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CONQUERING CHAOS

March 21, 2018

My Life Plan as a high

school senior

�AAS in secretarial science

�Marry

�Work to support my husband while he completes his schooling

�Have kids

�Stay home and raise kids

�Go back to work when kids get older

�“Live happily ever after”

Secretary to the Dean of Business, Utah

Technical College at Provo, 1980

My Actual Life

�AAS in secretarial science

�Marry

�Work to support my husband while he completes his schooling

�Have kids

�Stay home in the workplace and raise kids

�Go back to work when kids get older

�Earn Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees while working and raising kids

�Career and leadership opportunities in higher education

�“Live happily ever after”

Courage

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Definition: clearness as to

perception or understanding

Synonyms: simple,

transparent, certain, plain,

obvious, understandable

Clarity of Purpose

Know your roleFormal: Job Description, Organization Chart, Performance Goals

Informal:Expectations, Behaviors/Culture

Know others’ roles and how your role impacts their workCommunicate, Build Relationships, Address Conflict

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Clarity in Communication

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPOgvzVOQig

Clear Communication: Know, Do, Feel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrAIGLkSMls

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Definition: use of the

imagination or original ideas

Synonyms: clever,

resourceful, vision, inventive

Creative Thinking & Critical Thinking Have to Be Separate

Creative (divergent) thinking

�Generative—daydreaming, blue-skying, what-iffing, wondering

�Nonjudgmental

�Expansive—let ideas live without judgment and you’ll get more ideas

When you’re thinking creatively, you’re making long lists.

Critical (convergent) thinking:

�Analytic—probing, questioning, testing

�Judgmental—determine likelihood of success

�Selective—sifting and filtering

When you’re thinking critically, you’re identifying best ideas for further development.

Source: Think Better by Tim Hurson

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Definition: mental or moral

strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or

difficulty

Synonyms: brave,

determination, nerve, tenacity

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To Conquer Chaos, Have the

Courage to:

� Ask questions

� Volunteer your opinion� Speak clearly and with candor� Take the initiative

� Talk about challenges and opportunities� Engage in crucial conversations� Set boundaries with your team and your time

� Admit a mistake� Build networks� Think big

Courage

Conquer Chaos with

Clarity, Creativity,

and Courage