During the cooking challenge, I saw the day as a great effort to strengthen the BLF connection with our families. Explaining what exactly challenges in BLF are like can be difficult at times, the cooking event helped in showing how the challenges are usually open for a personal touch. The program needs supporters. Building a sustainable program needs a strong supporter base, not only financially but by building the programs reputation.
We had a great dynamic in our kitchen. The moms took care of the more difficult parts of cooking the main parts of the dishes. I didn’t notice any difference in how Brandon, Sheila and I acted while around our families. It was a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Brandon and I reminded our team to aim to have everything done 5-10 minutes before we needed to, so we could have more time for preparing our presentation. Our goal was met, and we didn’t feel rushed at the end. It was similar to working with fellows in that, we had our areas that we chose and did well at. I think the difference was the work load did not get pushed to the end. The difference was our team planned ahead better, and set rough goals to have things done by. That was very beneficial.
The most challenging part for me was trying to find something to deep-fry. I just started to slice oranges and pears up for the presentation plate while I thought on what I could use to deep-fry. I spent the first 30 minutes looking and thinking up something, anything to deep-fry. I thought of bread, pears, and oranges, but when wiser people, the moms, kept looking at me with a look of “What” on their faces, I knew that wasn’t the answer. When Brandon was carrying a few bananas back to our area, we talked if it was even possible to deep-fry bananas. After talking about it, we decided to go for it! Long story short, through working together and using our creativity, we had our own unique touch on one of our dishes. Personally I used creativity, communication, and teamwork in this challenge.
I would highly recommend having this type of fun challenge another time. It was fun, relaxed, and it still teaches the parents and the fellows about team work and working with people that are older and wiser than you. I loved our food, and thought we did a really good job. One recommendation for next time would be, having each team make one extra plate so every other team can sample their competitors dishes. I was so impressed by the other teams and what they came up with. I wish we had the chance to try all the other dishes.
Until next week,
Jack
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Quotes and Dreams
Point One,
I really have no time for “futile activities.” Everything I’m involved with is to better prepare me to be an officer in the Marine Corps. From BLF, to the classes I take, and working-out, it’s all to prepare me intellectually, physically, and personally.
Point Two,
One quote that I enjoy from “Crucibles of Leadership” is the following.
"While experience matters, what matters more is what one makes of experience: how a person comes to recognize in a crucible experience that something new or important is happening, to see beyond the discomfort, perhaps even the pain, of new and unexpected information and to incorporate that information as useful knowledge, not just about the world but, as likely, about oneself."
Point Three,
This last question is very vague. This is how I interpret the question. If there is something you have always wanted to do, a career or something, what has kept you from thinking about it or making that dream become reality?
My dream has always been to be a Marine. Over the last several years, I have been making that dream become a reality. Any other dreams or wishes that I have can be accomplished after my time in the Corps. It’s just the way my mind works. Right now I don’t spend a lot of time thinking of what I would like to become later in life. I just have a rough idea. I will deal with the details down the road. Right now, I just think of what steps I need to take to get on the right path. Everyone knows there will be difficult challenges. So I don’t think how great the challenges are, I think of how to overcome the challenges we face. We know there are problems that will have to be dealt with, but I think the world needs problem solvers and not problem finders.
Sorry if the blog is short, but I have to rush off and update the Google doc!
Jack
I really have no time for “futile activities.” Everything I’m involved with is to better prepare me to be an officer in the Marine Corps. From BLF, to the classes I take, and working-out, it’s all to prepare me intellectually, physically, and personally.
Point Two,
One quote that I enjoy from “Crucibles of Leadership” is the following.
"While experience matters, what matters more is what one makes of experience: how a person comes to recognize in a crucible experience that something new or important is happening, to see beyond the discomfort, perhaps even the pain, of new and unexpected information and to incorporate that information as useful knowledge, not just about the world but, as likely, about oneself."
Point Three,
This last question is very vague. This is how I interpret the question. If there is something you have always wanted to do, a career or something, what has kept you from thinking about it or making that dream become reality?
My dream has always been to be a Marine. Over the last several years, I have been making that dream become a reality. Any other dreams or wishes that I have can be accomplished after my time in the Corps. It’s just the way my mind works. Right now I don’t spend a lot of time thinking of what I would like to become later in life. I just have a rough idea. I will deal with the details down the road. Right now, I just think of what steps I need to take to get on the right path. Everyone knows there will be difficult challenges. So I don’t think how great the challenges are, I think of how to overcome the challenges we face. We know there are problems that will have to be dealt with, but I think the world needs problem solvers and not problem finders.
Sorry if the blog is short, but I have to rush off and update the Google doc!
Jack
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
I think it is very important to be creative. In every area of life you should be creative as possible. If you go through life without being a creative person, I think you miss out on so much that life has to offer.
The last time I have taken time to just play around was when I was at home. I like to play with our dog Sig. We usually take hikes through the woods. This is when I’m the most relaxed and able to think clearly. I also look forward to going running on the Olentangy Trail, and just leave classes, work and everything behind me, just for a while. For me, this is fun, a challenge, something to push myself. I enjoy getting away from campus, and all the academic jargon.
Prior to Friday’s activity, I thought creativity was essential to any organization. I still think that, but the activities we were involved in helped clarify how creativity does not always happen in a brain storming session, or by a few bright people. I learned that being creative is almost a way of life. To always try to see situations from a different viewpoint. Also, never fall into a group think mindset. Encourage others around you to make work fun, and foster a creative environment.
I will apply my new knowledge in creativity, and keep plain sheets of paper with me so we can play the shape game when we need to become more creative. I learned I need to make more time to relax and just have some more fun. I enjoyed the whole night on Friday. It was a great bonding experience with all the Fellows.
Soooo, I guess now I’m writing a book. If I were going to write a book and work very hard for many hours, I would want to make sure I sell many copies! So, I would have one chapter about me, Captain Jack, fighting zombies. I would have a patch over one eye, and I would have a dog named Kimber. The lessons that I would try to teach-do whatever it takes to survive.
Yeah, that will be in my book for sure. I mean-it’s all true!
Jackson
Ps.
I had cool pictures from zombieland, but I had technical difficulties, and they didn't make it...sad
The last time I have taken time to just play around was when I was at home. I like to play with our dog Sig. We usually take hikes through the woods. This is when I’m the most relaxed and able to think clearly. I also look forward to going running on the Olentangy Trail, and just leave classes, work and everything behind me, just for a while. For me, this is fun, a challenge, something to push myself. I enjoy getting away from campus, and all the academic jargon.
Prior to Friday’s activity, I thought creativity was essential to any organization. I still think that, but the activities we were involved in helped clarify how creativity does not always happen in a brain storming session, or by a few bright people. I learned that being creative is almost a way of life. To always try to see situations from a different viewpoint. Also, never fall into a group think mindset. Encourage others around you to make work fun, and foster a creative environment.
I will apply my new knowledge in creativity, and keep plain sheets of paper with me so we can play the shape game when we need to become more creative. I learned I need to make more time to relax and just have some more fun. I enjoyed the whole night on Friday. It was a great bonding experience with all the Fellows.
Soooo, I guess now I’m writing a book. If I were going to write a book and work very hard for many hours, I would want to make sure I sell many copies! So, I would have one chapter about me, Captain Jack, fighting zombies. I would have a patch over one eye, and I would have a dog named Kimber. The lessons that I would try to teach-do whatever it takes to survive.
Yeah, that will be in my book for sure. I mean-it’s all true!
Jackson
Ps.
I had cool pictures from zombieland, but I had technical difficulties, and they didn't make it...sad
Monday, January 30, 2012
Through Hell and High Water
Through hell and high water we will get these blogs done! Just like the mailmen, through rail or sleet the mail gets through, maybe late, but it gets through. The strengths that came up in the assessments were Futurist, competition, context, focus and learner. One area I used the most was futurist. It’s just how my mind works. I don’t worry too much about the details in the short term. I keep looking for the long term plan and goal, whatever the situation is.
I guess the environment was during the challenge. I tried to anticipate, then deal with issues that might come up in the challenge, sometimes successfully, and other not. Outside of BLF I try to plan the best I can, how decisions can change my Corse for better or worse. Sometimes I have to back off and just not worry so much about things in the future too much, and enjoy the present.
I like to think having these strengths was beneficial to our team last quarter. To see what needed to be done, and just get the job done. I have learned lessons and I know where I need to improve. Sometimes I become too competitive, and lose focus on what’s more important.
During the event planning challenge thus far I have been using the futuristic, area again. I see as we move from forming ideas into execution phase, I think focus will come into play.
As far as feedback, tell me when I’m wrong or I have wronged someone so I can make it right. I’m not perfect, and I have many lessons I need to learn. I hope someone would set me straight now, and keep me from making a bigger fool of myself down the road.
Jack
I guess the environment was during the challenge. I tried to anticipate, then deal with issues that might come up in the challenge, sometimes successfully, and other not. Outside of BLF I try to plan the best I can, how decisions can change my Corse for better or worse. Sometimes I have to back off and just not worry so much about things in the future too much, and enjoy the present.
I like to think having these strengths was beneficial to our team last quarter. To see what needed to be done, and just get the job done. I have learned lessons and I know where I need to improve. Sometimes I become too competitive, and lose focus on what’s more important.
During the event planning challenge thus far I have been using the futuristic, area again. I see as we move from forming ideas into execution phase, I think focus will come into play.
As far as feedback, tell me when I’m wrong or I have wronged someone so I can make it right. I’m not perfect, and I have many lessons I need to learn. I hope someone would set me straight now, and keep me from making a bigger fool of myself down the road.
Jack
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
My initial thoughts of the challenge were that "this is great, we can make it whatever we wanted, large or small." I think it's a great opportunity. We all want to make great connections and have experiences to remember. I am excited how this event will provide us opportunities to use our all of our strengths as a group.
My greatest fear for our group this challenge would be, we fail to realize our true potential for this event. Why? I know we can create something that will long outlast our time at osu. Not for personal pride, but for the longevity of the program. I see this as an opportunity to show other universities they need a BLF program at their university.
I think we have similar ideas in mind for the event. We just have to learn how to translate or communicate our ideas from our world view into terms everyone will understand.
My hope is simple, to create, plan and Marshall a fantastic event. With our team members, university backing, and alumni connections, there is no reason we cannot have a great "conference." An event that the business community, the university, and students would be proud to attend.
We can use this opportunity to show other universities and businesses what a small group of motivated students can accomplish for the larger organization. Last quarter every group had success in one area of the challenge or another. Now with the larger group working on this event together, I feel we can be very successful. With clearly defined roles, and with our solid leadership I am confident we will be part of starting something great here at osu.
I'm sure we will use every one of the core competencies during the corse of the challenge.
My greatest fear for our group this challenge would be, we fail to realize our true potential for this event. Why? I know we can create something that will long outlast our time at osu. Not for personal pride, but for the longevity of the program. I see this as an opportunity to show other universities they need a BLF program at their university.
I think we have similar ideas in mind for the event. We just have to learn how to translate or communicate our ideas from our world view into terms everyone will understand.
My hope is simple, to create, plan and Marshall a fantastic event. With our team members, university backing, and alumni connections, there is no reason we cannot have a great "conference." An event that the business community, the university, and students would be proud to attend.
We can use this opportunity to show other universities and businesses what a small group of motivated students can accomplish for the larger organization. Last quarter every group had success in one area of the challenge or another. Now with the larger group working on this event together, I feel we can be very successful. With clearly defined roles, and with our solid leadership I am confident we will be part of starting something great here at osu.
I'm sure we will use every one of the core competencies during the corse of the challenge.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Part Two
In addition, the three things I want to improve during the next quarter go something like this. Not be to focused on winning the challenge that I loose focus on the team. Although I am very competitive, the big picture is more important. Second, do everything I can to help with the flow of communication. And lastly, become better organized with school and BLF so that I will be more efficient.
Jack
Jack
Memoirs of the Leadership Summit
The Buckeye Leadership Fellows is without a doubt one of the best programs to gain leadership experience. BLF provides the tools and a protective learning environment to develop us from students into young professionals.
Together we have delt with many of the same issues with lack of communication, keeping every team member engaged, and time management. The challenge pushed us in many ways out of our commfort zones. We have not learned leadership not from a book, but through experience. Through this program we are laying a strong foundation for our future growth. We are learning lessons which most people only face years after they leave school.
The challenge brought a lot of pressure, and I now realize that leadership is more complicated than I originally thought. After the challenge I have had time to digest the entire quarter. The largest thing I learned about myself is that I am a great doer, but not yet a great leader. Instead of making the challenge about getting across the finish line, I should have thought more on how the team reaches the end.
The next quarter will deffinitly build on the previous. We will continue to grow and learn. The social events and speaking challenges all have a purpose. I know they have helped me improve, and I know they have helped you too. As the next quarter begins I have been thinking to myself,do great leaders ever stop earning new ways to lead? I read this quote a few day ago from President John F Kennedy, "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." So maybe great leaders never stop learning. I do know BLF gives us a great head start though.
Go Bucks,
Jack
Together we have delt with many of the same issues with lack of communication, keeping every team member engaged, and time management. The challenge pushed us in many ways out of our commfort zones. We have not learned leadership not from a book, but through experience. Through this program we are laying a strong foundation for our future growth. We are learning lessons which most people only face years after they leave school.
The challenge brought a lot of pressure, and I now realize that leadership is more complicated than I originally thought. After the challenge I have had time to digest the entire quarter. The largest thing I learned about myself is that I am a great doer, but not yet a great leader. Instead of making the challenge about getting across the finish line, I should have thought more on how the team reaches the end.
The next quarter will deffinitly build on the previous. We will continue to grow and learn. The social events and speaking challenges all have a purpose. I know they have helped me improve, and I know they have helped you too. As the next quarter begins I have been thinking to myself,do great leaders ever stop earning new ways to lead? I read this quote a few day ago from President John F Kennedy, "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." So maybe great leaders never stop learning. I do know BLF gives us a great head start though.
Go Bucks,
Jack
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