Dallin Jenkins
Purpose
Look around you.
What kind of leadership have you experienced? What frustrates you about the way your boss talks to you, or the lack of communication altogether?
I see the need for people who will lead individuals. I have experienced both management styles – those who lead by example, and those who lead by fear. Both can gain results. Only one inspires true change.
I want to inspire everyone to lead by example – to lead one by one.
The Project
Training Session 1 – Getting Yourself Right
Training Session 2 – One by One
Challenges Encountered
The method of delivery. This was a hard thing for me to figure out. At first, I wanted to have a more personal approach to the training, so I was sitting at my desk with the camera a few inches away. This, however, did not feel natural to me.
For the second training, I approached it with the idea of picturing the audience in the classroom/office with me. This felt much more natural, and I was able to be more confident and approach ideas more genuinely.
I also struggled with what specific messages to share. There are so many aspects of leadership that are important to me. However, I ultimately went with the concept of leading one by one – seeing people as individuals that need personal attention and support.
Project Process
The first aspect I needed to approach was that of brainstorming. I needed to figure out exactly what I wanted to share, and what concepts to focus on. After I had the ideas I wanted to share, I next needed to research said concepts. During this research, I looked back on my personal experience of building an HR Department and leading teams. I also looked for credible sources that have the same findings I was sharing.
After researching, it was time for the creation to start – or just outlining. I started to structure my training with main points and sub-points. I had questions I wanted to ask, and action items to leave with the audience. Through this structuring, I was able to fine-tune my ideas and concepts.
Then came the time to record. I used my phone, a lav mic, and a light in each training. Through the equipment, I was able to ensure good-quality imaging and sound throughout.
Lastly, came the hardest part – the editing. What stays? What do I get rid of? Is that too choppy? These were questions constantly going through my head as I was putting the finishing touches on each training. Ultimately, I was happy with the finished product of each session, and hope it can inspire many.
Overview of Experiences
I loved getting to be more familiar with the technology behind the scenes that made this possible. I was simply able to record on my phone. Through this little device, I was able to reach the world.
There were so many retakes, cuts, and edits. I spent hours on the computer wanting to make this as good as I could make it. I wanted to make sure it was understandable to the audience, so I spent hours on research and reflection to make sure I was asking the right questions, extending the right invitations, and stressing the most important points.
Overall, I feel so blessed to have been able to experience this. Through creating this training program, I am now more aware of the problems around me, and what can be done about them. I had friends and mentors weigh in on what they would like to see more of. Through that, I was able to talk with a former CEO, a Chief of a fire department, and communication masters. Their feedback was invaluable and made the experience so much sweeter.
Insights and Takeaways
This is just the beginning. The main takeaway I had from all of this, was the fact that I’m not done. There is SO much out there that needs to be said. The leadership of this world needs to be better, and I want to be a part of that positive change that I know we can achieve. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Another insight I received while completing this training program is the need for mentors. How will people learn how to lead one by one? By watching and observing others do so. I am so grateful for my manager, Michael, who showed me how this concept is achieved.
We can do this. We can make a significant change in the world around us. How can we achieve this? One by one.