As you explore the Hunt Library (Links to an external site.), reflect on how you might use the Library as a resource for your studies. What makes a resource "scholarly" in nature?
How is the scholarly information you found in the library different from the typical information you find when you Google a leadership concept?
Upon exploring the Hunt Library site, I found the information and resources available to be vast. I was looking for an article on leadership and was able to do a fairly specific search of their archives. I also noticed that there is live chatting available for library questions. (The time of big drawers full of card catalogs is pretty much over!) This library gives me access to virtual documents and the ability to reserve a book from over 3000 miles away, to name just a couple of the resources available. I could use this library as a resource for many things during my studies such as getting help when trying to find a specific video resource for a paper, or looking at the many collections available to learn more about leadership styles or time management.
In my opinion, what makes a resource "scholarly" in nature is the content of the archives available to search. Scholarly resources can be proven and have validity. It may be a fallacy to believe that just because it comes from a college, the information is scholarly but if the college has well referenced and critically researched it's library content, it will show. If I were to search a college library's website and most of the articles came from Wikipedia, that content would be suspect.
The scholarly information found in the library was much different and much more relative than had I just Googled "leadership". I would have had to search through many irrelevant articles and websites using up precious time. By using the Hunt Library, I was able to search their archives and get pretty specific as to what I needed. There is a lot of extraneous content to shovel through when you just Google something.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Sunday, August 23, 2015
A500.2.3RB - Tell Your Story
A500.2.3RB-Tell Your Story: Answer the questions posed in question number 1 from the Tell Your Story area on page 162 of Learning to Think Things Through.
What are some standards that are most important in your life?
In this question, you can focus on either critical-thinking or non-critical-thinking standards (such as the ones on pages 153 or 154). For example, you might hold yourself to a standard of honesty, of ability in sports, of being a good sister or brother.
In my life, I try to be a decent person, to set a good example and not be mean or apathetic toward other people. In trying to be and do these things, some of the standards that are most important in my life are being consistent and reliable, spontaneous, ethical, loving and spiritual.
The critical-thinking standards 'reliable and consistent' appeal to my desire to set a good example to people I encounter in my life. I strive to be consistent in my integrity and in the level of work that I do. I want to consistently work hard, try to do the right thing, and ask the right questions. I want to be reliable in my words and actions. I want to be relied upon to do the right thing and be a decent person. I also want to be consistently compassionate and reliably kind. I acquired these standards by watching my parents and seeing what I admired in their work ethics and how they approached life. They both work very hard, my Mom finally able to retire after almost 35 years of teaching English and ESL. She became a National Board certified teacher in her 28th year of teaching. How many people continue striving for excellence even that far into their careers? It is a lot of work to become National Board certified, at least a year of preparation and putting together a presentation for review. I was there the day she got the news that her presentation had been accepted and that she was now certified to teach anywhere in the USA. She was ecstatic! She showed me that hard work and working for continuous improvement does pay off. My Dad is an airplane mechanic and has been working in this career for over 25 years. He is the guy that some people have trouble working with because he knows the books, he knows what works and doesn't work and he understands why quality checks and following the rules is important in his job. He sometimes works with people who want to take a shortcut and he isn't going to do that unless it is permissible and is the right thing to do. The work he does keeps people safe. He will not ever compromise when it could mean endangering anyone. It isn't fun always taking the long way and following the rules. I think of him when I'm at work and I really feel like taking short-cuts or doing less than awesome work. I always sigh deeply and with chagrin, do the right thing. It takes longer and it takes more effort, but in the long run, I can stand by my work and know I did the very best. I never regret that.
The non-critical thinking standards: spontaneous, ethical, loving and spiritual are how I want to live my life and as we know, are not essential to critical thinking. I can still be consistent while having fun or being spontaneous...which sounds contradictory but I believe it is possible. (Like being consistently inconsistent.) Trying to live my life ethically is important to me because ultimately, I'm the one who has to answer for my mistakes and actions. We are all where we are because of choices we've made, no matter the situation. I think that by living as ethically as I can, it is easier to accept where I am as the place I'm meant to be. Being a loving and spiritual person is also important to me. I saw how my grandparents lived and want to make sure that I'm following that example. They farmed in southeast South Dakota from post-war 1950's until about 2000. They worked very hard but didn't have a lot of money while raising their three children. They taught values of hard work and being honest to my Mom and two uncles. They all still follow the model of strong family ties and loving each other unconditionally...even if that means tough love. We were raised to know that material things weren't a guarantee but that love and spirituality were. No matter where I am in life, I hold onto these things and feel closer to my grandparents even though they are no longer alive. I guess the same could be said of the critical-thinking standards too...my grandparents set the bar there too.
These standards have changed over the years because I'm human and subsequently fallible and therefore must evaluate, do better, and move forward again. I think that's how it is supposed to be though, life is dynamic and if we don't grow and change with it, we really miss out. I'm not the same person I was when I was 21. When I was 21, my standards had to do with surviving the bar scene and paying rent on my crappy apartment. I was dealing with a crazy roommate and wanted more than anything for people to like me. Now I'm 41 and I'm a different person. I went through being a military wife, deployments, miscarriages, divorce, finding love again, remarriage, and trying to survive the self-doubt and pain that can linger long after those things that break our hearts and spirit. Understanding that the ability to consistently and reliably adapt will help us is an essential truth of living.
What are some standards that are most important in your life?
In this question, you can focus on either critical-thinking or non-critical-thinking standards (such as the ones on pages 153 or 154). For example, you might hold yourself to a standard of honesty, of ability in sports, of being a good sister or brother.
- How did you acquire those standards?
- How have they changed over the years?
In my life, I try to be a decent person, to set a good example and not be mean or apathetic toward other people. In trying to be and do these things, some of the standards that are most important in my life are being consistent and reliable, spontaneous, ethical, loving and spiritual.
The critical-thinking standards 'reliable and consistent' appeal to my desire to set a good example to people I encounter in my life. I strive to be consistent in my integrity and in the level of work that I do. I want to consistently work hard, try to do the right thing, and ask the right questions. I want to be reliable in my words and actions. I want to be relied upon to do the right thing and be a decent person. I also want to be consistently compassionate and reliably kind. I acquired these standards by watching my parents and seeing what I admired in their work ethics and how they approached life. They both work very hard, my Mom finally able to retire after almost 35 years of teaching English and ESL. She became a National Board certified teacher in her 28th year of teaching. How many people continue striving for excellence even that far into their careers? It is a lot of work to become National Board certified, at least a year of preparation and putting together a presentation for review. I was there the day she got the news that her presentation had been accepted and that she was now certified to teach anywhere in the USA. She was ecstatic! She showed me that hard work and working for continuous improvement does pay off. My Dad is an airplane mechanic and has been working in this career for over 25 years. He is the guy that some people have trouble working with because he knows the books, he knows what works and doesn't work and he understands why quality checks and following the rules is important in his job. He sometimes works with people who want to take a shortcut and he isn't going to do that unless it is permissible and is the right thing to do. The work he does keeps people safe. He will not ever compromise when it could mean endangering anyone. It isn't fun always taking the long way and following the rules. I think of him when I'm at work and I really feel like taking short-cuts or doing less than awesome work. I always sigh deeply and with chagrin, do the right thing. It takes longer and it takes more effort, but in the long run, I can stand by my work and know I did the very best. I never regret that.
The non-critical thinking standards: spontaneous, ethical, loving and spiritual are how I want to live my life and as we know, are not essential to critical thinking. I can still be consistent while having fun or being spontaneous...which sounds contradictory but I believe it is possible. (Like being consistently inconsistent.) Trying to live my life ethically is important to me because ultimately, I'm the one who has to answer for my mistakes and actions. We are all where we are because of choices we've made, no matter the situation. I think that by living as ethically as I can, it is easier to accept where I am as the place I'm meant to be. Being a loving and spiritual person is also important to me. I saw how my grandparents lived and want to make sure that I'm following that example. They farmed in southeast South Dakota from post-war 1950's until about 2000. They worked very hard but didn't have a lot of money while raising their three children. They taught values of hard work and being honest to my Mom and two uncles. They all still follow the model of strong family ties and loving each other unconditionally...even if that means tough love. We were raised to know that material things weren't a guarantee but that love and spirituality were. No matter where I am in life, I hold onto these things and feel closer to my grandparents even though they are no longer alive. I guess the same could be said of the critical-thinking standards too...my grandparents set the bar there too.
These standards have changed over the years because I'm human and subsequently fallible and therefore must evaluate, do better, and move forward again. I think that's how it is supposed to be though, life is dynamic and if we don't grow and change with it, we really miss out. I'm not the same person I was when I was 21. When I was 21, my standards had to do with surviving the bar scene and paying rent on my crappy apartment. I was dealing with a crazy roommate and wanted more than anything for people to like me. Now I'm 41 and I'm a different person. I went through being a military wife, deployments, miscarriages, divorce, finding love again, remarriage, and trying to survive the self-doubt and pain that can linger long after those things that break our hearts and spirit. Understanding that the ability to consistently and reliably adapt will help us is an essential truth of living.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
A500.1.6.RB_UnverrichJody
In your journal entry, reflect upon how intellectual perseverance will be important as you progress in your studies. Consider how intellectual perseverance relates to your concept of a good leader.
Intellectual perseverance is being aware of the need to pursue any confusions or questions regardless of obstructions (physical and/or mental) or opposition from others (physical and/or mental). Intellectual perseverance is the thing that nags at the back of your mind and tells you to explore every option, ask that question...again if necessary, double check your facts and work harder to make sure you understand and have explored every option so that whatever you are producing, it is the very best of your efforts, no matter what.
Intellectual perseverance is going to be the carrot to my donkey throughout this entire graduate program. My study habits are a bit rusty and have never been enviable but my desire to make sure that I provide the best work I can possibly do...and then some...is as much a part of me as my skin. My parents expected my best and that has stuck with me throughout my entire life. It can be frustrating because when you pursue every avenue, sometimes you come to one way alleys with a dead end. My challenge will be to keep my eye on the prize and strive to deliver the best work possible, knowing that the only one I will really hurt if I don't is me and I have to believe that I am worth the effort.
My concept of a good leader does include the qualities of intellectual perseverance. In fact, I think that intellectual perseverance, intellectual integrity, and intellectual humility are the top three attributes in a good leader. A good leader should always work to do the very best for their team in whatever capacity required. Whether the leader is in a management position or not; making sure that you, as a leader, set a positive, meaningful, productive and compassionate example in everything you do is essential. The relentless pursuit of excellence is a real and reachable thing if a leader knows how to get the heavy lifting done effectively and collaboratively. As a leader, it IS your problem if someone has an issue or needs a roadblock removed. Even if that person isn't on your team or a direct report, if they came to you or you know you can help. You do.
I also think that intellectual perseverance is that sense of responsibility that reminds you that regardless of the task, the final product will be a reflection of you and what you are capable of. If the task is to make a sign for the bathrooms that lets people know that a toilet is out of order, intellectual perseverance is making that sign and making it the best sign you know how to. Intellectual perseverance doesn't allow you to feel like any task is beneath you and as a leader, you know that there is only room for your best effort. Perhaps intellectual perseverance doesn't just end with the completion of a task or the solving of a problem but is continuous in your role as a leader and a coach. As a leader, reaching out to be a mentor or just to help a co-worker should mean that you are willing and able to give them honest and productive feedback and that as a mentor and leader, your role isn't one sided. Look for ways to learn from the mentee. The relationships you foster with people is not only representative of your personality but of your work ethic and dedication to perfection and commitment to your team.
Intellectual perseverance is being aware of the need to pursue any confusions or questions regardless of obstructions (physical and/or mental) or opposition from others (physical and/or mental). Intellectual perseverance is the thing that nags at the back of your mind and tells you to explore every option, ask that question...again if necessary, double check your facts and work harder to make sure you understand and have explored every option so that whatever you are producing, it is the very best of your efforts, no matter what.
Intellectual perseverance is going to be the carrot to my donkey throughout this entire graduate program. My study habits are a bit rusty and have never been enviable but my desire to make sure that I provide the best work I can possibly do...and then some...is as much a part of me as my skin. My parents expected my best and that has stuck with me throughout my entire life. It can be frustrating because when you pursue every avenue, sometimes you come to one way alleys with a dead end. My challenge will be to keep my eye on the prize and strive to deliver the best work possible, knowing that the only one I will really hurt if I don't is me and I have to believe that I am worth the effort.
My concept of a good leader does include the qualities of intellectual perseverance. In fact, I think that intellectual perseverance, intellectual integrity, and intellectual humility are the top three attributes in a good leader. A good leader should always work to do the very best for their team in whatever capacity required. Whether the leader is in a management position or not; making sure that you, as a leader, set a positive, meaningful, productive and compassionate example in everything you do is essential. The relentless pursuit of excellence is a real and reachable thing if a leader knows how to get the heavy lifting done effectively and collaboratively. As a leader, it IS your problem if someone has an issue or needs a roadblock removed. Even if that person isn't on your team or a direct report, if they came to you or you know you can help. You do.
I also think that intellectual perseverance is that sense of responsibility that reminds you that regardless of the task, the final product will be a reflection of you and what you are capable of. If the task is to make a sign for the bathrooms that lets people know that a toilet is out of order, intellectual perseverance is making that sign and making it the best sign you know how to. Intellectual perseverance doesn't allow you to feel like any task is beneath you and as a leader, you know that there is only room for your best effort. Perhaps intellectual perseverance doesn't just end with the completion of a task or the solving of a problem but is continuous in your role as a leader and a coach. As a leader, reaching out to be a mentor or just to help a co-worker should mean that you are willing and able to give them honest and productive feedback and that as a mentor and leader, your role isn't one sided. Look for ways to learn from the mentee. The relationships you foster with people is not only representative of your personality but of your work ethic and dedication to perfection and commitment to your team.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)