The Starving Baker

  1). In your opinion, why is personal growth and wellness a key characteristic to good leadership?

I think that personal growth is a major part of being a great leader because it allows you to learn from your mistakes and become a better person overall. Going back to the chapter about challenging the process, it is important that we have a growth mindset, so we can be an active leader and open to new ideas, possibilities, and adventures. I think that we do have the capacity to change, but only certain people acknowledge this capability and know-how to and decide to employ a change in themselves. Ultimately, I believe that personal growth helps us reach our full potential and allows us to thrive despite the experiences of our past. Wellness is also a key characteristic to being a good leader because a leader who is not at their strongest mentally, emotionally, or spiritually will not be as sharp or effective in using their leadership skills. Leaders have to be aware of when they are stretching themselves too thin and realize when they need to take a break, so they do not go off the deep end or drag their followers down as well. 

 

2.) What is your biggest hindrance to taking time for personal growth? 

I definitely take time for myself and have special places where I go to think, walk, write, workout, paint, etc. However, I feel as though sometimes I take too much time to myself. I can get into “the zone” when I go off to the park and write, take a walk outside, start abstract art, work out, etc. In these moments of my “me time” I will often silence my phone or put it away so I can concentrate on what I am doing and breathe without hearing a notification. When I do this, I can miss an invite out to dinner or a chance to get together with friends. This is not always the case, but it does happen. I do not limit my alone time or activity time when I go out, so sometimes I can be out for a while and not come back until after dinner time. Other times, I am not gone long. It just depends on the day, what I am doing, and how I am feeling at the moment. Also, because of COVID, I have just gotten used to not being able to be around people and socialize, so I have gotten more comfortable taking time to myself and doing things on my own. 

 

3.) Ancient wisdom. An old proverb says: "If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, the worker must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success." The lumberjack story was inspired by this proverb. We all understand the importance of "sharpening the axe." Why do you think we fail to do it? Why does it seem like a waste of time?

I think that people sometimes fail to sharpen their skills or the edge of their ax because they are afraid of change and asking for help from others. I think that often people view asking for help as a sign that they have failed and are weak. However, I think that asking for help shows the opposite. To me, asking for help does show that you are vulnerable, but at the same time, it also shows that you have the mindset and potential to grow stronger than ever. Asking for help also proves that you want to change and are willing to seek out guidance and advice in order to be better and successful. In my opinion, if someone is struggling and they do not ask for help, then they might not actually be willing or ready to make a real change. I also think that people lack the patience to first sharpen their skills and the edge of their ax. Sometimes we are so excited to dive in that we get ahead of ourselves and forget that if we only take time to think things through the execution of said project that our work and energy spent would be much more efficient and effective. 

 

4.) Why is it we often feel guilty when we stop to take care of ourselves?

Personally, I sometimes feel guilty when I do not work out or take too many days off from the gym. Part of this is because I am a very active and competitive person, so I do best when I am moving or exercising. I think another part of this guilty feeling and discomfort comes from the fact that I am not as good at straying from my typical plan or daily routine. Granted, I like going out and doing spontaneous things. However, the gym takes up a good portion of my day, and I do not always know how to fill that time when I take a day off. I also get a feeling of laziness and start to have guilt because I am not being as productive as I know I could be. Taking care of ourselves could also cause guilt for other people because we might have to ignore others or say no to them and their plans. Since being at college, I have realized that doing what you think is best for yourself is very important, and if that means you have to disappoint people or cancel plans, then that is what you have to do to look out for yourself. I am not saying that you can disregard other people or their feelings. Instead, what I am trying to say is that sometimes you cannot please everyone, and you have to do what is going to make you happy and worry so much about what others are going to think when you take action to take care of yourself. 

 

5.) Staying "sharp" can mean lots of things. How do you do it? How do you feed and refresh yourself?

I stay “sharp” by writing things down like assignments, what I need to do, what I need to remember, or anything else of importance; color coding; going to the gym and working out, having sticky notes on hand, and briefly calling my family to give them updates and listen to their news. I also try to spend time outside each day as long as it is nice enough to be out because I cannot stand being inside for an extended period of time when the sun is out. Listening to music can also be helpful for motivation or used for a quick brain break. I will admit that I do not listen to my apple watch when it tells me to breathe, but the activities I mentioned above help me breathe each in their own way. 

Passengers vs Drivers

1). What factors have lured us into thinking like "victims" in our country? When something goes wrong, what is it that makes people prone to file a lawsuit instead of taking responsibility?

I think that people view themselves as the ”victim” of a situation before considering anything else because American culture is very individualistic in nature. I think that because we constantly push ourselves to achieve status and power, we have come to think that we are invincible and can do no wrong. There are always two sides to every story, but I think that people can get so caught up in the moment and focus primarily on how they were wronged that they do not stop and think about how their actions or words might have affected the person in question or lead to some of their behavior. Furthermore, I think that people have a hard time hearing criticism about themselves and struggle to acknowledge their mistakes. When something goes wrong, we like to look any which way but back at ourselves. Not only do we make excuses and blame other people, but there are people who will even go as far as to file a lawsuit instead of taking responsibility. In this case, I think pride is what really stands in the way of compromise and accountability. Pride can be so strong that it may cloud someone’s judgment or impede them from doing the right thing, such as owning up to their faults and mistakes. 

 

2.) What is the difference between those who take responsibility and those who don't? What are symptoms or evidence of a person who assumes responsibility? 

People who take responsibility are able to move past their mistakes, learn from them, and use their experiences to grow. Additionally, they are able to have the hard conversations in life and are not afraid to be real about themselves, their words, or their actions. They own up to the problems they have caused, acknowledge when they have messed up, and become aware of their weaknesses so they can improve for the future. Those who do not take responsibility continue to find an outlet for blame and excuse to move the spotlight away from themselves and their wrongdoing. It is more difficult for people who do not hold themselves accountable to have mature conversations. Moreover, it is harder for them to learn from their mistakes because they are always neglecting their faults and ignoring the problems they create. Evidence of a person who assumes responsibility can be in the form of an apology, a conversation about compromise, a conversation about admitting the issues at hand and the issues they caused, a change of habit or routine, a change of character, a lesson learned, and much more. 

 

3.) Think of an environment where you are more of a "passenger" than a "driver." What makes you act like a passenger instead of a driver? In your personal opinion, do you think it's okay to occasionally be a passenger? If so, please explain why so. 

I am more of a passenger than a driver when I am on the receiving end of a conversation, listening to someone confess their actions and mistakes, or processing information given to me in order to give them back advice and guidance. In these situations, I am being a passenger because it is not my turn to talk, and the situation or series of events are not about me. I am there to listen and lend a helping hand or shoulder to cry on not to direct the conversation or deliver a proposal. I think it is okay to be a passenger sometimes. Being a passenger is letting someone else take the wheel for a change. As drivers, we have to learn when to take a break, for no one can drive 24/7 seven days a week. If drivers never stopped to be passengers, then they would not be great leaders because they would constantly be overworking themselves and not stopping to relax, learn or take directions from others, or have fun.

Opportunities and Time

 1.) How do you use your time? We all mean well at the beginning of each day, but somehow we get off track and waste so much of it. What stands in your way of using your time wisely?

Recently, I have been trying to wake up earlier and start my day with a morning workout. If I do not work out right after waking up, I still try to get things done in the morning by taking a shower, reading class materials, printing out information I need, or checking and sending emails. If I start the day earlier, then I am able to breathe more throughout the afternoon and evening because I am not trying to finish all my work in one sitting or limited period of time. However, I sometimes let myself take too long of a break while I eat lunch and watch tv or go on my phone to look at my notifications and social media. I do not take naps, but I will catch myself sitting on my bed and delaying work because I am on my device or watching a show. I also think that sometimes I can take too long to get ready and waste time trying to make a decision on where I want to work and what work I want to do at that moment. I have also noticed that I sometimes prioritize the order of my assignments in ways that are not necessarily the smartest or best option. For example, I will complete the harder, more thought-provoking assignments last instead of doing them first. 

 

2.) Think back on your previous leadership experiences. In 2 paragraphs (4-6 sentences), describe a time that you missed out on an opportunity. How did it make you feel? Do you regret missing the opportunity? What will do next time to ensure your don't miss any opportunities?

I wanted to be the co-chair of the special events committee for my senior year Mini-THON. However, I did not properly prepare. I was the first person they interviewed out of everyone who was applying. I felt as though I was going to be fine, but I really should have prepared more from the beginning. We had to write an essay and answer questions in front of 3-5 other people. Looking back I should have started my easy sooner than I did and had my parents or friends conduct practice interviews with me. I went in feeling a little too confident and was ignorant to how much preparation was actually needed going in. I did not get the leadership position as co-chair, but I was to get involved as a committee member and helped as much as I could. Next time, I will definitely look more into what the steps are throughout applying for a position and ask others for help along the way. 

3.) Why do you think so many of us simply waste so much of our time? Why don't we value it?

I think that people waste time both intentionally and unintentionally. Sometimes, we just need a mental break. Other times, people purposefully create distractions for themselves, so they do not have to deal with what is really happening. People may also waste time as a way to avoid their problems and feel as though they are still young and carefree at heart. Wasting time can be a nice escape and healthy exercise only if it is done properly. You shouldn’t waste an entire day, but you can take a few minutes to relax, be silly, go brain dead, etc. I feel as though wasting time does not always have to mean that a person does not value time itself. I think that if someone truly does not value their time, then it is because they do not see value in themselves. I think that if people can see themselves in a positive way, then they will not see the point in spending their time wisely or care about how they spend it. I also think that certain people do not value time because they think that the world revolves around them. There are certain people that think their decisions and plans are what everyone else is working around, so they do not have to accommodate others' schedules. Another reason I think people do not value time is that they assume they will wake up the next day and have the opportunity to do things differently, but in reality, we have to live each day like it is our last. We should live each day like we are trying to do better than the last. 

 4.) List the ways you seize opportunities and make the most of your time each day? Also, incorporate how you hold yourself accountable. What are your accountability measures?

I seize opportunities by reaching out to multiple friends to try and make plans. I will invite friends from different classes and make an effort to get together with new people every week. I try to make the most of my time by working out to release my stress and energy, having dinner with friends, and finishing my homework before midnight, so I can get a good night's sleep for the next day. Making lists also help me make the most of my time because I have everything I need to do for the day played out on one piece of paper. I am definitely a big advocate of making lists. I make lists and write down my plans for the day, what I want to accomplish, what I need to do, and more. Part of the reason I write things down in the format of a list is that it helps me remember everything I have to do, but another reason I love lists is that they help me hold myself accountable. If I write something down, there is also a higher chance of me sticking to it because it is part of my plan for the day. I will also text someone that I want to go to the gym tomorrow morning or that I plan on working on my assignments during this time of day. Verbally talking about my plans and confirming them out loud to another person also helps hold me accountable because I want to show them I am staying true to what I said. Physically writing things down and then verbally saying those tasks out loud really help reinforce my plans and hold me accountable.  

 

5.) Can you quickly name your top priorities? What are they at work, at school, and at home?

My top priorities are establishing a solid foundation for the club I created, getting A's in all my classes, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by going to the gym and eating well. I also make it a priority to have me time, socialize with friends, and call my family. I try to keep a balance between my school life and social life because I have a tendency to overwork myself and not take a moment to step back from all of the stress and assignments. Making time for myself, friends, and family is a really important priority for me because it helps me reset and catch my breath. 

Emotional Fuel

1.) In two paragraphs (4-6 sentences in each paragraph), discuss a time when someone or a group of individuals fueled you emotionally. Was it one person or a group of people? When did this take place? What did they say or do to fuel you? Did they create a shared vision with you? Utilize your "ME" diagram and your class notes to guide your response. 

The most recent account of someone or a group of people fueling me emotionally was when I was working through physical therapy after my knee reconstruction surgery. The people at inspired physical therapy became a second family to me, and they constantly supported and encouraged me throughout each month and milestone of my recovery. My personal physical therapist was especially important in helping me balance my emotions and guiding me through the roughest moments. He worked with me to establish goals each month and together we created a plan to get me back to my original physical state. He pushed me and made sure to hold me accountable for he constantly asked if I was keeping up with my exercises and performing the drills outside of our appointments. He invested time in and out of our sessions to help answer my questions and adjust my concerns. He also took the time to establish a connection with my surgeon to email him routine check-ins and update him on our progress. He helped me learn how to trust myself and use my leg again.

2.) Why do you think we need accountability and support in our lives as leaders?

I think that leaders need accountability and support in their lives in order to make sure that they are not going off track or working themselves too thin. Having other people hold you accountable helps a leader stay focused. While checking for accountability, a leader also becomes aware of whether or not they are doing things for the right reasons. Having other people there to support you is also very important when it comes to being a leader because not everyone is perfect. Even leaders need someone to turn to for advice or comfort in times of need or struggle. Emotions are just as important as intelligence. Thus, having a good support system is key to keeping mental stability as well as an ineffective intellectual state.

3.) A frequently quoted proverb says, As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. List ways one person can sharpen another person in a relationship.

There are many different ways in which one person can sharpen another person in a relationship. For instance, teammates help push one another to be better and play both smarter and harder. Moreover, everyone is different in their own way, so one person’s strength can be another person’s weakness. We all bring something unique to the table that others can learn from and use to better themselves and grow individually. Other people also see you from a perspective other than your own, so they can give you unbiased, constructive criticism and help you see sides of yourself that you might have otherwise been unaware or ignorant of.

4.) How does using symbolic language/images and being unique provide emotional fuel to others?

 Using symbolic language can help provide emotional fuel to others because it establishes a connection between you and the other person. Symbols make conversations, thoughts, and actions more meaningful. It shows that you are taking time to analyze, understand, and respond to them and their words. Symbolic language and images are also usually specific and confidential between you and the other person, which brings you closer together and makes your support system stronger. Being unique also provides emotional fuel to others because different perspectives offer different benefits. Variety and new opinions teach us things we would not normally explore or consider.

5.) What are the weak spots where you need the counsel of others in your life? Are there areas where you feel you have an empty tank?

Personally, I need the counsel of others to make sure I am not taking too many projects on at a time. I have always had the desire to participate in as many events as I can. However, my fear of missing out, can lead me to overwork and overbook myself. I need the counsel of others to help me realize my limits. I also need others to help call me down. Because I try to take on too many things at once, I can become easily overwhelmed and stressed. Having the guidance and reassurance of others helps me take a step back and realize what I am already doing is enough. I feel as though I need more partners. I find it hard to find people who share my same aspirations and drive to succeed in both academics and physical activity. 

Thermostat V.S. Thermometer

 1.) How does this image relate to modeling the way? Please provide an example. 

The information in image four of the Habitudes text relates to modeling the way because both sections focus on setting an example or "temperature" of the room. One of the main concepts of modeling the way is to find your voice by clarifying your values and affirming your shared values. This is similar to the content present in image four because thermostat leaders have two common traits, which are that they live by their values and that they add value. Overall, each text emphasizes the importance of values and how in order to be a leader, one needs to establish and stay true to their values. 

 

2.) Most people say they own a set of values, but many don't live by the values they claim. Why do you think there may be a gap between what we say and what we do? Why should you try to avoid hypocrisy as a leader?

I feel as though there may be a gap between what we say and what we do because of peer pressure and both social and societal standards. Unfortunately, I think that sometimes we let ourselves fall victim to negative influences and let others impact our decisions and actions because we feel the need to please them, gain their approval, or fit in. As a leader, one should try and avoid hypocrisy because you then become unreliable and are discredited. Moreover, why should people follow in your footsteps if you do not practice what you preach? People will no longer trust or respect you as a leader if your words and actions do not match each other. 

 

3.) What does it take to live by a set of values?

In order to live by a set of values, I feel as though you have to have a strong sense of who you are as a person and as a leader. Additionally, you have to have a strong moral foundation of what you believe in and what you stand for. You can not let others influence you or your decisions. I also think that it is important to have confidence in yourself because being confident in who you are and what your values are sets you apart from others and helps you be a better leader. 

 

4.) Think back to a time when you worked with a teacher or leader of an organization who was a thermometer. How did they set the temperature for the direction of the group? Were they successful or unsuccessful?

The first thing that comes to my mind is when we had substitute teachers in high school. Sometimes the substitutes were very engaged and made sure to follow the teacher’s plan to a tee while others were more laid back and let the students take the reins. The substitute teachers that were more confident and interactive with our classes lead to me and everyone else being more productive and efficient. However, if the substitute teachers were more nonchalant, then we as a class would waste the time and not complete work. 

5.) How have you tried to become a "thermostat"? How do you add value to others?

I have tried to become a “thermostat,” and I continue to strive to be one in every situation and room I am in. Over the years, I have learned to be confident in who I am and what I value because it makes me a better, happier person and draws others with those same values closer toward me. I am also always my authentic self and live my life according to what I believe. One quote I love and use as a reminder to be a leader and a “thermostat” is “why fit in when you were born to stand out” by Dr. Suess. Personally, I value uniqueness and individuality, so I encourage others to be confident in who they are as well. I am also a hard worker, for I value education and getting things done. My friend says I bring a certain concentration to the table that helps her work and finish the assignments she has for the day. Ultimately, I push myself and others to be the best version of who they are by emphasizing the importance of confidence, authenticity, and hardwork. 

 

20 Questions - Picture Edition

 My name is Kayley Ross, and I am an integrated marketing communications major who enjoys drinking Cherokee Red.