Assessments Blog

During our time in BLF we have taken quite a few self-assessments, challenges and encountered unique situations few students ever get the opportunity to experience.  Because of all the self-assessments we have taken part of I have become more self-aware on my strengths and areas which I need to account for when building a project team.  Through every experience I learned to be more aware of my surroundings with people with different backgrounds.

With the experience of the challenges and the assessments I think it’s safe to say that my perception of leadership has not changed, but has been developed and enhanced. Leaders in the 21^st Century have to be more than bold and charismatic, they need to be adaptable and understanding of other cultures.

There are two different types of education, know what-and know how. Know what education is based on learning facts and information for a class. We may us this information if it specific to our career, but otherwise the knowledge will be little more than trivia. Know how education is based on learning basic skills then applying those skills in real world application in a changing environment.

I think BLF if based on understanding know how education model and is the best way to set ourselves apart from our peers in the workplace. Having the freedom to make decisions and mistakes with few rules or guidelines is the best way to challenge ourselves. The program allows creativity to become a core skill which is greatly needed in any workplace. I am thankful for the opportunity to take the assessments which have helped me to express my strengths to future employers. The challenges develop creativity, leadership and time management skills. Both the self-assessments and the challenges have gone hand in hand to help me develop and prepare for post college employment.

Jack

Combined Balance and Happiness:

Considering the similarity I have chosen to combine the two posts into one. The fall semester was a difficult term academically and personally. The days were long and the nights were short. While most people enjoyed a summer break, I had Officer Candidate School with the Marine Corps all summer long. This was the most stressful time of my life-bar none. I returned to campus on Monday and we started classes on Wednesday, so there was really no time off. With my responsibilities in other organizations and work, class material was tough to stay up to speed on.

 To make through the semester, I learned to manage stress and enjoy the little things in life. I accepted everything will not be perfect, so do you best-then just keep moving. During the week, I would go to the gym nearly every day first thing in the morning. This would allow me time to free my mind, and relieve some stress. Then on the weekends, if possible I would drive home. I find value in solitude. I enjoy leaving Columbus and campus behind for a little while. It allows be to spend some time with my family and reset for the week ahead.

Living life to the fullest brings me happiness. My life’s goal thus far has been to become a Marine Office. August 4^th my dream becomes reality. I enjoy helping people in need. Not just in a socioeconomic sense, but when a friend or family member needs help with a task or project. I feel a sense of reward that comes from helping people. I guess that’s why I joined the Marine Corps.

“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.”- President Ronald Regan

BLF Leadership Vlog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hP2bhL2wxY&feature=g-upl

Click on the link to see my video.

Jack

Perception of Leadership

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRMZv_wVLOE&feature=g-upl

Click on the link to see my video.

Jack

BLF Weekend Retreat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnxehiG0mzI&feature=plcp

Mentorship

Over the last several years, I have had opportunities to be a mentor to others. Starting with serving in church children’s programs and now I am assisting new applicants to the United States Marine Corps officer selection process.  I do my best to share my experiences and lend advice as needed. I understand it’s not a large impact that I’m making, but I am always happy to help someone who has questions.

With the Marine Corps, I help with physical training, general military customs and courtesy and academic preparations for their start of training at Officer Candidate School. I want to help new applicants prepare for the challenges that they will face, so they will be more successful during training.

Through the BLF challenge last fall and our involvement with the Veterans in the OSU Veterans House. Through that challenge I have stayed on and have continued to assist with raising support.  James Miller has become a mentor to me and has assisted in the development of my leadership style.  This cause has led to my position in USG as a committee deputy director.  I have been hosting networking luncheons and receptions for corporate executives and student veterans make meaningful connections that can a make a difference in their careers. This mentorship has allowed me to have new can challenges as an undergrad that I would not have the opportunity to have otherwise.

I think in the most basic sense, a mentorship is just investing your time and resources to assist another person grow professionally or and personally through advice and opportunities to push yourself and grow into a better person. I have been a benefactor of mentorships, and enjoy even in having a small role, being a mentor in order to make a difference in someone’s life.

Jack

MBTI Post

I would use the MBTI for an interview when talking about my strengths. There are three reasons why it could be advantageous to talk about the MBTI in an interview setting.

1.       Talking about the MBTI during an interview allows you to talk about your strengths as an individual, and how you can be an asset to their institution.

2.       This is a great opportunity to show you have undertaken personality assessments which only more senior leadership will have exposure to. This will set you apart from your peers who will be applying for the same position.

3.       Lastly, talking about the MBTI in an intelligent manner in an interview is the best opportunity to show you have a larger understanding of yourself and along with the assessment you have more to offer than any of your peers.

While the MBTI is very helpful, I would not expect the assessment to land me a job. It is just a part of the larger picture of who I am.  I would probably not talk about the MBTI at a party or just any normal conversation. But I do like it far more than the Strengths Finder. The MBTI has far more depth to it.

Jack