Reflection #3

1. What are some ways that you have encouraged others to generate creative, resourceful solutions to problems and what were the outcomes? Please use a specific incident in your answer

When I was the co-event lead for Guitars Unplugged, there were several circumstances which required my committee to think creatively in a short amount of time. One of the most difficult problems to solve was the production of the annual Guitars Unplugged cd. My committee had done research on production and studio time that would go into the creation of a cd and when we presented the funding amount required for the production, the Campus Activities vp vetoed the funding because it was too expensive. My committee went back 3 other times finding cheaper studios, etc and finally the vp said that producing a cd was not necessary and a inefficient use of funding. So I went to my team and we brainstormed: how could we advertise and facilitate our 17 bands original compositions to the entire BYU population without producing a cd? While there were several ideas, my team came up with the solution to put the songs as MP3 files on a Guitars Unplugged website that anyone could download off of. While the majority of students were upset at the fact there was no cd produced, the goal to facilitate the band's original songs was successful.

1. In your opinion, what are the most important behaviors (as defined in your student manual) in getting results with a project or problem? Explain why you have chosen these ad use specific personal examples to add merit to your claim.

I think there is one most important behavior and that is taking initiative. A project or problem cannot and will not get results unless someone takes the initiative to start the creative, administrative, etc. processes involved with the project. In the Clubs area, Pete set the bar for taking initiative during the summer months. I felt as if all my programs couldn't really start until the Fall, and Pete also felt the same way, but instead of doing nothing, he created projects to help promote the Clubs area in a different way, which was creating a pamphlet. Something as small as the pamphlet has been helpful in quickly getting important information to a wide audience of interested students who don't have a lot of time.

1. What are your personal strengths in getting results on projects or problems, and how can you use and implement them in your current leadership position to benefit your team?

I am strong in organization and planning. I believe that when a project arises that organizing and planning allows a safeguard to deal with problems in a calm and collected manner. When problems do arise, with a solid foundation, you don't believe the end of the world is near, but you take the problem for what it is, see how it fits into your overall plan and tackle it with gusto. I can implement these into my team by planning monthly activities and area retreats, as well as encouraging my club presidents to plan their events and advertising ahead of time.