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