Creativity and Communication

· In what ways are you good at creativity and/or innovation?

· What challenges do you normally face when put in a situation to be creative?

· How will you bring creativity to your position and in what ways?

Now onto a completely different subject, communication! Communication is a huge part of working as a team: write about how you are most easily communicated with and your favored ways of communication when working as a group.

I wouldn't immediately describe myself as creative, however I like to be crafty and colorful (hence some of my previous blogs). Sometime I can be creative with the computer and creating cool looking PowerPoints and presentation materials. I also really love to be crafty, but I'm not necessarily good at being crafty. For example, I like to be creative with my hall decorations and door decs. The hard part though, I come up with a genius idea, but struggle to get that idea from head to my hands. So usually I can visualize something, but I need some help putting that idea into action. In terms of Facilitation, I think being creative falls under being flexible in a sense. Sometimes element equipment is missing, so you have to come up with another element or another way of doing the element, which often involves being creative. For me, I plan on being creative with the Leading EDGE meetings. I think its important for our facilitators to be continually learning how to be a better facilitator. There are several ways of going about that, and I would like to be creative with their continuing education. I think also being creative with the element book that I'm working is important that way it's easy to read and looks good.

Communication:

So I would much rather talk to someone in person, especially if its about a problem or a difficult situation. It's actually a pet peeve of mine when people try to argue with me via text message. However, when setting up meetings, and working out details for something, email or texting works great for me. I will sometimes call people because it seems as if it's less effort than texting someone.

I'm excited to see everyone this weekend at the retreat!! :-)

"You can't amaze the world until you first surprise yourself.."

Overall, I do not find myself to be uniquely creative. Anytime I start a project or something of the sort, I almost always ask for other peoples input and opinion on whatever it is that I'm doing. I am not the kind of person that can simply come up with something creative on my own most of the time. When I have things and/or ideas to work with, I'm able to put things together in a way that is creative. I can be creative when given the resources, input, and not too much time to come up with something. When I'm put in a situation to be creative, one thing that always gets me is the brainstorming process. Either I'm able to come up with something fast or I think of something and need much extra input. If you haven't noticed, I find input/opinions vital in achieving success in creativity...much like Kermit's Rule 3-Bouncing Ideas.

I plan to bring creativity to my position on SLT by formulating different/unique/not-yet-attempted ways of reaching more out into the SEU community. HLD is an amazing program/organization on campus that not enough people know about/have misperceptions of. I hope to achieve "creative/unique" ways to reach out to the campus this year with y'all.

My absolute favorite form of communication is one-on-one with another person. It tends to be the easiest way to dig up what others are thinking about whats goin on within a group when out of the group setting. In the group setting, you'll hear mainly, what I call, surface level opinions. When I get that one-on-one communication going, I'm able to learn so much more. When I'm working with a group, I typically am the sit-back and take it all in kind of person, or the quiet one. If I have something to contribute to the group or have a different take on something, I'll voice it.

&& like Erica, I'm usually very reachable by text, phone, or email...in order of best way to contact moi!

I'm wondering if this is as long as I think it'll be...we'll see! Can't wait to see y'all in only a few days! So ready!!

Chris

what I'm not very good at ... and what I like to think I'm good at:

creativity... and communication.

By my mass amount of e-mails, it's clear to see that I often forget to communicate things, especially when I am not around!

I am not very creative when it comes to solutions or ideas that people want to come out of nowhere. I'm great at crafts (just look at my TOMS!) But I am pretty good at rearranging things to work. I don;t think that's being creative really, because I'm really just good at using what I have to work with. Coming up with things that are new and crazy really isn't my strong suit, so I guess that's where I'm lacking. I get really caught in details and making sure the little things are okay. However, I do try to work on my big thinking and creativity in order to make myself more well-rounded. It's just hard. Anyone with ideas on how to work on this, please let me know!

I hope to bring creativity to SLT in the way I approach what we do. I think this year is a huge growing year for HLD as a whole, and I think we need to think outside of the box on how to strengthen what we've established and how to find the little things that can make a big difference in what we do for the St. Edward's community. I haven't exactly figured out what this specifically entails, but I will soon. It's something I want to work on.

When working as a group and especially on SLT, I LOVE having face-to-face conversations. I also absolutely love e-mails that keep me in the loop. It helps me figure out what I need to do and what I need to ask people for help with. Knowing what's going on is a huge part of what I'm going to need from the team this year. Having one-on-one meetings (as most of you will do) will really help with that.

As far as more personal issues and just plain ol' conversation goes, I love chatting on the phone with everyone about what they're stressing about or what they're deliberating about. I also love texting because I can bake and text at the same time (I love multitasking).

All in all, I'm usually VERY reachable by either e-mail, BBM, phone, or text. Or just come find me at either my apartment or in the SLT office. Or class.

I hope you guys are excited for this weekend/week, I know I am!!

-Erica

Final Blog

When I first started working on my blog today I was sitting in the Lubbock airport waiting to catch a flight home to San Antonio. I just finished my last cheerleading camp today and was literally in the middle of no where-Lazbuddie, TX--30 miles from Clovis, NM.

Anyways, on to the blog.

When I was in high school, I never thought of myself as being creative whatsoever. I didnt like coming up with skits, acting in front of people. I couldnt sing, or draw particularly well. And then my English teacher, Mrs. Flores, taught me that I can be creative with my words. I loved writing papers, doing powerpoint projects, and group projects in front of the class. Writing just comes naturally to me. I would rather sit and write a paper for an hour than take a multiple choice test or do math any day.

I am a very visual learner so I believe my creativity flows best when creating something tangible. I am innovative when it comes to using all possible options. For example, if my mom ever told me I could do something the way I planned, I never took no for an answer and always figured out an alternative to give her. I can also put together creative routines, a skill I have picked up from cheerleading, so I am good with doing things step by step and in order. I learned that to be creative I dont have to know how to draw or sing, I can write and show my organizational creativity.

When put in a situation to be creative my main challenge is focusing on picking one idea. Usually the group that I am brainstorming with has a variety of ideas and its hard for me to step up and decide which one will work best because I am too afraid to be unsuccessful.

I can put my creativity and productivity to use by brainstorming new and interesting speakers ahead of time. I can also use my writing talents as I make my talking points and do my event summaries. Also, I can use my creative talents to attract more students to attend LSS events.

In the area of communication I LOVE EMAILS! I respond quickly to email and remember to do things if I see them in my inbox. Text message reminders also work well but I always appreciate an email with reminders and details of what I specifically need to accomplish. I work best when people give me exact instructions rather than beat around the bush. People can communicate with me best by being straightforward on what they need from me but also being sensitive to my feelings because I do not like being confronted harshly. I can take constructive criticism but I prefer it be in private and not in front of a large group. Overall, I believe I am a good listener and take direction well.

See yall soon!

-JM

j

Creativity and Communication

I am good at being creative when other ideas are being thrown out. I don’t really come up with my own ideas often, but when I do they always improve with others opinions and ideas. I am better with creativity if I don’t have too much time to think about it. If I am given weeks/days to think about something that I need to be creative on, I normally overanalyze it and it turns out terrible. In my position I get to be creative in socials we do! I also need to be creative in getting the mentees/mentors to attend both socials and speaking events.

I'm pretty easy going communication wise as long as your not yelling. Constructive criticism is great but take away constructive and it’s not fun anymore. I think equal communication is good so that everyone gets a chance to speak up. I generally do not talk too much in group settings because I’m trying to soak in what everyone else is saying before I talk. So it seems like I’m quiet but I’m really just digesting what everyone’s ideas are.

Last Blog! Creativity and Communication...

Chapter 16 (Moving Your Own Cheese)

Kermit discusses change and creativity in Chapter 16 of his book. Read the chapter and start thinking of how you will be creative on SLT this year, then create a blog post answering the following questions:

· In what ways are you good at creativity and/or innovation?

· What challenges do you normally face when put in a situation to be creative?

· How will you bring creativity to your position and in what ways?

Now onto a completely different subject, communication! Communication is a huge part of working as a team: write about how you are most easily communicated with and your favored ways of communication when working as a group. We will refer to this in training, so really take a minute to think about it!

Handling Difficult Personalities and Situations

Sorry for the delay...I went to Mexico with my family and completely forgot to blog before I left. But I definitely needed the vacation. Now its time for the craziness to start! :-)

How do you handle difficult personalities or a person that you do not agree with? Which of the above tips do you use (or should you use?) How do you like to be approached when you are in a bad mood or in a difficult and/or disagreeable situation?

From being an RA to working with Freshmen Orientation, I've dealt with many difficult personalities. Depending on the situation, I try to keep my cool and remember that if I lose my temper with the person it will only make the situation much worse. I also think its important to understand where someone is coming from in order to effectively deal with the situation or as Kermit puts it "Embrace Other Points of View". If you can understand where someone is coming from, it helps you to figure out the best way to handle the situation. Also, i think it's important to stand up for what you believe is right, but also knowing that there could be several right answers. I think "Be Firm, but Flexible" sums this up pretty well. I think this one comes in handy when working with a team. Like I've said in a previous post, positivity is something that I've learned since I've been in college from a very good friend of mine. "Be Relentlessly upbeat." Being happy and positive usually is contagious and takes less effort. So i think its important to remain positive in any situation.

When I'm in a bad mood, more than likely it has to do with lack of sleep and loads of stress. I'm the type of person that usually needs my sleep in order to perform well. The loads of stress sometimes can't be helped, but usually if I just have some "me time" then things tend to get better. So if I'm in a bad mood, just ask me if I've had some "me time". And if I haven't remind me that I need to do it and things can wait. As long as someone is listening to my point of view, I'm pretty agreeable in most difficult situations. I also prefer to talk about things and deal with them, rather than push them to the side. So if something is on your mind, please just come talk to me.

Can y'all believe its August already? AHHHH!! can't wait to see y'all soon!

Learning to Pick Your Battles

How do you handle difficult personalities or a person that you do not agree with? Which of the above tips do you use (or should you use?) How do you like to be approached when you are in a bad mood or in a difficult and/or disagreeable situation?

I have learned over the past few years that the most important thing to remember when dealing with difficult personalities is to pick your battles. I think this falls most in line with 5. Be Relentlessly Upbeat. I have learned that I try as hard as I can to concede on small things that keep the group or project moving while remaining optimistic that the project will be a success. I use a lot of these other ones in my personality to try and lead effectively but I think 2. Be Firm, But Flexible is by far my number 1. I have learned sometimes it is easier to work with personalities like that if you assertive at first(even if you know you are wrong) and then back off and reason with them. I have learned that when you command respect, it usually is given, and then those difficult personalities suddenly are a lot easier to deal with. Of course this all is contingent on you dishing out that same level of respect first!. As far as myself, I like to think I am fairly easy to work with in those situations as long as the other person legitimately listens to my side before countering it. I am all about mutual respect.

On a slightly different note, if it weren't for mobile hotspots, I would never get these things done. I have done every one of them in airports and I just boarded a plane so I have to stop talking. Cabo bound! See y'all in a week or so.

Matt

I've always had a pretty long fuse, so I'm not super worried about personality clashes. Im sure they will happen, and I'm sure we'll all make it through them. As a facilitator I recognize that we should be worried more if this doesn't happen.

I typically deal with personality clashes using rule # 5, be relentlessly up beat. It's hard for me to get too upset over something unless it's a personally directed insult, rather than criticism (constructive or otherwise) on my work. When I do get mad, I try to resolve the situation by taking a minute to step back and try to get a look at the whole picture, and after that hopefully the scenario will make more sense.

Don't sweat it-we're only human!

When I encounter a person with a difficult personality, I tend to remain silent and examine what the problem is and how I could go about fixing my relationship with them. More often than not, I just end up putting it behind me, which is a problem because then all it does is build up to a point of frustration with the person. If I do not agree with someone, I think about why it is I am in disagreement; why are they wrong & I’m right? Is their way of doing something more susceptible to failure? If I really feel I’m right, I’ll voice my opinion of why. And if I’m not, I simply let it go. In all of this, I always try to embrace other points of view and remain relentlessly upbeat. One thing I need to work on is showing my true feelings about any particular matter, which I tend to mask at times.

When I’m in a bad mood or a difficult situation, I like being approached in the same way as if I was in a good mood. But in a more toned down way in that I’m not being bombarded. When I’m in a bad mood, it often does not even have to do with the people that it seems directed towards (like you all on slt). When I’m in a bad mood, one thing that’ll also always do some good is positivity (and gifts!). (just kidding on the last one…sorta…) :)