Response Questions : February 7

1. Bro. Jones described his career path and an experience where he received a recommendation from the President of Dixie State College.  This recommendation came because of Bro. Jones reputation as someone who would follow through on any assignments he received.  Please describe what practices you will engage to make sure that you are considered someone who is reliable in completing projects.

Manage time wisely in order to accomplish a given task at or before they are expected.
Create a good relationship with those I am accountable to
Ask those over me if there are other things I can do

2. Bro. Jones mentioned the opportunities that he has had to be an example for those who are not members of the church and has been an influence for changing opinions about Mormons.  Please describe how you will consider the opportunity to make friends for the Church as you start and grow your career.

As a Latter-Day Saint, it is important for me to be an example of a disciple of Christ in all that I strive to do. I think its a great opportunity to work with those who are not Mormon, because firstly, it is an opportunity to share the gospel, and secondly, it is an opportunity to practice what you preach and be sure that you are maintaining high standards of the church for those around you. 

3. Bro. Jones described his work on the Festival of the American West. One aspect that made that event succesful was the inclusion of many different people and allowing them to shine with their talents.  Please explain how this concept of involving others and allowing them to utilize and showcase their talents relate  to our practice of leadership in BYUSA and in the future. 

There are so many different areas of BYUSA with wide ranges of responsibilities and necessary volunteer traits. Even within Communications, one volunteer would not be able to carry out the responsibilities of all the areas. There needs to be variations of skills. Not only skills, but even personalities, work behaviors, and styles of managing. If everyone were the same, or "agreed", then nothing would be accomplished; nothing would progress. 

Ron Jones : February 7th

Don't just use your education at BYU to be successful and make lots of money. Use your time at BYU to be a leader, set an example to others of how they can build their lives. 

Brother Cox Response Questions

1. Select at least three of Bro. Cox's 12 career "hints" and report what you are currently doing to follow his recommendations.  Be specific in describing how you are living each "hint.

Leave things better than you found them

     My theme in the work place is "there is wisdom and order in all things." I like smooth and efficient processes. If I notice a better way for something to be carried out, I like to make it happen. Now not just focusing on tangible conditions, I also like to increase the spiritual nature of a place/group of people. I feel that one of my strengths is uniting people.  

Do more than is expected

     I am a perfectionist. When I am given a task, I focus on the end result and always look for a unique way to accomplish the task. I like to stand out and be noticed for my accomplishments. It seems boastful, but I also think its a way for me to push myself to be innovative. But for some reason, I have felt that I have not been able to exceed my expectations at BYUSA. I feel that most of my semester has been figuring out what my responsibility is in my position so its been a struggle for me to accomplish projects and then exceed my responsibilities. I am trying really hard, but then I think that I overwhelm my capabilities. 

Sprout deep roots

     When Brother Cox shared this hint, it rang true for me. Along with "Leave thing better than when you found them," I like to make lasting results. The results may be tangible or in the environment of the work place. I was able to apply this concept most on my mission. I loved working with the members and planting deep roots of trust and respect with them. I feel that in doing so, they felt more motivated to share the gospel with their friends. I feel that I left a good impression of missionaries in all the areas I served in. 

2. Select one or more "hints" from Bro. Cox upon which you feel a need to improve your focus. Be specific about your plans to better incorporate this "hint" into your life.

Don't measure success by fame or fortune. 
     Growing up as a dancer made me get into the mindset that I needed to be a famous dancer in order to be successful and happy! As I got into musical theater, my desire to be famous grew even more. Now being in the advertising business, and probably all fields of study are similar, but it seems that to be most profitable in life, one needs to live and work in New York, New York and work for the biggest company with the biggest title. 
     I've come to realize that it is not the route that is close to possible for me, nor is it necessary for me to take in order to be truly happy. Not saying that I still won't strive to do my best and succeed in my career, but I've learned that I can't let the amount of my paycheck reflect my success. I've seen many happy and well establish people, especially on my mission, in small towns and in a local company. 
     I will apply this principle in my college career by taking any opportunity I can to put my skills into practice, no matter how low pay or non-praiseworthy my position may be. I will also include prayer and pondering into my searching, deciding, and confirming stages of life. :)

Judge Griffth Response Questions

1. Judge Griffith spoke about his career and how he had moved around to different opportunities seeking to find his passion.  Please describe what you feel you are passionate about today and where you think these interests will take you as you start your career path.

This is a question I've been asking myself for a long time. I love working with people. I love creating. I love solving problems in an innovative way. I feel that advertising is a good path for me to be heading down for now. I also have interest in hair styling and being a math teacher. Both of those professions work with people in solving a problem. :)

2. Judge Griffith quoted several versus in Jacob 2, in reference to the pursuit and use of wealth. How will you apply the concepts that Jacob shares with us as you experience success in your career?

I feel that we need to contribute our talents to as many people as we can. As we do so, more will added upon us. In turn, we will feel rich. This is a concept similar to that which we are talking about in my Doctrine and Covenants class; Law of Consecration. My professor posed this question, "Who is benefitted more in the end, the rich or the poor?"

Sorry... I've forgotten to relate the scripture to my career... I think that if we love our career choice, we won't mind that we are not receiving more money, as long as we are happy and feel the reward of our talent contributing to the benefit of those who are without. 

3. Please share something you learned about leadership in your career from judge Griffith’s presentation.

I love how he lead his whole stake to focus on the Atonement. I want to be a leader of virtue and faith; I think it can still apply to my job though it may not be church related. I want to build enthusiasm and earn respect with those I work with. I want to be firm in a vision and see others obtain the same goal. It would be great if they could go above and beyond my vision.