AFLV LeaderShape: Day 2 by Reid Palmer

The Value of One, the Power of All

In any group activity there will always be different individuals who make different contributions.  However, the success of that group is a shared accomplishment, a shared achievement, since everyone’s individual role was integral to that success.

Maximizing individual achievement for group success is invariably a job that is tasked to the leader of the group.  How you become an effective leader is not innate: it is not either you can, or cannot.  Like virtually everything else in life being a leader is something you must learn to be and a role you yourself must grow into to be comfortable.  LeaderShape is a vehicle for learning these skills, and doing the kind of self-discovery required to becoming a leader. Today, on day 2 of the AFLV LeaderShape we challenged ourselves to learn the value of one, the power of all.

The value of one, the power of all plays out in many areas for those of us not lucky enough to be Greek.  My best experience with this idea and where I learned its true meaning was on the football field.  Although we love fantasy football and individual accomplishments, football remains the ultimate team sport.  Granted it is one individual who crosses the goal line for a touchdown: the value of one, but it is the rest of the team on the field that made that play and the whole team gets six points: the power of all.  What most causal viewers of the game don’t often realize is what went into making that play a success.  All of the coaches designing plays, the players working hard in practice to give those starting players a “good look” all contribute, all week to success on game day.  Each individual did their part: the value of one, and collectively everyone celebrates: the power of all.

Today at LeaderShape to learn this valuable lesson we addressed in many facets.  To start the day we were grouped into our own small teams and put through some physical challenges to begin to learn the value of one, the power of all.  Through various challenges this short sentence began to ring true again and again.  In each challenged we faced there was an individual, at times many, at times maybe too many who lead the group with an idea or plan.  These individuals were adding their value to the group, and each individual contribution was unique in its own way, they all added up to the group being successful in our task.  Eyes began to open as the words we spoke of after breakfast started to become more than words, but more of a way of how we are going to be leading our respective organizations.  Each individual made a valuable contribution and in turn made our group more powerful.

To delve deeper into understanding we spent the most of the rest of the afternoon learning more about ourselves and others.  Of course there is no understanding others without first understanding ourselves.  Understanding where we come from, our tendencies, and strengths, and then learning that not everyone has those same tendencies and behaviors was the basic framework we started with to expand our knowledge.  Learning that others have different strengths from us, allow us as leaders, to put them in a role that is going to suit them best, not just assuming they can do all we can do.  This is getting the value out of one, or each individual.

A long and necessary session and discussion on our basis, our prejudices, and our move to discriminate was how we wrapped this evening.  Moments of reflection and examination brought realizations that we are each unique with individual identities, multiple identities.  Our identities intersect at many places, and these points of intersection are how we make connections from our groups and grow our communities.  We celebrated the value of each individual and learned that by doing this we strengthen our organizations, become better leaders, and we tap into that power of all.

I learned the lessons of the value of one, the power of all through a different organization other than Greek.  However, whether you are Greek or not this lesson is one that leaders of their organizations in school will take with them to graduation and beyond, and when we are leaders of organizations, businesses, schools, colleges, or any group we will draw on the lessons learned today at LeaderShape: the value of one, the power of all.

Reid Palmer

Metropolitan State College of Denver

AFLV LeaderShape: Day 2 by Kelsey Cunningham

After a busy and slightly overwhelming first day in Kansas, I was excited to continue the AFLV LeaderShape curriculum and get to know the other students a little better. The morning was dedicated to team building exercises in which we were split into teams and given various tasks to complete. Though frustrating at the first introduction, it was interesting to see the different personalities and their corresponding approaches to the problems. Similar to my experience with my Greek organization at school, I learned that my approach may not be the best one and it may take some deliberation to reach the best solution. I was able to connect with my teammates better after we completed a task, and the last couple seemed easier than the first because we were more comfortable with each other and had learned from previous experiences.

The theme for today was ‘the value of one the power of all.’ This concept was reinforced first through the team building because it was a practical, real-life example of how each individual has a contribution and their input is crucial to the potential success or failure of the whole group. After working with our teams we took the DiSC personality test which highlighted strengths and flaws of each type and how that individual can best contribute to a group. We were grouped into sections with our personality and brainstormed how we approach a situation and what others can do to help us compensate for any inconsistencies. In any group, it is important to recognize the different personalities that are necessary to its everyday functionality. For example, Greek organizations would not exist without the Conscientiousness personality because they would most likely maintain the chapter’s finances, paperwork and logistics. The Influence personality type is equally as important because they are most likely to be the most effective recruiters and maintain high morale throughout the year. Taking this test and listening to various methods in which different personality types approached a situation made me think about my own chapter and how crucial respecting the personality differences is in the cohesiveness of a group.

The final portion of the day concluded the concept of the importance of valuing an individual to strengthen the integrity and effectiveness of the whole, specifically concerning stereotypes and discrimination perpetuated by preconceived notions held about groups of people. I am the first to admit yesterday I immediately categorized every person I was introduced to before I even got to know them. This tendency can cause animosity in a group or between groups, and can seriously devalue a person simply based on general characteristic that is no way true about every member of that group. We were able to really get to know different students when we shared how they have felt discriminated against or perpetuated discrimination in our family cluster discussions at the end of the night. This was the most memorable experience because I was able to hear personal experiences from people in my group and how they have been affected by discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, race, and religion. Coming from a small town without much personal input to the conversation, it was really powerful to hear the situations others in my group had been exposed to and how they dealt with the issues. This conversation made me re-evaluate what goes on in my chapter and Greek community at UCONN. In addition, I am confident I will come back to school in August with a new appreciation of different backgrounds and personalities and their potential contributions to the group. 

Kelsey Cunningham

University of Connecticut

Kappa Alpha Theta

AFLV LeaderShape: Day 1 by Madeleine Stroth

AFLV LeaderShape: Day 1

I won’t lie… the drive from Iowa City, IA to Lawrence, KA was rough.  Waking up early to sit in a car for hours only to end up missing one… or two exists, is not exactly my idea of a great morning.  After finally arriving at the KU campus, and getting lost a few more times, I was walking up the steps of the Phi Kappa Psi chapter structure and beginning an experience I had been told I would never forget.
 

Signing in and getting acquainted with the sleeping quarters was the easy part, but suddenly, I felt an emotion I wasn’t used to.  I was nervous.  I’m talking racing nerves.  Had I really given up an entire week of summer to a leadership development program? All at once I was silently overcome with doubt in what I had gotten myself into… or maybe what my advisors let me get myself into. Hmm...

This unsettling rush of nerves was thankfully and quickly relaxed by blaring music and the joyful entrance of the AFLV LeaderShape faculty.  My mood and outlook for the week flipped dramatically and I was sure I had made the right choice.

Opening discussions and the encouragement of the staff to “dive right in” allowed me to make fast friends and participate in intelligent and in-depth discussions about leadership qualities and opportunities.

As if I wasn’t excited enough for the rest of the week, I was then introduced to my Family Cluster, the small group I would be spending a great deal of time with in the coming days.  Immediately our small group began to share our abridged life stories and more importantly, we shared laughs along the way.  

I am so happy I have the opportunity to connect with this small group of leaders who took the same risk coming here as I did, braving the unknown, and hoping for the best.  

Here’s to the Alpha group of AFLV LeaderShape adventurers!  I know it’s going to be great!

Madeleine Stroth
The University of Iowa

AFLV LeaderShape Day 1 by Olivia Evans

 

AFLV LeaderShape, Day 1

LeaderShape. Wow. This word, just a few months ago, was an illusion; a title on an application; a far off summer plan. When I woke up at three am this morning in Lake Oroville, CA to drive to the airport in Sacramento to board my flight to come to Kansas City and then Lawrence, this word became the outline for my life over the next week… And what a great week it’s looking to be.

Upon my arrival at the airport, I found a group of fellow Greek-letter sporting young adults with large suitcases and awkward expressions. Within minutes of being on the bus, we had found commonalities, shared stories, and made each other laugh. Jumping into a situation like LeaderShape that has no exact description of experiences leaves a lot of room for “what if’s,” and trepidations- about being liked, about finding friends, and about coming home a stronger person. It was obvious to me, however, within just one hour of being in Kansas, that this California girl did not have to worry about any of those things.

As a communications major, I find words to be important: not just what we say but how we say them; how we use them. Our LeaderShape handbook defines “leadership” with many words, one of them being action. Action is the word I chose to focus on today because it embodies so much. Action requires thought, planning, drive, and the conquering of the fear of rejection. All of us Greek students initially conquered a fear by choosing to rush: putting ourselves out in the world to be judged and accepted or rejected by peer groups that we hoped to one day call family. In our lives, we have taken millions of actions and will take millions more, and I find it to be such an important component of leadership because a good leader knows how to use action or understand the importance of action.       

           
This week, it is my goal to use my actions as a leader, co-leader, and follower to the best of my abilities. As James Dean once said, “I can’t change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Being able to adjust actions as new situations arise is an admirable and useful quality in any person, regardless of position or status.

            Tonight, there are many words on my mind, all of which are positive and most of which are sure to be trending on Twitter nationwide over the next week due to the outstanding program myself and my fellow Alpha Class of AFLV LeaderShape are experiencing.

           
Thank you, Alpha Gamma Delta (Delta Iota Chapter) for giving me a family and thank you to that family for sending me here.

xoxo,

Olivia Evans

California State University, Chico

A new chapter

Today is the last day of our immersion trip with AFLV and the Leadership Institute-Women With Purpose. I have had quite a few "last" days this past month and for once I am actually feeling the sadness of a conclusion. I graduated from Fresno State exactly a week ago and today everything seems to be settling in. This service trip was a way for me to get out into the world after graduation, and it has done just that and more. I was able to meet amazing women who allowed me to reflect with them as they continue their Greek experience. The experience both on site with Habitat for Humanity and during our evening leadership discussion allowed me to open up and evoke dreams of my future. As I said a few time during this trip, I am here able to wrap up my Greek experience and begin my new journey as an alumni.



While building I was constantly moving, helping, and talking. The entire week at the build challenged my energy and provoked my mind. It was the ultimate way to fulfill myself, because I was helping to fulfill others. I learned more about my ability to work in a team and handle my frustration. A small incident could have given me reason to give up, but I knew there was only reason to keep going. The build allowed me to reflect on the times in my college and Greek career and recognize those times I may have given up. It all is a learning experience, but for the women here who will go back to their chapters in Fall; they will now have the ability to strive for the good and see the importance of their actions. I will now be able to use my actions in the real world, helping those around me gain confidence and strive for their goals.


The short amount of time at the site, will still provide a lasting impact for a family or individual. This thought is addicting and for me something I want to continue. All of this has been solidified in my life within the past week. These things have been introduced to me while being a Greek member, but now my leadership skills, personal development, and desire to make a change is continuing nto my professional world. There is no better good than a good that changes you and helps others.


Thank you to the Habitat for Humanity for changing lives, the amazing women I met this past week, Erin and Tricia for their guidance and planning this trip, and to all the Greek organizations who have changed all of our lives for the better.

Lauren Smoot is a recent graduate of California State University Fresno and a member of Delta Gamma.

Everything happens for a reason

This trip has been just the break I needed from the everyday worries of college life. This week I realized how truly blessed I am to even call myself a college student. Yesterday we had the chance to see a woman have her Habitat for Humanity house dedicated to her and it changed my outlook on everything. For most of this week I deemed my contributions to the house insignificant and small, but seeing someone cry from joy over their home was such a humbling experience. I know as a college student I take for granted being lucky enough to even take finals or sit through a three hour lab course. I get excited about a new episode of Glee or a class being cancelled. This week redefined what I deem important.


Earlier in the week I was painting the side of the house on some scaffolding several feet off the ground. There was a hole in between two pieces, and the moment I stopped paying attention I fell into the hole, and injured my back. After that I wanted nothing more than to be at home to rest. When I decided to stay I told myself I would not leave the ground. But yesterday, I conquered my fear of getting back on the scaffolding, and finished painting the side of the house. I have never felt more accomplished or proud of myself. Soon after this I felt that all of those feelings would be insignificant because it was only a coat of paint.

The joy on that woman’s face proved to me that all the blood, sweat and tears I have put in this project really did make a difference. I didn’t just paint a house, I painted someone’s home.

I learn how to be a leader through my education and all of the extra-curricular activities I do. This week I learned to lead through a service mission and it was something I will never forget. I would suggest anyone who ever has a chance like this take it. It redefined what exactly a leader looks like to me. It isn’t the president of your chapter or alumni you admire. The leaders of your chapter are those who will selflessly put their needs and desires down in order to contribute to the betterment of your chapter and mankind. I want to bring everything I have learned back to my chapter, and really emphasize the importance of service.

I feel like life isn’t just a coincidence. I think everything happens for a reason. This trip was no exception to that. The women I met and the lives that were changed through our hard work are one of the most valuable memories I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Stephanie Winn is a student at Belmont University and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority.

It's Friday!

I cannot believe that it is already Friday! I was just thinking about how I was a little homesick on Monday (and a little Tuesday) and now I am wishing that I could stay here and spend time with these incredible women for at least another two days.
Today was our last day onsite and it was HOT. I think it was hotter today than any of the other days that we spent out there. Today I helped a little in finishing the left side of the house but I mostly painted. Every time I take a trip like this I like to try to accomplish something that I didn’t think I could, so today Stephanie and I leaned extension ladders up against the back of the house and painted the siding. (I should note here how terrified of heights I am.) However, neither of us were even remotely injured and I feel so accomplished! We packed up early today to go to a Habitat house dedication in another part of the city. We got there just in time to hear the new homeowner say a few words, hear a blessing for the house and take a small tour through it. I think almost all of us were moved to tears being there. It is just such an incredible feeling to see the final product of what we were doing. I hope someday I can come back to NOLA and drive past the house I worked on just to see the final product.

We also got to go out to dinner tonight in the French Quarter. We all shopped for some souvenirs before regrouping at the restaurant. I had jambalaya—which was incredible. I feel like I could have eaten another whole serving of it! After dinner we drove around a bit to site see. We rode passed Tulane and Loyola and through the Garden District. It was incredibly beautiful. There were old houses and trees shading everything. We also saw a wedding and a graduation!

We are all leaving tomorrow and I am part of the first group going to the airport. While I am excited to get back home, I am pretty sad about that because I’d like to spend as much more time with these women as possible—even if it is just a couple more hours. I feel extremely blessed to have been a part of this wonderful experience. I can’t wait to get home and start brainstorming ideas and applying what I’ve learned here in all facets of my life. Hopefully I will be able to take another trip like this again. Or maybe I’ll even lead one someday! I am going to miss these ladies so much and it comforts me to know that some of them aren’t that far away from me when we get back home. I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish (which I know will be great!) in the future. I look forward to seeing them all again very soon.
Maddie Mann is a member of Phi Sigma Sigma and a eenior at Northern Kentucky University.