KD's Mind Map

If I could have just one wish this holiday season it would be for each child's wish on the Angel Tree at the University of Richmond to be granted. When I think about any child, especially one with a chronic illness, going this holiday without the most basic of necessities it makes my heart weep.

While many people ask for such items as plasma t.v.'s, iPod's, game consoles Wii and PlayStations), and other expensive gifts, these children are asking for warm coats, a CD, under garments, and other gifts that most of us take for granted as a basic need - not a Christmas gift.

I hope that each student will stop by and pick up a child’s wish at the Student Activities Desk. There were 80 children this year and as of Decembe1st, there were still 44 Angels left on the tree. Please grant my wish and ask each student to return their wrapped gift to the Student Activities Desk by December 10^th , wrapped.

Congratulations on your victorious win! I had the opportunity through coincidence to see you speak live in Germany, Berlin on July 24th and your speech not only inspired me but it also gave hope to more than 200,000 others that change was just around the corner.

You take office in a time of great uncertainty both nationally and internationally. Your words and actions now will have serious consequences for this and future generations. In your campaign you expressed your belief in the fortitude of the American people and the promise of the American Dream. As you address the urgent, interdependent challenges we face with the economy, energy, climate change, and health care, I believe you will rightly call on and rely on all Americas, as well as the rest of the world, to work together, and with you, to solve these pressing problems.

Indeed, the affirmation of “We the People” is the starting point of our Constitution and its effort to “form a more perfect Union.” More than 200 years since those words were penned on parchment, we are still striving. We have always risen to meet challenges head-on and are more than ready to work with you to restore our nation’s strength and image.

Now is our time to shine throughout the world President-elect Obama, just as you did on July 24th. With you in charge, I have no doubt that you'll "Be the change that you expect in the world."

This week I attended a leadership seminar presented by Coachworks International - The Legacy Leader Company. Many of the concepts aligned perfectly with our conversations in Leadership Theory and Application so I wanted to post them to hold me accountable.

The following platforms represent a complete set of observable and measurable behaviors. These behaviors, when used in total, are leverage points for success. I have included those practices of leadership that are essential for every leader, regardless of their industry or level within the organization.

1. Holder of Vision and Values - It's about direction and commitment. The term "holder" indicates that the leader lives the vision and values while measuring every action against both.

2. Creator of Collaboration and Innovation - It's about creating a positive environment for working relationships. The term "creator" indicates the leader's ability to create a learning trusting environment where collaboration and innovation can occur.

3. Influencer of Inspiration and Leadership - It's about making connections with individuals. The term "influencer" indicates the leader's ability to influence and inspire for positive relationships.

4. Advocator of Differences and Community - It's about distinguishing individual strengths and inclusion of differing perspectives. The term "advocator" indicates the leader's ability to support and stand for strengths-based talent.

5. Calibrator of Responsibility and Accountability - It's about execution and performance measured against vision and values. The term "calibrator" indicates constant vigilance, with possible adjustments, of progress toward accomplishing responsibilities and accountabilities.

A friend from work sent me the following YouTube clip and it had me laughing so hysterically that I was in tears. The original version is over 4:00 minutes long and features the "star" of the video mostly singing. I have NO idea what possessed her to get on a coffee table and think her weight would support it - lol. The funny thing about this video is that it was posted by the person who actually fell. The fact that she could find humor in a situation that most people would be completely embarrassed by says a lot about her self-confidence. Little did she know at the time that in a matter of three weeks this video would attract over 2.5 million viewers, making her an instant YouTube celebrity. Whether she realizes it or not, this will be her legacy.

Ever have one of those weeks where you felt like you were going 99 miles an hour in a 35 mile per hour speed zone? Well that just about sums up one of the most stressful weeks I can remember experiencing in a long time. Usually I'm able to juggle many balls/responsibilities at once, but between completing three projects for school, immediate and last minutes demands from my boss, being in back-to-back meetings ALL day EVERY day, dealing with an employee issue and managing a highly visible project at work, I wanted to jump on the hood of a moving car and scream at the top of my lungs, "ENOUGH."

Now I know where the true meaning of T.G.I.F.

Although I have not received feedback on if I completed this assignment correctly, I was so energized and excited that I wanted to post my results. Although I have provided metrics for my department's scorecard, it's the first time that I played a critical role in the design and creation of identifying the core metrics which lead to an increase in shareholder value.

What I found most interesting is how through cause and effect analysis, a manager or director can show the correlation between how certain actions have an impact on the end-result. For example, by mapping out a strategy, where it's possible to show the relationship between how an optimized workforce can increase net sales, HR can play a critical role in helping its company increase effectiveness.

Similarly to experience, I believe that leadership is a skill that's gained through what one has learned. While I am a firm believer that there are certain characteristics and physical traits that a person is born with or inherits, I do not believe that being a leader is one of them. Through "life's lessons," I feel that I have become a very effective leader, which occurred as a result of learning from my past mistakes, taking advice from those I most admire, leadership development training and seeking feedback on ways in which I can improve. For example, I shared in class my personal experience about how I received solicited feedback through an online, anonymous assessment that has helped to shape me into the person that I've become today. Sometimes, it's not easy to hear about your faults, but it's important that you take inventory and ownership of that person's perception - as it's most certainly their reality - and identify ways in which to improve.

I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work very closely with several leaders within my organization. Each of these individuals offer their own brand of uniqueness - both positive and negative - that's rewarded me with the benefit of identifying ways in which I can become more effective to my team. While the obvious should occur, where I identify those traits that are the exact opposite of how I want to be when I "grow up," it's the characteristics of those I most admire that will be of greatest use in my pursuit of a legacy that will have a positive and long lasting effect.

My current boss possesses all the qualities that I believe are required to be a highly regarded and respected leader. Without question, she operates as a true servant to her direct reports. Upon entering her office, the most noticeable object is a plaque that reads, "Be Here Now." To the casual observer, this may be of no significance; yet, after a few moments of conversation it becomes clear that the message transcends beyond a mere catch phrase and speaks volumes about her character...Be Present and in the Moment is without question, the true meaning and intent. Never before have I worked without a person who places the needs of others above her personal goals and objectives. AND while that may or may not be the case, that perception is what's transparent - - no phone call, emergency, or situation is more important than when I approach her with an issue or need assistance.

She's also a firm believer of employee development and equips me with the tools and resources to be successful. Whether it be direct feedback, additional training for personal improvement or the opportunity for visibility and exposure, she does it in my best interest. In fact, this year alone, she has invested a significant amount monetarily by allowing me to attend several conferences, seminars and training sessions, as she believes it will ultimately increase my knowledge and value to the company. Additionally, she has established a mentor relationship on my behalf with an executive within my company to ensure that I remain highly visible on the succession candidate list for advanced placement.

Being unique may not always be useful but "Being Here Now" is what I truly aspire to become.

Funny Pictures and Myspace Layouts at pYzam.com

Funny Pictures and Myspace Layouts at pYzam.com

Funny Pictures and Myspace Layouts at pYzam.com

There's one thing to place trust in your leader but this takes the cake! While I know that leaders must to act with integrity, be honest with my employees, and behave in an ethical manner, I also believe that's it's important to not show blind faith. I think it's incredibily important to pay attention to their actions and watch "how they dance when they think no one is watching."