Skills Development
Self-Image
"Knowing thyself is the beginning of all wisdom."
-Aristotle
-Aristotle
I believe it is important to know how we think of ourselves because this has an impact on how we treat others and how we view the world. Having a good self understanding helps us to uncover our talents and our weaknesses and how we can best give of ourselves. We do gain much wisdom when we not only discover things we are good and and that we enjoy, but when we learn to whom we can best give to, what we can give, when we are in a disposition to give, and how we can best give. I know that we cannot give what we don't have so it is important to know what I have, to take time to acknowledge what I am able to give, and do my best to do so. I a try to live a life of gratitude, being thankful for the gifts and talents I have been given and then using them! I aim to have a humble self-image, in which I do not think less of myself, but simply think of myself less.
Personal Reflection
"You wish to reform the world? Reform yourself, otherwise your efforts will be in vain."
-St. Ignatious of Loyola
-St. Ignatious of Loyola
Taking time to consider ourselves and who we are and dreams, also time to reflect upon what we have done well but also what we can improve upon, is necessary for growth. In time of reflection there is time to notice maybe what was noticed before, play out different scenarios in one’s head while considering other factors, and then acting on it. I have found that time for personal reflection is normally done in prayer at the end of the day. There are moments throughout my day in which reflection is done almost instantaneous and usually this would happen if something is being done really well or really poorly.
Taking the Initiative to Lead
"Leaders become great, not because of their power, but by their ability to empower others."
-John Maxwell
-John Maxwell
I think I can take initiative to lead. I will not always be the one to speak out in a large group, but I find myself volunteering to lead in situations in which I believe that I have some of the skills required to lead. I believe that a good leader knows how to delegate and trust a team, that they can listen and communicate well, and have passion and a drive for a goal they want to achieve. A good leader knows how to empower others, to help them reach their fullest potential so that together, a good team can be made.
Connecting with Others
"The first duty of charity is to try to enter the mind and feelings of others."
-John Henry Newman
-John Henry Newman
Connecting with others is an essential part of becoming a good leader. It is important to know how we best connect and what our strengths are in connecting. I connect best when there is time for one-on-one interactions where this is a basis of a relationship. I think laughter and positive are elements that can connect me with others. It is always good to try to find some common goal to connect with others on, especially when part of a team. It is always important in making any decision to consider how a particular decision will affect other people. We can never know exactly how it will affect them, but we can always work on listening and simply making that effort to try to understand those around us.
Team Building Skills
"I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things."
-St. Mother Theresa
-St. Mother Theresa
A good team takes time to become a team, to know other members strengths and weakness. As being part of a team, it requires me to honestly look at myself and evaluate some of my strengths and weaknesses to see what I can offer my team. A good team member trusts and encourages it’s other members. Each person is gifted with a unique set of strengths and weaknesses and this allows for a team to be successful. Each member having a unique role and being able to accomplish a greater goal that one could not accomplish alone.