My rules

Sorry for the late posts guys, I've had travel issues and technology issues, and thankfully they're finally worked out.

Rule # 4 - It can be done.

I came into facilitators and SLT with very little large scale leadership experience in the past so this rule really stuck out to me. I think it's really important to take a leap of faith every once in a while and just go for it. I know that the upcoming year is going to be a learning experience for me, and while it will be daunting, I'm going to try to keep my eyes on the prize and just go for it.

Rule # 9 - Share credit.

Because I'm a member of the student leadership team, and working in an organization that builds teams, I think that it's important to maintain a team sensibility. After working with a few groups this past year I realize that some people have the instinct to take a leadership role, and that in most cases people gravitate to them. In facilitations we encourage this, but it becomes a problem when the person taking the leadership role also begins taking all the credit. Teams work infinitely better when every member of the team feels like they're making a difference, so it's important to treat everyone like they contributed regardless of what that contribution was.

Rule # 11 - Have a vision, Be demanding.

I think Amarette and I share a vision on what facilitators should be. We both recognize that the next year could be tough because we're changing what we expect (or demand) from both lead and co facilitators. The important thing is that we stick to our expectations, because letting things slide can quickly become a slippery slope if we aren't careful. As long as we lead by example and expect others to follow, I think we can look forward to seeing leading edge flourish and expand.

Rule # 13 - Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

College can tough time for everyone, and the minute you let it start to overwhelm you it can fall apart. That's why I think that one of the best things you can do for yourself is to always look at the bright side. The perfect example is the 2009-2010 facilitator retreat. We were pretty shy on details until the last minute, we got lost on the road there, and when we got there we found that all the mattresses were from the Texas state correctional facility. Needless to say, some people weren't happy campers. If it wasn't for Jorge, Reed and the rest of the more experienced members relentless optimism I think it's safe to say we wouldn't have accomplished anything, and the weekend would have been miserable for everyone. In the end I think sometimes it's important to just slow down, take a deep breath, and start renewed.

Rule # 12 - Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

This one really goes along with my first rule. I didn't expect to make it into SLT at the beginning of the signups. In fact, when I got invited to the second set of interviews I was pretty surprised. At that point I realized that I actually had a chance and I needed to start thinking about what I would do if I did get in. I could have saved myself some unnecessary self inflicted trauma had I just thought that way from the start. Needless to say, I think that a life spent worrying is a life wasted.