Leadership Apprentice Week 6

Leadership Apprentice Week 6: Launch Your Sales Campaign, Automate Your Business Savings

In this final week I got the impression that the most important things I could teach you right now with the remaining time we have is to learn how to launch a campaign and get started with automating your savings for the future. In the upcoming video trainings I'll teach you more about why campaigns are so important and how automating your savings can put you on a path to help liberate you financially and help you be more self-reliant.

First CLICK HERE to make a copy of the document I talk about in the upcoming videos so you can fill it out. Or you're welcome to simply document your results, thoughts, ideas, feelings directly in your journal and not use this document. But it's here to give you a guide at least.

Action Step 1: Watch this Video and Document in your Journal Your Big WHY's of Building a Business

Action Step 2: Watch and Implement this Video Training on Launching Your 1st Facebook Video Campaign

Action Step 3: Watch this Video and Learn How to Read the Statistics of Your Facebook Video Campaign

Action Step 4: Watch This Video and Document in Your Journal Your Commitment, Thoughts & Feelings About Being a Wise Steward With the Earnings and Management of the Money You Earn In Your Life

Action Step 5: Watch This Video and Learn and Implement the Steps of Automating the Savings for Your Future Goals Using Acorns.com

Click HERE to go to acorns to set up your account.

Leadership Journeyman Week 6

 

Leadership Journeyman Week 6! LAST WEEK!

I have enjoyed exploring topics related to improving our communication skills over this 6 week course. Being a great communicator -- someone who listens, is clear and concise, empathetic and engaging and asks questions -- is an important skill you will use for the rest of your life. 

Study/Learn

This week you're going to choose one specific communication skill that we haven't yet discussed in class and learn about it in more detail. You're going to research and read at least 3 different articles about your topic. Take notes in your commonplace book!

CLICK HERE to sign up for a topic.

Know/Do

Prepare a presentation that is 1-3 minutes long about your communication skill. Teach it to us and give us concrete examples so we can understand how to apply this skill in our own life. You are teaching us so we can do an activity in class that will require a knowledge of your communication skill, so come prepared to teach not just entertain ;) 

Finally, those of you that gave me your article, you should receive it back from me no later than Monday. Take the edits I've given you and make the changes to your article.

Once you've done that, click HERE and click on "Submit Your Work" (on the left hand side if you're on a computer, in the dropdown menu if you're on a phone) to follow the instructions to submit your article online! I would LOVE to see one of you get an email during this school year that your article has been accepted! That will be pretty cool so make sure to share if it happens :) 

IF YOU DID NOT come to journeyman last week, then instead of editing and submitting your article you need to go to the same link and instead enter your answer for the magazines question of the month. Here is the info for that:

What Do You Think?
“How do I keep my hopes up when I didn’t get the blessings I was hoping for?”

Go to ftsoy.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and click “Submit Your Work.” Sign in with your Church Account and then select “For the Strength of Youth” under “Choose Magazine.” Click “Add File” to select your file and photos, and then click “Submit” to upload and send us your file.
Responses may be edited for length or clarity.

That's it! See you on Thursday :)  

Here is a handy checklist so you know you have done ALL of the assignment in order to come to class! 

▢ Read through the entire blog post

▢Sign up for a communication skill to teach

▢Read at least three different articles about your communication skill

▢Take notes in your commonplace book as you read the articles

▢Prepare a presentation to teach about your skill. Presentations are 1-3 minutes.

▢Make edits to your article from the feedback Marcie gave you

▢ Submit your article online

▢IF YOU DIDN'T attend journeyman last week: Write and submit the answer to the question of the month.

Leadership Masters Week 6

 Leadership Masters Week 6! That's right, this is our LAST book for leadership! This week we will be reading a piece of children's literature called "Sweep: A Story of a Girl and Her Monster," by Jonathan Auxier. 

Before you read the book, read this interview with the author (it does contain spoilers but I think it also adds interesting perspective from the author about his book. If you canNOT handle spoilers then read this after finishing the book). 

This story contains Jewish folklore in the form of the magical Golem that gives this book the genre of fantasy fiction. You'll encounter ideas about love, literacy, anti-semitism, sacrifice and child labor laws. I hope you enjoy this children's book-- children's literature is my very favorite genre to read!

Your TICKET TO CLASS is to text or email me a thought that you think sums up the message of this book. It can be a quote from the book or in your own words :) 

**Also, I want to remind us all that in order to come to Masters class you do need to make it to journeyman. If you feel there is a deserving exception to be made in your case then you can reach out to me BEFORE class on Thursday to ask if you could have permission to come to Masters without having come to journeyman. There must be a reason though and I can't guarantee I'll make the exception :D **

Leadership Apprentice Week 5

Leadership Apprentice Week 5: Knowing Your Target Market and Creating Your Video Intro Ad

Before You Begin: If you did not complete the assignment from Week 4 (emailing me a link to the website that presents your business offer) then you do need to go back and complete that before moving on to this assignment. If you don't I will chuck squishy bananas at you in our next class J/K. But seriously make sure to get your offer over to me asap okay. Our activities each week build on the last weeks activity so I need to receive an emailed link from Sam, Evelyn, Alex, Gail and Sammy in order for you move on to the assignment for Week 5. Thanks guys!

As a side note before you start this week's assignments, you can check out the video below to see the inside info on the bowl someone just bought on my Etsy account. It works!

How many of you know what supply and demand means? Understanding these two things will help you make more sense of how to lead and grow a small business. So check out the short video below. I'll quiz you on this when we meet next.

Action Step 1: Watch this video:

Next, this video training following will help you get clear about what a target audience is and how to know who your target audience is for the offer you have created. We briefly talked about this in our last class but now is your chance to go in more depth. After watching this video training you should be able to clearly communicate who your ideal buyer is and have documented as much information as possible about that person who we call your ideal buyer avatar. 

First CLICK HERE to access the Ideal Customer Worksheet to use for this exercise. Be sure to click on "File" at the top left and then click on "Make a Copy" to make a copy for you.

Action Step 2: Watch This Video to Learn How to Document Your Ideal Customer for Your Target Audience

Click HERE to access the Facebook Audience Insight tool I refer to in the video training above. Remember that to access that tool you'll need to create a Facebook Ads account which I discuss in the video above.

Leadership Journeyman Week 5

  We are almost through our Leadership lens! We've made it to our final writing project that we've been gearing up for by practicing our summarizing skills, learning how to tell an engaging story and finally, by becoming critical analyzers of our own word choice so we can present a polished piece for possible publication! (that was awesome alliteration and it wasn't even on purpose)

Study/Learn

In order to write for publication you need to be very familiar with the publication you will be writing for. In January the church switched over from The New Era to For the Strength of The Youth Magazine. They unfortunately haven't switched over their writers guidelines -- that's a sheet they put out for potential writers to see the types of articles they accept. I've scoured the old writers guidelines and went through every For the Strength of the Youth Magazine published this year to find an accurate representation of what they accept from youth writers. 

To prepare to write your own personal story you need to read these articles, written by other youth that have been published in the last 9 months:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ftsoy/2021/09/07_i-didnt-make-the-dance-team?lang=eng
(500 words)

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ftsoy/2021/08/11_scriptures-for-spiritual-emergencies?lang=eng

(299 words)

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ftsoy/2021/07/12_prayers-about-swim-goggles?lang=eng

(244 words)

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ftsoy/2021/04/09_seeing-the-goodness-of-god?lang=eng
(285 words)

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ftsoy/2021/01/mushroom-scholarship?lang=eng
(418 words)

From the writers guidelines this is what they are looking for:

"Personal Experience Stories: We are looking for material that shows the gospel of Jesus Christ at work in the lives of young Latter-day Saints. We welcome stories about personal experiences, such as missionary work, conversion; family relationships; healthy, nurturing friendships; and maintaining standards.

How I Know Stories: A short account (200-500 words) of how you gained your testimony or discovered the benefits of living a gospel principle. What led up tot he event? What was the experience like? How has it affected you?

Scripture Lifeline: A short (200-500 word) account of how you faced a trial and found peace or a resolution by applying a particular scripture"

Notice above, I put the word count next to the link for each published article, NONE of them went over 500 words. Writers guidelines are not just a suggestion, they are a standard and if you don't follow that standard it's easy for them to disregard your article without even reading it.

Know/Understand

Now we are going to write our own personal experiences! First, I want you to get down on your knees and pray about what you can write about. One of the roles of the Spirit is to bring all things to our remembrance and He will help you to recall experiences that you can write about. 

Your idea might not come right away, but be patient, talk with family and keep it on the back of your mind, the idea will come, you can trust in that :D 

Once you have your idea, write a 200-500 word article that fits the guidelines above. Use your summarizing and storytelling skills to keep it concise and interesting. I would like your article to be TYPED so it will be easier for me to proof read. 

Once you have written your article have one parent proof read it and give it back to you to make any changes they suggest. 

Bring your proof-read, edited article to class on Thursday :) 

Leadership Masters Week 5

 This week we will be reading Leadership and Self Deception by The Arbinger Institute. This book is life-changing (sounds dramatic which is so unlike me, but it's true). 

Do you have someone in your life that you struggle to get along with? A sibling that annoys you all the time, a parent who doesn't understand you, someone at work who you wish you never shared a shift with??? Then you NEED this book :D 

This book is even better enjoyed when others you love (and get annoyed by) read the book too! So encourage your siblings to make it to masters, challenge your parents to read the book so you can all have these same tools for "getting out of the box" together.

As you'll read you'll notice the scenarios presented in the book are about co-workers, a wife and a child. Don't let that fool you, this book is for teenagers. I want you to read the book with a person(s) in mind. As you read think of the person I mentioned above that you just don't get along with very well and see how the process of getting out of the box applies to you in your situation.

You'll have aha moments, I promise. In order to come to masters you need to text or email me the quote/saying/phrase that you think should go on the sticker! See you at masters :D

Leadership Apprentice Week 4

This week is all about presenting your dazzling, beautiful offer online for the world to see!

The videos below will guide you through the steps to list your offer online. Be sure to copy the website link-URL of your final offer online and email that link to me before we meet next week. Email your offer website link to me at tjessee @ gmail.com

Once you do that I will review your offer and give you feedback so you can come prepared to our next vanguard meeting to present your polished offer to the leaders and group.

Study & Learn

If you have an offer to present publicly on Fiverr.com please watch this video:

NOTE: Once the W-9 Form on Fiverr is reviewed and approved your offer on Fiverr will show live! I wasn't able to cover that in the video above. 

Leadership Journeyman Week 4

 This week we will be learning all about:

Words matter! We don't want to sound like a 4th grader if we're writing a college application essay and we don't want to sound unprofessional if we're putting a cover letter on a resume. If you love creative writing then this assignment will also help you improve your writing skills and avoid cliches, colloquialisms and banal expressions. 

Remember, all of these journeyman class skills are building on each other to help us craft an effective, interesting and well-written article to submit to the magazine for the youth. This particular assignment will heighten your awareness of the boring words and phrases we often use without being conscious of them and how we can replace them to make our writing more interesting.

For this assignment I want you to go through each of the three following slides. As you go through the slides you will notice that some of them prompt you to take action. One slide will ask you to identify the cliche/colloquialism/etc in the sentence. You can do this in your head -- don't skip to the next slide until you think you've identified the part of the sentence you want to get rid of. The next slide will correctly identify the word. Finally, a slide will ask you to reword the sentence: DO THIS in your commonplace book. Rewrite the sentence replacing the common words/phrases with better vocabulary choices.

What if you can't think of a better word choice? Ask an adult, consult a thesaurus or a dictionary. Ask google! The point of this assignment isn't to see what vocabulary words you already know (though this assignment will be easy if you have a large or mature vocabulary), this assignment is to help you identify poor or boring word choices or phrases and to learn how to replace them. 

By the time you are done you should have 11 rewritten sentences or passages written out in your commonplace book. 

Slide Links: 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11ZEwO3iw8xGRCgiYM3WbK0IP-ttCTXpN/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106036051217046911036&rtpof=true&sd=true

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Bneq9ZJah3HKWFW7WIiJq07SunAXuzMk/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106036051217046911036&rtpof=true&sd=true

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vNradNANHsK3WVIcyeOwYAvjSrZAIFJi/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106036051217046911036&rtpof=true&sd=true

We'll be doing fun word choice games and activities in class! I hope to see you there :) 

Leadership Masters Class Week 4

 This week we will be reading The Sword of the Spirit by Joyce McPherson

This is a book about the most important translator of the Bible into English in history -- he wasn't the first (John Wyclif preceded him), but Tyndale's translation has had the most lasting impact. The King James version of the bible that you read everyday is largely a revision from Tyndale's translation.

This particular book is a biography written for kids, it is very readable and interesting and we get to study the life of a man who has impacted your own life and your family history in a major way.

What character traits would you use to describe Tyndale? What challenges did he have to overcome? Why does his story matter to you?

Think about these questions and send me a text or email with the thought/quote or idea that you think should be on our sticker for masters! This is how I'll know you're coming to class :) If I choose your thought for the sticker you get vanbucks $$$

Leadership Apprentice Week 3

At this point you should be much clearer or aware of your Top 10 Best Habits and your Unique Ability Statement. Remember you can change or clarify your unique ability at any time.

In our last class in-person, we briefly went through the exercise of brainstorming a list of activities you do at home and work. From there I had you categorize each of your activities into 4 areas, but I think there was some confusion (my fault) in explaining how to categorize your activities better. 

I created a video training below for you to watch that will guide you through in more detail. 

Please take the time now to complete the Activity Inventory properly before moving on. Doing so will help you achieve better results as we move forward.

First, watch this video below so you know how to create/clone a copy of the spreadsheet I use in the upcoming video trainings. If you cannot see the video below click here to watch it directly on YouTube:

Click Here to Access a Copy of this Google Sheet to consider using for your homework this week.

Click Here to Access a Copy of this Google Sheet to consider using for your homework this week.

Leadership Journeyman, Week 3

 

This week we will be learning about STORYTELLING. I adore a good story -- I think we all do, wether we are conscious of it or not. Stories are told all around us, ALL THE TIME.

Study/Learn

Storytelling goes way back, like we studied last year in history, oral stories were the way histories and traditions were passed down for hundreds of years! During the era of history we are studying this year storytelling continued to play a great role, the storytellers were entertainers! Today we have so much easy access to stories on TV, thousands of books at our fingertips, youtube videos and on and on. Back then a troupe of actors who were skilled at telling stories in entertaining ways would band together in traveling groups and share their stories. This was a trade of the era, though it was a hard one as you were always traveling from town to town to earn your keep. 

Today people still make a living telling stories, and one of those ways is in line with your entrepreneurship class -- marketers are storytellers! They tell stories about their brand, they tell stories about themselves, they tell stories to connect people to whatever they are selling and when it's done well, it's the most powerful marketing strategy out there.

One experiment called the Significant Objects experiment had two men studying the power of story in marketing and sales. They bought 100 cheap, junky items from thrift stores and garage sales -- anything from a porcelain angel with a broken wing to a box made out of popsicle sticks -- and asked professional writers to give each item a story. The stories were as varied as the writers and the objects and the two men posted the items on ebay, but this time with the story attached in the description of the product.

Those items that were purchased for a total of $128 sold for $3,612 just by giving them a story! (if you find this fascinating or want to read some stories and see some of the junk, you can click here: https://significantobjects.com/)

So, we are going to do an intro to storytelling course this week and pick up some storytelling skills.

We're going to start by brushing up on our storytelling knowledge. I would like you to:

• Create an outline in your commonplace book about "How to Tell a Great Story" and read the following articles, adding what you learn from them onto your outline. Showing me your outline/notes will be your ticket into class. 

• Read this article on storytelling:
  https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-great-storyteller#6-tips-for-becoming-a-great-storyteller

• Read this article on what to avoid when storytelling:    https://www.fastcompany.com/40567260/want-to-be-a-great-storyteller-first-break-these-habits

Know/Understand

We are now going to craft a story that you will tell to the whole group during journeyman. Here are the action steps to take:

• Choose what kind of story you will tell. A family history story? A personal story? A funny story, anecdote or story of overcoming a challenge? You can retell a scripture story or a children's story. You could google myths, fables, folklore, fairytales or legends and use those as your stories as well. You can definitely use a story that we are familiar with (such as a bible story or fable) but note that this will require putting it into your own words AND really focusing on how to make it interesting because we will already be familiar with the story.
• Write out your story in your own words, I would like it to be between 450-600 words, NO MORE. We mentioned a story mountain in class and if you're not familiar with that then know it is a basic format for a story. I'll include an image here if it's helpful, note that this is just ONE type of structure for storytelling.

• Finally, now that your story is written, you need to practice TELLING your story. The most well-written story can still be a bore to listen to if it's not told with energy, pauses and voice inflection. I would like you to tell your story to three different adults, three different times and get feedback each time. Ask them what you can do to improve your story and your presentation.

Once you have done all that you are prepared for journeyman! Come ready to participate in our storytelling festival as we share our stories together as a class :) 

Leadership Masters, Week 3

 I have had an amazing time at our book discussions these past two weeks. I'm so grateful for your diligence in making it all the way to masters class and I think you will enjoy the next book we have to read. 

This week we will be reading Atomic Habits

I hope you'll find it as fascinating as I do to learn about the science behind habits, what works and what doesn't and get some inspiration on how you can successfully integrate new, positive habits into your life!

Along with reading the book I would like you to set a habit streak (as mentioned in last week's book, Living in Your True Identity). How many days would you like to do a certain thing? As you read the book come up with a specific plan for how you will set into motion this new habit and what tips from the book will be helping you keep this habit in motion. 

If you're willing to share your habit success plan at our discussion on Thursday then I would love to  hear about it and the plan you put in place for accomplishing it!

Text me by Wednesday when you know you are coming, it helps me plan if we will be doing an activity or going somewhere :D 435-709-5525

Leadership Apprentice Week 2

This week is going to be another exciting and hopefully eye-opening week. I really enjoyed hearing each of you discuss and present all the wonderful things people said about each of your unique abilities, talents, skills and gifts. 

This week is all about helping you do things that most people on this planet never do, and that's study and describe their uniqueness. 

This week I'll teach you how to summarize the very best of what you know about yourself now and present it in a way that is valuable for you and those you serve in your life.

We're going to focus on doing 3 things. 

First I'll help you get clear about your top 10 best habits, second, create your unique ability statement, and third write your first offer to promote online with the world using your unique ability and talents/skills
(this we will do in class when we meet next!)

It's critical that you have done week 1 and gathered feedback from your trusted peers. If you have not done so please do so now and then move forward with this week's instruction.

Study & Learn

Part 1: Discovering Your Top 10 Best Habits

It's time now to reflect, analyze and use the feedback you received in week 1 from your trusted peers to document your top 10 best habits.

Your best habits are the things you do automatically, every time, to get your best results in life. We're not talking about bad habits here. You want to shine the light on the best habits in your life that you've had all of your conscious life to this point. Your best habits are action steps you take naturally before or after situations in daily life. Your best habits are things you can strengthen once you are conscious of them.

The best way to discover your best habits is to think about the action step you consistently take following the words "I always..."

Here are some examples:

I always learn by trying

I always stay calm in stressful situations

I always help other people see the best in themselves

I always hug people

I always improve myself

I always stick to my values and beliefs

I always have fun

I always laugh

I always put myself in others shoe and see what they need

I always express my appreciation 

I always use metaphors and analogies to teach an idea

I always listen more than talk

I always think more than speak

I always share my ideas with people

I always take decisive action and learn from the results

Now, let's help you become conscious of your top 10 best habits now. 

Action Step 1: 

Get your journal and write the headline at the top of the page "My Top 10 Best Habits"

Now use the feedback from your trusted peers and your own thinking and fill in the blanks after the words "I always..." and do that 10 times like this:

1. I always....
2. I always....
3. I always....
4. I always....
5. I always....
6. I always....
7. I always....
8. I always....
9. I always....
10. I always....

Note, that your Top 10 habits are things that "sound like you". Your top 10 habits are not things that you hope you could do or things that you see in your friend. Your top 10 habits are things you are already doing and have been doing for as long as you can remember. 

To help you further you can check out my Top 10 Habits in my life:

1. I always...believe in myself and have confidence to do anything I put my mind to
2. I always...try to do the most efficient way of doing things
3. I always...smile and laugh and make people wonder sometime why I'm laughing
4. I always...analyze things and their deeper meaning
5. I always...strive to make people feel comfortable and include people who are alone
6. I always...organize complex things in step by step processes
7. I always...strive for personal, sincere 1-on-1 interaction with those I know
8. I always...build people up by encouraging them to do good things
9. I always...find energy having great philosophical & meaningful life discussions with people
10. I always...whistle or hum songs every day and/or listen to music

Notice that every statement I describe above starts with a verb. I encourage you to do the same when you write down your top 10 habits.

Action Step 2:

As you write down your top 10 habits ask yourself...

• Do I always do this?
• Do I feel passionate about doing it this way?
• Does it feel like it would be wrong to operate any other way?
• If you feel so then you're on the right track with doing this assignment correctly!

Action Step 3:

Now that you've documented your top 10 best habits, go share them with one or more of your trusted peers who know you well and ask if anything is missing. Ask him/her if the statements you wrote "sound like you"?

In many situations you could take your top 10 best habits and give them to any person you know without telling them its a list about you and they would know its you by reading it.

Know & Understand

Part 2: Writing your Unique Ability Statement (Talent + Passion)

Now it's time to walk you through how to create and write your one sentence Unique Ability Statement.

Here are some things to understand first:

• Your unique ability statement is a one-line statement that starts with "My Unique Ability is...." and then describes your talent (what you do) and then words that describe WHY you do it (your passion). 
• Your unique ability statement describes the core of what you love to do and do best in all areas of your life.
• Your statement can be applied to many different situations, activities and circumstances.
• Your unique ability statement is something you've been since you were young.
• It may not seem exciting or special to you because it comes so naturally.
• Other people may recognize it in your before you see it yourself.
• What you write down will evolve throughout your life and will improve the more you implement.
• As you test your statement with people in the world you'll be able to refine it even more.

As you find the right words to say know that it's not always easy to do since it's so close to you. Your unique ability is also something that is more than just the words you write down; that is important to know.

As you wrestle with how to word your unique ability statement you'll eventually create something that feels just right to you. Remember the points above as you brainstorm.

Become & Serve

Action Step 1: Writing the "talent" part of your statement

Begin first by collecting some key words from the feedback from your trusted peers and look at the details of your Top 10 Best Habits. Also look at any other personality tests or other feedback you may have.

List any words you think are important that describe your talent and passion. The more the better. You might not sue them all, but it's better to have more to work with than less.

After you have written down in your journal all the most important words that describe your talents and passions start writing down the first part of your Unique Ability Statement starting with the words "My Unique Ability is..." and describe what you do (your talent).

There is something at the very core or heart of all the activities you're really good at and love doing. You're looking for what's common, for a "theme" or pattern behind your actions. Basically you're questioning "What am I doing or providing?

Your statement is for you above all, it's not for anyone else. It's not a comparison game. When you read your statement you want it to make you say "yeah, that's me! that is what I do! I love doing that."

Look for action words to get to the heart of your superior abilities, talents. 

Here are some examples of what others have written for the first part of their unique ability statement:

• My unique ability is having purposeful conversations...
• My unique ability is analyzing details and creating systems...
• My unique ability is connecting with people in a fun a lively way...
• My unique ability is communicating with energy...
• My unique ability is helping people feel peaceful...
• My unique ability is providing comfort to those who need it...
• My unique ability is empathizing with people and their unique situations in life...
• My unique ability is connecting people to their wisdom...
• My unique ability is developing authentic, real relationships with people...
• My unique ability is caring for others and pets...

 Note: Your unique ability is NOT an activity like soccer, art and it's not a profession like being a doctor, carpenter, teacher, etc. It's not selling or writing. Those verbs are too specific to apply to a variety of situations. Selling and writing for example would be unique activities instead. You're writing the "talent" at this point.

Action Step 2: Writing the "passion" part of your statement

Now you're ready to do the last part of your unique ability statement which is to describe the passion part. The "Why?" or Why do you do this? What's your motivation? Why do you bother with that talent described earlier, why do you care?

The passion part of your statement describes what you really value. Many times this part of the statement is much easier to come up with.

And here are some examples of the second half of your unique ability statement:

• ...so they feel loved.
• ...to help God's children realize their potential.
• ...to avoid pain and unnecessary problems in life.
• ...so they can pay it forward and help others.
• ...to help people have fun and improve their life.

Action Step 3: Combine the Talent & Passion statements together

Now go ahead and combine the first and second parts you brainstormed above into ONE statement. This one statement is your unique ability statement. Here are some examples of some unique ability statements other people have written.

• My unique ability is having purposeful conversations so they feel loved.
• My unique ability is helping people feel peaceful so they can live a life of less stress.
• My unique ability is caring for others and pets so the world will be a kinder place to live in.
• My unique ability is connecting with people in a fun and lively way to empower them to be confident in themselves and experience the joy of new possibilities.
• My unique ability is empathizing with people and taking action so they feel cared for.
• My unique ability is connecting people with their wisdom to transform their future.

Once you're done with all the action steps above come prepared next time we meet with these two documents, your Top 10 Best Habits and your Unique Ability Statement.

Being able to communicate what you love to do will increase the likelihood of you having greater opportunities in your life to do those things that give you the most energy and allows the world to be blessed the most because you're letting your light shine bright!

Leadership Masters Week 2

This week you need to read all of "Living in Your True Identity," by Brooke Snow. I loved this book and I'm excited to share it with you. I love reading self help books from a gospel persepective because they give all glory to God for all the good in our life. Brooke Snow was my very first photography mentor! I learned a lot from her 13+ years ago when I was just starting out as a photographer. I took a photography business class from her before I even owned my first dSLR and I've followed her career ever since. I think you'll appreciate her perspectives and personal experiences. Sometimes her writing can feel like she's just talking to women -- don't let that scare you off boys! Liken her tools and tips to your own life, they are universal. I want you to have the book read and marked and ready for discussion AND I want you to choose a clearing tool from chapter 4 to practice this week. Get started reading early even if you can only make it through chapter 4 before Sunday so you have time to practice. This won't work if you do all your reading on Wednesday :D I can't wait to hear your experiences and thoughts. I don't know what we'll be doing in class but I know it will be fun and likely involve chocolate. Text me when you know you're coming 435-709-5525 :D

Leadership Journeyman Week 2

SUMMARY SKILLS

Learn/Understand: 

This week we are going to be learning a skill that will help with our future magazine submission assignment. We will be learning how to write an effective summary.

If you've ever gone over time on a presentation in class or if you've ever bored your mom to tears giving a word-for-word description of a book you just read then maybe, just maybe, you could use a little practice at getting better at summaries! And that's great because being able to succinctly summarize information is an awesome real-life skill that you will use in your adult life!  I've never used long division as an adult (I literally had to re-learn the skill when my kids hit 4th grade math) BUT I use summarizing skills all the time. Sorry to all you math people, don't be sad, I'm sure you can use long division as an adult too. 

Summaries show up when you read a headline -- a one sentence main idea of the news article that lets you know if you want to read further. A summary can be a blurb on the back of the book that leaves you wanting more or could be a table of contents in a book or magazine. Summaries can be about a play, book, concert or sporting event or writing up notes from a young women/men meeting or work meeting. 

Summaries are also playing a part in writing a resume cover letter, an obituary or when watching a movie trailer! Summaries are all over the place.

I like this concise video about how to write a summary. Take notes as you watch so you can refer to your notes when doing your writing assignment:

 https://www.khanacademy.org/ela/cc-2nd-reading-vocab/xfb4fc0bf01437792:cc-2nd-fairy-tales-retold/xfb4fc0bf01437792:close-reading/v/summarizing-stories-reading-khan-academy

Know/Do

Now we are going to practice those skills. Sign up for a fairy tale that we are all familiar with on this google doc -- I'm guessing most of us are familiar with the Disney version so stick with that if possible. Write a summary of this fairy tale for your assignment. I want you to sign up for a fairy tale that you know so well that you can retell it in a summary without looking up the story online because if you look it up online guess what you'll find: a summary! and that would be a little TOO helpful. If you need to rewatch the move, or re-read a storybook as part of your homework and take notes as you go then that is totally fine and even encouraged. Just don't google for the plot. 

Finally, I want you to try writing a different kind of summary. The first activity was very factual and information based. This type of summary can be more creative. I want you to write your own obituary -- this shouldn't feel morbid, an obituary is a beautiful summary of a person's life. What would you want included? What things matter to you that you want remembered? 

Go to this site to read recent obituaries to notice the format and types of details others use. Notice how while there is a similar format to follow, the information people choose to include can vary greatly, making this a more creative summary. 

That's it! Come prepared to read yours aloud in class :D 

Leadership- Master Class Week 1

This week we will be discussing the book Spirit, by David Butler. 

As you read mark your book and come prepared to share 4 quotes that stood out to you and 1 new thing that you learned about the spirit that you never knew before. 

We'll be having our book discussion at the Payson Temple so text me, 435-709-5525 so I know you're coming and I have enough rides :) 

Leadership - Journeyman Week 1

This week we are going to be studying the art of conversation with the end goal of becoming confident conversation starters with a knowledge of the types of questions that keep a conversation alive and interesting! 

Do ALL 5 tasks numbered below, in order! :) 

Study/Learn

1)Before you watch the following two videos I want you to open your commonplace book and write down answers to these questions:

What has worked for me in the past as a good conversation starter?

What would I consider to be 5 tips for creating a quality conversation? (we're going to generally define "quality conversation" as an interaction that was uplifting and not-awkward/uncomfortable. This means even small talk with a cashier could be a quality conversation but so could an awesome in-depth convo with your best friend)

2)Watch this video and take notes in your commonplace book - notice how she compares being a great interviewer to being a great conversationalist. 

3)Watch this video and add to your notes on conversation skills. 

You should now have a good idea of what your conversation strengths are and have hopefully learned a new tip or two for improving your own conversation skills. With this knowledge I want you to ask yourself -- what about this topic is still a source of apprehension/lack of knowledge for you? Is it talking to a stranger? Starting up a conversation in a group setting? Talking to someone of the opposite gender? Overcoming anxiety around conversation? Do you wonder how to be approachable and invite conversation with body language? Know what you want to know more about? Go on to #4

4)I want you to do your own research in regards to your own conversation hurdle and come prepared to share a new tip with us in class that you learn from your research. Everyone will be sharing at least ONE NEW TIP with the entire class that they learned from their extra study.

Know/Understand

Book learning will only take you so far, the best way to become great at conversation is to start practicing and practice every chance you get! 

5)You need to start up a conversation with a stranger or a person that you don't know well at all. This could be a neighbor, a cashier, a person in your YM/YW class that you don't normally talk to. Stretch yourself! Come prepared to share about your experience in class. 

Leadership Apprentice Week 1

Study & Learn 

• Your unique talents and abilities many times are so natural to you that they are invisible from your vantage point. For this reason we want to ask others who you trust and know you well to shine the light on what they think you do great at.
  
  The following exercise is meant to help you gather as much feedback possible from those you trust and know most to help you understand your strengths, your natural talents/unique abilities as much as possible. 
  
  
• Read through the script below, feel welcome to customize it if desired, and then email/text it to as many trusted family members and/or close friends as possible. Preferably send the email/text to at least 8 to 10 people you respect and know well. Remember many people you reach out to will want to take some time providing a thoughtful response so don't always expect a fast reply but do make sure to give them a clear deadline.
  
  
• Natural talent/strengths reach out email/text script:
  
  
• Hello (name),
  
  I am currently taking a course about discovering my natural talent(s), strengths and things I do really well. This course is based upon the belief that everyone possesses a combination of talents, interests, and capabilities that are unique to that person.
  
  I would really appreciate it if you would help me identify my own natural/unique talents/strengths by sending me as much detail/insight to the following question:
  
  What do you personally see as my natural talent(s)/strength(s) or things you have seen me do really well?
  
  You could describe my unique characteristics, the strengths you appreciate about me, what you have noticed about how I do things, what you can count on me for, or any other distinguishing features you see about who I am to you.
  
  I would be very grateful if you could respond within the next week or less if you're interested in helping me. Thank you for your support. I look forward to hearing from you.
  
  All the best,
  
  Your Name
  
  
  
• As you gather responses from people read through the responses and look for patterns in what people said. Examine the ways people chose to describe your natural abilities unique to you. Start a page in your commonplace book and label it "The Natural Abilities Unique to Me". From there list each person's name and identify the keywords or phrases they used that really hit home for you. Once you have gone through all responses, look back and take note of recurring words, phrases, or ideas. This will be vital information to use in our upcoming Week 2 exercises.
  
  

Know & Understand

1. Watch this 24 minute video, make notes, thoughts, questions about talents, gifts, etc.
• https://youtu.be/uBkGg3GMyW
  
  
2. Discover extra insight about your personality strengths and weaknesses by taking the free Jung Typology Test online and write in your commonplace book your personality type, your thoughts and feelings about the results. 
• http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp
3. Questions to ponder and document in your journal: 
• What are the differences between Spiritual Gifts, Talents, Natural Abilities and Skills? 
• How might your spiritual gifts help you develop your skills to bless the world?

Become & Serve

• Pray to your Father in Heaven and ask Him to help you understand your unique talents, gifts you should be conscious of. Counsel with Him and ask for revelation for how you can best use your gifts to bless people in this world. Record your inspiration, feelings and personal revelation in your journal.
  
  
• Discuss with your parents and/or friends the opportunity and blessing of getting your patriarchal blessing if you have not done so already. It's up to you of course if you feel it's the right time to move forward with this or not. At minimum have a discussion with your parents or someone who has their patriarchal blessing and discuss how this blessing has helped that person become more aware of the unique gifts given to him/her. Record your responses and feelings in your journal.
  
  
  
  

Month #6 2020-2021 Leadership Academy Apprentice

 

Month 6# Apprentice: "Great are the Words of Isaiah"

PLEASE WEAR CHURCH CLOTHES TO CLASS THIS WEEK SO THAT WE WILL BE RESPECTFUL AND FEEL REVERENCE FOR THE PASSOVER MEAL WE WILL BE HAVING. 

AND PLEASE BRING YOUR SCRIPTURES TO CLASS.  

WE'LL BE USING THEM A LOT.

Study/Learn

1 - Start a commonplace book page on Understanding Isaiah

2 - Study map #5 (The Assyrian Empire) in your Bible maps.  You can find the online copy here, print it and glue it in your commonplace book

3 - Read the section entitled "Isaiah" in the Bible Dictionary and summarize it in your commonplace book.

4 - Read the following scriptures and write the reference and a one sentence summary and who is speaking for each one on your Understanding Isaiah page in your commonplace book:

• 1 Nephi 19:23-24
• 2 Nephi 6:5
• 2 Nephi 11:8
• Mosiah 14:1
• 3 Nephi 20:11
• 3 Nephi 23:1

5 - Add the following to your Jewish History timeline and write them on your Understanding Isaiah commonplace book page:

• 721 BC - Assyrians capture the northern kingdom of Israel (the ten tribes)
• 701 BC - Assyrians attack the southern kingdom of Judah and surround Jerusalem but do not conquer it
• 587 BC - Babylonians take the kingdom of Judah into captivity
• 537 BC - King Cyrus allows the Jews to return to Judah

6 - Read the article "10 Keys to Understanding Isaiah" by Bruce R. McConkie and take notes in your commonplace book.  

Know/Understand

• In preparation of our Passover Feast today, read this article, Roots and Branches by Elder Cook about the coming of Elijah the Prophet on Passover, April 3, 1836 and what the fulfilling
  of Malachi's prophecy means for us.
• OPTIONAL: Watch one of the following movies about the Jewish people or the Passover
• The Ten Commandments
• Prince of Egypt
• Fiddler on the Roof

Become/Serve

Find your favorite scripture from Isaiah (either from the Bible or the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon) and make it beautiful and hang it up in your room or if it's digital, put it as the lock screen on your phone.  We'll be meeting at the church, so we won't have the wire to hang it on.  

This is my favorite Isaiah scripture:     

Month #5 2020-2021 Leadership Academy Apprentice

 APPRENTICE: Innovation

"Be still, and know that I am God."

- Psalm 46:10

Study/Learn

1. Read the chapter "Problem Solving" in "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader" by John C. Maxwell.  Mark quotes you like in your book for the discussion.
2. Read and memorize Psalm 46:10.  Do we find this same scripture anywhere else?  Find me another reference.
3. Memorize this month's quote: "It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment." - Marcus Tullius Cicero
4. Read this pamphlet on Finances.  
5. Read these scriptures and paraphrase them in you CPB:
   
• Malachi 3:10–11
• Luke 16:10–11
• 1 Timothy 5:8
• D&C 19:35
• D&C 48:4
• 1 Timothy 6:10
• D&C 38:30
6. You make $1600 month (after taxes).  Put yourself together a serious budget to live with as an adult out on your own and bring it to class.  (This is your ticket into class, so don't leave it at home!) 

Know/Understand

Do both of the following:

1.  Read through the following principles of money and choose one to study in more depth.  Come to class with a creative way to show the class what you learned.  We will not be presenting, you will be hanging what you brought on the wire. Be creative! (You can find the original article here.) 

• True wealth is measured by relationships, not by dollars. Your faith and your family is always more valuable than your paycheck, so don’t compromise what matters most in the pursuit of wealth. It’s okay to have money, but never let money have you! Don’t kill yourself trying to get wealth only to miss out on real life in the process. Work hard to provide for your family, but don’t harm your relationships in the process. Your family can do with less “stuff” if it means having more of YOU! (Proverbs 23:4, Jacob 2:19)

• Debt is a form of slavery, so get rid of it as fast as you can. When we shackle ourselves up with
  
  
  the “golden handcuffs” of debt, we’re giving away part of our freedom to a debtor. God wants us to live in freedom; not in slavery. So, do everything you can to get out of debt and avoid going into more debt. Saving for a rainy day helps take away the "need" to go into debt when an emergency or unexpected expense comes up.  (Proverbs 22:7, D&C 19:35)

• Lasting wealth comes from consistent discipline, not “get-rich-quick” schemes. Our culture wants everything NOW, so many of us have a financial plan of winning the lottery someday or betting on a lucky stock. This is a poor approach, which is why so many lottery winners end up depressed and bankrupt. Lasting wealth is the result of a strong work ethic over a long period of time when applied with these other principles as well.  (Proverbs 13:11, Helaman 13:19)

• It’s ALL God’s money. We’re just managers of it. This principle changed the way we looked at “our” money and “our” stuff. None of it actually belongs to us. The only part that belongs to us is the responsibility to be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. Once we learned we were managers of God’s resources; we stopped acting so entitled and immature in our impulsive purchases and we became more disciplined. Paying attention to your incoming and your outgoings and living off a budget is a good start to this principle. (Psalm 24:1, Mosiah 4:16, 19, 24)

• Money is NOT evil, but greed is.  People have often misquoted the Bible to say “money is the root of all evil” which is not what the Bible actually says. Money is a great resources for good when in the hands of people who follow the Bible financial principles, but when an unhealthy love of money becomes the primary desire of our hearts, it’s become an unhealthy idol, and greed can drive us to do barbaric things in the unquenchable quest for more. (1 Timothy 6:10)

• Generosity blesses both the giver and the recipient.  The happiest people I know are generous
  
  
  people and the most miserable are misers. When we’re generous, everybody wins. When we’re stingy, everybody loses. We know this already which is why every Christmas we all watch movies about Ebenezer Scrooge! Now, we just need to put the principle into action. (Matthew 7:2, D&C 1:10)

• You can’t take it with you, but you can shape eternity with it.  There’s never been a hearse pulling a U-Haul, because we obviously can’t take our wealth with us, BUT we can invest it into people and ministries that will create an eternal legacy. Commit to using your money to making a difference that will outlive you! (Matthew 6:19-21)

2.  As a family, prepare and bring a single college student/missionary friendly meal that is relatively healthy, easy to make and inexpensive.  (Do NOT bring Ramen or mac & cheese!)  Bring enough to share with the whole group as this will be lunch that day.  It can be a breakfast, lunch or dinner.  

One of the hardest things for college students/missionaries on their own for the first time is figuring out what to eat that fits their budget and is quick to make.  Even those who are good cooks and are used to cooking for their families have a hard time cooking for just themselves without eating the same thing for 2 weeks because they accidently made a huge pot of soup!  A temptation is just to eat fast food every day or yucky things like Ramen or mac & cheese so we want to help you avoid that.  

For example, the Cloward's will be bringing English muffin egg sandwiches that are individual, can be
made in bulk and frozen, include protein, are inexpensive and can be adapted to fit various taste preferences.   

Bring the recipe with you (or email it to Sis. Cloward) and I'll put them all on the blog to help you start a recipe book for when you move out.  

 

Become/Serve

President Ezra Taft Benson said in General Conference 1973:

“What are some of the calamities for which we are to prepare? In section 29 the Lord warns us of ‘a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth.’ (D&C 29:16.) In section 45 we read of ‘an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.’ (D&C 45:31.) In section 63 the Lord declares he has ‘decreed wars upon the face of the earth. …’ (D&C 63:33.) In Matthew, chapter 24, we learn of ‘famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes. …’ (Matt. 24:7.) The Lord declared that these and other calamities shall occur. These particular prophecies seem not to be conditional. The Lord, with his foreknowledge, knows that they will happen. Some will come about through man’s manipulations; others through the forces of nature and nature’s God, but that they will come seems certain. Prophecy is but history in reverse—a divine disclosure of future events.  Yet, through all of this, the Lord Jesus Christ has said: ‘… if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.’ (D&C 38:30.) What, then, is the Lord’s way to help us prepare for these calamities? The answer is also found in section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants, wherein he says: [D&C 1:17–18, 37]. Here then is the key—look to the prophets for the words of God, that will show us how to prepare for the calamities which are to come [see D&C 1:38].” 

Go back to the Oct 2020 General Conference and read one of the 4 talks Pres. Nelson gave (Moving Forward, Embrace the Future with Faith, Let God Prevail, or A New Normal) and read it through looking for warnings he is giving and advice he is giving us to prepare for the future.  Listen to the Holy Ghost and prayerfully make a list of things you can do now to be better prepared both spiritually and physically for the future and for your adulthood.   Start working on your list right away.