It's a good life.

Monday's Lecture: September 20, 2010

"How can we get them to think they are better than they think they can be".

This quote comes from the clip of Invictus that Adrian played. I feel this question is highly relevant to leadership. If we want people to follow us, our individual efforts are not solely the means by which this will be accomplished. There must be a significant portion of persuasion that stems from the followers own mind. If you saw Inception, maybe it will be clearer in that context. In the movie, Cobb (Leonardo Decaprio) focuses on convincing his client to do what he wants (Break up his Father's large corporation) by positioning his client to make the decision on his own. This proved to be much more influential rather than Cobb trying to convince him by means of his own ideas. If we recognize this concept, itthen becomes our aim, as leaders, to persuade using methods we feel will resonate with those who come along with us. I find we can do this sometimes through reasoning, emotions, and example. There is something, throughout this process, that appeals or "clicks" with those following. Perhaps saying "this seems true" or "It just feels right". So how do we provoke these thoughts? The answer to that is not always clear. People are different, and they open up differently. In the end though, we must break through these barriers to move our cause forward.There are instances, like the above quote suggests, that individuals become paralyzed in doubt, lack of confidence, and inaction. Although some think "I am not very good" or "Look how much better they are", the truth of the matter is that the individual has the greatest potential in the world to do great things. (Especially in a World like ours- with so many privileges that others are not afforded; Education, housing, freedom from hunger, or healthcare just to name a few). Great minds like Thomas Edison realized this, he quotes "If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." I challenge you to try this concept out sometime. Forget about all thoughts and circumstances that you feel limit and paralyze you- and experiment what things you are capable of accomplishing. We must free the minds of those we lead and allow them to understand for themselves their true potential. Imagine aworld where many lived according to their potential. It seems to me it would be a much grander place.

**If you are questioning why I didn't focus much content on the specifics of Adrian's lecture it is because I struggled connecting fully with it. But I did enjoy how he decoded how we can learn about leadership through the movie Invictus.

Interview:

I interviewed Lucy Brimhall of SID (Students for International Development); A club here on campus at BYU. (http://kennedy.byu.edu/student/sid/#)

I went to a club meeting on Thursday, where we heard from a man named Bishnu Adhikari from Choice Humanitarian who gave an extraordinary lecture on humanitarian work. He spoke about the need for sustainable improvemnts to poverty, not just one time projects. E-mail me if this interests you and you want my notes (mattpayne88@gmail.com). It was also highlighted at the meeting Bishnu's idea that "It's not about buildings, schools, or governments . . . It's about people." I really like this perspective. I know if we saw the world full of our brothers and sisters individually, I think so many misconceptions, as well as large amounts of apathy to those around us, would dissolve. Anyways, after the meeting, I asked Lucy if she would be willing to be interviewed on her leadership role as Co-President of SID. Here are some of the things I really liked from my interview with her:

Why did you get involved with SID?

"Me and my friends started a club called New Global Citizens in high school which got me very interested about poverty- so when I came to college I searched for anything that resembled that experience. I joined a whole slew of clubs and narrowed it down to this one."

[It is interesting to me how things that inspireus have a profound impact on us for the rest of our lives. For instance, Lucy's interest in poverty in High School transforming into a very dynamic and involved leadership position in college.]

What motivates you to be involved with international development?

"I had this idea before I went to Romania, but even moreso when I came back. I have been put in the right country, the right church, the right family, I have a higher education, I have the opportunity to do whatever I want. I feel like I need to capitalize on that opportunity, to give my blessings to those who don't have them."

[This is what inspires me most about Lucy. She recognizes how privileged she is, but instead of capitalizing on her blessings for her own self advancement- she seeks out to give back to those who weren't afforded such opportunity]

What advice would you have for someone beginning this journey of making an impact, and gaining valuable knowledge about the world?

"Get involved. I'm not an expert on International Development, but I do love it. I have put myself out there, despite not being the most educated on the topic. I get to know people, talk to them, and opportunities have opened up because I have gotten involved."

Analysis:

Lucy is a humble and confident leader. She doesn't let the fact that she may not be a connoisseur of international development hinder her from putting forth her best effort. Her method of leadership is to "convince others to convince themselves". She attempts to re-create the transformation of understanding that she goes through, for those she wishes to lead. For example, she is apart of a campus wide event called the Hunger Banquet, which presents a visual representation of how hunger exists in the world. This in turn allows others to better understand the shocking nature of the problem and can inspire them to action. Lucy leads a club that draws participation from hundreds of students and highlights some very real global issues. Coordinating these humanitarian events throughout the year and leading the Students for International development club endows Lucy as a vehicle to inspire others to do good in the world. I have learned from Lucy that doors will open if you go confidently in the direction of your passion. Also, that it seems like we have been placed in such circumstances that are incredibly privileged- we mustn't take advantage of these means, but instead use them as a vehicle to spread the message of service that Christ offers us.

Thank you Lucy for your time and inspiration.