Examination of Self - Essay Example

Developing Leadership and Number of This is a detailed critical examination of self in terms of my current skills, abilities and experience in management and leadership. The use of a diagnostic instrument was used to create a picture of self. In order to explain the need and purpose of using a diagnostic instrument, it is crucial that the definition of diagnostic instrument be listed. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (2000) states the meaning of the word diagnostic as, "serving to identify characteristic." The word instrument must also be defined and its meaning is listed by the same dictionary as, "a means by which something is done; one used by another to accomplish a purpose." Hence, a diagnostic instrument was used in order to help identify, measure, and accomplish the purpose of providing an evaluation of self in regards to my management/leadership skills and abilities. The main purpose of doing a self assessment is, according to Self Assessment Ways of Learning (n.d.), is for an individual to "self-assess how (he or she) learns so that adjustments in the teaching approach may be made(and) There are a number of theories of learning styles." In order to increase my learning and the ability to gain knowledge and to know what the best approaches will work for me, I must do a self assessment. There are many theories of learning and it best to know which ones I am more compatible and open to. Developing Leadership 2 Psychometric instruments, which are used to measure psychological things, include tests and questionnaires that measure personality, verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, managerial judgment, motivation, the ability to work on (your) own, and the ability to work with others, etc. were used. The psychometric instrument used for this essay was a self-report questionnaire where the candidate responded to a series of statements - with no right or wrong answers - and the completed questionnaire gave insight to various areas of the individual's personality and reasoning. (Exciting Future, Author Unknown, n.d.) I was born on February 10, 1975, and the languages that I fluently speak include English, Urdu and Pushto. My work history includes employment as Manager in Cost Cutter Super Market Whitby Road Slough and worked in Agriculture Research. My skills, previous research work, education, and experience can be found in the portfolio which is enclosed with this essay. My education, research skills, and computer knowledge is evident and consistent with the feedback and performance appraisals (which are included in the portfolio of evidence that is enclosed with this writing) that were provided by one of my professors and previous employers. With the "ability to concentrate for long periods of time", as stated by a professor, I was able to succeed academically, became highly skilled in research, and acquire excellent computer and IT skills. I possess a very serious and practical approach to higher studies as this is my passion. There is always room for more learning and growing, I truly believe. As stated earlier, this detailed critical examination of self uses a "Competing Values Management Practices Survey", a psychometric instrument which was used for self assessment at one of the universities I attended. This survey is a form of the Myer Briggs instrument. The Developing Leadership 3 instructions of the assessment were "Listed below are some statements that describe managerial practices. Indicate how often you engage in the behaviors, using the scale below to respond to each statement. Please place a number from 1 to 7, Almost never 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Almost always, in the space beside each question. The areas or roles in which I scored very high included: The Monitor, The Coordinator, The Mentor, and The Facilitator. The areas/roles that I scored "medium" included: The Producer and The Director. Finally, the areas that I scored lower included: The Innovator and The Broker. The results of this "Competing Values Management Practices Survey" are consistent with the feedback and letter of recommendation that were provided by a former professor and previous employer. The high scores in the roles of The Monitor, The Coordinator, The Mentor, and The Facilitator are all leadership roles. The leadership style that I have exemplified in my management roles have proven that I work well with others and as stated by my professor, I have "manifested (the) fine ability to work and communicate with others during practical works." However, personally, I do not feel that I am a good leader as it is hard for me to deal with confrontation and to know that someone may be angry with me. This is a personal feeling and concern that I have as my role in leadership. This is opposite of my leadership role as Captain of my Club Cricket Team for eight years. As a team, we worked well together and all was happy with my leadership. I had much confidence in being their Captain as I am an expert in the sport. All on the team loved the sport and the time together. I believe this follows the theory by Holland, J., Ph.D. (2003-2004) which states that, "people with the same or similar interests are often found in the same work environments. To discover the Developing Leadership 4 work environments suited to your interests, abilities and personality, consider the following categories/themes However, I do not feel this confidence as a leader in my professional life." Finding a Place to Start: Self Assessment (2005) reports that the Holland Theory states that "if you share a lot of interests with people in an occupation, you would probably prefer that occupation." The author stated that "Holland surmised that people would be most satisfied in work environments related to their interests. Determining your interests is only one component of making effective career choices. Among many other factors you could consider, are your values, skills, and personality. We encourage you see beyond the Holland model and apply what you've learned to the larger context of your life." There appears to be three basic leadership styles. These styles may be titled differently with minor changes in description. However, the styles include: authoritarian ((autocratic), participative (democratic), and delegative (free reign). The authoritarian style leaves no room for advice from followers. The leader just gives orders and instructions and followers do as they are told. The participative style allows followers to have input and participation and the leader makes the final decision. With the delegative style of leadership, followers are allowed to make the decisions with the leader being responsible for the decisions that are made. Clark, D. (1997) cites from The U.S. Army Handbook, 1973 and reports, "A good leader uses all three styles, depending on what forces are involved between the followers, the leader, and the situation." Developing Leadership 5 I have chosen to employ all three leadership styles and mix them especially as I view each situation and job roles. However, it is harder for me to follow the authoritarian (autocratic) style as I am concerned about what others think and the chance that they will be upset with me. I like to make people happy and I focus too much on the small details. This is not so difficult for me in my social and recreation life, however, as I am more comfortable with those who are close to me and the areas in which I know that I am fully competent in. When I do not feel that I am an expertise in a certain topic, area, or field I wish to apply the delegative leadership style completely but I do not that I am responsible for my team's decisions so I strive to incorporate all three varying styles but sometimes I am not comfortable in doing so. The low scores on the "Competing Values Management Practices Survey" were in the areas of The Innovator and The Broker. This is also consistent with my self evaluation. If I do not feel that I am an expert in a certain field or topic, then I will not challenge nor take the risk. Due to this lack of challenging ideas, people, and things, I feel that I have become less motivated and lazier as the days go by. This is consistent with the low ratings as the role of The Innovator and The Broker. Academics, the acquiring of computer skills, and researching are usually quite structured. Risk taking and being innovative is not structured. Hence, I believe that I am more comfortable in non-risky areas as I am sensitive and focus on the little things. For example, if I see someone hurting or in need, I get quite emotional. I am very submissive to my God and my parents. These things make me less of a risk taker and more comfortable in a setting that is stable and secure. Developing Leadership 6 I am reliable, as you will see in the enclosed letter of recommendation and appraisal. My energy level is high when it comes to the things that I am confident in and interested in. I have the ability to stick with something for long periods of time such as the length of time on my jobs, hours put into research, and the eight years in my favorite sport. As my former professional has stated, my ability to concentrate over long periods of time is my greatest asset. I have the ability to approach situations and problems methodically due to my high intellectual ability. However, I feel that I am very I am very responsible in my social and family affairs but am a bit careless when it comes to my studies. Perhaps I tend to push myself too hard in this area or perhaps it is the challenge that drives me to continue my academics and professional life in the manner that I do. In conclusion, I feel that I have good leadership and management skills and others see and experience this. I believe that I have accomplished an above-average job in managing and leading others. However, as I am quite sensitive and do not like to deal with confrontation or upsetting people as I am emotional to the little things, I do not feel that I possess the best leadership and management skills that I should. But this may be due to the hard-driven person that allows me to stay on task for long periods of time especially in the areas that are more structured like academics and research. I would like to increase my motivation and energy on a daily basis as I feel that I am allowing myself to get a little lazier day by day. This self assessment has given me a good feedback and look back at my life especially in the professional field. It has given me the focus I need in order to establish the goals that I have for myself and that is mainly to increase my motivation and energy. I would Developing Leadership 7 also like to work on being able to adapt in more unstructured environments and perhaps in circles of people that I am not so closely tied to. I see that I have lost some motivation and zest for the things that I should do and need to set goals that will help me develop more energy and discipline in all areas of my life particularly my professional life. I also believe that it is necessary for me to get more feedback from those around me in order to set the goals that will help me get started on the path of achieving the motivation that I strive for. Developing Leadership 8 References Clark, D. (1997). Leadership Styles. The U.S. Army Handbook, 1973: Military Leadership. Available from < http://www.nwlink.com/donclark/leader/leadstl.html#one> [Accessed 22 May 2006]. Finding a Place to Start: Self Assessment (2005). The Holland Theory in Perspective. Available from < http://web.mit.edu/career/www/workshops/finding/iden_theory.html> [Accessed 20 May 2006]. Holland, John Ph.D. (2003-2004). Career Planning: Sample Self Assessment Exercise. Career Development Resource Guide and User's Guide for "Career Choices in North Carolina, 2003-2004. North Carolina State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee: 2003-2004. Available from < http://sol1.esc.state.nc.us/soicc/planning/c1a.htm> [Accessed 20 May 2006]. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition (2000). Houghton Mifflin Company: 2000. Available from [Accessed 20 May 2006] and [Accessed 20 May 2006]. Exciting Future (n.d.). Available from < http://www.excitingfutures.com/psychometrictesting.htm> [Accessed 20 May 2006]. Read More