Condoleeza Rice

The convocation with Condoleeza Rice was an absolutely inspiring evening. By far the best freshman convocation MSU has had since 2009. The speaker for 2009 was Steve Lopez who was the author of The Soloist. Even though the story was inspiring I never felt that there was a call to action and that Steve Lopez was able to relate very well with the students especially me. Condoleeza Rice on the other hand connected with me on several levels. Her opening reminded us of something none of us will ever forget, September 11, 2001 and how vividly she remembered that day as if it was today. By using that as an opening she grabbed the hearts of so many in the audience. Many of us could back to the day of that tragic and horrendous day. I remember being out in the field baling large round bales when the two-way radio lit up with confusion and lots of emotion. All the radio stations were tuned and covered of what had and what was about to unfold. Condoleeza Rice made us relate to her by using that day.
Another way that I felt she connected with students as well as myself was by sharing not only her great accomplishments but also the sacrifice her parents and grandparents had made in order for her to be able to have those open doors. Her grandpa's sacrifice and desire opened the door for her by being an example. He demonstrated commitment, passion, and drive which are all great qualities of a leader. If you want something bad enough go get it. I could relate to her story of not being handed everything on a silver platter but rather having to take action and fight for those opportunities. My story had some similarities and made me reflect on the journey. I felt emotions as I witnessed her delivering an important call to action. I could see myself sharing my story and being an inspiration to some and to encourage them to continue on even when the fight may become difficult. I enjoyed her say regarding education and that we need to view it as a privilege rather than a right. So many times in life we take lots for granted. I thank Condoleeza Rice for reminding the audience especially me to continue believing and finding those nuggets of gold that will provide inspiration.

Cultural Differences

    Growing up in a Hutterite Colony helps me understand cultural differences. I can relate to how cultures view someone outside. People outside the colony used to be referred to as someone that can easily lead you astray. It had nothing to do with how they were dressed but more from a religious perspective. Looking back so much of the younger generation has their view shaped by how the colony views someone not in the colony. As kids we would look at haircuts or the way someone dressed and make our own assumption. However we were also look at as not being normal for the way that we dressed. Hutterite men wear black pants and a black hat of some sort. Women always were dresses and some head covering. People would look at you funny or put us in some category based on that. Another common way to be categorized was because of the way we speak. Our native language is a dialect of German. Germans do not have a pronounce the h in words like mother. Sounds kind of different, I know. 

  How do I relate to this today. I see the same patterns in and out of the colony. Even though I still may have some of those patterns and habits that came from where I grew up, I find myself to be more open to different cultures growing up in the colony and now finding myself to have overcome some of those obstacles that hinder us. I think a great leader will continually work on understanding and developing their cultural intelligence. 

You Want Something, Go Get It, Period!

Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders

Kouzes Chapters 1 & 2

        The first two chapters engage my mind and make me think of the different speakers I have listened to. One of the key points mentioned in the first chapter is that leadership is a process. I think it is important to understand and not to become discouraged when different challenges arises. Some of the best and most influential people in history failed numerous times. However one does not focus on the failures but rather the successes.
      "You make the difference" is one of the subtitles in the first chapter. This is crucial in leadership and reminds me of a speech I did at Carrol College this summer. You can not be successful leader if you don't believe in yourself. Believing in yourself may mean surrounding yourself with someone that can help you overcome an insecurities to develop that belief. The process of developing the leader within you will only flourish if you by into your vision first and that may mean linking arms with someone to help you. Which means there has to be a vision to begin with. Just like we need a blueprint to build a house or a road map to get to our destination, we need that same kind of guide for ourselves. 

Colin Powell & Zainab Salbi

One of the key qualities of a leader is purpose. Without purpose there will be a blurry vision and can lead to ultimate failure. A clear vision provides with the blueprint to guide others and is a tool that encourage teamwork. There is nothing more frustrating than volunteering or helping someone and when you show up no one has a clear direction. A lot can be accomplished when the tools are in place to hit the ground running from the start.

 A leader can not have purpose without commitment. Without commitment how can a leader expect followers to step alongside and link arms? One must cast aside any insecurities that create doubt and take charge. The worst that can happen is failure but an optimistic point of view will learn from that failure. 
     As a leader one must be willing to change and to take risks. Zainab share the story about the woman that finally one day had enough and was willing to risk the cost of change. It was time to change the outcome of how she allow her husband to treat her. As a leader she initiated the change which set in motion change for the rest of her life and for future generations. One must be willing to embrace the change and be committed and prepared for the outcome!

Colin Powell speaks about leadership