Dr. Bill 360, Episode 1: Junior College, Rule of 7s, and Authentic Leadership

Starting strong: Junior college, rule of 7s, and authentic leadership

Welcome to Dr. Bill 360!

Hello everyone, I’m Dr. Bill, and I’m excited to kick off the Dr. Bill 360 Podcast with an impactful first episode! In this series, we’ll explore the essential worlds of organizational development, leadership, and eLearning. Today, we delve into my personal educational journey, effective study habits, and the foundations of authentic leadership. Whether you’re a student, professional, or leader, this episode has something valuable for you.

My Journey: From Community College to PhD

Community College has Value

Happy graduated students making selfie portrait with their parents. Envato licensed photo.

In the inaugural episode, I share my educational journey for the purpose of stating that starting your education at a community college has value. I start from community college all the way to earning a PhD. My path wasn’t always straightforward, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can offer guidance and inspiration to students and parents alike.

Key Takeaways:

The Value of Community College: Starting at a community college can set you up for success. It offers a smoother transition to higher education, helps develop strong study habits, and can significantly improve your GPA before transferring to a larger university.
Personal Anecdotes: I recount my own experiences, from struggling at a large university like Michigan State University (a great school) to thriving at community college, and eventually excelling in the Navy and beyond.

The Rule of Sevens: Mastering Study Habits

Effective study habits are crucial for academic success, and I introduce a concept I call the “Rule of Sevens.” This method ensures you engage with the material multiple times in various ways, solidifying your understanding and retention and most importantly– “boxing in the “A.”

Key Steps in the Rule of Sevens:

First Encounter: Skim the material to get familiar. Imagine weighing, smelling, and tasting the book to create a memorable first interaction.
Second Encounter: Skim and read bold passages to identify key concepts.
Third Encounter: Read and understand the material and assignments.
Fourth Encounter: Complete the homework assignments, either the first class or shortly thereafter.
Fifth Encounter: Engage in class, ask questions, and interact with the professor. He or she will likely not be covering everything that will be on the test unless you wish to discuss points that you have read and have questions. This is also likely the first time your classmates have encountered the material and probably your third or fourth time!
Sixth Encounter: Take notes during class and rewrite them afterward. At this point, you have seen the material about six times– even before the first quiz.
Seventh Encounter: Study strategically for quizzes and exams, focusing on “boxing in the ‘A’.”
Eighth Encounter: My favorite, get a good night sleep, maybe look at the material again but you don’t have to because you know this stuff, and get yourself a good breakfast. I used to go to Burger King and get the egg, cheese, sausage croissant, coffee, and orange juice!
BAM! Bring home the “A.”

Authentic Leadership: The First Step to Effective Leadership

Portrait of a mature African-American businessman and work team standing outdoors in a sunny day next to a financial building. Envato licensed photo.

Transitioning to leadership, I discuss the importance of authenticity in leading effectively. Authentic leadership is about being genuine, transparent, and consistent, which inspires trust and fosters a positive work culture.

Key Points on Authentic Leadership:

Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and values. Reflect on how your leadership style impacts others.
Transparency and Integrity: Be open and honest in your communications and actions, aligning your words with deeds.
Consistency: Maintain the same principles and behaviors, providing stability and predictability for your team.
Empathy and Compassion: Understand and share the feelings of others, showing compassion towards your team members. Compassion does not mean being soft, but holding people accountable!
Inspiring and Motivating: Lead by example and inspire your team to achieve their best.
Leading with Heart: Show dedication to both the task and the people performing it, balancing mission needs with team welfare.

Personal Stories: Throughout the episode, I share anecdotes from my military career, illustrating how authentic leadership played a crucial role in various high-pressure situations (see my YouTube Channel Dr Bill 360)

Conclusion and Call to Action

Recap: In this episode, we covered the benefits of starting at a community college, effective study habits through the Rule of Sevens, and the foundations of authentic leadership. These insights are designed to help you or your loved ones navigate the challenges of education and leadership with confidence.

Call to Action: If you found value in today’s episode, please share it with someone who could benefit. Don’t forget to subscribe and join us next time as we continue to explore transformational insights and strategies on Dr. Bill 360.

Hashtags:

#DrBill360 #PodcastLaunch #Leadership #StudyTips #CommunityCollege #AuthenticLeadership #ProfessionalGrowth #Education