Divine Centered Leadership

1. Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model.  Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.


Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines motive as "something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act." I like this definition because it clearly conveys that a motive is a catalyst for action. A motive is not merely correlated with action, it is the impetus of action. Since actions are the consequences of motives, it is essential and instructive to examine the motives behind all of our actions. 


I volunteered as a leader in BYUSA for four reasons (in best to worst order):

• I wanted to serve others
• I wanted to give back to the school that I both love dearly and feel that I owe so much to.
• I wanted to have an engaging experience that would help me meet other people and make new friends.
• I wanted to develop myself as a leader.   

While none of these motives are bad, I must admit that when I began my service at BYUSA they were not in the proper order. However, as I serve I believe that the priority I give these motives is aligning with their real importance.

2. "Each of us might well ask, “In what ways am I shrinking or holding back?” Meek introspection may yield some bold insights! For example, we can tell much by what we have already willingly discarded along the pathway of discipleship."  Describe how you can use this question to help you improve as a leader in terms of the  concept of challenging unrighteosness.

Hard questions are usually hard for one of two reasons: either 1) They are intellectually challenging and beyond our scope knowledge or cognitive abilities or 2) they make us uncomfortable by causing us to challenge assumptions or rationalizations we have made. The question, “In what ways am I shrinking or holding back?” falls in the latter category. 

As I ponder this question, the light of Christ, my reason, and the Spirit will help me identify specific areas in which I am holding back in challenging unrighteousness in my own life and in the lives of others. Even as I consider this question now, I can think of one way in which I am holding back:

I often fail to correct others, even in the right time, because I hate the uncomfortable feeling that come from doing so. I don't like to be seen as "stepping on other toes." However, these are relatively inconsequential if, with a spirit of love and maturity, I work to help other obey the commandments.

3.  Describe an experience where you have had to make a sacrifice in a leadership role.  How did this experience help you improve as a leader?

While serving in a leadership capacity on my mission, there were many demands on my time. It soon became readily apparent that I could not finish everything that was required of me from those I was teaching and the missionaries I was serving while still maintaining the same schedule that I had kept for most of my mission. I had to make cuts to some of the things that I liked to do on P-days and some of the "relax" I had in the evenings. Although this sacrifice was difficult at first, I grew in my ability to make the most of my time and to prioritize things of most important. I often felt stretched, but I learned that when you feel yourself stretching, that is when you are growing the most...