Sense of Overwhleming Remains Insurmounted

As I have eluded to in previous posts as well as particular Twitters I began my Masters this week in residency at Evangel University, Springfield, MO. I am realizing the difference between the work load and knowledge level when I received my AA in Architectural Design & CAD as well as my BA in Pastoral Ministries to a Masters level education. That coupled with the experience of being a hybrid experience, (Hybrid means, I fly out twice a year for a week of classes, professor introductions, class introductions, etc.) then the rest is distance study at home makes this a very overwhelming jump start.

Though this still is insurmountable in my mind I am very excited for what it will bring. When I look at the assignments, like the ones listed below, I see so many opportunities for growth as an individual but also for the organization that I am a part of.

Some of Term 1 Assignments:

• About a dozen or more books to read this term
• Forum discussions
  
• Assessments
  
• Projects
  
• Case Studies
• Presentations
• Empirical Journal Article Reviews
  

So what do I want out of it, why am I doing this?

My goals are that the abilities I gain will be directly reflective in the different organizations and followers that God will allow me to lead.
That both the individuals around me as well as the organization would practice proper 'kaizen' in every way, simply meaning continual improvement.

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MOL Take 1

This week begins the start of a two year intensive passage of a lifelong journey. A journey that I hope takes me to the depths of knowledge in an area that is close to my heart. Leadership. I know many enjoy this subject and seek out every book that talks about leadership, I do as well. I decided about two years ago to pursue a Masters degree in Leadership for many reasons. The main reason is to truly help identify at the core a subject that is in essence elusive, maybe like bigfoot. Leadership is in no means definitive, Stogdill (1974, p. 259) concluded that "there are almost as many definitions of leadership as there are persons who have attempted to define the concept" (Yukl 2010). Another main reason to seek this passage is to help others who struggle. I think there are enough people on the 'edge' of work/ministry/life as a leader and they have not a clue of their next step. One more negative moment and they are going to their boss/pastor/wife and throwing in the towel.

I am starting off with three classes this semester, 3 credit hours each as well as a couple 1 hour projects. The classes and books are listed below (the 2-year program is divided up into four themes):

Theme 1: Foundations of Leadership
MOL 501 Foundations of Leadership:

• Leadership in Organizations (Yukl, 2010)
• Leadership Brand: Developing Customer-Focused Leaders to Driver Performance & Building Lasting Value (Ulrich & Smallwood, 2007)
• Leading At A Higher Level (Blanchard 2007)

MOL 527 Communications for Effective Leadership

• Management Communication: A Case Analysis Approach (O'Rourke 2007)

MOL 550 The Effective Organization

• Quality & Performance Excellence: Management, Organization, and Strategy (Evans 2008)
• 2009-2010 Baldridge National Quality Program Criteria for Performance Excellence (U.S. National Institute for Standards and Technology 2008)
• Good to Great (Collins 2001)
• How the Mighty Fall (Collins 2009)
  

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