When it all falls down

Hello again,

Today we will be discussing how to be a successful Change Agent. To start things off, I will be explaining the most important C to keep in mind as a Change Agent - which will be followed by the biggest challenges of becoming a Change Agent, and then touching light on the type of person that fits the job description...

Here goes nothing, the most important C to the equition has to be congruence. Why you might ask? I will certainly tell you, be patient. Introducing and creating social change has been know to be all the rage, but saeriously, what good can be accomplished from a short-lived change? Nada, okay so back to the drawing board. It is essential to remain congruent with what you initially set out to do, because believe me, there will be temptations to stray away from your path. Some negative, some positive, but distractions lead to production problems. Make sure to revisit your goals and values often, so you can remain unbiased when making those tough decisions.

Next! Controversy with Civility is by far the most difficult C to accomplish. Why you might ask? I am literally about to tell you, calm down. For this illustration, I would prefer if it is not repeated at home. BAM!^%! A rabid right fist just unleashed a deathly blow... to my face, the money maker. Am I pissed off? Hell yeah, I'm livid. What am I going to do about it? Hunt the culprit down and seek justice! Wrong... that answer equals failure. For two reasons - 1. Well, conveniently it was my own fist that bamboozled my face, and 2. Seeking confrontation from an emotional response is never a good idea. OF course, your job is to focus on the latter logic, assuming you would never inflict pain upon yourself for the sake of an argument.  One must be extremely careful to remain focused and calm during times of turmoil, or choas can ensue.

Last! Anyone can become a change agent. At this point in time you will not be asking why, because your experience leads you to believe that an answer will be revealed very shortly. All this job takes is motivation and will power. Granted that you have these two barried deep down inside you... somewhere... they just need to be awoken from their slumber.

So follow me, and do what's right *winky face*

Until next time,
Nevin

Vision of Judgement

Having a plan is the greatest first step towards success. Knowing the way, unfortunately is the hardest part.  If it were that easy, everyone would do it. So how does one find the way? Find that route to success, the path less traveled by. It sure sounds nice on paper, so let's find the way. First of all, you absolutely have to have a vision. With the vision come the statement.  My vision statement is as follows: My entire existence at The Ohio State University revolves around enhancing the collegiate experience, and everything in between.

In order to enhance the collegiate experience, I must travel to an unpopular place. The evil unproductive bog! From there, I must bring fallen souls from lethargic states and show them the promised land. The land of excitement for progress. Rumor has it, legends are born from this remote location. What am I ever going to do with an abundance of legends? EVERYTHING! Here i go on a quest to gather legends and super heroes. Where to look?

Those with super powers can be found throughout campus. In fact, I feel that Pi Kappa Alpha has done a fantastic job finding future leaders of the world. With these leaders, I can successfully carry out my master plan. Once everyone is in place, we will instill positive change to the City of Columbus and the Greek Community.  With the right people, a successful change happens rather quickly. It is simply a matter of getting the right kids on the bus.

Until Next Time,
Nevin

Here I go to save the day

Hello all,

Collaboration can prove to be a tricky endeavor to accomplish. You cannot force parties into agreement, let alone make a difference by yourself. Teamwork is needed to become a part of something bigger than one's self. It can be difficult to work with others, especially when your opinion does not seem important. Often times, leaders are trapped into micromanagement; clearly not collaborating with others.

Typically, accepting an idea that simply is not one's own can create a challenge for collaboration. When egos and credentials are involved in these arguments, work almost never gets done. It becomes very difficult to begin a conversation regarding a so-called better idea, if you feel that your solution is correct. Obstacles arise from this, and it only takes one "virus" to destroy a group. People who are ill-informed always start the which hunt. They cry wolf which tends to create quite a ruckus. Fortunately, those who are charged with solving these problems can re-iterate the purpose for collaborating. Why is it so hard to work together? Seemingly, everyone wants the same final outcome... to be the best. Unfortunately, there are more ways to do this than Ben and Jerry's has ice cream flavors. Collaboration can never be forced. By encouraging others to follow along creates a more lucrative future possibility. No one likes being backed up into a corner, but rather would feel a part of something. Something great, something legendary.

The benefits of diversity can be seen from multiple angles. For one, it immediately provides a wide variety of opinions. The more opinions voiced, generally the stronger the solution. Secondly, it also creates a culture of success. Those form various backgrounds can accomplish more than a homogeneous group. Last but not least, it promotes understanding. People treat others as they wish to be treated. This is only enhanced with many walks of life.

That is all for this week, stay tuned.

Nevin

The Jolly Citizen with two thumbs

Hello,

How does one become a citizen of a certain society? Realistically, we are all technically citizens of our country. So what more do we need? I will tell you, right now... We can all strive to be a "citizen" on a micro level, as opposed to a macro scale. A micro citizen belongs to organizations, lots of them. I, for instance, am a citizen of Pi Kappa Alpha! Very proud member, but I surely can not stop there. Simply being a participant within the group will not cut it. An active member shows citizenship, as well.

When I first entered into my collegiate career, citizenship had a drastically different meaning. Citizenship was supporting politics, helping an old lady cross the street, or picking up trash. Those are all great things to enhance society on a macro level. How can I help my fraternity on a micro level? The definition had to change. Obviously, there are different activities that can be done to improve a chapter. These activities, for a president, can include proper programming, administering rules and regulations, or participating in philanthropic events.

Getting other members within the chapter to catch on to citizenship is another story. Typically, 20% of the chapter incorporate citizenship, the other 80% are simply citizens. The goal is to have the prominent members of the chapter pull the citizens in the right direction. Often, it is a daunting task. Will the devilishly clever and charming men of Pike figure things out? Stay tuned for next time.

Yeah he did,
Nevin

Changie McChangerson

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." President Barack Obama

Strong words from a strong man. Can one assume that an individual contributes to change? The president of the United States is a fantastic example for individual driven change. Coincidentally, I chose to pick his quote for the grand opening to this glorious rant.

Single-order change, within Pike, is fueled through many administrative changes from the past decade. Procedures have been created to eliminate nuances of destruction, such as: hazing, poor academic conduct, and general hooliganism. For hazing, a brand-spanking new prospective member process has been created. Poor academic conduct gets a swift kick to pants with a strong scholarship study hour commitment. Last, but not least, hooliganism is dealt with an iron hammer of justice.

Second-order change takes a much longer path down the road less traveled. An entire positive culture shift needs to be handled with extreme care. Anything less, and the children start crying for mother. Electric shock can be avoided if a proper strategic plan is implemented and well thought out. That, boys and ladies, is exactly what the gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha intend to do. BABY STEPS! Great things come to those who are patient, and culture requires precious time.

Great things happen to those who pay their dues. When a collection of administrative and behavioral changes occur, life can become a bit of a roller coaster. As the excitement dies down, and the engines cool off, I'll see you at the top of the mountain.

Shibby,
Nevin

What's your flavor?

Hello again,

IF there was a select individual who started a fire, the flame that drives those around him, THEN would that be something you're interested in? I think so, my friends. Our world spins slowly, but is constantly changing at a rapid rate. The good, the bad, or the ugly, no one knows...

I'll tell you what I do know, though. I sent a spark that was heard around the world, and that is Pi Kappa Alpha. The few, the proud, and yes... the freshershest.  The whole process kicks off with my spark, the little ember that could, and continues to spread the warmth. The ability to ignite an entire community IS power. That, seemingly, becomes the reason for a fraternity's existence. Be an intricate part of something bigger than one's self or organization. With your powers combined, you win.

Was there experience gained? ABSOLUTELY. Unlike any other situation, a unique, personal growth environment is fostered. Does that mean I can wrestle a bear? No - Well, maybe... However, I am now a mean, lean, instigator of change. I ate my wheaties this morning, what did you do?

Keep Trucking,
Nevin

First Blog

Hello,

Creating a social change is no simple task. When stressed with the task of finding solutions to a problem, the popular answer is often a quick fix. Fortunately, there is a much more effective way to tackle such dilemmas. Social Change revolves around the problem's root, rather than scratching the surface. As a leader, one must first understand their own strengths, in order to truly instigate a change within others. Motivations to follow a social change model arise from successfully influencing younger members within your organization. After the thought of a 'lost cause' has been tossed out the window, you gain strength to carry on with what is necessary. With experience, strong character, and morals, are soon developed to mold a prominent leader...

To the naked eye, social change may be perceived as being collectively accepted by the 'in' crowd, and changing into a rock star. Great news, though, that's not what social change is.  Much to my dismay, becoming a public icon was simply not the route to go. So I sit here speaking a loud, "Self, while you may be of quality to socially rule the world, that may not solve all of your problems." Inclined to someday prove that statement wrong, I am literally reading a book stating that I must find the root of problems to change, socially, instead. So for the time being, I will have to swallow my pride, and search for the instigators.

With my newfound knowledge regarding social change, I feel fantastic. Not only can I terminate common thwarts against justice, but also am following a widely accepted, efficient practice. Guess not, evil doers...

BOOM, that just happened,
Nevin