Everybody Need a Plan of Growth - Term Paper Example

LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Part SWOT and Leadership Assessment The SWOT is based on the findings d in theType Dynamics Indicator report included in Appendix A. Strengths Dependable and dutiful, according to the Type Dynamics Indicator report Responsible and organized Will implement projects and ensure their completion Looks for results and substance, and prefers to shun publicity Weaknesses Lacking in empathy and emotional sensitivity Would prefer not to be involved in personal conflicts involving vague issues. Has a tendency to be frustrated by inefficiency and vagueness Abhor “change for change’s sake” and is impatient with extravagance and excesses Opportunities Will function as a highly organized manager in a structured setting. Will be effective in establishing order during chaotic situations that may be resolved with matter-of-fact procedures, such as in executing an emergency or crisis response procedure. Will take responsibility in decision-making roles and will apply logic to facts and precedent, such as in the role of operations manager in a manufacturing firm. Will be effective in resolving conflict among people in situations that may be addressed with logic and the ability to think with clarity Threats May not be effective when put in a role where one has to settle conflicts among subordinates, and may be seen as insensitive by followers. May not be tolerant towards others perceived as different or unpredictable, such as the role of a diplomat engaging with those of different or unfamiliar cultures. May tend to be impatient in projects that require prolonged development time and which are influenced by many uncertainties. May be ineffective in a highly emotional or subjective situations requiring empathy, such as the role of counsellor or HR manager. Analysis of my own leadership skills: Summarizing the foregoing SWOT, the leadership qualities which I appear to possess most are the characteristic of being logical, organized, pragmatic and persevering until the project or task has been accomplished. I have some drawbacks, I lack in inventiveness and creativity, because I am more a person who looks at reality than have flights of the imagination. According to the Type Dynamics Indicator report, I am less intuitive, sensitive or empathetic towards people because my way of thinking is objective, rational, and practical. At first blush, there are many things that are contained in the assessments which I took with great doubt and disagreement. But for certain items, after some thought I began to gain some glimmer of insight into my personality which I was not aware of before. For instance, I disagree with the assessment about my apparent lack of creativity and ability to respond to people and situations at a deeper and more spontaneously profound level than just on the superficial and predictable level. I know from several instances that I have shown imagination, creativity, innovativeness, and spontaneity several times, although these were not always seen from the outside. The following analysis shall be based on the results of my Leadership Traits Questionnaire Rating which is shown as Appendix B. Fourteen leadership traits are shown here, together with the average rating corresponding to the mean of the scores given to me by five raters, against which the scores from my on self-rating are compared. This exercise will show where and how I disagree with other on the way I see myself, and where our perceptions coincide. The level of agreement or disagreement will allow me to gain some insight into the leadership traits I already possess, and those which I still have to work on. There are a few traits where the way I rate myself coincided exactly with how others rated me. I gave myself a perfect score (5) for being self-assured, trustworthy, and friendly, and I gave himself a slightly lower score (4) for being determined. I was pleased to discover that the scores given by all five rates exactly matched the score I had given myself. As a matter of clarification, the phrase self-assured means showing poise and confidence in one’s own worth (wordnetweb.princeton.edu, 2013). This trait I believe is what speaks most towards being a leader than the other two for which I gave myself and got highest scores. Anybody can be trustworthy and friendly, but without being self-assured I think there is little chance of being a good leader. As for the next lower characteristic, determined, signifies being resolute or decided. This is another principal leadership trait which a person must possess to become a leader, because without being resolute there is no commitment to move towards a goal. I understand that I have to work on this a bit more, but I am glad that the five raters saw these in me. There are leadership traits in the list wherein I rated myself higher than the five raters did on average. These include articulate (average 3.4, self 4), perceptive (average 3.8, self 5), conscientious (average 2.6, self 4), and diligent (average 3, self 4). Articulate just shows a minor difference, with only half a point or so difference. Those that are at least a point away include perceptiveness, conscientiousness, and diligence. These are all good leadership traits, but as I see it there are many people who have these traits and to a high degree, but who do not go on to become great leaders. However, absence of these traits will, I believe, make it impossible to become a good leader. Some authors agree with me. Goethals, et al. (2004) mentions that a conscientious leader can better inspire his or her followers, while Becker & Saber (2007) stated that social perceptiveness is an instrumental leadership trait. Northouse (2011) names diligence, trustworthiness, dependability, articulateness, open-mindedness, intelligence, confidence, self-assurance and conscientiousness as vital leadership traits (p. 17). The fact that I gave myself a higher rating than my ratings means that I feel that I do possess the potentials to exhibit these traits, but it is likely that I am not fully actualizing these in a way that is evident to others. They are therefore areas where I could improve on, by tapping my inner potentials and applying myself more in these aspects. Finally, it is heartwarming to note that for majority of the traits, I received higher ratings from my raters than the scores I gave myself. The traits where I was given higher scores by my evaluators include self-confident, persistent, dependable, outgoing, sensitive and emphatic. Many of these traits have been mentioned by Northouse (2011) as being indispensable leadership traits. I am humbled to note that others see these characteristics in me more than I see in myself. It is possible that I do possess such traits which I feel I do not project very well, but which it seems others appreciate in my actions and behavior. That others see these in me when I do not see them to the same degree is a revelation that others have a perspective that we do not have of ourselves, and it would be good once in a while to get out bearings from them. For me, the priority leadership traits are self-confidence and self-assurance, persistence, determination, diligence and dependability, because these are the qualities which propel action, they are the motive traits. Some of these qualities are even espoused by the Marine Corps as leadership traits (Marinethat must be possessed by their leaders, in particular decisiveness (which includes self-assurance and self-confidence in one’s decisions), dependability, and endurance (or persistence). The other traits are also important for leaders, particularly for them to be perceived as worthy of the trust to be reposed by their followers in their leadership. These include articulateness, perceptiveness, trustworthiness, conscientiousness, and empathy. They are useful in a leader, but they would not make a great leader, only a good leader. Unlike the first group of traits mentioned, the motive traits, these are the traits that help followers and leaders understand and get together with each other but not necessarily move towards any goal in particular. Finally there are two traits, sensitivity and friendliness, are traits that are nice for a leader to have, but would not necessarily be determinative of either a good or great leader. Based on the SWOT, I feel that I must therefore develop in empathy and, although I feel that sensitivity is not extremely important in leadership, the fact that it can enhance leadership effectiveness would be a good reason to develop the same. Part II: The Important Urgent Goal Prioritisation Matrix Very Important – Not Urgent Very Important - Urgent I should try to be more perceptive, which is to be more observant about the implications of current happenings and their repercussions in the future. I must develop greater empathy in dealing with people. This means looking at the situation from that other person’s viewpoint and acknowledging it. I must develop greater conscientiousness. This means acting more in accordance with what I think is wrong and right. I need to be more diligent in accomplishing a task. I should develop greater persistence in accomplishing the task I need to complete despite obstacles I may train myself to be more articulate in order to convey my ideas more effectively. Not Important – Not Urgent Not Important - Urgent I could still be more outgoing, according to the ratings of my evaluators I must develop greater sensitivity towards situations affecting my group and subordinates Your Goals must be well developed using SMART Principles – a matrix is supplied here – the principle is that you should keep re-writing your goals until they explicitly meet the SMART criteria and you can truly tick each box. SMART Goal Setting Template Write your goal in the left hand boxes and the put in an x under the SMART titles ONLY if your goal meets each criterion. If it doesn’t then re-write the goal until it does. Goal Specific Measureable Achievable Realistic Timed I must develop greater empathy in dealing with people. I will attend one seminar quarterly on current social issues such as diversity, for at lest two years X X X X X I must develop greater empathy in dealing with people. I will initiate a series of four activities a year for my subordinates including one sports meet such as bowling, one cultural presentation during foundation day, one summer outing with their families, and one holiday party such as during the Christmas season at year’s end. X X X X X • I must develop greater conscientiousness. This requires internal transformation, but in an official setting it could be enhanced by making myself accountable to my team. I will set up an online community with my team members to invite their constructive comments. I will commit to daily and personally respond to each comment candidly. X X X X X • I need to be more diligent in accomplishing a task. For each official task I shall set periodic goals for myself and my team, and will conduct status report meetings every midweek where we evaluate accomplishments and affirm or adjust interim goals until the final goal is reached. X X X X X • I should develop greater persistence in accomplishing the task I need to complete despite obstacles. During the same meeting as the status report meetings every midweek, I shall conduct brainstorming sessions to address the problems and obstacles holding up the project, and follow up on the implementation of the solution decided upon, for report in the next meeting. X X X X X • I may train myself to be more articulate in order to convey my ideas more effectively. I shall attend a twice-a-week, 20-hour leadership training course on oral communication skills during the operations slowdown in the next off-peak season. I may follow this up with a writing course for management applications. X X X X X • I must develop greater sensitivity towards situations affecting my group and subordinates. I shall avail of sensitivity seminars conducted by the organization at least once a year. X X X X X • I should try to be more perceptive, which is to be more observant about the implications of current happenings and their repercussions in the future. This requires greater analytical skills and knowledge that a postgraduate education can convey. I shall aim to enrol in and complete my postgraduate degree in a period of two, but not to exceed three, years. While enrolled therein, I shall actively participate in debates and tabled discussions which may take place in each session. X X X X X • I could still be more outgoing, according to the ratings of my evaluators. I shall join my peers and colleagues in their social gatherings at least once every month. X X X X X Then use the format already supplied to you in the Module handbook to create your plan Name Student Number Update date Long-term Goals Priority Goal Resources needed Date by Evidence Reward 1 I will attend one seminar quarterly on current social issues such as diversity, for at least 2 years. Seminar fee where needed, some are free More socially equitable decision-making and planning where applicable Greater empathy in dealing with people in special social situations 2 I must develop greater empathy in dealing with people. I will initiate a series of four activities a year for my subordinates including one sports meet such as bowling, one cultural presentation during foundation day, one summer outing with their families, and one holiday party such as during the Christmas season at year’s end. Budget for company activities, although much of the activities will be informal and internal to the organization, more for camaraderie, so they should not cost much. Smoother interpersonal relationship between myself and the team, and among the team members. Greater empathy in my personal traits, and greater camaraderie among group members. 3 I must develop greater conscientiousness. This requires internal transformation, but in an official setting it could be enhanced by making myself accountable to my team. I will set up an online community with my team members to invite their constructive comments. I will commit to daily and personally respond to each comment candidly. Some company time, approximately fifteen to thirty minutes daily. Better thought out and more effective management action because the actions follow the right decisions. Greater conscientiousness in my decisions and actions, and the perception of being a more conscientious person. 4 I need to be more diligent in accomplishing a task. For each official task I shall set periodic goals for myself and my team, and will conduct status report meetings every mid-week where we evaluate accomplishments and affirm or adjust interim goals until the final goal is reached. Thirty minutes to one hour of company time, in one week Greater proportion of tasks or jobs completed on time and with high rate of success in attaining goals. Higher productivity for the company, and a sense of greater diligence at accomplishing tasks. 5 I should develop greater persistence in accomplishing the task I need to complete despite obstacles. During the same meeting as the status report meetings every midweek, I shall conduct brainstorming sessions to address the problems and obstacles holding up the project, and follow up on the implementation of the solution decided upon, for report in the next meeting. Same thirty minutes to one hour in one week as in number 4 above, as both could be tackled within the same meeting. Greater proportion of tasks or jobs completed on time of even earlier than the deadline, and with high rate of success in attaining goals Higher productivity for the company, and a perception among the team members, of being a more purposeful and persistent leader Short-Term Goals Priority Goal Resources needed Date by Evidence Reward 1 I may train myself to be more articulate in order to convey my ideas more effectively. I shall attend a twice-a-week, 20-hour leadership training course on oral communication skills during the operations slowdown in the next off-peak season. I may follow this up with a writing course for management applications. Personal funds to defray cost of leadership training course. Ease in expressing myself verbally, expanded vocabulary, greater facility in public speaking Being better understood by others more effectively. 2 I should try to be more perceptive, which is to be more observant about the implications of current happenings and their repercussions in the future. This requires greater analytical skills and knowledge that a postgraduate education can convey. I shall aim to enrol in and complete my postgraduate degree in a period of two, but not to exceed three, years. While enrolled therein, I shall actively participate in debates and tabled discussions which may take place in each session. Personal funds to take a degree course at the next higher academic level Passing, hopefully good, grades at the end of each term, diploma at the end of the course Higher educational attainment 3 I could still be more outgoing, according to the ratings of my evaluators. I shall join my peers and colleagues in their social gatherings at least once every month. Personal spending money More friends The love and concern for more friends 4 5 Action Plan Action Date When or Date By When Book myself for a seminar on diversity or other social issues, one for every quarter Plan for a bowling game for my team, which we will be doing regularly. If it shall be taken up by the company then the tournament could be an annual event. Set up an online community with team members / subordinates for interactive constructive commentary and response. Schedule weekly status reports combined with brainstorming and problem solving for my team / subordinates Enrol in leadership training course for communication skills, and in academic course where no conflict in schedule exists. Go out with peers and colleagues on social gatherings References: Becker, G F & Saber, A 2007 “Leadership Social Perceptiveness and Strategic Planning in the Small Business Environment: An Evolving Leadership Requirement for the 21st Century.” International Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 2, No. 2 Goethals, G R; Burns, J M; & Sorenson, G 2004 Encyclopedia of Leadership, Vol. 1. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Lussier, R N & Achua, C F 2010 Leadership: Theory, Application & Skill Development, 4th edition. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning Marine Corps Leadership Traits 2013 Strategic Leadership Studies. Air University: The Intellectual and Leadership Center of the Air Force. Retrieved from http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/usmc/leadership_traits.htm Northouse, P G 2011 Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice, 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Western, S 2007 Leadership: A Critical Text. London: Sage Publication Ltd. WordNet 2013 ‘Self-assured’ Princeton. Retrieved from http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=self-assured Appendix A Read More