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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
