This reflection paper explores the author's self-awareness as a developing leader through peer assessments, standardized psychological instruments, and personal reflection. Using feedback from friends, coworkers, a partner, and a sibling, the paper identifies recurring themes around listening ability, dependability, and a need for greater assertiveness and confidence. Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control scale provides theoretical grounding. The paper outlines five key strengths, five areas for growth, a personal mission statement, and specific leadership behaviors to develop. It concludes by connecting these insights to the author's evolving understanding that leadership is less about directing others and more about inspiring a genuine desire to follow.
The assessments performed were quite revealing. A consistent theme emerged throughout the feedback received, though some individual responses differed notably. According to those surveyed, I have a good sense of humor, I listen well, I am friendly, and I can be depended upon to always be present and willing to step up.
I was rated a 10 out of 10 regarding my effectiveness as a friend, co-worker, boyfriend, and brother across the board. This tells me that, despite the failings described below, I am a good person and the people around me appreciate me. Both my friend and my co-worker indicated that I needed to be more self-confident — my friend described this as being more certain of myself, while my co-worker framed it as needing to be more assertive. These sentiments were echoed in their assessment that I should be less shy and more sure of my decisions. In contrast, my girlfriend felt that I made too many decisions without her, and my brother feels that I listen too much to my friends.
Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control scale determined that I have an external locus of control. As such, I tend to attribute the outcomes of events to external circumstances (Rotter, 1975). This finding appears consistent with the assessments provided by my peers.
My top five strengths are: my ability to listen, my willingness to take on responsibility, my ability to communicate effectively, my compassion, and my dedication in both my personal and professional life. My ability to listen reflects a natural talent, combined with knowledge acquired through coursework and personal interactions, and the skill to apply that knowledge effectively. My willingness to take on responsibility is something I have demonstrated since I was young, and it has only improved as my knowledge and skill have grown. My communication strength was less a natural talent, but once I was given the foundational knowledge, I was able to hone this skill and improve upon my natural abilities. My compassion is a natural talent that allows me to relate well to others; combined with experience-based knowledge and improved skill, it is one of my strongest attributes. Finally, my dedication is rooted in a natural tendency to commit myself fully to a person, organization, or project — a tendency that has also been enhanced by knowledge and skill acquired over the years.
My five areas for growth are quite different. I could be more assertive in my professional life. I could be more certain of the decisions I make. I should look more to my own thoughts on matters rather than seeking others' opinions to form my own. Relatedly, I should be more willing to make independent decisions. And, lastly, I should be more willing to take risks rather than playing it safe and relying too heavily on others.
I will be a leader who leads by example — one who helps followers achieve their goals. I will be an inspiration to my employees, who will find meaning in their work as I utilize their abilities to the fullest, empowering them to do their best and creating an atmosphere of trust. My passion and confidence will prompt others to follow my lead willingly. In this way, I will not only meet my own personal goals, but I will also help fulfill the goals of my employees and the goals of my organization.
"Concrete behaviors to adopt for leadership growth"
"Strategies and steps to build leadership skills"
"Redefining leadership as inspiring rather than directing"
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