Leadership Seminar - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

I can't believe I haven't written a post in almost 3 weeks!!!!  The last couple of weeks have been so crazy, busy for me with work (and photography) I haven't done anything once home at night.

I just wanted to reflect on a leadership seminar I was in all of last week... 

First of all, I'm all about going to leadership events in an effort to better my professional attitude and life.  A lot of the times, personal development becomes part of the event as well, so I usually get something out of it one way or another. 

Day 1 of 5, we all walked in and the lady teaching the seminar was trying to teach us responsibility and commitment via tough love.  No.. actually.... tough love is an understatement.  I understand the idea of what tough love is, but she was brutal.  I went home the first day, mentally exhausted.  I just didn't understand how starting the week out that way, could lead to positive, and potentially life-changing events.

I went back on the second day, and immediately felt the teacher bringing down the hammer again.  Again, she was brutally honest.... and brutally tough.  I left that day discouraged again. I knew all I had to do was follow the rules to a T.  I couldn't be one second late... I had to be early.  I couldn't do my "homework" 95% of the way, it had to be 100% complete.  I had to be fully committed to the week, which in turn means I need to be fully committed to my friends, family, and goals in life.

On the third day, our teacher let up on being so tough.  I finally realized that she was only being so tough on us because she wanted us to get back to the basics.  We had to understand the basics in order to move forward and to understand how to lead a team. 

The fourth and fifth days consisted of pushing yourself to do things you may never have done before, such as rock climbing, zip lining, and climbing a rope wall.  All things that seem nearly impossible for some, but if you trust others, and put the faith in yourself, are POSSIBLE... even to those who think it's nearly impossible for whatever reason. 

All-in-all, I can say I took away a better understanding of MYSELF.  And how I want to be perceived and what I want to do to reach my goals.  This also can help me to lead and enable my team at work to do the same... and hopefully to inspire others to do the same.  This seminar is like beauty.  It's not always easy, but the pain is worth the gain.  And even if I suffered for a week, I am still happy that I got something out of this seminar. 

Thank you to everyone at work who backed me up while I was gone, and thank you to my small group for supporting me thoughout the week.  If it wasn't for you, I may not have made it to the other side. :)  And of course, my husband....  Thank you for questioning my reason for going.  And for doubting the seminar.  It made me check myself and my motive for going.  I now have a reason to be better because I want to do it for me.  For you.  For us.  For my career and my LIFE.  I love you all and couldn't thank you enough!!

And as I told myself at one point last week.................YOU ROCK!!