What role does the self-fulfilling prophecy play in realizing potential? I found myself wondering this during class tonight. It's my psychology degree coming out again. But, I remember lots of stuff on self-fulfilling prophecies. The theory is that once an idea is in your head, you pay attention to the stuff that supports the idea, and ignore the rest. In the end, you end up fulfilling the prophecy. So, what does this say about realizing your potential, or helping others realize their potential?
First, it tells me that having that optimistic, "glass is half full" disposition is kind of important. If I feel that I have a lot of potential, and that I can do something, and do it well, the setbacks won't bother me so much. But, if I'm really scared and lacking confidence, then I'll see those setbacks as proof that I suck and I should stop trying.
As far as working with others, however, I think it's even more important to be aware of the self-fulfilling prophecy. By suspending judgement, and seeing the best in others, and letting them know that I see the best in them, I can transfer some of that optimism to them, so they can then fulfill the prophecy that they're awesome.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Post 12
I'm not surprised that this "spirituality" stuff became such a big focus in class. It's certainly something I've struggled with, and I think the readings all touched on this idea this week. Like some of the other atheists in class mentioned, I felt a little squirmy when I read the "god" stuff in the readings. But, I just don't know what to think anymore. It used to be easy. I could just skip over that stuff, or read it and laugh. But now, I don't know. I'm trying to see how some of this "spirituality" stuff applies to me. Meaning, I'm trying to look for the deeper meaning. I still don't believe in a higher being, but it would be ridiculous for me to say I don't believe in a higher "power". I guess it depends on how you're defining power. I believe in humanity, and I certainly think that is larger than myself. I still don't consider myself "spiritual". Maybe I'm a humanist (according to Wikipedia, humanism IS compatible with atheism).
So, what does this have to do with servant leadership, and leadership from within? I think it goes back to the humanity piece. I think we all want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. For the servant leader, we serve ourselves by serving others. In order to give back to humanity, we must offer a piece of ourself. But, I think "leaders" must have a strong sense of self, and a good understanding of their values, in order to serve. That's where balance comes into play.
There's this book series I'm really into The Sword of Truth by Robert Goodkind. It's kind of Harry Potter for grownups. And I've struggled with servant leadership since reading the sixth book of this series. One of the ideas proposed in this book (aside from all of the magic, sword fighting, and other fantasy fiction staples) is the idea of what it means to be a truly servant leader. Over the course of the book, the main character is taken hostage and forced to live in a part of the world that follows "the order", in which all people are supposed to sacrifice themselves to the greater good. It's taken to the extreme here, where people feel like they can't make their situations better for themselves, and they're told that such self interests are actually evil. Not cool, right? Well the main character doesn't think so either, and by the end of the book he's able to show people "the truth", only he doesn't tell it to them. He let's them find the vision on their own. But, the part that I think is the most relevant to this idea of servant leadership, is that all the people in this book decide to come together and fight, not because they think that Richard, the main character, is the most charismatic dude ever, but they share the same values and the same vision. And in this sense, they seek to serve the cause, and not just an individual.
Where am I going with all this? I think that you have to know your own values, and you have to know who you are. You need to choose to serve others because they share the same vision. If you don't, you risk losing your own sense of self worth.
So, what does this have to do with servant leadership, and leadership from within? I think it goes back to the humanity piece. I think we all want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. For the servant leader, we serve ourselves by serving others. In order to give back to humanity, we must offer a piece of ourself. But, I think "leaders" must have a strong sense of self, and a good understanding of their values, in order to serve. That's where balance comes into play.
There's this book series I'm really into The Sword of Truth by Robert Goodkind. It's kind of Harry Potter for grownups. And I've struggled with servant leadership since reading the sixth book of this series. One of the ideas proposed in this book (aside from all of the magic, sword fighting, and other fantasy fiction staples) is the idea of what it means to be a truly servant leader. Over the course of the book, the main character is taken hostage and forced to live in a part of the world that follows "the order", in which all people are supposed to sacrifice themselves to the greater good. It's taken to the extreme here, where people feel like they can't make their situations better for themselves, and they're told that such self interests are actually evil. Not cool, right? Well the main character doesn't think so either, and by the end of the book he's able to show people "the truth", only he doesn't tell it to them. He let's them find the vision on their own. But, the part that I think is the most relevant to this idea of servant leadership, is that all the people in this book decide to come together and fight, not because they think that Richard, the main character, is the most charismatic dude ever, but they share the same values and the same vision. And in this sense, they seek to serve the cause, and not just an individual.
Where am I going with all this? I think that you have to know your own values, and you have to know who you are. You need to choose to serve others because they share the same vision. If you don't, you risk losing your own sense of self worth.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Post 11
ACPA/NASPA: Longest week ever!
Between interviewing, presenting, the case study competition, and the Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals, I've never been more exhausted. Having to travel between hotels sure didn't help.
First off, I am so, sooo glad I got involved with SCGSNP. I'm not a huge fan of "networking", but because I've gotten involved with this committee, I've gotten to know a lot of people at different institutions, which is really cool. And it was really nice having a reason NOT to spend the entire week in placement.
Speaking of placement... I guess it went pretty well. I had 10 interviews with 8 schools. Some of them went great, others not so much. One of the big surprises though, was how well it went with Texas A&M. I never would have considered them, but they sought me out, and both of the interviews went really, really well. The position is leadership & service-learning. It was pretty funny, they asked me for my leadership philosophy. And I just kinda laughed, and said "well, I'm taking this class right now that has kind of blown my mind, but I'm starting to piece it back together, and here's what I'm thinking". It was great. and then, when I was asking them questions, they basically repeated back to me exactly what I had already said. Talk about reciprocity!
Anyway, after my experience here at MSU, I really hope that I can find a position that also views leadership as more than just a position. Heh, I hope I can be that choosy. Or, at the very least, I hope that I can find a place that is open to new ideas.
I'll be happier when I finally have a job.
Between interviewing, presenting, the case study competition, and the Standing Committee for Graduate Students and New Professionals, I've never been more exhausted. Having to travel between hotels sure didn't help.
First off, I am so, sooo glad I got involved with SCGSNP. I'm not a huge fan of "networking", but because I've gotten involved with this committee, I've gotten to know a lot of people at different institutions, which is really cool. And it was really nice having a reason NOT to spend the entire week in placement.
Speaking of placement... I guess it went pretty well. I had 10 interviews with 8 schools. Some of them went great, others not so much. One of the big surprises though, was how well it went with Texas A&M. I never would have considered them, but they sought me out, and both of the interviews went really, really well. The position is leadership & service-learning. It was pretty funny, they asked me for my leadership philosophy. And I just kinda laughed, and said "well, I'm taking this class right now that has kind of blown my mind, but I'm starting to piece it back together, and here's what I'm thinking". It was great. and then, when I was asking them questions, they basically repeated back to me exactly what I had already said. Talk about reciprocity!
Anyway, after my experience here at MSU, I really hope that I can find a position that also views leadership as more than just a position. Heh, I hope I can be that choosy. Or, at the very least, I hope that I can find a place that is open to new ideas.
I'll be happier when I finally have a job.
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