Elder Kent D. Watson, first counselor in the Asia Area Presidency, was honored with the Global Leadership Award by the BYU–Hawaii student chapter of the BYU Management Society during a recent visit to the Laie campus. The award was presented during an event organized by BYU–Hawaii students, under the direction of Dr. Helena Hannonen, BYU–Hawaii professor and member of the BYU Management Society Global Steering Committee.
Attendees at the event enjoyed entertainment by BYU–Hawaii student groups from Tahiti, Japan and Indonesia who showcased their talents to an audience that included President Steven C. Wheelwright and his wife Margaret; the 2011 recipient, Cary Wasden; and other special guests. The Management Society’s vision is to “[Grow] moral and ethical leadership around the world.” The Global Leadership Award honors those who have demonstrated integrity and leadership in their areas of influence.
The BYU–Hawaii Student Chapter of the BYU Management society is different from most chapters in that it is not comprised of working professionals, but made up entirely of students. “We are training the people here so they can lead the chapters throughout the world,” said Hannonen. “The society builds students’ skills and abilities to be leaders to help fulfill the university mission of ‘learning, leading, and building.’”
“As I thought about the vision of the [BYU Management] Society – of developing moral and ethical leaders, I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the recognition of this award than Elder Watson,” said President Wheelwright. “[Elder and Sister Watson] are wonderful examples of leadership in the Church, but also in the world – the kind of leadership the world needs; leaders who are committed to true principles and who are willing to put forth those principles to bless and inspire others.” Shay Larsen, a junior in Hotel and Tourism Management said “As Elder Watson stood and spoke to us, the most important thing that impressed me about him as a leader was that he had strength, courage, and the spirit.”
Elder Watson was humbled to receive the recognition. “There is an old saying, ‘If you can see farther than another person, it is because of those whose shoulders you stand upon.’” He cited his parents as great examples to him, and how they influenced his life. He said that his father expected excellence in every job they did, and that it did not matter if they repaired washing machines or designed spacecraft.
“In the Church, assignments come to those who are willing,” said Elder Watson, “The timing of assignments in the Church is when it would seem to be the least convenient. I think the mark of a true leader is someone who, notwithstanding some of the innate talents that they may be blessed with, has the willingness to do what they are asked, especially in the Church. And to do that when it seems least convenient.”
He concluded by quoting President Thomas S. Monson: “Remember that the mantle of leadership is not the cloak of comfort, but the robe of responsibility… you must continue to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.”
Watch/read Elder Watson’s Devotional address from March 20, 2012