A Leader I Admire

A Leader I admire is Amelia Earhart. She has broken many records and tried to make a change for women everywhere. She taught others how to be courageous and be true to themselves. I have attached my power point which should provide useful information.

Character

A while back in our Leadership Class, we were assisged to write a "Laws of Life" essay. To do this, we were required to choose a characteristic from the Six Pillars of Character. I chose caring for my characteristic I wanted to write about. I knew it was one I could connect with the most.
Also, the attached video is the Character video we were to make in Leadership class. I hope it provides you with some useful information.



I researched different information on the caring trait. I found that the best site wat no doubt http://josephsoninstitute.org/MED/MED-2sixpillars.html. I found the following information from this site about caring.

"If you existed alone in the universe, there would be no need for ethics and your heart could be a cold, hard stone. Caring is the heart of ethics, and ethical decision-making. It is scarcely possible to be truely ethical and yet unconcerned with the welfare of others. That is because ethics is ultimately about good relations with other people."

"It is easier to love "humanity" than to love people. People who consider themselves ethical and yet lack a caring attitude toward individuals tend to treat others as instruments of their will. They rarely feel an obligation to be honest, loyal, fair, or respectful except insofar as it is prudent for them to do so, a disposition which itself hints at duplicity and a lack of integrity. A person who really cares feels an emotional response to both the pain and pleasure of others."

"Of course, sometimes we must hurt those we truelt care for, and some decisions, while quite ethical, do cause pain. But one should consciously cause no more harm than is reasonably necessary to perform one's duties."

"The highest form of caring is the honest expression of benevolence, or altruism. This is not to be confused with strategic charity. Gifts to charities to advance personal interests are a fraud. That is, they aren't gifts at all. They're investments or tax write-offs."

Josephson Institute. "Making Ethical Decisions: The Six Pillars of Character." Copyright 2010. Retrieved from http://josephsoninstitute.org/MED/MED-2sixpillars.html on November 1, 2009.

Resources

Resources are always available and are always being created. Never limit yourself to one resource. You never know what you will learn with each resource you use. Student leader recources are very helpful and inspirational.

Books
Combinations - Ed Gerety
Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul

Movies
The Ultimate Gift
Coach Carter
Remember the Titans

Websites
http://www.asgaonline.com/ME2/Audiences/dirsect.asp?sid=7F31AE8077DB44A5A60AF114B68E9153&nm=Home&AudID=B7353D3A67F945B58C57DBC83B9C459E

http://www.studyskillsblog.com/success-tips-for-student-leaders/

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Reeves1.html

http://managementhelp.org/mgmnt/leader.htm

http://www.girlscouts.org/for_adults/leader_magazine/2004_fall/five_qualities.asp

Team Building

Leaders can build teams and team relationships several different ways. An effecting way of team building is through various activities to help develop the skills of trust, problem solving, working together, patience, and several other areas.

Some examples of team building activities are:

-Spider Web

-Trust Fall

-Ropes Course

-Tank

-Blind Walk

-Walking 'A'

-Human Chair

-Walk on Rods

A great site which further explaine team building, and gives some great ideas for activities is:

http://www.teambuildingactivities.net/index.htm

Goal Setting

Goal setting is what makes our future. We have our own goals and dreams, and to achieve them, we have to set our own personal goals. The most affective goal-setting action plan I know of is by Ed Gerety.

The following steps were derived from Ed Gerety's book Combinations.

1. What goal do I want to achieve?
Set and write down a goal you want to achieve.
2.How can I make my goal as specific as possible?
When you write your goal, make it specific, that could include details or dates.
3.What resources and skills to I currently have that will help me reach me goal?
Make a list of everything (people, books, Internet, etc.) that will help you reach your goal.
4.What mini goals do I need to set in order to achieve my goal?
Every task that needs accomplished has several steps that need to be taken. Write down what action steps you need to take to reach your goal.
5.By what date do I want to accomplish each mini goal?
Set dates to reach your mini goals. You don't want to procrastinate!
6.By what date do I want to have my major goal achieved?
Remember to make the date realistic. Write everything down so you and your friends can constantly remind you of what you want to accomplish when times get tough!
7. Take action with an outstanding attitude and evaluate your progress.

Educate Peers

Just as everyone is unique by their own personalities, they each learn their own way. Yes, there are different methods of learning. Unfortunately, with the different learning modalities, some students have a more difficult time comprehending information that is brought to their attention compared to others. The three different types of Learning Modalities are; Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic.

Visual Characteristics
~Wanting the "Big Picture"
Visual learners want the big picture of what is going on. They want to get right to the point, they don't want to waste time, better to act now and relax later!
~Talk and move fast
Visual learners tend to talk and move fast when they are trying to explain a point or present projects.
~Neat and Orderly
Visual learners are very organized. They figure that if they have everything organized, they will complete the task quicker.
~Color
Visual learners like learning with color. They will prefer information to be printed on colored paper, or to work with highlighters or other sources of color to help them remember information.
~Personal Space
Visual learners like their personal space when they are working on projects or tasks.

Hot Tips for Visual Learners
~Sit in the front of the class
~Draw pictures connected to information being learned
~Use color when working
~Write down the directions

Auditory Characteristics
~Talkative
Auditory learners are very talkative. Since they learn best when things are said to them, they can easily make conversation and remember what is being said.
~Talk in rhythmic pattern with inflection
Sometimes auditory learners have an easier time remembering information when it is said with a pattern or beat; like a tune to a song.
~Cassette Head
Auditory learners can learn through lecture and words recorded on tape. They have no problem sitting, listening and effectively comprehending what is being said.
~Radar Eyes
Auditory learners have a tendency to have wandering eyes when they are being spoken to. They may not seem like they are paying attention, however they are listening to every word you say.

Hot Tips For Auditory Learners
~Sit in the middle of the class
~Say the directions out loud
~May need specific test examples

Kinesthetic Characteristics
~Movers
Kinesthetic learners tend to move a lot. It can be very difficult for them to sit still
~Talks More
Kinesthetic learners are constantly talking. They are very sociable and they love to do things hands-on.
~Sloppy
Kinesthetic learners are not as organized as they could be. However, they still complete the task that is handed to them.
~Athletic
Kinesthetic learners are more athletic than the other learners. They like the feel of the ball in their hands, the feeling that they control what is going on, and they have a chance to win the game because they have a hands-on chance to make the decision.

Hot Tips for Kinesthetic Learners
~Sit in the back of the class
~Have the directions in their hand
~Learn by doing (hands-on activities)
~Use props
~Parallel (work side by side)
~Emotional

Want to know your learning style? Try this site!
http://www.learning-styles-online.com/inventory/

Managing Conflict

Conflicts can sometimes be the hardest obstacltes to overcome; especially if someone is going to hold a grudge. When conflicta arise and are not solved, several outcomes can occur.

For example. some possibilities are:

~Over-stress

~Uneffective Teamwork

~Unhealthy Relationships

~Hurt feelings, Broken friendships

~Over-analyzing

~Losing Focus



Leaders cannot work effectively if they have unresolved conflicts with their peers and co-leaders. Conflicts can greatly effect their leadership skills and strategies in a negative aspect, making an uncomfortable and unbeneficial working environment. If leaders are conflicting with their peers, they will lose their focus and worry about their relationship instead of the goal which needs to be achieved. The best way to resolve a conflict it to talk it out and discuss the problem with the other person. There are multiple sites and other resources that provide tips and guidelines that can be accessed to help resolve conflicts. Some examples are the following:



http://www.leadersinstitute.com/resource/peopleskills.html


http://www.fcclainc.org/assets/files/pdf/programs/dynamicleader/conflict_management_for_leaders.pdf

In the following link, not only does it provide tips for resolving conflicts, but it also provides information on the different ways indivuduals could approach conflicts. This site is very helpful, providing a different aspect on conflict management.
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_81.htm

Relationships

Relationships are an essential part of effective leadership. Not every leader is going to be friends with every person they meet. However, every leader needs the ability to effectively communicate and work with those who are not as apt to working together. Teamwork is a key aspect. We work with each others as leaders and peers to reach success and accomplish our goals. We motivate, inspire and push each other everyday, we don't want each other to fail, but if failure crosses our paths, we are there to encourage them once again.

There are several resources that can be accessed for advice on supporting healthy relationships. Below are five sites I found to contain several helpful tips for a healthy relationship. Now remember, not every relationship is going to be fault-free. But, as leaders, we need to have the will-power to keep a positive atmosphere around anyone we work with.

Helpful Resources
http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/topics/relationships/relatn.html

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/healthy-relationship-tips.html

http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/healthy_relat.html

http://www.dream-life-coaching.com/Healthy-Relationship-tips.html

http://lisakifttherapy.com/relationships/relationship-tips-tools-advice/5-tips-for-a-healthy-relationship/

Problem-Solving

Problem Solving is a hard concept to master. But, if a leader is determined to help others, they can derive new ways to solve problems and to handle complicated situations. In our Leadership Class, we were asked to identify a concern. The concern I chose and identified was "Cyberbullying and Sexting". In the past, I have made formal presentations and reports about this particular topic, but I had not set a goal to accomplish. I used the planning process to start on a project.

Steps:

Identify Concern:
A main concern I have seen is on the topic of "Cyberbullying and Sexting".

Set A Goal:
A goal I set is to show and explain the dangers of cyberbullying and sexting by putting together an educational presentation. This will help show the physical and emotional effects of cyberbullying and sexting, helping increase awareness about this particular concern.

Form A Plan (Who, What, When, How, Cost, Resources and Evaluation):
Who: Meeteetse Middle School and High School Students
What: Show the dangers of cyberbullying and sexting
When: By October of 2010
Where: Meeteetse School
How: Put together a survey, presentation, and evaluation

Act:
First off, I would put a survey out to all of the students to fill out for educational purposes. The forms would be returned at an anonymous stature, and would only be used for the benefit of the students. I would use the statistics that were returned to help form the presentation. This will help students realize that these dangers can even happen to students in small towns. I would ask for permission to hold a small presentation for the Meeteetse Students in the Cafeteria. The presentation will include statistics, facts, opinions, and true stories about cyberbullying/sexting victims.

Follow Up:
As I stated before, I would produce an evaluation asking questions like Do you think this presentation was helpful? or Would you be willing to ask someone for help is cyberbullied? I believe students need to know what is going on in the world, especially if it will effect them.

Service

Service is a quality that can be hard for many people to develop. Many believe they should not have to work for their rewards, they should just have everything handed to them. This, however, is not the case. As indivuduals, we each have our own wants and needs. As we are first introduced to the ides of doing things for others, most people will at first be weary and dread the task. However, after they perform the task, and receive the great feeling they get after they get their reward or the feeling of accomplishment, they will understand and see how beneficial service really is. You have to take time of your own to give to others, therefore, you will hopefully benefit from the task you perform, and well as the person or organization you perform the task for.



Some activities that can help promote service are:

-"Causes"

Causes can range ferom a variety of things. The most recent I have heard of was the Cause of "Help for Haiti". As a town or country is hit by a natural disaster, altering their life permanently.



-"Make-A-Wish"

Students can help donate to the "Make-A-Wish" foundation. This activity and service is a great aspect to cover and help. They are giving to children who are not as fortunate as they are, helping them have their one wish they have.



-Community Clean-Up

Anyone can give to the community. The key component to receiving support is to give back to the community. A Community Clean-Up project is a perfect example. Everyone likes to see a clean community. We need to respect what we are given and where we live. If students are to clean up the town, we show that we care for our community.

-Read to Younger Students
Reading to younger students is a service you give directly to the school. Bridging the gap between younger and older students is a hard task to accomplish. By doing this, the younger students see what great role models the older students are. They will look up to them and they will keep the memory forever, then when the time comes for them to do a "service", they will want to read to younger students as they were read to when they were little.


-Canned Food Drive
Canned Food Drives are great ways to help those in need out. We are giving to the less fortunate, making students realize how lucky thay are to have what they have. This will not only give students the feeling of accomplishment, but also, they gain respect for their life.

What is Leadership?

Leadership is a quality that everyone needs to acquire and develop day-by-day. Leadership is a quality that helps a person bring others to success, and to lead others through tough situations. A Leader is a person who is willing to take time out of their day, to try to figure out a solution to a problem or a situation. Leadership is pushing yourself and others to be their best and to never give up. Leadership provides guidance when needed. Leadership is what makes every person who they are, it defines their qualities and abilities, and it helps them understand themselves. According to http://www.dictionary.com/, leadership is, "an act of instance of leading; guidance; direction..."

There are numerous characteristics that leaders should have. Some of these characteristics include:
-Motivation -Flexibility -Organization
-Determination -Loyalty -Listening Skills
-Persistance -Honesty -Empathy

However, a true leader would never limit themselves to only these characteristics. A true leader will work everyday to strive to make themselves a better person, helping others more and more whenever they get the chance.

In our leadership Class, we were asked to define what being a leader was to us. This is how I responded:

For me, being a leader is being someone who can make a positive impact on the people around them. A role model who is more than willing to take the extra time to help individuals, someone who can be an icon or symbol who can help motivate individuals. Understandable. A leader is understandable and is flexible to an extent. They are motivated, dedicated and are goal-oriented. A leader helps push and bring others to success. When times get hard and new situations arrive, the leader will find ways to solve the problems and always look for a more effective solution. a leader is not only concerned for the well being of them self, but of others as well.

Who Am I?

Hey there! My name is Jessica Maurer. I am currently a Junior at Meeteetse High School as the 2009-2010 school year comes to an end. I am active in various extra curricular activities, which include; Volleyball, National Honor Society, FFA, Student Council and a program through Northwest College called "Gear-Up". I am currently taking a "Leadership" Class in high School. In this class, I am learning how to use blogger, and how to become a better leader and a better person in general. I am a straight 'A' student who always strives to do my best. I always try to have a positive outlook on everything I do. Throughout each day, you need to take what life gives you, and make it the best experience, making every moment memorable.

Throughout the past several years, I have been active in extra-curricular activities. I have accomplished many things in each area.


I have a goal for myself as a leader I am in hope of accomplishing. I want to make a positive impact on every person I help lead to success. I want to help bring others to success, and to teach others new knowledge that is new to some, or that could help someone become a better person. As an overall goal for myself, I am striving to major in Secondary Education as an English Teacher.

Leadership Inspirational Quotes

As a leader, I strive to find new things that can motivate and inspire me to do my best in every situation. It could be a simple "I believe in you" or it could range to a large reward. However, I strongly believe the best reward you can achieve in your projects is self-satisfaction. The following quotes have motivated me to do something exceptional, or have made me stop and think about what they mean. As we go throughout the days, we search for new things to keep us striving to do our best. The main challenge is to discover what your motivation and inspiration is.

Mr. Fortune
"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything" -Anonymous

"Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all-the-time thing. You don't win once in a while, you don't do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately so is losing" -Vince Lombardi

Mrs. Potas
"Advice: Dumb people don't heed it and smart people don't need it so don't give it" -Unknown

"Choose your future before your future chooses you" -Mrs. Potas

Karri Wagers
"Life's a dance, you learn as youo go. Sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow" -John Michael Montgomery

Kord Newkirk
"Always check the quality of the turf before stepping on the field" -Van Wilder

Maddy Myers
"Life is a tootsie pop, you never know when you will get to the chocolately reward" -Unknown

Rachel Ward
"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best night and day to make you everybody else is to fight the hardest battle there is and never stop fighting" -E.E. Cumming

Ronnie Harker
"The night is always darkest before dawn" -Harvey Dent (on Batman)

Jeffrey Allen
"Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive" -Van Wilder

Mr. Power
"If a nation expects to be ignorant - and free - in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be" -Thomas Jefferson, letter to Colonel Charles Yancey, January 6, 1816

Mrs. Larsen
"What helps me go forward is that I stay receptive. I feel that anything can happen" -Anouk Aimee

"You are not in charge of the universe, but you are in charge of yourself" -Unknown