What I learned

I really enjoyed this lesson and felt that it was applicable to what I needed to at this moment in time.  I specifically liked the section where we watched the Mormon Message by President Uchtdorf.  He asked the question, which map are you using in life? And then went on to share the story of the ugly duckling. The underlying message was to discover who you really are and see your true reflection. It was expressed that character is being divine and seeing that we are all glorious and eternal.  I liked the quote "it is never too late to be what you might have become", it is never too late to start fresh and change your life in a positive way.  I know that it is important to constantly try and improve.

There were six steps shared to develop character.  First, focus on yourself.  It is important to not let other people determine how you will behave.  We must find who we truly are and stick to our character.  Second, take responsibility.  We discussed the example of Brandon Davies and how he truly expressed true character by owning up to his actions.  Third, challenge your stories.  Ask yourself why you believe the things that you do.  Fourth, take action. Make sure your actions display your character.  Fifth, speak up. Say what you have to say and don't give in to other's opinions that go against yours. This  is something that I need to work on. And finally, let go.  It is important to give up the pretenses and try to be someone that you are.

Character: Center Pole

Character is the center pole of the leadership tent for many reasons. Our character defines who we are, how we act, and how we lead. Character is a commitment to ethics, integrity, honor, honesty, values, and morals.  Having character means being divine and being true to who you really are.  Having character allows the other poles of the leadership tent to be stronger.

Someone that has demonstrated character is my dad.  He is truly the greatest example to me and I always look to follow his example.  My dad has shown great character by always displaying integrity, honesty and stick to his values.  His decision to come back to the Church is the reason that I am here at BYU today.  By not allowing the outside pressures determine his decisions, my dad was able to accept Christ into his life.  I am so blessed that my dad has continued to be an example of integrity throughout my life.

too much attention to others?

Some argue that servant leadership won't help an individual advance in their career since they spend too much attention on others.  I would argue this statement since I believe servant leadership allows leaders to develop into the best they can be.  It is through servant leadership that they are able to show their love for those around them that they are leading.  Through servant leadership businesses are able to perform as the management is able to work well together.  It is by serving others that we are able to feel the pure love of Christ.  When serving other people I know that I am the happiest... not when I am being selfish and just thinking about myself.

Servant Leadership Model

The servant leadership model we discussed in class dealt mainly with our purpose for leading and how we lead.  The driving force behind leadership should be service.  Serving those around us should be our primary goal as we lead.  By being a servant leader you always put others first, aren't selfish, and are serving for the right reasons.  Being a leader isn't just something to put on a resume, it should be done out of the love of others.  One quote that I really like was that people should look to join a cause not to get a paycheck.  It's important to not just be concerned with what people think of you, but more importantly what others think of themselves.

Someone Who Exemplifies Servant Leadership

My high school leadership advisor truly was an example of servant leadership.  In fact, he is the first person to introduce this concept to me.  He always stressed the importance of being a servant leader and was able to inspire us to achieve this style of leadership by being an example.  He was always the first one to arrive and the last one to leave at every event or meeting we had.  Additionally, he always looked out for the needs of others. For example, when food was being served at an event he would let everyone else get food before him.
These small simple acts truly built up and made his character.