Insights I Got From Noticing How I Listen to People ~ Quiet Leadership

As I listened to my mother talk about her work day and what she had/had not accomplished. I found myself listening for a chance to be funny because at some points in our conversation the tone dipped into a little bit of anger, depression, and frustration. I was listening to some external distractions, though I did try rather hard to block out both my brother's conversation with my father and the basketball game. I was listening to what was going on with her as to be supportive and a good daughter and howI could help (though in this respect it seemed that just talking it out with her was the most help). And, finally, I was listening to understand her problems/dilemmas. All in all, it was a pretty good conversation in that I was a fairly active listener - though after making these points I should definitely strive to be even better at this as listening is a HUGE part of leadership.

Mom & I in Kauai Zip Lining

Women Lead The Way ~ Linda Tarr-Whelan

My experience of reading more than half of "On Leadership" was not a pleasant one. It turned out to be a very dull and tedious book that in an overall sense wasn't very informative at all. Today I journeyed to the Chula Vista Public Library and I checked out several new books. From now on I will be skimming and scanning to pull the key information out of the text. My mother and I discussed this strategy and she was a big help in finding the new material. I am also hoping to get all of my interviews completed this week so that I am not extremely stressed in the next three weeks before this symposium project is due.

On the inside cover:
Linda states that her goal is to make the 30% plan happen (here she has not explained it) and to close the leadership gap between men and women. She also hopes that the book will help more women to either get into leadership or help aspiring leaders to improve their tactics and become more successful.

Foreword:
Marie Wilson explains how women are underused and only occupy between 16% and 20% of major leadership positions. She advocates for the 30% plan (though at this point I still have no idea what that is), tells that women are catalysts for change, and explains her relationship with Linda, the writer of the book.

Preface:
Linda explains her belief that having more women leaders can make a big difference. The book is supposed to be a guide to becoming a transformational woman leader. She tells of her own rocky journey and how she hope that this book will make the journey for others easier. The 30% plan makes it so that at least one-third of a decision-making group as women can have powerful positive outcomes ( Yay I finally know what that is!). She also explains how one of her other goals is to eradicate degrading and untrue myths for women. Also, we must help other women climb up with us to create equality.

Introduction:
She opens with a blurb on an inspirational pin that sits on her desk and goes on to explain the link between Rwanda's success and the majority of women leaders that is present in that country and the link that that has to its success. She then goes into paralysis of women in the home due to family responsibilities (though this does not apply to me now, it will in the future so it is a good point).

Takeaways:
* The 30% plan is essential to success (189 countries have ratified it, including the U.S.)
* Companies with more woman directors have more success
* Women bring fresh ideas (In India women brought huge change)
* Sometimes our climb to the top is stalled or very slow
* Much of our power and ideas remain unused
* Bring more leaders up with you to create faster change
* Nothing is impossible (The word itself says I'm Possible - hehehe)
* Do everything you can to decrease the possibility of failure
* Make a difference by being ready when opportunity knocks
* New women leaders is exactly what we need today
* You can never think too big

Potential Interview Questions

* What kinds of jobs can you find in leadership today?
* What kinds of degrees/experience do you need to become a leader in the professional sense?
* What tricks do you think a leader should have up their sleeves at all times?
* What does leadership mean to you?
* What are the perks of being a leader? The disadvantages?
* Who are your role models?
* Who did you lead/ who do you lead currently (groups, people, etc.)?
* How did you discover that you wanted to be a leader?
* Why does the world need leaders? What makes them important? In your opinion would we be better off in a state of nature?
* Who are some historical leaders that you have learned from?
* Is the ability to speak in front of a crowd important? Why or why not?
* What obstacles have you encountered on your journey to become the best leader possible?
* Describe your leadership style.
* What are your keys to success?
* What advice to you have for me as an aspiring leader?

Prior to the interview I am going to :
* Take a picture of the person
* Put together a brief bio on them
* And get a brief description of their current job

Updates as of 5/2/13

While reading "On Leadership" by Donald J. Palmisano I have often found that it is above my reading level...
New Vocabulary Words:
Sepsis - a medical disease in which the body has a severe response to bacteria or other germs
Anaphora - the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
Jargon - special words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand
Gripe - a complaint
Careening - to tilt, lean over
Derelict - in a very poor position as a result of disuse and neglect
Omnipotent - having unlimited power, able to do anything
Beget - to give rise to, bring about
Appositive - relating to or being in apposition
Totalitarianism - a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator
There have been recent references to...
*Nineteen Eighty Four (I am picking this up now because I own it and I have neglected to ever read it... though Mr. Cortes, my history teacher, did say it was creepy and not great... still...)
* Creative Think
* New Think
* A Whack on the Side of the Head
* The Lively Art of Writing
*And many more!!!
Apparently there are whole schools, degrees, libraries... on leadership according to my parents... I am going to research these things!

On Leadership ~ Chapter 4

A Primer on "Homework"
Doing your homework and research to be prepared and informed is essential to success during an event or really any type of meeting with people. (I should go into my Zoo Corps involvement, FPSI, Music Club, testing... etc but I shall save this for another time). The informative part is extremely important as one must be informed and up to date with technology and facts to provide a good argument for pretty much anything and everything. The same goes for events in the past. This part also speaks on never leaving anything to chance as bad things can happen. So, you should always attempt to stay one step ahead of the opposition. My top two "Lessons Learned" were: Observation and logical pursuit of of the evidence lead to truth. I was also fond of the one that talked about how the pursuit of excellence and leadership can be a lonely one, but success is worth the potholes en route. THAT WAS THE BEST PART OF THIS BOOK THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED THUS FAR OhhMmmGee IT'S KIND OF LIKE THE STORY OF MY LIFE!

On Leadership ~ Chapter 3

The Essentials of Leadership: Success Cornerstones and More

Learn how to identify the essentials of leadership (does not become rattled in a crisis, understands that division leads to failure, does their homework, is decisive, is ethical, etc.). The idea that crisis creates leaders is critical; in a crisis leaders emerge. Two examples of great leaders were explained in this chapter that really exemplified all of the traits listed above and even more. My top two "Lessons Learned" were: Sometimes a crisis tests a leader's ability to really "deal" and really LEAD. I was also fond of the cornerstones that included doing your homework, courage, persistence... and much MORE. 

On Leadership ~ Chapter 2

Advice From the Past: Foundation of Success
In this chapter, the author, Donald J. Palmisiano gives examples of past leaders and some things that can be learned from them. For example, his dad, an officer that acted as a true leader should and risked his own life to save others by handling a situation calmly and being decisive. My top two "Lessons Learned" were: A crisis frequently tests one's courage and The commmitment to "Do your homework, have courafe - and don't five up" is vital to anyone seeking success.