This week you will make your ninth journal entry/blog post. Reflect upon the things that you are learning and experiencing so far in this course. What are you looking forward to learning and experiencing? What did you learn from the readings and videos this week?
I am always in awe every time I read "Brigham Young University-Idaho: A Disciple Preparation Center (DPC)" by David A. Bednar and "Leadership with a Small "L" by Kim B. Clark. I imagine reading these two talks will be required of me a few more times in various classes before I complete my degree at BYUI, and I am quite happy to do so. These talks teach me that I am here for a great purpose, one far greater than running any department or company--even those may be wonderful endeavors, to do them without leading others to Christ in one way or another would be a waste of my God-given talent and neglecting my call. I am here to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and to help bring others to the Lord. My time with BYUI is more rewarding and beneficial than I can imagine with any other college or university because of this unique training I'm receiving. Following the Savior's example to lead with love, lead with vision, and lead by example will not only bring joy to those around me, but will bring me to my greatest joy too.
This week I interviewed an entrepreneur. I ended up choosing to interview someone other than who I had originally wanted to interview. I am so happy I listened to the still small voice inside that was nudging me in a different direction! I interviewed one of my husband's bosses: Jo Day. She and her husband own Trumpet, Inc. One thing that I was reminded of during my time with Jo is that I have a knack for interviewing. It's been years since I interviewed people thought. As I've grown a little older and wiser, I believe my listening and understanding have improved. Interviewing Jo gave me an opportunity to probe and dig further, to learn intentionally. I'm excited to keep moving on my writing assignment about what I learned from her. I'm sure during the writing process I will have more insight... I'm so thankful I recorded our interview!
In a short video called "Aspects of Building Trust," Guy Kawasaki taught that it is imperative as a business leader to TRUST FIRST. He gave three retail examples: Amazon, Zappos, and Nordstrom. Each company has a stellar reputation for their customer service and ease in both buying and returning products. I'm a bona fide Amazon & Nordstrom girl! These were examples that sang straight to my heart. Each of these companies first trusted that their customers would love the products and services provided well enough that they were happy to create return policies that were simple, hassle-free, and made the customer feel appreciated no matter what. Wow! Because the customer was first trusted this way, customers now trust these companies to always wow them. These companies bought loyalty with trust.
Guy Kawasaki also taught to "default to yes." Rather than looking at the people or world and asking "What can I gain from this?" I ought to look at people or the world and ask myself "How can I help or improve this?" I feel that this is excellent advice not just in business, but most certainly in every aspect of life. To me, this falls into the same place as Love One Another. Defaulting to yes is choosing to see beauty instead of instantly picking out the flaws. Defaulting to yes makes me an innovator & creator instead of a destroyer. Defaulting to yes opens the world to me instead of closing me in to limited possibilities. Defaulting to yes is positive. I liked this advice very much.
Frank Levinson reminded me that the Golden Rule is still a terrific practice. He said that the goal of any company is to "weld" customers to the business, so it's advisable to treat those customers like I'd want to be treated... or even better. He also taught that unethical members of any team will cause stress, tension, and division. Yikes! He likes to hire nice people. That sounds good to me. After all, mean people suck.☹️ This somewhat flies in the face of the stereotypical business woman in the movies, who's so tough, cut-throat and cold. That just seems so exhausting. Being nice is just better for everyone.
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