I think the biggest realization I had this week was that it's possible. It's possible for people to work together, with a leader or without. In certain instances it is beneficial to have a single leader, in some it isn't. A leader doesn't have to be a dictator. They don't have to be someone that rules and reigns over others. They should be someone that joins people that are all working towards the same goal and inspire them to continue on.
-Brenna
This week has been very interesting learning about leadership systems in nature and thinking about ways humans could learn from them. It's amazing to me to think about how some natural systems organize themselves so successfully and humans struggle so much. Schools of thousands of tiny fish have figured out how to move in such a graceful way as one single object. Prides of lions have discovered, that although they may end up sharing with more mouths, sticking together in a group allows for them to take down larger prey and have a better meal. Flocks of geese have realized that by flying in a V formation, rotating leadership at the front, they can save energy and cover more ground. Animals and elements in nature have it figured out. They can adapt and change when necessary. They can collaborate and work together because they have experienced what happens when they don't. I'm a little discouraged why people can't get on the same page. Why is it that we bring each other down? Why do we feel it necessary to compete with our neighbors? With our friends? I think the biggest realization I had this week was that it's possible. It's possible for people to work together, with a leader or without. In certain instances it is beneficial to have a single leader, in some it isn't. A leader doesn't have to be a dictator. They don't have to be someone that rules and reigns over others. They should be someone that joins people that are all working towards the same goal and inspire them to continue on.
-Brenna
Lesson 2.3/Travel log/September 9, 2017
Watching all of the videos this week has really opened my eyes to the different views and styles of leaders. It is surprising to see the changes historically. I have to say that I am not a fan of the leaders that take advantage of a group of people. I don't want to say vulnerable people, but maybe those that aren't as educated or those that need the leader (whether for financial support or protection). In my opinion, those type of people aren't leaders, but bullies. They take advantage of their position and although they may accomplish their goals, they do so corruptly.
I am really drawn to the quality of leaders that are really trying to accomplish something great for people. They are kind and have good intentions. They may have to overcome challenges, but they don't walk all over others to do that. They are peaceful about their journey and stay focused and determined.
This week has also made me realize the leadership role I have played. I'm currently the most senior employee in my office. I have been responsible for training everyone that is there and now see how important my role really is. I pride myself on the fact that I have formed some amazing relationships with the people I work with. I always try to be someone that is easy to approach and effective at constructively criticizing. I am excited to relate what I have learned this week into my professional and personal life.
-Brenna
Watching all of the videos this week has really opened my eyes to the different views and styles of leaders. It is surprising to see the changes historically. I have to say that I am not a fan of the leaders that take advantage of a group of people. I don't want to say vulnerable people, but maybe those that aren't as educated or those that need the leader (whether for financial support or protection). In my opinion, those type of people aren't leaders, but bullies. They take advantage of their position and although they may accomplish their goals, they do so corruptly.
I am really drawn to the quality of leaders that are really trying to accomplish something great for people. They are kind and have good intentions. They may have to overcome challenges, but they don't walk all over others to do that. They are peaceful about their journey and stay focused and determined.
This week has also made me realize the leadership role I have played. I'm currently the most senior employee in my office. I have been responsible for training everyone that is there and now see how important my role really is. I pride myself on the fact that I have formed some amazing relationships with the people I work with. I always try to be someone that is easy to approach and effective at constructively criticizing. I am excited to relate what I have learned this week into my professional and personal life.
-Brenna
Lesson 1.3B/Travel Log/September 3, 2017
The past year of my life has without a doubt been the hardest year yet. I have dealt with constant change in my workplace, family health issues and gone through a divorce. I am ready to get my life back and chase my dreams. I think my resilience to life is admirable. There have been so many things that could have kept me down, but I failed to let them. I am thankful for everyone that has encouraged me and has stood by my side supporting me throughout.
I am a naturally quiet person. I tend to keep to myself and observe what is going on around me. I have many opinions, but keep them to myself unless they can be helpful or beneficial to others. I try not to be judgmental and pride myself on being inclusive of pretty much anyone. With that being said, I definitely need to work on feeling confident in my choices and my capabilities. I need to learn all that I can, including being open and willing to learn from others. I need to put myself out there and keep an open mind to all the possibilities that I am presented with. Accepting others’ differences will only make me a stronger leader. Being driven and eager to succeed is in my heart. I am excited to learn about creative leadership for this reason.
This is a huge time in my life. Professionally, I am preparing to leave the only career I have ever known. I have built some amazing relationships with people that have helped shaped the person I am. I have grown into a confident leader that is trusted by my peers and colleagues. But it is time for me to step outside my comfort zone and begin to live the life I have always dreamed of. I am so ready for change and to take control of my destiny. I am fully prepared to hit obstacles and road blocks, but if there is anything I have learned in my life, it’s that I can overcome absolutely anything. There is literally nothing standing in my way and I’m going for it.
-Brenna
The past year of my life has without a doubt been the hardest year yet. I have dealt with constant change in my workplace, family health issues and gone through a divorce. I am ready to get my life back and chase my dreams. I think my resilience to life is admirable. There have been so many things that could have kept me down, but I failed to let them. I am thankful for everyone that has encouraged me and has stood by my side supporting me throughout.
I am a naturally quiet person. I tend to keep to myself and observe what is going on around me. I have many opinions, but keep them to myself unless they can be helpful or beneficial to others. I try not to be judgmental and pride myself on being inclusive of pretty much anyone. With that being said, I definitely need to work on feeling confident in my choices and my capabilities. I need to learn all that I can, including being open and willing to learn from others. I need to put myself out there and keep an open mind to all the possibilities that I am presented with. Accepting others’ differences will only make me a stronger leader. Being driven and eager to succeed is in my heart. I am excited to learn about creative leadership for this reason.
This is a huge time in my life. Professionally, I am preparing to leave the only career I have ever known. I have built some amazing relationships with people that have helped shaped the person I am. I have grown into a confident leader that is trusted by my peers and colleagues. But it is time for me to step outside my comfort zone and begin to live the life I have always dreamed of. I am so ready for change and to take control of my destiny. I am fully prepared to hit obstacles and road blocks, but if there is anything I have learned in my life, it’s that I can overcome absolutely anything. There is literally nothing standing in my way and I’m going for it.
-Brenna