SLU 101 Orlando: How to Make a Splash Part 2

Did you know that in your lifetime, you may only have about 12 main friendships that you stay in contact with? And within those 12 friendships, an average about 5 are the ones that you hold dear to your heart and will hold the most trust in.

As you know from the past posts, that I have be giving you a little glimpse of what I was taught during my SLU 101 experience. During the week, the group of young people had woken up around 5:30 to embark and get ready for a journey at Sea World. It was here that we had learned the true meaning of different types of leaders; and these leadership qualities are exemplified in 3 unique animals: Killer Whale, Shark (different types), and a Dolphin.

As the first session began, we were told this statement,

  

"The most neglected leadership skill is the ability to build trust and (hold on to) lasting relationships."

We were told of the importance in having a strong trust with the people we serve in any way we can. For if we are not willing to trust others, then people will not want to put trust in us. This correlated with the trust of a Sea World Trainer and the Killer Whale. A Whale will not do what it is told, if it does not trust it's trainer. Furthermore, as it is earning trust with a whale, earning trust with people takes time, it simply doesn't happen. Also, we can have time invested in earning some one's trust, but it can only take a moment to destroy- So don't take trust lightly.

We moved on from the whale show (which was awesome) and went into a restaurant room that held the shark tank. Here we had look into many different sharks and how their different personalities can all be seen in different types of leaders. Such as how a Bull Shark is really rough and aggressive, so can a leader be "bull -headed", and stuck up- making sure their opinions get across! However, one thing was said that all sharks have in common: For a shark to win, someone is left bleeding... Just think about that one =]

Finally, we came to the dolphin show take where a bunch of bottlenose dolphins put on a show and were really impressive! The main we talked about is that we should strive to be like a dolphin and here is why:

• Build strong family ties- they travel in pods (groups)
• Recognize the benefits of the sense of touch- their fins may look the same, but a a dolphin is giving, a shark is not
• Protection form other sharks- They will reach out and guard each other
• Care for the Weak and the Wounded- As dolphins will, so should we

To wrap things up, there a few things that I learned;  I need  to seek to understand before I try and be understood; to be humble, but, being humble isn't thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.

I hope you found this just as interesting as I did, and please feel free to comment on anything here. Have an AWESOME day!!

Your Friend,

               Josh