Leadership Skills

Jillian Eigelshoven804317576MKPD 517

The Situation

• The figure skating club that I coach at decided to host a Battle of the Blades Fundraiser.

• Approximately a month before the event, planning was far behind and barely any tickets were sold.

• I was asked to compete in the event, which I said I would.

The Action Taken• I decided that if I was going to volunteer my

time to practice for the performance, that I would not allow the fundraiser to fail.

• I began to take over planning – creating a food sign-up sheet (for the buffet) and encouraging parents, board members and coaches to volunteer to bring a food item.

• I made a Halloween themed cake (which I do as a hobby) to donate as a raffle prize.

• I helped to set up for the event (buffet tables, organizing games and raffles, etc.).

• I personally sold half of the total tickets that were sold for the event by selling to friends and family, selling to strangers in the lobby of the arena, and selling in local establishments such as the seniors center.

• I was constantly encouraging other members of the club to assist with the fundraiser.

The Results

• Earnings were much greater than expected.• Many people recognized that without my

leadership and determination, the fundraiser may not have happened.

• I (along with my partner) won 2nd place in the Battle of the Blades.

Time Management Skills

The Situation

• In December 2010, I was faced with many different responsibilities that were fighting for my time.

• I was studying for final exams and completing final assignments at York University, while doing the same online with Queen’s University.

• I was working a part-time job at a construction firm and coaching figure skating during the nights and weekends.

• In addition to this, I was assisting with the completion of home renovations in time for Christmas.

The Action Taken

• I broke down my tasks into manageable pieces.• I coached during the scheduled hours.• I worked at the construction firm during the

working hours when I wasn’t in school.• During my spare time, I persevered through my

homework and studying until it was complete.• I used my breaks from school work to help with

the renovations.

The Results

• My job at the construction firm did not suffer (while I was there, I concentrated and worked hard).

• My job as a figure skating coach did not suffer (I focused on my skaters when I was at the arena).

• I completed my final assignments and exams and was awarded decent grades.

• The renovations were complete in time for our Christmas Eve party.

Verbal Communication Skills

The Situation

• The two co-owners of a company that I was working for had instructed me to disregard the instructions of the other, and prioritize the task they considered to be more important.

• While one owner was telling me to pick up a cheque from another company, the other owner was telling me to never abandon my position at that time of day.

• After I picked up the cheque, I was reprimanded by the owner whose instructions I had disobeyed.

The Action Taken

• I asked both owners if I could meet with them simultaneously in hopes of bringing awareness to the contradictory instructions I was being given.

• I simply explained the conflict that I was facing as a result of their opposite opinions.

• I stated that I did not know how to handle the situation because it was impossible to obey both of them.

The Results

• The owners realised what they had been doing and discussed the matter privately.

• I was later informed that I was permitted to leave my position if I was told to go pick up a cheque.