Wk 9: Disciple Leadership

 

This week's study focused on becoming a disciple leader. Elder Bednar gave a talk in a BYU-Idaho devotional, Brigham Young University–Idaho:  A Disciple Preparation Center (DPC). His message reiterated the blessings that come from being able to attend a school where faith is paramount and students are being prepared for a Christ-centered life. He defines a disciple as "one who follows or attends upon another for the express purpose of learning." We are each in the process of becoming closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and understanding how we can best live a deliberate, righteous life. Gaining a formal education at this particular school is a great blessing to my life. I am able to combine academics, professional studies, and my faith in every class. I know that I will not only be better prepared for my chosen career, but my career will be an avenue of service as well.

The Acton Foundation for Entrepreneurial Excellence has provided many of the lessons in this curriculum. A Message to Garcia, by Elbert Hubbard, reads as follows:

“There’s a Fellow by the Name of Rowan…” It was 1899. President William McKinley needed to deliver an urgent message to General Calixto Garcia, the leader of the insurgents in America’s war against Spain. But Garcia was lost somewhere deep inside the mountain vastness of Cuba. “There’s a fellow by the name of Rowan who will find Garcia if anyone can,” someone told the president. So McKinley summoned Colonel Andrew Rowan. Rowan took McKinley’s letter, “sealed it in an oil-skin pouch, strapped it over his heart, in four days landed by night off the coast of Cuba from an open boat, disappeared into the jungle and in three weeks came out on the other side of the island, having traversed a hostile country on foot, and delivered his letter to Garcia.”

Rowan is a great example of execution. He received his mission and went about completing it. He didn't wait for further instruction or direction. Rowan made his own plan and was successful in completing the job. His story can be applied to us today.

"You have a choice. You can blame your parents, teachers, coaches, or bosses. Or you can choose to state developing the attitudes, habits, and instincts so your name will be called when success hangs in the balance."

I can decide now that I will be someone who others can rely on to complete the task. The article lists 10 steps that will help develop the right attitudes, habits, and instincts.

1. Accept the mission and get started.
2. Be curious.
3. Immediately sketch out a plan.
• Vision (your objectives)
• Strategies (the how)
• Projects (major milestones)
• Tactics (checklist, tasks)
4. If you need resources, don't be afraid to ask.
5. Enlist help when needed.
6. Report back and show your work.
7. Underpromise & overdeliver.
8. Expect to make small mistakes.
9. Put results before schmoozing.
10. Replace voices in your head with positive action. 

The ability to execute will enhance all aspects of my life: at home, with my family, in my church service, and in my professional career. 

I also really like the steps listed to gain inspiration, discernment, and perspective needed to take on challenging missions:

1. Begin to see your life as a "calling".

2. Develop your gifts & talents into a discipline. Become world-class.

3. Find a deep-burning need you care about.

4. Surround yourself with good people and worthy role models.

https://www2.byui.edu/Presentations/transcripts/devotionals/2004_08_31_bednardavid.htm

Message to Garcia. Acton Foundation of Entrepreneurial Excellence. ActonMBA.org