OGL 498 Pro-Seminar II Discussion Topic #2

Values, Desires, Structures & Inertia

Preparation:

Before going any further in this assignment, be sure you have actively read and reviewed all of
the materials in the Week Two Readings content area, as well as viewed the presentation
content under Week 2 Presentations (The Lemming Dilemma and the Lemming Dilemma
Debrief).

Also be sure you have completed the Values Worksheet and the Dreams & Desires
Worksheet (attached documents) prior to starting this discussion topic.

Formatting Instructions:

Please sure to copy/paste the prompts (and not all the set-up information) into your discussion
topic thread, and then respond meaningfully to the prompts. (Remember, sometimes its better
to do this offline, and then create a thread to paste your entire discussion topic entry directly
into.)

Some Tips for Doing Well on Discussion Topics:

Many times, each of these prompts have more than one question be sure to read each
prompt carefully, and respond to all aspects of each prompt. Short answers (two or three
sentences) are generally NOT acceptable. Remember, more is better in terms of thoughtful
engagement and writing. Also be sure to meaningfully connect with the readings (as well as
any other course content that may be applicable). Each discussion topic prompt warrants
several well-constructed paragraphs of content if you hope to earn a high score!

Again, be sure your writing shows evidence of having read all of the assigned chapters from
your textbook (and other assigned readings and presentations, as applicable) as discussion
topic threads that dont convey engagement or integration of all assigned readings / content do
not score as well as those that do.

Also, remember for all written submissions, be sure it is well written, easy to understand, free
of spelling and grammar errors and that you follow the formatting instructions (and include
the prompts / questions prior to your responses). Please just include / paste in the specific
questions / prompts into your response not all of the set up information.

There are six prompts associated with this discussion topic.

Discussion Topic #2 Prompts

Prompt #1: Values Worksheet: What were your top 5 values? What kinds of defining
characteristics did you associate with your values as you crossed them off the list one at a time
until you had only one value listed? What did you learn about your values hierarchy through
this activity?

My top 5 values are: Recognition, having a family, personal development, leadership, and
influencing others. I found it difficult to cross many of these values because I hold all of them
pretty highly. The last one remaining was having a family. I feel as if what would the point be
of everything else if I wasnt able to share the growth and happiness with my loved ones. My
family currently means a lot to me and my future family does as well. I was raised in a
household were the family did everything together and our relationship together makes
everything better. Much of what I do is for the family and thus being a good leader, influencing
others, recognition, and working on myself would be miserable because I wouldnt be able to
come home and discuss the days events. This activity only proved what I already knew and
that is that my family is my number one priority in my life. I dont think that would really ever
change and I dont mind it one bit.

Prompt #2: Take a moment to revisit your Identities Table (you completed this as part of last
weeks discussion topic Prompt #4). Take a look at each of your areas of identity and
reflect on your responses there in light of your core values. What are your core values in
each of those areas of identity? Highlight several key areas of identity that guide you in life
and think about whether the values you ascribed to these areas are values that you truly live by
or simply talk about. Discuss any values gaps

Many if not all my values coincide with my identity roles I play. Going over the table I
highlighted being a daughter and a business owner because they both derive from my family.
Playing the role as a daughter and being motivated by my family to be a business owner is all
due to what I value most and that is family. When looking at my role as a student, I see that as
part of my personal development. I always strive to be a better person and learn new things.
The moment anyone stops learning they have given up, in my book. Looking at the table I felt
that many of my roles and identity intermingled. I would say by role as a girl and business
owner give me a purpose as an individual to influence others, be recognized with respect, and
continue in practicing leadership. I did not see any gaps between my values and identitys.

Prompt #3: Dreams and Desires Worksheet: What underlying meaning did you discover
through exploring your dreams and desires in this manner? Can you see a connection between
what you desire and your inner sense of purpose? Explain.
I see a direct connection between my desires and purpose in life. My biggest desire is to have a
family of my own as a wife and a mother. Having a strong family foundation brings happiness
and peace to my life. Not only do I want to help others be great but I wish to be support for my
husband and raise children that follow their dreams to the fullest. My natural character is a
leader and I see that I enjoy being a source of inspiration and motivation for others. I truly like
guiding others into their greatness. Helping people has always been a motivation of mine but I
didnt understand exactly how to do so. By providing support and guidance I fell content
knowing I am helping mold future leaders of this society. This worksheet has made me
understand that my true purpose and enjoyment in like is being the problem solver and pushing
down the gates so people can find their path in life. My strongest desires in life are to live a
comfortable life financially, providing from my family, and helping others grow as leaders.

Prompt #4: Lemming Debrief: Think about the structures in your life select two or three
and discuss how each of these structures influence your life, the way you view the world, the
way you relate to others, and your ability to be effective.

My family experience is an important structure in my life. My decisions I make on a day to day

basis, how I handle relationships, my values and dreams are all influenced with how I was
raised by my family. As I have said before much of what I do are in gratitude to them and
provide for them. Being a first born generation, it means a lot to me to work hard and reach
that American dream many strive for so that the struggles my family had to go through werent
for nothing. I pull much of my strength and motivation from their support and love. My family
dynamic is both my favorite thing to come home to and by biggest classroom in life. I learn so
much from their experiences and sacrifices. I hold my relationships in life near and dear to me.
I wish that many more were blessed with the family dynamic I have and because of that I try to
support and encourage others in following their dreams and decisions in life.

I believe the limitations or better yet fears I put on myself influence me a great deal. While I
am confident in who I am and my ability, that does not mean I do not have weaknesses. I have
put expectations on myself, that though I realize arent fair are there, and it does stop me from
performing or completing tasks. My biggest limitation is that I cannot accept that I cannot do
everything in life. In my social life I am fearless but when it comes to my professional career I
do doubt myself because I dont want to fail. I seem to speak first and then over analyze for
days which only brings self-doubt. I am taking steps in better organizing my life and also
understanding that things dont have to be done simultaneously.

Prompt #5: Make some connections between the Lemming Dilemma and the HBR article Do
your commitments match your convictions? In particular, comment on inertia with respect
to the structures in your life. Elaborate on the positive and negative aspects of inertia with
respect to living a values-centered life.
I personally am always changing and growing thus I feel the world and society does as well. I
feel for much of my life I have focused on making my family proud but not totally making
myself proud. For the longest time I only did everything that was expected of me by them, I
dint change from my routine of making them happy. As a result, I realized I wasnt reaching my
fullest capabilities. I was much more than what my family expected of me but never put the
pieces together because I was content. Because of the inertia, I am much closer to my family
and not only feel content making them happy, I also am happy with myself.

I believe that my commitments now match my convictions. I had no idea what I wanted to do
with my life and felt like a complete mess. I was living my life but societies standards and
limiting by exposure to experiences and life in general. I followed the rules and was the best
example, while I didnt mind being a leader I didnt enjoy being told what to say or how to do
things. I felt as if I couldnt speak or think for myself but everyone else around me was happy
so I accepted it. I am much happier now having a voice and have not only found my purpose
but am working towards it.

Prompt #6: Imagine that your life exists exactly the way that you want it to be, right at this
moment regardless of what you believe is actually possible. What do you see? Where are
you? Who are you with? What do you do with your time? Be specific. Also, what underlying
personal meaning, values, personal characteristics, desires are represented and/or satisfied in
that life?

I currently imagine myself planning a wedding with the love of my life. We live in a condo
currently but plan to get a house in the near future especially with wanting to start a family. We
both live in Phoenix, AZ with my both our families close by. We frequently have large family
dinners together. My husband is successful in his career and proud of following his dreams. I
have a successful salon that has helped develop our brand organization through podcasts and
published work. I am at a financially stable place and have paid off all the debt personally and
professionally. I have the freedom to come and go from the salon but spend majority of the
time at the office anyways. I do usually work weekends but do find time to take small trips here
and there and at least a large trip out of the country once a year. I am happy and content
working hard every day to build my future organization, while providing for my current family
and growing family. My passion is to reach others and inspire them to greatness through my
experiences and failures.