Its been almost 8 months since I have looked at any of the assessments provided to us by Dr. Bob. I remember first getting these and being beyond confused. My thoughts, “oh, I’m an ESFP…. Makes complete sense… NOT!” I had no idea how to interpret this and apply it to my life and the situations I have had / will have in the future. Even after listening to Dr. Bob explain it in depth to me, it was so hard for me to put it to actual use. Until now, that is. I am really thankful that we were told to get out our assessments for this past meeting. The day before the meeting I spent so much time just looking over them in depth and applying them to everything I have done this past year, and there it clicked. These assessments tell me so much about who I am and most importantly what kind of leader I am. My favorite part about these assessments was looking at the MBTI and seeing how I interacted over the past years with people entirely opposite than myself. I have such a greater grasp on how people who don’t think exactly like me tackle projects and different situations. Now, working with someone who is an IITJ isn’t so much a challenge but rather like a fun project. I have a much greater awareness for others needs and to me I think that is a quality any top leader should have.

In addition to the assessments I feel there was one workshop that has stood out to me among all others – the goal setting workshop. This is actually funny that this stands out to me because going into the workshop I was not looking forward to it. My two thoughts, one, “This is so repetitive, I have learned about goal setting at least once every year since 5th grade” and two, “I hate setting goals and no one can ever convince me to.” I was in for such a shock! While the workshop consisted of a few things I have learned before those words and advice have stuck in my head ever since. I actually remember saying at this workshop that I don’t like setting goals because they limit me….. WHAT?!! Like goals are some kind of barricade that just holds me back shall I ever change my mind? Who knows what I was thinking. It probably wasn’t until the job search started that this workshop really sunk in with me. I was applying for these jobs with no end goal in mind. While I like a flexible and spontaneous life, I didn’t want to be stuck at an entry level job forever. Therefore I wrote down my first goal. While writing it I was still pretty hesitant. Just thinking about if this is really what I want my goal to be. When I finally convinced myself it was only writing on a piece of paper and could be thrown away or erased if I ever wanted to go a different direction, it felt good to write it down .It was something concrete and a very small starting place. Yes, that goal has changed and developed ever since, again making me realize it’s not the end all be all and now Iset goals all the time another thing I think any great leader should do!

My entire perspective of leadership has changed after these past (almost) 2 years in BLF, and I owe that mainly to all of our assessments, workshops, and guidance from the alumni, staff and supporters. I plan to continuously use these assessments, workshops and connections throughout the rest of my life. I would love to look back 10, even 5 years from now and see how much these have all helped me in my life thus far and how my perceptions have since changed.

Questions I have: - Can I take the Reiss Motivational Profile assessment again? I really don’t think Physical Activity should be my very lowest.. they called me a couch potato! I was probably just in a lazy mood that day!

-What is a “normal” percentage on the G360, and should we be aiming for 100% in all categories?