4+5+8+9+13...

=Amarette's interpretation of 13 Rules of Leadership

Rule 4: It can be done.

The first thing that popped into my head when I read this: The Little Engine That Could For those of you that don't know the story, its a popular children's story about working hard and staying optimistic. While the engine, strives to achieve a daunting task, he says to himself "i think can, i think i can". I loved this story as a kid and I still think it has a great message. "I can't" should never be a part of leader's vocabulary because with the right attitude anything can be done. As a little kid, my mom scolded me for saying "I can't." She even tells her grandkids the same thing. Another component of this rule: don't let others tell you it can't be done. Use that as your motivation to get things done and accomplish your goals. Sometimes there are obstacles, but don't let them get in the way of your ultimate goals and dreams.

Example: Student Life or another office on campus might say some type of event or program just is not possible. However, you might need to rethink the way you presented the idea or find a way to do the program without offending anyone or maybe changing a component of the program. You just need to be persistent in finding out a way to do the event or program. That might require some creativity and thinking outside the box.

Rule 5: Be careful whom you choose.

This rule reminds me of what my used to tell me. "Choose your friends wisely." This rule definitely resonates with me because of my experiences in life. I strongly believe that the people who you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your life. It can be a negative or positive impact depending on the people. I think that's what Colin Powell means by "be careful whom you choose." In terms of leadership, I think its important to have role models and mentors, who have a positive influence in your life. It's also important when it comes to picking people to carry out certain tasks or helping you out.

Example: When planning an event, its always a good idea to ask for some help. However, you should always be wise about who you pick to help. Know the strengths of the people you're asking to help. If someone has a niche for graphic design, it would be best for you to ask them to help with advertising. However, they might not be the best at organizing a caterer for the event.

Rule 8: Check small things.

Details are SUPER IMPORTANT. This is something that I think a leader must always keep in the back of their mind. You need a big picture, but the small things create the bigger picture. The details can make or break an event or program. It's important to check and double check that all of your ducks are in a row.

Example: When planning a retreat for a big group of people, make a checklist for all the supplies needed for a successful trip. Double check directions to the retreat location. Double check the accommodations for the retreat and make sure the people going on the retreat are prepared for those accommodations. If these things aren't checked, things might not turn out the way you wanted or expected. That isn't bad, but its always best to be prepared.

Rule 9: Share credit.

Almost everything you do in life, you don't do entirely on your own. People have helped prepare you for the task or helped with the task. People have also encouraged you to do great things and be successful. While these people may not have completed the task or program, they've helped you along the way and also deserve credit for your successes. As a leader, it's sometimes easy to take all the credit for a program. More than likely, you weren't the only person that helped make the program a success. As the leader, its important for you to give credit to those who also helped make it a success.

Example: When a facilitation goes the best possible way, it would be easy for me as the director to take credit for the facilitation. However, the facilitators are really the ones who made the facilitation such a success because of their awesome abilities. They deserve more credit than I do.

Rule 13: Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Living on the bright side is always better. Staying optimistic goes a lot farther than being a negative norbert. It's also very contagious. As a leader, its important to remain optimistic in stressful situations. If you do, everyone around you will start to see the bright side to life. Since coming to college, optimism has become important in my life. I've been able to experience life in a whole new way. I've surrounded myself with optimistic people which has only brought about good things in my life.

Example: For a program, you set a goal to have a certain amount of applicants or attendants, but were unable to reach that goal. You have two ways of looking at the situation: 1) I'm a failure and I can't do anything right. 2) I didn't reach my goal which sucks. However, the people that did come were able to have a really good conversation with the speaker. Or the applicants are exceptional and it's a bit of relief not to have to say no to someone.


Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!! I'm getting excited for training in August! ;-)