Self-Knowledge Is the Main Driver of Good Relationships - Essay Example

Chapter 2: Reflection The has discussed fundamental changes in the mind-set of senior-level management, middle-level management, and lower-level personnel in the organizational context and has emphasized upon the importance of self-knowledge in performing one’s duties efficiently in the changed scenario. The author has frequently identified self-knowledge as one of the main drivers of good interpersonal relationships. I agree to this perception that in order to cultivate good relations with other in any kind of setting both individually or as part of a group, it is imperative that we know who we are, what our preferences, likes, and dislikes are and what objectives we have in a particular setting. This not only helps us keep to the point and on the right track in the way of achieving our goals, but also makes us more confidant as we know what we want and what we need to do in order to accomplish our goals. Knowledge of self also has a good effect on others and others tend to think good of us because we are never impressed with people that are confused and unsure about what they want in life in general and in a particular setting in particular. One factor that I like about the chapter is that the author has supported the arguments with credible sources. Another factor that is worthy of appreciation is that the author has tried to make a holistic approach in discussing and analyzing various aspects of self-knowledge, be it the levels of management in an organization, or the three levels of self i.e. individual, interpersonal, and collective. Yet another factor that I like about this chapter is that it is not just a discussion of what self-knowledge is and what its different aspects are, but also mentions different exercises and activities doing which one’s knowledge of self can be increased. I did all of the activities mentioned in the chapter and as a result of this found a significant increase in my self-knowledge. These activities were quite interesting and easy to do. I intend to do these exercises and activities periodically; probably once every three months to see how I have changed as a person over the period. The author has made it very easy for the readers to understand him by not just discussing the complicated terms, but also defining them first e.g. emotional challenges and value maturity. I personally believe that knowledge of self is fundamental to one’s improvement as a human being. One cannot improve one’s personality unless one does not identify one’s flaws, strengths, and weaknesses. Reflection on one’s experiences is very important in identifying these qualities and traits and accordingly, increasing one’s knowledge of the self. While reflecting upon one’s experiences and trying to identify one’s self, it is of utmost importance that we remain extremely honest and unbiased so that we identify and acknowledge our weaknesses as objectively and correctly as we identify and appreciate our strengths. Only rational and unbiased analysis can help us achieve all the benefits associated with the knowledge of self. Chapter 6: Reflection The author deems motivation of individuals fundamental to personal as well as organizational success. The author has discussed opposing views about the debate on the perception that public organizations’ workers are less motivated as compared to the workers of private organizations and that motivation of personnel is more important for public organizations than private organizations. The author emphasizes that in order to motivate ourselves as well as others around us, we have to start by increasing our self-knowledge and realizing the things that motivate us. I like that the author has supported the arguments with references from credible sources all across the chapter. The chapter has a proper structure in which ideas flow without abrupt changes and the adjacent paragraphs, although discussing different points, are interrelated to one another. The author has done a very detailed analysis of motivation drawing information from latest research as well as different theories of motivations in order to inculcate deep understanding of motivation in the readers. This makes this chapter a complete account on motivation. I like the exercises the author has mentioned at different points in the chapter. They are easy and interesting, and help the readers understand how motivated they are and what are the factors that drive their motivation. These exercises also help the readers have a better understanding of their own selves by knowing their motivations. Since the author has linked the exercises with theories, doing those exercises has an added advantage of helping the readers understand the different theories of motivation better along with knowing the factors that motivate them. I disagree with the argument that motivation is more important for the public organizations as compared to the private organizations. I think that motivation of organizational personnel is equally important for all types of organizations; not necessarily all public organizations serve more important purposes than all private organizations. I think that motivation of the workers is tied to other more important factors like pay, work-life balance, and recognition than an organization being private or public. I agree to the author’s argument that the viewpoint that employees cannot be motivated in public organizations because their jobs are secure is insulting and faulty. I also agree that the journey of motivating ourselves and others begins with self-analysis and increased self-knowledge. I personally think that motivation is the main factor that drives our quality of work, productivity and efficiency in any kind of organization, be it public or private. I think that as managers, we should not differentiate between public organizations and private organizations because factors that motivate the workers are far more based on the individuals’ personalities rather than organizational traits. I believe that an individual’s motivations keep changing over the passage of time because our likes, dislikes, and preferences keep altering as we become more experienced. This, in a way, makes it very difficult for the management to identify the motivations of their subordinates and manage them because motivations not only differ between workers, but also differ from time to time within the same worker. Read More