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May 07, 2009
Day 4: Tricks of the Trade
Though we rouse early again for breakfast, this time there was rain. But we all agreed (and as Hilary Duff would say) "Let the Rain Fall Down." It cooled things off around here as well as provided a calm atmosphere for today's festivities. There was a window of sunshine, but as we finish the blog, lightning and thunder have returned and will tuck us in tonight.
Following another breakfast of delicious omelets and waffles, our focus was based around the cycle of a leader. We began with activites in which we describred what we thought a leader looked like. The key takeaway here was that leaders come in all forms and are relevant in many areas.
Next, we discussed how leaders can sometimes get “sidetracked” and “put into autopilot.” This consisted of the cyclical process::
1) Pre-contact / Identification
2) Retreat
3) Internal Identification / Passion
4) Task Work
5) Leadership
6) Withdrawal
It is a process that each leader must go through to ensure that their organization has a smooth transition. It is a process that ends in INHERITANCE. What do you do for stress release!?! (Leave a comment!)
There was also a long discussion about the difference between stress and burn-out. The key differences were that stress is healthy (at times), it may motivate, it is temporary, it revolves around over engagement, and it can be compartmentalized. Burn-out is NEVER healthy, it serves as a road block, it involves all three factors (physical, emotional, and psychological), it is constant, revolves around disengagement, and is non-functioning. There are many ways in which we can channel our stress.
Each one of us had different ways in which we deal with stress:
Claudio – play basketball, talk to external friends, nap
Chelsea – read a book, listen to her iPod, go outside for some fresh air
Ben – ride bike/unicycle, talk to a friend, watch a movie
Nick – playing his guitar, sleeping, watching movies
Tom – go to church, run without an end in mind, lift weights, talk to a loved one
The key thing here is that we all confront burnout with different ways of balance. Key means are:
1) Leveling the work (via delegation, detached concern, preparing a team, not panicking, knowing peak seasons, and recognizing when a rut is occurring)
2) Helping others do their best without becoming engaged. More or less, we show concern without the engagement.
We each then shared our individual “leadership” story. This consisted of: 1) How we got involved in EGL, 2) How we became leaders, 3) How we learned about EGL, 4) Who taught us to be a leader in EGL, and 5) What have we not been taught thus far. Each of us had similarities (such as the way an older member took us under their wing) and differences (the time we joined and the roles we have played thus far.)
After this discussion, we valued tools for decision making. Tools such as Stephen Covey’s Quadrant System for prioritizing /time management we used to distinguish whether things were important or not as well as if they were urgent or not. We formed SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely). The use of RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) also helps for decision making.
Individual skill building sessions followed. Each of us had unique experiences.
Claudio learned about “Confronting Sexual Violence on Campus“ and “Using the Web World“
Chelsea tuned into “Creating and Establishing Partnerships“and “Making Smooth Leadership Transitions”
Ben focused on “Icebreakers, Energizers and Reflections“and “The Wide World“
Nick focused on “Marketing Your Organization’s Experience“and “The Web World“
Tom learned about “Using Campus Facilities” and “Making Smooth Leadership Transitions”
Each of us gained a lot from these experiences.
After sweeping SWE in for dinner we started a “Friend Requesting” activity. This consisted of discussions for potential future collaborations (SGE, Michigan Mock Trial, & Mpowered Entrepreneurship) or information exchange for the betterment of other programs (Jen Wegner, NSBE, SWE, IEEE, SAPAC, & MSA). We focused on the engagement of our members, fundraising, and the incentives program.
Tom would like to mention that NSBE made a huge impression on us all. Their passion for their organization, respect for one another, and fun they have while working together is something for EGL to strive for in the next few years. They are truly passionate about their purpose and we have formed a high respect for their methods and values.
QUICK NOTE: Due to the lightning, there was a short loss of internet (and the blog entry was erased!) However, we feel comfortable with our work today and are chewing on some ideas as the day closes down.
Facebook:
-EGL courted SWE to dinner to sweep them away from their other lovers
-EGL wrote on SWE’s wall “You can stand under our umbrella… ella… ella… ay”
Hope you all tune in for our last words tomorrow! We will leave EGL represented well – THAT is certain!
Adios,
-Claudio, Chelsea, Ben, Nick and Tom
Posted by tgham at May 7, 2009 06:00 PM
Comments
For stress relief I like to:
Run, Take my dogs swimming, Read, Go on a trip with friends
P.S. Now the umbrella song is going to be stuck in my head for the rest of the day!
Posted by: sjed at May 8, 2009 12:29 PM
I won't be one to deny that I've gotten burned out at times. Best ways for me to deal with it are workout or calling a friend or family member I haven't caught up with in a while.
Also, at times when I didn't know how to handle stress, which still occurs regularly, I wouldn't sleep well at night. I'd dream in code or wake up multiple times a night. The best way I found to deal with this is to put a pad of paper on your night stand and write down whatever it is you're thinking of. Also, reading something light before bed is great to get your mind off of other things.
Still very impressed with all of your work by the way.
Posted by: dchuofm at May 8, 2009 01:00 PM
Stress release: Workout, long walk alone
Posted by: ebarbara at May 8, 2009 01:02 PM
When I get stressed out I: play piano, read, canoe/kayak, and hike. I should try to do these things more often.
I've enjoyed reading the blog, and it's great to see that you guys are having an awesome week. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: ndben at May 8, 2009 01:18 PM
Stress??...I never get stressed out! JK.
I try exercising/lifting weights/playing sports. During finals time I find myself at the IM building almost every day...really helps me clear my mind. Endorphin release = stress release.
Posted by: brumao at May 9, 2009 01:13 AM
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