Wk 3 Reading Activity- Chapters 7-9

In this world of competitiveness it is easy to fall into the trap of winner v. loser. I felt that forgiving someone was admitting that what they did was ok. I was one that had to make it known that I am right and you are wrong. This strategy was not particularly successful with my sister, especially because she was a stubborn as me. I soon realized that it took too much energy to walk around upset over petty things, even if I wasn't at fault (my calculating self). The lesson that popped out while reading these chapters illustrated that. Recognizing things as the way they are does not mean you are accepting of the situation; you just look at the situation for what it is. I truly appreciated the part on distinguishing downward spiral conversations and conversations of possibility.

Wk 2 Free Choice

What happens after graduation? I have a strong feeling I'm going to miss the hectic pace of having a new course every month and not knowing what to expect from the instructor. I have an uncontrollable drive to make a bigger impact than I have ever in my life. Attending Full Sail has awakened a determination and confidence that I knew was there, but hesitated to indulge. I feel as though I should shout from a mountain top, "LOOK OUT, HERE I COME!" I am a ball of excitement, nervousness, and relief all in one.

Wk 2 Reading Chapters 3-6

I must admit reading chapters 3-6 reminded me of what I already do. The main thing that stood out during this reading was the Rule Number 6. I am pleased that I started incorporating this rule shortly after finishing the first semester of undergraduate. After being stressed out about finals and taking EVERYTHING entirely too seriously, I went on Christmas break with a new determination that I would never put myself through that type of torture again. In essence life is too short. I believe this attitude is one reason why the science department, which I chair, is one of the most "drama-free" departments in my school. I'm glad to know I'm on the right track.

Wk 2 Comment - Quinn Brown

Success and failure is hard concept that not even I have mastered. I am far from it. As a student in school I knew the feeling of success and I stressed myself out to remain successful. I should have seen my success and my accomplishments as a chance to think outside of the box or take a risk. However, I saw it as a trap. I think that students are not able to escape the rules that have been set for the game of failure and success. In school students often see success and failure in a black and white perspective. They never see it in shades of grey, which they should. They don’t see the room they have to improve. They box themselves up in a failure or successful category. Zander & Zander (2000) mention contribution in Chapter 1. In the classroom students should contribute what they can to the overall learning experience. Contribution will turn into growth and growth will eventually turn into success.

Shanna Woods

Quinn,
I feel you on the not mastering success and failure. Imagine getting the first C (in my life) in grad school. Yeah, it was month 2! I realize now that I was not a contributor yet. And I almost allowed that feeling to defeat me to the point of thinking about leaving the EMDT program. So, glad I didn't. And a healthy dose of Rule Number 6 didn't hurt.

Wk 2 Comment- Thourn Heng

To answer this question from the reading, we need to give the people we teach, coach, lead, and/or conduct a voice. Good leaders are good listeners who are not afraid to admit when they are at fault. When followers see that their leader is not too proud to admit when they are wrong, they see the humility of that leader. A humble leader is not always directing his or her subordinates. He or she must also be a good listener and give their followers a chance to express what they observe through their eyes. Keeping an open mind is what keeps a good leader from being clouded by the things they experience and perceive. Also, good leaders let someone else shine a different light on the same situation.

Ms. Woods' Exploration Station said...

Everyone has a need to feel validated and valued whether they speak up about it or not. It is easy for the "big wigs" to look down on those they supervise which causes undesired tension. This tension can be alleviated if we get rid of the big I, little u syndrome.

Wk 1- Free Choice

Month 11 Expectations

I can't believe I'm in month 11 already. It seems as though I was just enrolling in Full Sail University a few weeks ago. Now I'm looking forward to graduation. This month I am feeling more pressure than I have felt the entire time I have been in the program. I guess it's because now I'm really down to the wire. This month will be focused on accurately populating my AR website. With the hustle and bustle of months past it's easy to get behind. I am determined to get this thing right. I will not accept any hold ups on graduation. My eyes are on the finish line. October 1, 2010 HERE I COME!

Wk 1 Comment- Pedro

I must confess, at first I was really reluctant to read the book. I was stuck in a dilemma of whether to skim or read. I am so glad I decided to read; The Art of Possibility, really is an art. As I was reading this book I was confused, amused and enlighten all at once.

Ms. Woods' Exploration Station said...

I completely understand your reluctance to reading the book. Surprisingly, I was impressed with the reading as well. It's funny how we put limits on ourselves without realizing that we have.

Link to Pedro's blog: vote4pedro2ice.blogspot.com