Our morning was dedicated to METES's regular session, the Soul of Leadership. This week's theme, "Battling for the Soul," sparked the question - what is the soul? It was explained that the soul doesn't exist independently of the body; when the body ceases to exist, so does the soul. So how can we protect our souls? This could involve prioritizing people, committing to ongoing personal development, and staying true to our values. We dove into defining toxic people and discussed the importance of preserving our souls intact. Hence, the key takeaway was - battling for the soul, a vital component in maintaining our path, leads to empowered leaders, enriched souls, and robust organizations. Let's all make it a point to protect our souls! Even if it's for a brief period in our lives, having the right values and being able to assist each other in fulfilling our missions is invaluable.
Before our afternoon session, we had the pleasure of having Michael Magee, the president of Minerva University, share some insightful perspectives with us. Minerva University, holding a similar ethos to METES and even being a chosen destination over Harvard by some students, is a highly innovative and forward-thinking institution. The president's love and passion for Minerva were palpable. Knowing that Minerva also prioritizes problem-solving and entrepreneurial development affirmed that the path we're on aligns with the current trends and that the education we're receiving at METES is truly precious. The bold act of establishing and running Minerva University to fulfill his life's mission and cultivate leaders capable of bringing societal change left a deep impression on me.
The afternoon session, led by Kimjipsa and Inyoung Kim, revolved around "Start-up, Team-up," primarily focusing on team building. It was quite a moment when I realized how seamlessly this session connected to our morning discussion about toxic individuals at work. Despite enduring times when the power was cut off at home, or when he couldn't communicate with his parents for a whole month due to a heavy workload, the relentless pursuit of my set goals was deeply inspiring and admirable. The most crucial element is the team earnestly working towards a common goal and the way this team is formed. The acronym T.E.A.M.U.P stands for Team First, Eliminate Risk ASAP, Attitude Matters, Mutually Exclusive, Umbrella Culture, Personalized Care, and more. While entrepreneurship is often seen as a solitary journey, the realization of goals heavily relies on the backing of numerous individuals, and their characteristics can be a determining factor. This session was a reminder of the immense importance of human resources. Let's all endeavor to be part of a good team and strive to be excellent team members!
