Commitment leads to Success

I think that the most important C is commitment. Commitment is the base and foundation needed in order to kickstart any organization. One must obviously have shared values, be good citizens, collaborate and have a common purpose but none of these concepts will have any effect if their if no fundamental belief in commitment from those in an organization. 

When you have committed members in an organization, they become the example and the role models for an organization. These are the people that make or break an organization. They are the members that area laws willing to sign up to volunteer for events which better the organization and they are the people that you don’t have to worry about representing your organization poorly. 

The difficulty lies in those members who are not as committed and how to make them become more committed. But, we must note that everyone’s 100% varies and that some people may be placed on different zones of the commitment spectrum. How do we get those members who are not as committed, to commit to the cause of the organization? This may be the biggest challenge associated with the Change Agent...

Anyone may be a change agent. It is all about you’re commitment and willingness to devote your time and energy to cause to better your community. Once you have the devotion to partake in such action...go for it!

What are our values and how do we live them?

Values, or what we hold to a high standard in life are things that we were raised upon. Everyone values something different, whether it is academics, faith, friends, or sports we all value something close to our heart. I first and foremost value my faith and second comes my family and friends (including sisters). My faith in God has shaped who I am and how I live my life each day. My values are things which push me to be the best version of myself. I want to do well in school and outside of school in order to make my friends and family proud. I seek their approval although I know that they will love me no matter what. But I look to my values to challenge me and to excite me. With the drive and motivation I put in to my work, I know that the pay off will be great. 

Tangible signs help remind me to stay in check with my values. Whether that is wearing my cross necklace or changing the background on my phone to a picture of my family...little signs such as these remind me of where I came from and how I need to continue living for the better. These are daily reminders to help me work towards being the best version of myself. 

Personal Mission Statment

I was born to serve and make a difference in the lives of others. No matter what the task, I will be there for my family, friends and sisters...

To forgive and to forget, so as to move forward in life. To demonstrate my inner strengths and not keep them hidden. To be guided by my values, beliefs and faith. To praise and give thanks to all whom I connect with each day. To be mindful both body and spirit. To laugh. To be the example of love and compassion in our world. To learn from my mistakes and to move forward. To be the best version of myself each day, so as to live to my fullest potential always. 

Johari Window Link

http://kevan.org/jh/i_gaitan

The Positive Aspects of Controversy

Controversy can be and usually is the downfall of each organization. Yet, approaching controversy and learning ways to avoid controversy are a must in order to succeed as an organization. One must not be afraid of controversy, with so many members in am organization it is bound to happen. Do not ignore it or leave it to be the ‘white elephant’ in the room. Address it. Be civil, Be considerate. Come from the heart and you will be sought out. Refrain from blaming the person who has done wrong. This will not help the situation further. But rather, use ‘I’ statements. Such as: “I felt upset when you [insert action]...” This action made me feel... Expressions such as these can break down barriers and create a more personal conversation. The person at fault will then understand or at least be notified that it was not a personal causation but rather an causation on their behavior and not on them as a person. Keep it direct. Let the person at hand know exactly what they did wrong and why. Do not blame them but let them know how their actions and behavior went against the organization’s values and purpose. 

Controversy is a good thing. It can foster new ideas and in a way it leads to a better understanding of how to approach similar situations in the future. Approach controversy as a learning experience and use it to your advantage. While in college the controversy we experience in our student organizations will help us handle controversy in the real-working world. 

The Challenges of Collaboration

Although collaboration is a true gift and allows many ideas, inputs and outlooks to be observed; collaboration, can also lead to controversy. We must learn about the controversies involved in collaboration in order to avoid them. First, when there are many members of one organization there will be many ideas. Ideas although great in variety can sometimes become overwhelming. 

Everyone wants to have their voice heard in an organization. Although we can ask everyone to partake in brainstorming for events the monsoon of ideas that come after are extensive. Then there comes the point when some ideas must be pushed to the curb, irradiated or compromised to suit the needs of others. One or more of these actions will either offend or sadden one or more members who feel as if their idea was not worthy enough of implementation. Which develops a sense of competition. 

In order to fix this problem of competition amongst members, it is important to address the group members from the beginning and note that all ideas are great and we must compromise in order to achieve all the goals. As sisters and brothers of they should have a common understanding of compromise. We are here to support each other and have our voices heard. Therefore, through collaboration: we must come to a common understanding and compromise on which programs, activities, etc to partake in or dissect in order to make all members not only happy but also enjoy their time together knowing that everyone’s voice has been heard.