Thank god for a small break on Monday! and very happy birthday to America's first president George Washington on Friday!
For this week's question of the week, I thought I tackle other person's question and maybe answer it - the question was -
How can we learn to control our thoughts to lower the levels of immobilizing anxiety and stress that rob us of our energy and ability to focus and regain our productivity?!
I believe this question was asked by a lady who works at a law firm in DC, and I feel really bad for her sometimes just by listening to her office stories; I feel like she's going through a lot and she always seems a bit gloomy. But at the same time I feel like she needs to communicate more with her co-workers and have more of an optimistic mindset at work (which probably would be hard if I was in her shoes).
My mother always told me people who have more knowledge are less emotional and have more control over themselves; I may not be translating her meaning exactly the same as she means it in my native language, but I am trying to say if one has more knowledge and wisdom, one looks at situations with more perspectives to handle the situation in a right way.
Just like that quote "There are people who handle situations and there are people who are handled by situations" on the first page of the last powerpoint print out, a successful leader can not be carried away by a silly emotion (although many times it seems inevitable to best of people).
Saturday, 23 February 2008
visit to my leadership professor (13th Feb. 3:30PM)
For some reason, my ORSC professor / Dr. G.D. had a miscommunication with me about the 3:30 or 2:30 appointment on Wed. of 13th. I really felt sorry for her because she was about to leave and then I made her stay for a good 30 minutes... but I think the time was used wisely.
The purpose of this appointment was to talk about my latest paper which she immediately pointed out my confusing writing structure, but she was very nice about how my writing is "fixable" and I just need to work on it little more. I knew I had a bit of a writing handicap, but I never realized how obvious it was when she pointed out my essay-jungle. She advised me to make an thorough outline for the final paper and I have been working on it for a while now.
Secondly, I was a bit concerned about how I was doing in class because although I am a good participant and mind-trigger in class, I wasn't too happy about my first paper which professor told me not to worry too much on grade, but keep trying and do my best. And she was please with how much effort I put in class which made my day that she could see that.
I must say, this class have been a lot more challenging then I thought it'd be because I was always a "people's person," but this meet was a good opportunity to make myself more diligent and be proactive for this particular course (and in life).
The purpose of this appointment was to talk about my latest paper which she immediately pointed out my confusing writing structure, but she was very nice about how my writing is "fixable" and I just need to work on it little more. I knew I had a bit of a writing handicap, but I never realized how obvious it was when she pointed out my essay-jungle. She advised me to make an thorough outline for the final paper and I have been working on it for a while now.
Secondly, I was a bit concerned about how I was doing in class because although I am a good participant and mind-trigger in class, I wasn't too happy about my first paper which professor told me not to worry too much on grade, but keep trying and do my best. And she was please with how much effort I put in class which made my day that she could see that.
I must say, this class have been a lot more challenging then I thought it'd be because I was always a "people's person," but this meet was a good opportunity to make myself more diligent and be proactive for this particular course (and in life).
Culture based "expectations"
It's been almost two weeks after I had my last leadership class and I still remember what my leadership professor said about sense of community in western society. Everyone was rushing about at the end of the class so I didn't want to start a debate, but it was interesting to hear professor talking about the concept of "potluck."
But it was more than just about the concept about potluck. She also mentioned how American people are all about bringing the community together and be united and etc; but as soon as she said that, I was confused.
From personal experience, I always thought America was "colder" than most countries I have ever been to.
Although there maybe a strong sense of community in many different areas of United States, to overlook people individually, I feel like in America, people are less caring of each other (having less respect for human beings) and I actually believe it has to do with cultural background of different places (countries, states).
After writing this bit of my journal, I may have confused myself a little more... but if I could bring this topic to the table of class discussion again, I just might have to hear other classmates' opinion.
But it was more than just about the concept about potluck. She also mentioned how American people are all about bringing the community together and be united and etc; but as soon as she said that, I was confused.
From personal experience, I always thought America was "colder" than most countries I have ever been to.
Although there maybe a strong sense of community in many different areas of United States, to overlook people individually, I feel like in America, people are less caring of each other (having less respect for human beings) and I actually believe it has to do with cultural background of different places (countries, states).
After writing this bit of my journal, I may have confused myself a little more... but if I could bring this topic to the table of class discussion again, I just might have to hear other classmates' opinion.
Saturday, 9 February 2008
After reading "Self-Control" Chapter by Goleman, D.
Question of the Week -
As I was reading the "Self-Control" chapter of Daniel Goleman's book, I was surprised by the section "The Three-Million-Dollar Amygdala Hijack."
First I didn't know how it related to leadership concepts... but after reading the Tyson story, it also reminded me of what happened during the 2006 World Cup Final in Germany when world famous French footballer Zidane head-butted Materazzi of Italy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAjWi663kXc) after his provocative comment about Zinedine Zidane's mother and sister (still under controversy).
Many people who never heard or knew well about Zidane assumed him as an angry athlete, but to summarize, he is considered one of the greatest of all time and is known for his calmness and control of the game as a veteran footballer. To conclude, many people believe the French side lost the match because of his inconceivable exit.
So I understand this 'amygdala' can affect people unconsciously, but according to the Marshmallow test and Ted and Mack's story in "The Marshmallow Kids Grow Up and Go to Work" section, amygdala can actually foreshadow an individual's "success" in life; how does that work? Where would we draw the line? Everyone can "tick" once in their life time... No?!
p.s.
Me and that friend who I was having conflict with said "Sorry" and I did as well. But I don't think every puzzle is solved but somehow we expressed ourselves through numerous angry messages and we are communicating now. Amazing how people get along these days.....
As I was reading the "Self-Control" chapter of Daniel Goleman's book, I was surprised by the section "The Three-Million-Dollar Amygdala Hijack."
First I didn't know how it related to leadership concepts... but after reading the Tyson story, it also reminded me of what happened during the 2006 World Cup Final in Germany when world famous French footballer Zidane head-butted Materazzi of Italy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAjWi663kXc) after his provocative comment about Zinedine Zidane's mother and sister (still under controversy).
Many people who never heard or knew well about Zidane assumed him as an angry athlete, but to summarize, he is considered one of the greatest of all time and is known for his calmness and control of the game as a veteran footballer. To conclude, many people believe the French side lost the match because of his inconceivable exit.
So I understand this 'amygdala' can affect people unconsciously, but according to the Marshmallow test and Ted and Mack's story in "The Marshmallow Kids Grow Up and Go to Work" section, amygdala can actually foreshadow an individual's "success" in life; how does that work? Where would we draw the line? Everyone can "tick" once in their life time... No?!
p.s.
Me and that friend who I was having conflict with said "Sorry" and I did as well. But I don't think every puzzle is solved but somehow we expressed ourselves through numerous angry messages and we are communicating now. Amazing how people get along these days.....
Journal_3
Hello.
Something aggravating happened over the last couple days and still is going on at this moment. Couple weeks ago when I first sent in a question to my professor about conflict in power struggle and management style in one organization (particularly my high school's student government) and somehow through Facebook networking, me and that particular prefect is having an argument at this moment.
It will take days to explain our history but most importantly, my question is, I do not get why / how people don't see his real darkness inside; can "kissing up" really cover up oneself that much?! This is rather frustrating and personal problem I didn't think I was going to have to deal with again.
How would good leader take care of this situation? What does it take to eliminate a tumor in organization you never wanted in the first place? Will everyone get to realize who was the real truthful person in the end?
Something aggravating happened over the last couple days and still is going on at this moment. Couple weeks ago when I first sent in a question to my professor about conflict in power struggle and management style in one organization (particularly my high school's student government) and somehow through Facebook networking, me and that particular prefect is having an argument at this moment.
It will take days to explain our history but most importantly, my question is, I do not get why / how people don't see his real darkness inside; can "kissing up" really cover up oneself that much?! This is rather frustrating and personal problem I didn't think I was going to have to deal with again.
How would good leader take care of this situation? What does it take to eliminate a tumor in organization you never wanted in the first place? Will everyone get to realize who was the real truthful person in the end?
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Journal_2
Before I begin to explore some leadership ideas, I just would like to mention today, Feb. 6th 2008, will be marking the 50th Anniversary of the Manchester United Munich Air Crash on Feb. 6th of 1958, which changed the world of English football, and the club, Manchester United. In memory of all those who lost their lives in the Munich air disaster on 6th February 1958, I will be wearing a black tie and an arm band today.
On Monday after class, I was nervous about my paper grade when I first saw it, but thankfully my professor was happy with my writing style but it was not as high as I wished because the paper did not analyze more about the CONCEPT of leadership which the paper was suppose to be on.
So speaking of exploring leadership concept, the LPI observer test was not a big shock to me in the end; although I felt very guilty of the results from my father. I feel like there is always a misunderstanding conflict between me and my dad.... and this is very common among Korean families. Interesting isn't it?
On Monday after class, I was nervous about my paper grade when I first saw it, but thankfully my professor was happy with my writing style but it was not as high as I wished because the paper did not analyze more about the CONCEPT of leadership which the paper was suppose to be on.
So speaking of exploring leadership concept, the LPI observer test was not a big shock to me in the end; although I felt very guilty of the results from my father. I feel like there is always a misunderstanding conflict between me and my dad.... and this is very common among Korean families. Interesting isn't it?
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