Ag Media Summit

Friday, July 30, 2010

Toys & Tools for Leadership - Group 2

During a 2010 Agricultural Media Summit (AMS) session, Steve Drake, of Drake and Company, gave a presentation titled “The Toys and Tools of Leadership and Success,” and group members from Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University and the University of Wisconsin River Falls worked together to determine the three most important “toys and tools” utilized by Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT): Balance, bouncing back, and thermostat/thermometer.

When our group sat down and began brainstorming ideas, it was difficult to narrow the tools down to three because the presentation proved that all 14 “toys and tools” were important in all settings and aspects of life. Eventually, we decided on the three that best exemplified our experiences at AMS and in college.

The first tool we chose was balance. As students in college, we have to be balanced during all aspects of our life, including activities through school, professionally, and socially. AMS is often the first time for many ACT members to interact with business professionals and it is important for them to act professional and genuine. Students need to prove to professionals that they are willing to engage in conversation and learn about what their company or organization has to offer. ACT members are young business professionals seeking future internships or job opportunities, and keeping the tool of balance in mind while participating in networking allows us to remain mentally and emotionally steady.

Another important tool to utilize is bouncing back. ACT members receive a great deal of criticism throughout their lives. However, when ACT members receive bad criticism, it is important to bounce back, remain positive, and not let it delay them on their path to reaching their goals. A prime example of bouncing back as an ACT member at AMS would be not getting the networking opportunity from the professionals, such as internship information, that they may have wished to receive otherwise. Additionally, when an ACT member enters the ACT Critique and Contest and doesn’t place, they should be motivated to work harder for the following year and use the constructive criticism they received.

Lastly, the third tool chosen from Drake’s “Toys and Tools of Leadership and Success,” was: Thermostat/thermometer. Drake pointed out that thermometers tell the temperature whereas thermostats control the temperature. Many times in life one can just live with the surroundings around them, or they can choose to be the change. At AMS, our group realized that setting the standard, or setting the thermostat, and choosing to network with everyone, starts with our own initiative. Drake made a good point during his presentation, “It’s not necessarily who you know, but it’s who knows you.” If ACT members work hard and set the thermostat they can catch the attention of others and prove that they are leaders.

The three tools chosen from Drake’s “Toys and Tools of Leadership and Success:” Balance, bouncing back, and thermostat/thermometer, will help ACT members and students alike gain valuable leadership skills and bring them one step closer to succeeding in their endeavors.
A big thank you to Steve Drake and his insight provided from his presentation “Toys and Tools for Leadership and Success.” It proved to be an invaluable experience where we all learned something and how to apply it to our own lives.

Submitted by Brandi Lattimore and McKenzie Watkins of Texas A&M University, Sarah Wilson, Sarah Raber and Faith Jurek of Texas Tech University, and Nerissa Retz of University of Wisconsin River Falls.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

What’s a C-Clamp Got to do With It?

In the session Tools & Toys of Leadership and Success with Steve Drake from Drake & Company, we learned the importance of being mobile, agile and hostile.

Drake presented unconventional items as metaphors for growing as a student professional and leader. Although he presented 14 unique toys and tools, our group selected five tools that we felt really spoke to us.
The tennis ball represented bouncing back from adversity. In any situation, you need to be able to quickly change gears and regroup.
The hockey puck taught us speed and how to react or adjust. Drake used his experience as a varsity ice hockey player to explain how professionals needed to constantly reevaluate to gain success in any program or endeavor.
The tape measure can be used for many things, but instead of emphasizing the big things, Drake used this tool to show even the small things matter.
The signature Drake & Company duck illustrated how we should be calm on the surface, but paddling hard underneath. Our group really identified with this metaphor as an under-emphasized aspect of the professional world.
The stopwatch reminds us to have an agenda. Drake pointed out that he always starts his meetings at odd times, such as 11:44 or 10:01 to encourage timeliness and models the same by ensuring meetings do not overextend. Agenda planning prevents wandering aimlessly without purpose.

At the end we were asked to examine which tools we found most important. Our group found it interesting that none of us chose the same tools.

Also in the session, Drake emphasized the importance of thanking those who offer their time to your success, so we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for Mr. Drake’s time and the lessons we learned from his toolbox.

Submitted by Kelsey Fletcher, Lauren Greaves, Chip Nellinger, Harlen Persinger, Jack Pitzer, Jolee Liepman

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Monday, July 26, 2010

Miss a session today? Check out the archive

Despite some technical difficulties, I managed to record a two of the sessions today and one on Sunday.

Find them here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ag-media-summit

I'll be streaming sessions tomorrow as well. I'll post any slides or materials from those sessions when available.

Don't forget to follow the stream on Twitter: #AgMS