4/15/09 - Last Class/Wrap Up

What does this semester really mean to us? The first part of the lecture contained a slide that stated this:
"The calendar does not lie
-105 days
-2,520 hours
-151,200 minutes
-9,072,000 seconds
How many more of these do you have to waste?"
This was how much time we spent in this class this semester. How did it change us? What will we do with the remaining days, hours, minutes, seconds of our lives? It's so much more than just sitting in class and letting the information flow in one ear and out the other. It entitles absorbing the information and learning how to apply the leadership qualities to our everyday lives.

The biggest thing I took away from this semester is that leaders need to be more than just good ideas. They have to actually DO SOMETHING! Their attitudes and actions shape the way their followers will behave. It also determines the group's motivation and satisfaction in their positions. Leaders go that extra mile for their followers. They send out thank you notes. They offer words of encouragement and praise. They offer constructive criticism and feedback. They live their life with passion and purpose. Leaders DO! This concept motivates me to follow through more in my ideas. I never want to become someone who is all talk. If I talk to someone about cheering up and having a better attitude, then I better be cheerful as well. Leaders have to lead by example, and that example better be good.

Another thing I desire to remember in my life is that life is short. I have always considered this in the past but this class helped reinforce it in my mind. I want to live my life to the fullest and continue to grow as a person and as a leader. God did not put us on this earth to be lazy bums who are only concerned about being comfortable. He put us here to learn, have adventures and big experiences, enjoy little things, and make an impact on others. He did not put us here by ourselves or in a boring environment. This world contains life, colors, and emotions. It would be a massive shame to live like that was not the case. Now, I truly want to enjoy life and leave a lasting impact on those I meet.

The last thing that really impacted me was that love is the center of everything. Before this class, I had never really considered showing love as a leader. I knew that I should treat everyone with respect and compassion but I never entertained the idea of loving them. It makes so much sense though. If God is love, then it is critical. Truly loving your followers gives your actions more sincerity and weight. People might not see it at first, but as they get to know and understand you, they will see that your actions are influenced by the love you have for them. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)" Let your heart love.

This class helped me determine the kind of leader I want to be. I want to a leader who acts. I want to be someone who talks the talk and walks the walk. Those actions also need to be positive and enthusiastic. I also want to live life to the fullest and remember that life is supposed to be fun, interesting, and an adventure. Lastly, I always want to remember that love is powerful. I want to love everyone and treat them with great worth. That all starts with developing that love inside of me.