Here are your questions for this Book Chat:
1. What do you think about the idea that true change happens at the middle and bottom of a society. Where does that leave leadership?
2. What is your favorite reciprocity principle? Why?
3. Of the team roles listed under "Diversify the Team" which team role do you think you play? Which role do you aspire towards?
4. What do you think of Chris Anthony's personal story?
5. Which general principles of push technology are your favorites?
6. How will you change your presentation style, email communication, or Tweets based on Guy's recommendations?
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ReplyDelete1. I completely agree with Guy because the middle and bottom of society, or an organization, have the numbers and the power. They are the ones out there working everyday, who know exactly what needs changed and how. Leaders at the top have to rely on people beneath them to relay messages and issues back to them, and they may not possess the charisma to come off as authentic. Also, just because the top of society has more money and potentially more power, it doesn't mean people in the middle and lower class can't be enchanting leaders who implement change; it just means they have to work harder to do it.
ReplyDelete2. I thought it was helpful to be reminded to "give early." I think Guy made an important distinction between a transaction and a favor. When we pay it forward early and often, it becomes second nature to us and we don't have to force it. When we help someone just to get something in return I think it loses all its purpose and doesn't help us in the long run.
3. I think for the most part I take on the role of advocate. I'm a good listener, and I strive to make people happy by fixing whatever issues their having. If I can't personally fix their problem, I voice their issue to someone who can and I make sure it is taken care of. I aspire to be more of an evangelist. When I believe whole-heartedly in a cause, I wish I could be more adamant about spreading this cause to others. Since I one day would like to work for a nonprofit organization, I think I could be a huge asset when I master this role.
4. Chris Anthony's story is a perfect example of why Disney is one of the most enchanting companies in the world. It seems like employees truly enjoy their work, and more importantly they enjoy making others happy. I think when management believes in their employees and shows them respect, this respect is more easily reciprocated from employees to customers. In Chris' case, he wasn't expecting the Disney employee to fix the issue, he was simply explaining the issue. By personally fixing the issue, the Animal Kingdom employee turned a negative experience into a positive one and secured a lifelong customer in the process.
5. The "engage many" principle is a main reason I think social media marketing is so effective. If a business has a customer service team for social media, it allows the business to connect with the consumer on a one-to-one basis and ultimately treat everyone as equals. It also gives the business an opportunity to communicate with someone on a more personal basis, which makes it more genuine and memorable. I also like how Guy talks about using multiple media. Images and videos can help communicate a message, so it's important not to limit social media to text.
6. I wish I would have had Guy's advice on presentations when I first got to college! I've learned a lot through trial and error, but I particularly like his 10-20-30. I always try to squeeze too much information into a presentation, but this usually leads to me rushing through and not being able to provide interesting examples to illustrate my points. The more direct a presentation is, the more the audience usually walks away with. As far as Twitter goes, I'm going to take Guy's advice about using StumbleUpon for Twitter content. It provides you with a lot of interesting and relevant information instead of having to spend time searching for it.
1. In most situations, I agree with the statement that true change happens at the middle and bottom of society. Most people in a leadership position have their own ideas and typically put those into play. It is when those below them come up with new ideas that really change the dynamic. The people below the leader are fighting to become a leader so they have to do what it takes to make a difference. The bottom people will do all the dirty work which results in the success or failure of the leader.
ReplyDelete2. I like the reciprocity principle of giving with joy as well as the give often and generously. I feel as if many people volunteer because they feel it is the right thing to do every once in a while. When giving, do it with a smile and pure happiness. Some do not understand that just giving your time is not enough. There is nothing worse than someone doing a favor for you and they try to make you feel guilty about it. People should not expect something in return if they are generous. It should be something people want to do. When people make the most of all their opportunities and are positive about that opportunity, it spreads to others.Eventually that joy and generosity will be returned.
3. I believe my team role is the evangelist. I aspire to make people smile whether I know them or not. One day, I hope to work with or for a non-profit organization to make the world a better place. I typically put others before myself. I want to meet their needs before my own. I think this is part of the reason why I struggle to make decisions. I aspire to be the rainmaker. I would like to have the power to persuade people. I always see both sides to an issue so I would like to work on picking a side and convincing people to take my side as well.
4. It is amazing how one situation and a simple act of generosity can change someone's perception about a company, person or brand. Chris will always remember Disney's kindness, but on the flip side, he will never forget his bad experience as well. I cannot say I have had a life changing experience like this yet, but I know many people who will choose a specific brand because they went above and beyond the call of duty. it is important for brands to know this and to use it.
5. I like the principles of engaging fast and use multiple media. It is important for a brand to respond quickly and customers will take notice. A quick response will make the customer feel important and that their voice was heard. The use of multiple media caught my eye because my group is dealing with this for our social media project. The company we are working with only has Facebook, and it is limiting her audience reach.
6. I always question what to put in the subject line of an e-mail, but until reading this I did not quite understand just how important that subject line is. The next time I send an important e-mail, i will make sure that my subject line is something that grabs the reader's attention. When it comes to Twitter, I like what Guy said about providing a descriptive profile. In a sense, it is a small portion of a resume where you can tell people who you are catch their attention. I also like what he said about posting informative links. The only time I will post a link is if it is a retweet. I would like to incorporate more informative and interesting links into my tweets.
1. I think that this idea is spot on. It doesn’t make any sense to ignore the masses in a situation requiring social change. You have to be able to convince the masses to come along with you or you won’t have the support you want or maybe even need. Powerful figures only hold as much sway as the public gives them. Maybe this is why celebrities hold so much power in our culture because they are held up so highly by everyday people?
ReplyDelete2. I like the principle of giving unexpectedly. I know that whenever I receive a gift out of the blue it makes my day. One time I was buying records at my favorite music store and they let me have a record for free. Considering that they are a small business this was extremely generous of them. That sort of generosity has made me a loyal customer of theirs ever since.
3. I would say that I think that I’m probably the skeptic. I like to pick apart ideas and find out the good and the bad in them. Keeping in mind that the goal is to better the project not to tear it down. A role that I think I aspire to is the adult. I like for projects to go smoothly and to make sure that all of the bases are covered.
4. I’ll admit that this story is pretty amazing. Of course, if you’ve been to Disney World you know what the staff there can be like. They are very friendly and conscientious but this is truly fantastic. This takes customer service to an all new level. If only more places were this focused on pleasing their customers. Maybe then enchantment wouldn’t be so hard to achieve.
5. I like the engage often principle a lot. This is a principle that applies well to any relationship whether formed through technological means or not. If you want to continue to have a friendship with someone you have to be there for them and talk with them or the friendship will die. I also like the idea of giving credit. To me it only seems fair that you thank those who have helped you to attain what you have. We don’t always make it on our own and it’s important to thank those that help us along the way.
6. For one thing, I know that I am going to practice my presentations more. I usually only go through a presentation once or twice before I get up to do it. What I’d like to do is to prepare my presentations earlier so that I have more time to practice. I know that if I do that I’ll be more comfortable in those situations where I have to get up in front of people to present.
2. What is your favorite reciprocity principle? Why?
ReplyDeleteGive with joy. This principle is something everyone should consider doing. Our softball team gets the opportunity to do this and I’ll tell you from experience it is one of the best feelings. Throughout my years on the team, we started a fundraiser to purchase a wheelchair for our biggest fan, Julie. She has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, she is not independently mobile and she is not able to communicate with words. Julie’s family members are very supportive, but are unable to provide her with everything she needs. When we presented Julie and her family with a brand new wheel chair that we could take her around the bases in, their faces were glowing. Although we knew that they couldn’t return the favor, their reaction and gratitude was enough. The support and cheers that we get from this family at every home game is all we needed back.
3. Of the team roles listed under "Diversify the Team" which team role do you think you play? Which role do you aspire towards?
This was difficult for me to choose. However, after reading through them several times I believe I hold the characteristics of a Visionary. I have a creative mind and enjoy coming up with new ideas that can be implemented in various things. I agree that my managing skills are not where they should be, just as Guy mentions. Due to my poor management skills, I aspire to be an Adult (Eeek, that word scares me!). I often come up with great ideas, but I’m not sure how to execute them properly. The Adult makes things happen.
4. What do you think of Chris Anthony's personal story?
This is awesome! Disney really is the happiest place on Earth! I’ve heard several stories about Walt Disney World that were similar to this one and I have to give props to the employees. I have a couple friends that are currently working at Disney Land in California and have heard some stories from them as well. The hiring process to become a Disney employee is a very long and detailed one. Disney wants to make sure they employees have a positive and bubbly personality, so they are given a “happy test”. They also go through various forms of training before they can go, what they call, “on stage”. This long process of weeding out and finding the right employees proves to be good one!
5. Which general principles of push technology are your favorites?
Engage fast and engage many. This is something we have talked about many times in class and every time we are given an example I am still in awe. I think when a company, brand or person engages with followers in a timely manner they increase their credibility and likeliness. I also think that responding to a variety of followers, not just the rich and powerful, a company, brand or person can be relatable.
1. I completely agree with Guy's assertions on this. Nothing would ever get done if CEOs and other people in leadership positions had no one below them to lead. Those are the people that work to get the smaller, necessary tasks done in order to achieve the overarching goals and bring change to the world.
ReplyDelete2. "Give with joy" is my favorite reciprocity principle. It's easier to do something nice for someone when you know that they have something to offer you in return. It's more rare to see people giving with no expectation of anything in return. Giving with joy - doing something for someone out of pure kindness, with no personal motives - is so much more powerful.
3. Evangelist, for sure. I am motivated much more by passion and making people happy than by money and figures. I'm also more of a big-picture thinker. I think the Evangelist is a good player to be, but if I could choose another that I'd like to learn to exemplify more it would probably be the Visionary.
4. I actually got the chills from this story. That is customer service at its absolute finest and it makes me happy to know that what people do in the service industry can really make such an impact like this. I enjoy working in the restaurant business because of those moments when you know you've created a positive experience for someone, even if it's just a night out to dinner. When a customer walks towards the door smiling, telling you "thank you, you were great" - that's the greatest feeling. And it should motivate you to keep doing just that. This story was beyond awesome - kudos to Sarah at Jiko!
5. "Engage Many" is my favorite if I had to pick just one. I think it's important to be well-rounded even online. You'll never please everyone, but I think its saying something to be able to speak to the masses rather than a narrow segment of people.
6. Stay tuned and find out! ;)
1) I would agree with this idea! Though the top of society has the money and power to make change, the middle and bottom of society has the drive and numbers to make change. In order to stay in leadership positions, they need to follow what the majority wish to see happen. Especially in organizations, those in lower positions do all the legwork to keep things going and improving.
ReplyDelete2) I like the idea of giving unexpectedly. Though these may not be the biggest or most important gifts, the surprise alone has a lot of power. When people expect to be given something, they don't react as positively. However when you surprise someone with a gift or act of kindness it sticks in their memory longer and makes a stronger impact.
3) I am currently in the skeptic category. I always play devil's advocate and question ideas to make them better. I look at situations from every perspective to understand any potential criticism and constantly move toward improvement. I would like to be the evangelist and be able to use great storytelling and emotion to persuade others to believe in my cause.
4) I think this is a great example of enchantment- something I believe that Disney is a master of. The parks always know how to enchant people by going above and beyond expectations to make their customers and visitors happy. Knowing someone who works there and having had a "behind the scenes" tour of the park, everyone there believes in this mission and works their hardest to make it happen.
5) I think the idea of giving credit to others is very effective. Whether this means following others on Twitter, messaging/mentioning them about how well they did at something, etc. are effective tools to make yourself more sincere and influential. Just by doing these actions, you help others and yourself. For example, I started following large advertising agencies and individuals. In turn, many marketing influencers also started following me. By giving credit to these people and companies, they are also giving credit to me.
6) I like his idea of using email to make introductions and keeping it short. I think this is a great thing to learn and know when applying for jobs and trying to network in the digital world. This will help to tell people what you want and make connections with industry professionals.
1. Though leadership is the driving force in an organization, but the people in the bottom and the middle of the ones who get the work done. Because of this, I agree that they are most capable to allowing change to happen. The ones who put in the hard work are usually very passionate about their cause and would want to better it.
ReplyDelete2. I think it is so important to give with joy. One should never fell obligated to give time, money, etc. When you feel obligated, the joy is lost. I loved when he said "The purest form of giving is to those who cannot help you." I believe that circumstance is when you feel the greatest amount of joy.
3. I believe I fall into the "Adult" group. In group projects, I am typically who buckles down and focuses the team. I also am one to always follow rules or guidelines, which aligns with the idea of the Adult completing tasks in an efficient, cost- effective, and legal manner. Though I identify as an Adult, I aspire to be a Rainmaker. I am very easily persuading, so trying to persuade people is an area in which I struggle.
4. I loved the story! It showed that Disney is better able to meet the needs to their customers compared to competitors in the surrounding area. Disney has mastered the skill of enchantment and will continue to do so in the years to come. Also, how rude of the non-Disney hotel. When you're staying at a hotel, you should NOT have to worry about an employee breaking in weather the door is dead bolted or not.
5. My two favorite principles are engage many and give credit. Engaging many is so important because you never want to limit yourself to one group. As Guy said, you never know who will become your greatest supporter and friend. From personal experience, sometime that personal is someone very unexpected. I also like the idea of giving credit because I believe it is the right thing to do. One should not take credit for work that is not hers. In the end, giving others credit makes you look more knowledgeable and resourceful.
6. I think the biggest takeaway from this section was on the introduction to speeches. I always knew that was important, but now know it is a vital element to a successful and engaging presentation.
2. Of all the reciprocity principles, giving with joy is my favorite. It’s something that can be hard to come by, but when you have the opportunity to give with such joy, it is a great feeling. Being on the opposite end gives you a new-found appreciation for individuals who give so unconditionally as well. It’s something we can all admire and strive for.
ReplyDelete3. When I first read the list of team members…I didn’t really see a spot for me…but I’ve determined I’m either a Visionary or an Evangelist. Mostly, I would categorize myself as a Visionary, which would also be the position I would strive for. Generally, in graphic design, we are presented with a project where we develop a clear idea of how it can evolve; be it an idea, tangible object, etc. We study the client and try to anticipate their needs-as they may have a great concept, but be uncertain of the best methods for delivering their message.
4. In Chris Anthony’ story, I feel Sarah goes above and beyond in a way that reflects the kind of giving with joy that is so inspiring to see. Enchantment at it’s finest right there. Way to go Disney!
5. Engage Fast is one of my favorites, I think. Even in an age when we are seemingly always connected, it can be difficult to respond to some things in a timely matter; especially in regards to email. Responding quickly can really help you make a first impression and stand out in a crowd. In many ways, Engage Many is similar (and another favorite of mine) because it shows that you are very open to opportunities and have an open mind. It can help people relate to you and you to them. The last two I value are Giving People the Benefit of the Doubt and Don’t Take Any Crap. Achieving a balance between these is so crucial with social media; especially keeping in mind that, as Guy says, “…everything you do is public and permanent, so you are leaving fingerprints for anyone to see forever.” (114)
1. I agree with Guy in his statement about true changing happening at the middle and bottom of a society. I think often times the people in these positions need to work extra hard to make these changes happen, but when they do, the changes are very powerful. Sometimes, it's hard for people in the middle and bottom of societies to have their voices heard. I think leaders are the ones who direct and give ideas and direction for changes to occur.
ReplyDelete2. My favorite principle was "give with joy". I have always been such a fan of the word joy and I associate it with events of pure happiness and bliss. I think giving with joy means being truly caring and giving and not expecting an ounce in return. Giving with joy to me means providing someone with something because you want to see them happy and are thinking about nothing else. I associate it with very selfless emotions.
4. I think Chris' story is very interesting. I find it very insensitive and rude that the employee had no sympathy for Chris and his wife. Regardless of if that employee were to feel the same if he were in that situation, he should respect that another individual might be bothered by something like that happening to them and should have acted in a way that was more respectful and sympathetic. I believe people working in the hotel industry need to act with a high level of hospitality. The Disney employee that offered Chris and his wife a room to stay in after hearing their store did just that.
5. I like the engage often principle. I think that is so key when trying to engage and get people to do something. People are preoccupied and focused on so many different tasks daily that in order to create some kind of action or engage someone, you need to engage often and create a presence in their mind. I also like the principle about giving people the benefit of the doubt. This is something that I often struggle to do and I think assuming the worst in people leads to false judgments, miscommunications, and lost opportunities.
6. Something I took away from Guy's recommendations about communicating through e-mail was asking for something concrete. This is something I am going to try improve on. Often times, when I am reaching out to someone via email I am reluctant to ask about something or for something because I feel like the mean of communication is so impersonal. Acting with more assertion and being more concrete are going to be two things I keep in mind when sending emails in the future. I also liked Guy's point about making tweets personal. Doing research on someone's profile can go a long way and it's something that is often overlooked. Doing this allows people to pick up on little details that otherwise may have gone unnoticed. More personal tweets leads to more engaging interaction between individuals.
1. I fully believe that true change happens within the middle and lower levels of an organization. Because they are the people actually doing the work, and they really know what is going on, the physical change and environmental change happens there. I believe that leadership and upper management are the ones that should inspire the change; however, everyone in the company should ideally have the same attitude towards the change.
ReplyDelete2. My favorite reciprocity principle is give unexpectedly. Giving when least expected can be one of the greatest things, seeing the pure shock on someone's face is reason enough. However, unexpected giving tends to make an impression in which that person does not forget. Therefore leaving a lasting impression that with whole hearted intentions will enchant them.
3. I believe I am the Evangelist, in that I see myself as one who likes to show others products that I believe in and how they can help them. Although I find this a very useful trait and it can help me in my future profession, I would also like to have a little more rainmaker in me. Where I can inspire people on a product I believe and then close them on that product.
4. Chris Anthony's story demonstrates some of the reciprocity in which Guy was talking about. Sarah, the manager, did not have to do all, it was something large and unexpected, which in turn created now loyal exclusive customers. Furthermore it is a clear example of why Disney is clearly an enchanting company.
5. My favorite of the general principles would be Engage fast, Engage often, and Use Multiple Media. I believe that all of these really go hand in hand with each other. Engaging fast something that grabs attention and lets the listeners know that you are paying attention to them, and that you care. Engaging often does some of the same but also keeps your name in that person's, timeline, newsfeed etc. Using multiple medias also show that you are diverse and can be reached on all different outlets.
1. I agree that the most change happens in the middle and at the bottom of a society. Leaders tend to be the ones whose ideas and thoughts are put into action, and the rest of the group has to adapt to the leaders strategies. This leaves the leaders with the pressure to generate good ideas because if they do not, the rest of the team is stuck doing meaningless work.
ReplyDelete2. My favorite reciprocity principle is give with joy. To me, there is no better feeling than giving to someone without expecting anything in return. I love giving birthday presents and even random thank yous just because I love making people happy! I also enjoy spending time volunteering knowing that the only thing I am getting out of it is a good experience and satisfaction for a job well done.
3. I believe I play the role of the adult. I tend to focus well in a group setting and try to get the job done as efficiently as possible. While I am the role of the adult in serious settings, I still think I have some evangelist in me. I try to please everyone as much as possible and I wear my heart on my sleeve always.
4. I think this story is awesome! Like I mentioned before, I wear my heart on my sleeve, and I probably would have let an incident like that bother me the rest of the trip. The fact that the problem was resolved and the manager, Sarah, made it seem like no big deal probably was such a good feeling for Chris and his new wife.
5. I like the principle “give credit.” There is something to be said about the type of people that can give credit where it is due instead of taking it all for him or herself. I think that is an admirable quality and one that I find very impressive in people.
6. I really liked the tip about shortening presentations and the 10-20-30 rule. I do agree that less is more and not overwhelming your audience with a ton of words and information is the best way to be memorable.
1. I have no doubt that real change in society happens at the bottom and middle, where the work is done. Most of this stems to be, in my opinion, from the fact that the majority of people fall in this set, not on Guy's "economic" reasons. Leaders establish culture and GREAT organizations carry that culture all the way to the bottom.
ReplyDelete2. I love giving unexpectedly. People are often thrown into autopilot mode and have certain expectations to situations that are common to them. The story about Richard Branson shining Guy's shoes with his jacket is incredibly in line with how Branson's organization delivers service-unexpectedly and with great joy.
3. I am mostly an evangelist in organizations. I love being able to sell people on ideas and injecting them with thought. I would perhaps like to be a visionary as well but enjoy my place in the team. Not happy with how Guy uses gender specific pronouns of "He" and "She" in this section though. Seemed tacky. Can a "he" not be an evangelist?!
4. This is so perfectly Disney. They believe they can offer magical experiences and time and again they deliver. It is so ingrained in the people they hire that its almost mystifying. I have never been but have heard numerous stories of similar experiences. People want Disney to change their experience for the better. Customers believe in what they do, its really cool.
5. Engaging often is a great way to truly enchant. This morning I tweeted at one of my favorite brands- Nespresso, a home espresso machine company. I said that nothing wakes you up quite like a shot of espresso- or something to that effect. They responded that they were glad to hear that I made their product a part of my morning. Now what would be really cool is if they turned that around tomorrow and asked me about my Nespresso experience tomorrow without me engaging them! Now THAT would be cool. And when I'm the big wig social media strategist, thats what Im going to do. Engage with people like a good mate!
6. I think generally using all forms of communication as tools to develop your personal brand. Enhancing these tools that make you to be the person you want to be in ten years is essential to people you want to enchant.
1. I believe the idea that true change happens lower on the totem pole than it does at the top to be true because that is where the working individuals are. Only a slight percentage of our entire population can classify themselves as ranking at the top of the totem pole and often times have the luxuries and power it takes to fortify themselves as leaders. The core of any organization or corporation likely comes from those who actually take the resources the leaders provide and innovate and make those resources of use. It takes true leadership to do many of the intangible things such as initiate motivation and innovation from the core of its company and keep those factors there long term in striving for bigger and better goals. Sometimes money can actually get in the way of common people trying to help out simply because it’s the right thing to do. There is usually a stronger bond in volunteer groups working for a cause they believe in than when somebody is working to make a buck.
ReplyDelete2. Give often and generously would probably be my favorite reciprocity principle because I feel it best represents who I strive to be. I like to try and be a joyful person everyday of the week and give what I can when I can. It truly feels better to make someone else’s day over making your own. A gift, big or small, can truly turn somebody’s day around; or perhaps more than just a single day around.
3. I believe I play the role of the adult in diversifying a team. I like to take things from a practical approach and try to implement them in the best ways for my organization or whom I represent to achieve its objectives. I like being the person to preside over others and protect them from any complications they may encounter. I like being the person who can help make other people’s jobs easier.
I’m getting better at this aspect, but looking forward to my job I took starting next fall, I need to become more vocal and a better motivator which would fall under the advocate role. I will be responsible for hiring, training, scheduling, and running meetings to get the most out of 60 student employees in helping make SIU’s recreation center flourish. It will be my responsibility to take a leadership role I have never taken before and organize team bonding activities to become an effective leader of a team of good chemistry.
4. Chris Anthony’s personal story is an example of Disney paying it forward for a guest who was there trying to experience and enjoy their amenities. They went above and beyond what was required and made what would have been a very average or even below average visit one that he and his family will never forget. Disney is known for being the most wonderful place on Earth and this example allows them to be thought of as that place. Disney is an escape from the grueling challenges of everyday life, and in everyday life, a restaurant would not stick his or her head out and hand you a favor such as that. This personal story will likely carry weight in how Anthony’s tells of his experience and will make others think of Disney in a very positive way.
Delete5. Giving people the benefit of the doubt would be my favorite push technology principle because often times people are either right or are not properly educated to know right from wrong. Technology nowadays allows us to find the right people and resources to help guide us in our everyday lives, but like anything else, also has its flaws. Giving people personal communication allows them to share their side while also having the chance to explain your side of a certain story or event and having that two way communication allows individuals to communicate and educate each other. At the same time, it’s important to not take any crap from anyone who is not being tolerable. Time is of the essence these days and its not efficient to waste time on behalf of you and your company on an individual who is not willing to cooperate.
6. Being able to customize your own presentations in a way the audience won’t find corny or super traditional is the key to making a great speech or presentation. Of course the best speakers and presenters have time to practice and rehearse, but it’s only the elite that take something that truly enchants them and is able to use that experience to make a traditional presentation touch and enchant other people. While it is okay to use a traditional approach such as powerpoint, great presenters need to put their own spin on it for the particular audience and relevant to the time of the presentation.
1. I believe change happens at the middle and bottom. Not because those are the people who do the work, but there are far less people in leadership roles than there are people following their lead. If the majority doesn't like whatever change one person makes, they can do something about it. The true change happens when everybody works together.
ReplyDelete2. My favorite reciprocity principle is to give often and generously. I love giving things to others (sometimes more than I like receiving things) but I do always feel special when I get something back. If I get something I tend to feel like I owe something, so I like to also give early. Oddly enough, giving with joy is the core to the Jewish custom of tzedakah. I would assume it's similar for Islamic sadaqah (pronounced almost the same).
3. I believe I best fit the skeptic role. I try to counter general ideas, and after sometimes lengthy discussions we can figure out whether the idea is worth carrying out. Some groups need a devil's advocate sometimes. I'd aspire to be the adult. With graduation near, I have to be able to make level-headed decisions and carry them out efficiently.
4. Leave it to Disney to have outstanding customer service. As for the other hotel, I hope there was some punishment dished out. Doesn't seem like it, which is incredibly unfortunate.
5. Gosh, all of these are great. I always feel extra happy when I send an e-mail and get a response within a day. Sometimes I'll get a response within the hour, and I'm ecstatic! The most important principle is the second half of giving people the benefit of the doubt (which is something I do away from technology as well).
6. As far as presentations go, I definitely should practice more (as fun as winging it is!). However, the big thing is in the e-mail section. Keeping it to six sentences almost seems impossible to me! I love to talk, and that sometimes translates into a rambling e-mail. Keeping it short would be very good for me.