I really enjoy observing people. I once read that women always know what's going on not only at their own table at a restaurant, but at every table around them as well. I am no exception to this rule of thumb. I LOVE watching people, so this week's assignment was fairly perfect.
Because I couldn't make my consulting student org, this week I observed a student org I was once very active in, but have since backed off. I will try to be as unbiased as possible in this reflection, while still providing insight on different things.
The Leader of this organization is someone who joined approximately one year before he was elected President. He is a confident and smart guy, who definitely likes to have a good time. Unlike many leaders of this org in the past, the current leader is a 3rd year student rather than a 4th year. He is a very talented public speaker, and is incredibly relatable as he throw jokes in every now and then. The leadership team (or executive board) sits at the front of the room, facing the President who is speaking. One takes notes and emails, while a few have side conversations that can be distracting at times. A few of the E-Board members speak when their respective "topic" comes up. The leaders in this organization are viewed with a mixture of respect, but at the same time are still earning that respect from long-standing members. The values of this organization seem to be something dealing with professionalism, first hand experiences, and socializing.
The members (or followers) of this organization are very entertaining to watch. In a room with 5 different rows on different levels, people are scattered everywhere in different types of cliques it seems. A group of 5 sits to the back, joking and chatting while individuals sit in the front, attentively paying attention to the President. Many of the members sitting towards the front later step up at the end of the meeting as Committee Chairs. These people gain different experiences through planning events and promoting them. There are a few members that sit by themselves in the back and do not socialize at all, nor are they involved in committees at the end. Some just seem like they attend to add something to their resumes, or for the weekly socials the organizations throws. The members, with the exception of Committee Chairs sharing updates, did not speak during the meeting and listened.
I think there is a mixture of attitudes in this organization. While some are enthusiastic and seem prepared to volunteer, others just seem to go through the motions and leave. It seems as if the organization is also struggling between finding a balance between "professionalism" and "social" activities. I do know that many people have left the organization because of that reason, so it is something they continue to work through. I think many members take pride in this organization and love the atmosphere and people. There is a certain brotherhood between most that is unlike many student orgs. While not many people know of this organization, they are working hard towards becoming more well-known outside of its members. I think while this organization has work to do in defining their purpose and creating a cohesive relationship for all in the group, they are on their way and I wish them the best!
I can now say I will never run a meeting or sit through a meeting the same after reading Emotionally Intelligent Leadership and doing this activity!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
I remember when...
Recently, I have started to feel kind of old. Not in the "Oh, my back is killing me, I need a walker" sense, but more of the fact that I'm growing up. I'm interviewing for internships, which will in turn lead to careers. I'm in charge of student organizations and am the one making decisions, not following orders.
I remember being absolutely terrified and excited when it was time to journey to Ohio State for my freshman year of college but I truly had no idea what I was in for. Looking back, I seemed so naive, innocent and any other synonym that means clueless. I'm sure I will probably feel that way in another 5 years when I look back on 3rd year in college Marlee, but seriously, the last 3 years have been the most impactful and life-changing of my entire life.
Bright Eyed, Bushy Tailed and a tad clueless.
A huge reason for this change in myself is that fact that for the first time ever, I am forming my own opinions and actually understanding who I am.
I call this life; the theorists call it Student Development. To each their own.
However, it doesn't matter what I call it because the fact is, understanding students at such a pivotal time in their lives is a huge deal. It is the difference between making college some of the best 4 years of your life, or just another year of sitting in the classroom. In SLA, we help student organizations do the same thing. Will it just be another year for the Executive Board, going through the motions of each week or will they decide they want to make a change for the better? You can't make changes in ideas or leadership within others without first understanding yourself and HOW people learn and grow. Think "What? So What? No What?" type of deal.
In my experiences (and Chickering's) students grow through experiencing rather than memorizing, making choices although sometimes they may be difficult, and embracing diversity through interaction with others. Reading his 7 Vectors was like walking down memory lane for me. Now that I have started to understand who I am, as well as other people, it makes me a better facilitator. It is much easier to relate to others when you understand where they are in their lives, whether that be "Managing Emotions" (that crazy kid freshman year who punched walls) or "Developing Integrity" (that person you know who is always walking the walk.)
Something I love about the staff and leadership at OSU is that they understand who we are! Not only do they understand us, but they give us positive reinforcements to encourage that growth. "If students believe, whether right or wrong, that they matter to someone else, that they are the object of someone else's attention, and that others care about and appreciate them, they are far more likely to persist and succeed." By applying this method to my leadership and facilitation practices, I am investing into others and giving them that extra "umph" they may need to succeed. I am the person I am today because of that compassionate approach, and I constantly challenge myself to pay it forward.
So yes, I may be a little older than I was a few years ago. But my wisdom and knowledge (and not just about Earth Science 121) has grown exponentially and that is what college is all about.
I remember being absolutely terrified and excited when it was time to journey to Ohio State for my freshman year of college but I truly had no idea what I was in for. Looking back, I seemed so naive, innocent and any other synonym that means clueless. I'm sure I will probably feel that way in another 5 years when I look back on 3rd year in college Marlee, but seriously, the last 3 years have been the most impactful and life-changing of my entire life.
A huge reason for this change in myself is that fact that for the first time ever, I am forming my own opinions and actually understanding who I am.
I call this life; the theorists call it Student Development. To each their own.
However, it doesn't matter what I call it because the fact is, understanding students at such a pivotal time in their lives is a huge deal. It is the difference between making college some of the best 4 years of your life, or just another year of sitting in the classroom. In SLA, we help student organizations do the same thing. Will it just be another year for the Executive Board, going through the motions of each week or will they decide they want to make a change for the better? You can't make changes in ideas or leadership within others without first understanding yourself and HOW people learn and grow. Think "What? So What? No What?" type of deal.
In my experiences (and Chickering's) students grow through experiencing rather than memorizing, making choices although sometimes they may be difficult, and embracing diversity through interaction with others. Reading his 7 Vectors was like walking down memory lane for me. Now that I have started to understand who I am, as well as other people, it makes me a better facilitator. It is much easier to relate to others when you understand where they are in their lives, whether that be "Managing Emotions" (that crazy kid freshman year who punched walls) or "Developing Integrity" (that person you know who is always walking the walk.)
Something I love about the staff and leadership at OSU is that they understand who we are! Not only do they understand us, but they give us positive reinforcements to encourage that growth. "If students believe, whether right or wrong, that they matter to someone else, that they are the object of someone else's attention, and that others care about and appreciate them, they are far more likely to persist and succeed." By applying this method to my leadership and facilitation practices, I am investing into others and giving them that extra "umph" they may need to succeed. I am the person I am today because of that compassionate approach, and I constantly challenge myself to pay it forward.
So yes, I may be a little older than I was a few years ago. But my wisdom and knowledge (and not just about Earth Science 121) has grown exponentially and that is what college is all about.
Because who doesn't love being empowered?
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