360-degree Leadership Analysis - Assignment Example

360-Leadership Analysis Introduction In the recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on the need for leaders to develop the 360-degree leadership. The 360-degree leadership brings into concept, different aspects of leadership and seeks to develop positive working relationships with peers, subordinates, the boss, and other parties that directly or indirectly affect one’s leadership styles. Effective leadership requires an individual to develop a high level of professionalism, as well as communication competencies. In addition, as a leader, I have to develop effective strategies that determine personal goals and objectives. Being a leader is a challenging responsibility that requires the development of positive working relationships with different individuals within the workplace. In order to improve my leadership skills, I will consider the importance of professionalism, proper communication, and the development of realistic strategies. In addition, I will reflect on the purpose of establishing positive relationships with both peers and subordinates within the workplace. Notably, the above are some of the aspects that define my potential as a 360-degree leader. Importance of Demonstrating Professionalism at Work Professionalism in the workplace involves the demonstration of trustworthiness, respect, competency, integrity, as well as empathy. Individuals rated as highly professional also exhibit other traits such as curtsey, dependability, corporation, and commitment. Such individuals are approachable and accountable. As a professional, I need to understand the code of ethics that governs my profession, in addition, I need to demonstrate personal values and carry out professional roles. Notably, I recognize the value of remaining highly competent in the performance of my job responsibilities and treating each with respect (Johansen, 2012). I have also noted that my communication styles, values, conflicts, as well as attitudes serve to determine my level of professionalism. The understanding of different concepts of professionalism is of critical importance because it has helped me prove highly professional in my workplace. Demonstrating professionalism at work has benefited my career immensely. I have registered remarkable career progression steps through different promotions. In addition, high levels of professionalism have ensured that my working environment is highly favorable. Since I fulfill my duties and interact with others in a professional manner, there are fewer conflicts within the workplace. Such a favorable environment is a precondition for increased productivity. Over the years, I have remained highly conscious of how I interact with my peers and subordinates. Professionalism has helped me establish the correct boundaries defining each form of interaction within the workplace. I have managed to avoid conflicts of interest by sticking to my conviction that professionalism is highly rewarding (Brooks & Dunn, 2010). From a personal experience, professionalism is closely tied to ethical behavior within the workplace. For this reason, work pace ethics and behaviors determine the level of productivity in the workplace. As a leader, demonstrating professionalism defines the pace for my subordinates so that they can work towards professionalism as well. In addition, professionalism is of critical importance as it ensures that I comply with all the regulations in the industry as well as government conditions within the workplace. Professionalism serves to protect my reputation as a leader and that of the organization. High levels of professionalism reflect positively on a person’s integrity. For this reason, maintaining professionalism in my workplace serves to indicate that I am a reliable and dependable individual with high integrity levels (Dutton & Ragins, 2007). The importance of using Communication Skills Effective communication skills are of significant importance within the workplace. Based on personal experiences, poor communication can cost an individual a job position. Developing effective communication skills should be the focus of each leader. I am recognizing the values of proper communication and explored different strategies of communication in order to be able to deliver messages and get feedback from both subordinates and peers. In addition, as a top executive team in a renowned company, I have to establish open communication channels so that employees of different levels can find me approachable, reveal their interests, and discuss their feedback. The role of effective communication in increasing the levels of competency in the workplace cannot receive any form of underestimation (Wrench, 2013). Effective communication strategies have helped me to establish positive working relationships with my team members. These positive working relationships define a strong foundation for the functionality of my team. Without proper communication strategies, it would be entirely difficult for employees and their leaders to discuss issues that require attention. Effective communication ensures that messages reach the target audience in the right manner and that feedback is successfully received. The ability to communicate effectively has also helped me to deliver regular reports of the progress of different projects that I supervise. Effective communication also helps me handle workplace diversity. Notably, the use of effective communication skills and strategies has helped me to lead a culturally diverse team successfully as well as indulge in global businesses (Latting & Ramsey, 2009). Through effective communication, I am able to motivate employees and communicate my vision to them. Importance of Developing a Strategy In the modern world, leaders need to develop personal strategies if they are to succeed in their leadership roles. As a leader, I have embarked on defining the goals and objectives that define my strategy as well as personal values that will help me achieve the defined goals. I have a vision for the organization both in the short and in the long term. Having a clear strategy helps me influence my subordinates effectively. Sharing my views with subordinates helps them recognize the value of developing a personal strategy. I am well aware of what I need to achieve, how to achieve it, as well as the timeliness of achievements. Leaders who lack strategies and visions cannot successfully influence employees (Wrench, 2013). Employees are more likely to follow leaders who communicate a clear vision for the organization within a defined period. Importance of Learning and influencing others Evidently, leaders need to learn new strategies and ideas. Leaders need to understand emerging leadership models and influence others to gain new knowledge. Leaders who are willing to recognize that the values of a learning organization organize for training sessions in an effort to empower the employees to develop new competencies. Over the years, I have undertaken different short courses in an effort to diversify my understanding of leadership policies (Johansen, 2012). In addition, I encourage employees to take part in training sessions so that they can learn new ideas and skills. Importance of Developing Positive Working Relationships Over the years, I have been working with a large team in an organization with many employees holding different positions. In order to achieve organizational goals, corporation from all the employees is mandatory. It is impossible to corporate with other employees in task completion, unless there are positive working relationships. Developing positive working relationships requires high levels of tolerance, understanding, as well as professionalism. Effective communication ensures that individuals within the workplace can understand each other and resolve conflicts appropriately. For this reason, as a leader, I have recognized that being a good listener and offering the relevant support to both subordinates and peers is a key to developing positive relationships within the workplace (Johansen, 2012). Retrieved on February 2 2015 from http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/leadership_main.html Conclusion Evidently, I have made remarkable progress in becoming a 360-degree leader. I have been demonstrating professionalism in the way I fulfill my job responsibilities and relate with others at work. I have personal ethical values that determine the kind of decisions I make within the workplace. I understand the importance of effective communication in the workplace and especially in contributing to the functionality of a team. As a leader, I have a clear vision of the organization's position in the future and willing to share my vision with my team members. In addition, I work towards the development of positive working relationships and empowering others to learn. References Brooks, L. J., & Dunn, P. (2010). Business & professional ethics for directors, executives, & accountants. Mason, OH: South Western Cengage Learning. Dutton, J. E., & Ragins, B. R. (2007). Exploring positive relationships at work: Building a theoretical and research foundation. Mahwah, NJ [u.a.: Erlbaum. Johansen, R. (2012). Leaders make the future: Ten new leadership skills for an uncertain world. San Francisco, Calif: Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Latting, J. K., & Ramsey, V. J. (2009). Reframing change: How to deal with workplace dynamics, influence others, and bring people together to initiate positive change. Santa Barbara, Calif: Praeger. Wrench, J. S. (2013). Workplace communication for the 21st century: Tools and strategies that impact the bottom line. Santa Barbara, Calif: Praeger. Read More