Comments on: Review: On Becoming a Leader

By: Emily

Emily — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:53:42 +0000

“…don’t descend into chaotic behavior.”

That phrase has stuck with me all day. Thanks!

By: Foxie@CarsxGirl

Foxie@CarsxGirl — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:49:52 +0000

Kara — The classes I listed are the ones I’d *like* to take, the ones I’m currently taking are kinda interesting, but honestly, quantitative methods? All I can take from that is I’m a bit better at solving word problems than some people and that my math is still pretty sharp. The ones I’m taking now are handy, yes, but insanely dull and not challenging….

Busymom — Thanks for the words. :) I’m definitely looking forward to reversing my life – working full time and school part time! Not for another degree per se, but to take all those classes I always wanted to but never fit into my schedule.

By: Kara

Kara — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:45:15 +0000

#4 Foxie@CarsxGirl- I know it seems like the classes are random, but they do build a foundation.. Photography teaches you to look at things creatively, from different angles.. Public speaking/ creative writing- At some point you will have to give presentations, or write documentation on a project.. Make it a game to try to find ways to tie your classes into Finance..

By: busymom

busymom — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:40:04 +0000

I don’t know if people who do not strive to keep learning or reflect on their actions or improve in any way are really “managers” — they seem to be more like followers to me (who may be happy just being in a management position.) Having good leadership skills would make someone a better manager if they are in a position of authority.

One of the most important skills I think for a leader is to be a good listener — to listen to the needs another person has and to help them clarify the situation. Weak leaders seem to just love the sound of their own voice.

I think another aspect of the responsibility issue is that when one is a leader one really does have to take responsibility, to take initiative and to bear the weight of that responsibility. It can feel really scary to step into that and leave one’s own comfort zone.

I never thought of myself as a leader, but somehow through the mysterious way that life works I became a La Leche League Leader. I have gained invaluable skills through this work and have learned so much; even more, there is great joy in helping people — which is what leaders do. My friend’s mother used to say, “If it is to be, it’s up to me.” That is so true.

Last thoughts for Foxie – finish what you need to in school, but learning is not over when you graduate. You can still take classes elsewhere- community college, online, privately, learning on your own – after school is over. Learning doesn’t end when you graduate. I still am learning things; we homeschool our girls and it is the most fascinating and fun learning I have ever done. Best wishes to you!

By: Foxie@CarsxGirl

Foxie@CarsxGirl — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:53:51 +0000

“Almost all of the worthwhile learning that people do comes outside the classroom.”

So true…. But it’s also part of the reason why I’m struggling with school right now. (Again.) Just about 3/4 of the way done and questioning why in the hell I have to go through so many boring classes…. It’s not easy to do homework that I absolutely hate, when I can hardly even bribe myself to do it.

Sadly, all the classes I would love to take have *nothing* to do with the degree I’m going for. (Finance, which I find very interesting, I’m just not doing any Finance-related courses yet.) Things like more languages, creative writing, more public speaking, photography, etc. Taking these would not only add to my already huge student loan debt, but easily keep me in school for another year or two. When is it worth it??

By: Christopher

Christopher — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:50:33 +0000

Trent – I think you meant to write, “I don’t think anyone would argue, whether they be liberal or conservative, that mistakes weren’t made during the Bush years.” And yes, this conservative wouldn’t argue that. :)

By: NYC reader

NYC reader — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:28:44 +0000

Relevant quote from RADM Grace Hopper, USN:

“You manage things. You lead people.”

If you’re not familiar with Grace Hopper, Google her. She was (and remains) an inspiration to many, including myself.

By: John DeFlumeri Jr

John DeFlumeri Jr — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:16:45 +0000

That is obviuosly a good book, and I agree we are our own best teachers, and we need to try everything, Hard!

John DeFlumeri Jr