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Learning Activity 2 – Unit 4

Emotional Intelligence

According to Northouse (2017), emotional intelligence is the interplay between our emotions and cognitive processes, meaning an individual’s ability to understand emotions (Northouse, 2017: p. 28). Since humans are emotional creatures, it is crucial for a leader to express emotions, and use emotions in thinking, leading, and acting. Leaders must manage not only their own emotions but also other’s emotions, which becomes interconnected with the psychodynamic approach.

The Psychodynamics Approach

Psychodynamics can be related to emotional intelligence because both are trying to understand emotions that drive behaviour. The psychodynamics approach intends to gain insights into followers that an individual is leading so that the leader understands what unconscious thoughts are compelling an individual to act in a certain way and to assist in further self-development. Furthermore, it can be insightful to understand the psychological makeup of followers to determine how the leader can motivate and serve the followers more effectively. Psychodynamics self-awareness is useful because it is empowering for a leader to be aware of their own psychological makeup and what unconscious thought processes may be driving behaviour, values, emotions, decisions, and motives (Northouse, 2017: p. 203). In my experience, sometimes employers require interviewees to take personality tests to determine whether they would be a good fit for the organization. For example, while applying for a marketing job, I was required to take the KOLBE personality test. I have also sought self-awareness by taking the Myers Briggs personality test to further understand what sorts of characteristics drive my behaviour. This self-awareness allows me to play to my strengths and become aware of my faults.

Servant Leadership

Awareness is also an important factor in servant leadership as it is important for a leader to be aware of how he or she can better serve followers (Spears, 2000). In this sphere, it is followers-oriented. Servant leadership means that the hierarchical pyramid in inverted, meaning that the leader puts the interests of followers ahead of self-interest motives (Kuzmenko, Montagno, Muncie, & Smith, 2004: p. 80). The leader focuses on self-development and empowerment of followers (Kuzmenko, 2004: p.81).

Southwest is a success story of an airline company that effectively embodies servant leadership by making employees their top priority. In an interview with Colleen Barrett, she explains the company’s servant leadership philosophy: management believes that if employees feel valued and important, they will go out of their way to create an extraordinary experience for passengers and then success will be sure to follow (KnowledgeAtWharton, 2008). Customers that have an enjoyable flight are likely to share their positive experience with others and become repeat customers themselves. Colleen believes in treating all employees equally, regardless of a title or level of seniority in the company (KnowledgeAtWharton, 2008).

Servant leadership has elements of transformational leadership, whereby the leader seeks to change people by assessing followers’ needs, emotions, values, and ethics (Northouse, 2017: 163). Similar to Southwest’s philosophy, transformational leadership seeks to treat followers as equal human beings. If a leader can embody these four characteristics of transformational leadership, he or she will likely earn the right to Maxwell’s 4th level of effective leadership, meaning the leader has gained loyalty from followers (Leadership, 2015). The followers credit their leader for what he or she has done for them. In order to get to the 5th level of leadership, followers need to respect who the leader is and what they stand for. This requires the leader to have strong sense of self-awareness. Maxwell argues that if the leader can do the first 4 levels of leadership effectively, then followers will give the leader the 5th level. Transformational leadership connects with people, produces results for the organization, and harnesses the ability to grow and train followers. However, only being self-aware is not enough, a servant leader must be aware of the followers’ interest and furthermore, prioritize their interest. Only then, will followers go above and beyond what is required of them.

Christina

 

References

KnowledgeAtWharton. (2008, July 09). Southwest Airlines’ Colleen Barrett on ‘Servant Leadership’. Retrieved October 21, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TgR95vnM0

Maxwell, J. (2015, Aug 30). John Maxwell 5 Levels of Leadership Full Video. Retrieved October 21, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe6XacmIZms

Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: theory and practice (Eighth ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Searle, T.P. and Barbuto, J.E. (2011). Servant Leadership, Hope, and Organizational Virtuousness: A Framework Exploring Positive Micro and Macro Behaviors and Performance Impact. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies 18(1), 107-117. [Library Link; sign-in required](https://ezproxy.student.twu.ca/login?url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1548051810383863)

Smith, B.N., Montagno, R.V. and Kuzmenko, T.N. (2004). Transformational and servant leadership: Content and contextual comparisons. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies 10(4), 80-92. [Library Link; sign-in required](https://ezproxy.student.twu.ca/login?url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/107179190401000406)

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Learning Activity 1 – Unit 4

Upon reading this text about transformational leadership, Abraham Lincoln came to mind as a former leader that exhibited transformational leadership. Lincoln came to presidency in 1860 before the outbreak the American Civil War. Amidst the moral and constitution turmoil, Lincoln was able to lead America out of the War and played a pivotal role in abolishing slavery and strengthening the American government (History.com Editors, 2018). Through this time of heightened uncertainty, Abraham Lincoln demonstrated all four transformational leadership factors including, idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and individualized consideration (Northouse, 2017: p.169). Transformational leadership entails changing people by assessing followers’ needs, emotions, values, and ethics, and treating them as human beings (Northouse, 2017: 163).

Lincoln demonstrated idealized influence because he was able to connect with the country at an emotional level in a way that very few leaders can do. He raised the level of mortality across the nation by calling each and every citizen to stand with him for a higher purpose. He provided a vision for America stating, “Standing as I do with my hand upon this staff, and under the folds of the American flag, I ask you to stand by me as long as I stand by it” (“Abraham Lincoln Quotes,” n.d.). In addition, Lincoln had a strong moral and ethical code that citizens respected and wished to emulate (Northouse, 2017: p. 169).

In addition, Lincoln had inspiration motivation because he was able to raise the nation’s level of consciousness about the importance of uniting towards a shared vision. He inspired the nation to transcend their own self-interest and value every human being (regardless of skin colour), and ultimately “address higher-level needs” (Northouse, 2017: 168). He conveyed this by stating, “My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth” (“Abraham Lincoln Quotes,” n.d.). In order to lead the country in this time, Lincoln had to develop followers to reach their full potential. Evidently, he had to have a strong moral foundation to effectively call others to action and to think of something greater than themselves (Northouse, 2017: 169).

Lincoln used intellectual stimulation by challenging America’s beliefs and values with regards to slavery (Northouse, 2017: p.171). Lastly, Lincoln used individualized consideration by creating a supportive climate and acted as a coach to help citizens of the nation become “fully actualized” (Northouse, 2017: p. 171). He frequently empowered them in his speeches, eloquently articulating that the power is with the people. He once said, “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts” (“Abraham Lincoln Quotes,” n.d.).

Was there an experience in your life where your values, beliefs, and self-interests were challenged by a transformation leader?

Christina

References

Abraham Lincoln Quotes. (n.d.) In Brainy Quote. Retrieved on October 16, 2018, from https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/abraham_lincoln

History.com Editors. (2018, Sept 2). Abraham Lincoln. HISTORY. Retrieved on October 16, 2018, from https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/abraham-lincoln

Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: theory and practice (Eighth ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

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Light of Many Lamps – Part 2

Light from Many Lamps

Arnold Bennett

Arnold Bennett brilliantly encapsulates the value of each and every 24-hour gift that we receive daily, and how it is up to us to determine what we spend our time on. Bennett beautifully reminds us that, “You wake up in the morning, and lo! Your purse is magically filled with twenty-four hours of unmanufactured tissue of the universe of your life! It is yours” (Watson, 1951: p.143). Bennett discovered that time is the most precious commodity on the planet, yet people spend it so cheaply as if they are immortal (Watson, 1951: p. 24). Upon his epiphany, he devoted himself to a rigid schedule of self-discipline to make every hour count; leaving no time to frivolous time-wasting activities that would interfere with his progress towards his goals (Watson, 1951: p.142).

I found this story to be particularly powerful because I fall into the category of people that complain that they “just can’t find the time” (Watson, 1951: p.145). Unfortunately, I tend to fritter away time without giving it much thought. This is especially true with the rise of social media and how these platforms have been designed to have a highly addictive component whereby it is difficult to tear our eyes from the screen. Admittedly, I fall victim to the never-ending scroll, the high interest/ low time commitment videos, and the massive amounts of shared pictures, statuses, and articles.

Social media is so addictive because it plays on our natural human instinct to seek social validation, affirming our existence (Lowery, 2013). It expands our possibilities of connecting, sharing our lives and self-distinctiveness within a social context. According to Lowery (2013), the reason that we use social media has more to do with the psychology than the platform itself. Social media feeds on our fear of missing out, stokes our ego, and our desire for social comparison (Lowery, 2013). Furthermore, a study from Harvard University discovered that self-disclosing information on social media activates the part of the brain that also lights up when individuals experience heightened pleasure such as engaging in sexual intercourse or taking a highly addictive substance such as cocaine (Brown, 2012).

Undoubtedly, we are facing the battle for our future and time is our weapon. We must fight against human nature and our intrinsic instinct to seek social validation. Wasting a day here, an hour there, does not initially feel as though it will cost us much. However, this unproductive habit will have an exponential effect over time, and ultimately we will not achieve the vision for our life. As stated by Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit” (Seale, n.d.). Ultimately, our success is the product of our habits. We become what we continuously do each day. Bennett reminds us that all we ever have is the present. I have been deeply inspired by this passage and have decided that I am going to challenge myself to take a social media cleanse for the next month to balance my time budget. I want to learn to spend my precious minutes wisely. The time we are given is truly a miracle that should be valued and cherished. As Kay Lyons said, “Yesterday is a cancelled check; tomorrow is promissory note; today is the only case you have – so spend it wisely” (Goodreads, n.d.). Our time is never early, never late, but always right on time.

Christina

 

References

Brown, L. (2012, May 11). New Harvard Study Shows Why Social Media Is So Addictive for Many. Retrieved on October 16, 2018, from https://marketing.wtwhmedia.com/new-harvard-study-shows-why-social-media-is-so-addictive-for-many/

Goodreads. (n.d.). Kay Lyons Quotes. Retrieved on October 16, 2018, from https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/197755-yesterday-is-a-cancelled-check-tomorrow-is-a-promissory-note

Lowery, T. (2013). Why Social Media is so Addictive (And Why Marketers should care). Retrieved from https://www.cmswire.com/cms/customer-experience/why-social-media-is-so-addictive-and-why-marketers-should-care-022276.php

Seale, Q. (n.d.). 113 Aristotle Quotes That Changed Western History Forever. Retrieved on October 16, 2018, on https://www.keepinspiring.me/aristotle-quotes/

Watson, L. E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.

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Rank, Talk, and Write – Response to Matt Squirell

In Matt’s blog post, he reflected on the work by Linda Elder, and Richard Paul (2012) titled The Thinker’s Guide to Analytical Guide. The book discusses the importance and value of reasonable people making good decisions while following an “intellectual standard” or process (Elder et al. 2012: p.8). The authors argue that having a system in place reduces falling into old decision-making routines and provides a structure to evaluate situations. In addition, Matt discusses the authors’ main points that they recommend, which consists of significance, clarity, accuracy, depth, breadth, and fairness. I find that each of these key points can be directly related to Northouse’s core leadership traits including self-confidence, intelligence, determination, integrity, and sociability (Northouse, 2017: p.23-25). A leader must be self-confident and determined in order to practice breadth by seeking out others’ perspectives. An effective leader must embody sociability because they must have depth in their social sphere to encourage people to share their point of view. A leader must be intelligent to focus followers on important issues (significance) and to make a complex problem understandable (clarity). Lastly, a powerfully effective leader must be grounded by strong values, such as integrity and fairness. Evidently, Northouse’s leadership traits and Elder and Paul’s guide to critical thinking are interconnected.

I valued how Matt clearly and concisely articulated a breakdown of how one can utilize critical thinking in everyday life. As I am writing my paper on a leader in my sphere of influence that embodies critical thinking, I have applied the process that has been illustrated in this blog post and discovered that my leader (unknowingly perhaps) uses each point of the criteria before making a decision. Undoubtedly, this has likely had an extraordinary impact on his success as a leader in an up and coming technology company. Furthermore, I related it to how I make decisions in both my personal and professional life; I believe that there is room for growth because I am underutilizing accuracy and breadth.

Looking forward to reading more thought-provoking posts!

Christina

 

Elder, L., & Paul, R. (2012). The thinker’s guide to analytic thinking: How to take thinking apart and what to look for when you do. Tomales, California: The Foundation for Critical Thinking.

Northouse, P. G. (2017). Leadership: theory and practice (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

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Rank, Talk, Write – Response to Georgeena

Georgeena found an interesting article on critical thinking that relates to wisdom and integrity. She defined critical thinking then drew links to Northouse’s core traits of leadership including self-confidence, intelligence, determination, integrity, and sociability (Northouse, 2017: p.23-25). Northouse’s leadership traits are significantly interconnected with wisdom, excellence, and integrity.

Undoubtedly, acquiring the ability to make quality judgments through the medium of critical thinking increases wisdom because an individual is learning through others’ store of knowledge and experience. In addition, it requires that an individual embody self-confidence whereby he or she does not cling tightly to long-held beliefs that the ego may try to protect. Critical thinking forces leaders to be open-minded, recognizing that others may have a better understanding. However, others must trust the leader to share their perspective; this requires that the leader displays sociability. Critical thinking requires relentless determination to discover the truth of the matter. Furthermore, humility and intelligence to understand that one’s perception of the world is inevitably skewed. As the Socrates stated, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing” (Lodhi, 2018). Evidently, true wisdom is found by being radically open-minded and recognizing that unlocking the knowledge in others is the key to excellence. Enduring success cannot be maintained unless a leader has his or her decisions rooted in integrity. In every decision, integrity must be the backbone. Ultimately, by becoming a better decision-maker, the discipline of excellence becomes reachable for a leader.

I thoroughly enjoyed Georgeena’s post as it inspired me to make connections between Northouse’s core leadership traits and critical thinking that I would not have made otherwise. I will take these newfound connections and weave them into my critical thinking assignment. Looking forward to reading more posts Georgeena!

Christina

Lodhi, A. (2018, June 2). Socrates on Wisdom. Medium. Retrieved from https://medium.com/indian-thoughts/the-only-true-wisdom-is-in-knowing-you-know-nothing-5789c8994cc6

Northouse, P. G. (2017). Leadership: theory and practice (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

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Light from Many Lamps – Response to Dizzybutterfly

Dizzybutterfly reflected on the profound insights of John Burroughs in his writing, “The Secret of Happiness is Something to Do” (Watson, 1951: p. 3). The basic premise that the book conveys is that the spark of life exists when our hearts are on fire lit by our passions. Passion is the engine that spurs our life in a meaningful direction, filling us with purpose and a zest for life.

I loved how Dizzybutterfly made the connection between Burroughs’ writing with servant leadership whereby an individual desires to share their passion with others, leading to emergent leadership and mentorship. If famous figures did not follow their passions, and therefore engage in mentoring others, the world would never have reaped the fruits of their labour. For example, Steve Jobs had Bill Campbell as a mentor and Bill Gates had Warren Buffet as a mentor (Rashid, 2017). After a mentee achieves excellence, emergent leadership characteristics come out, and they wish to give back through the act of mentoring. For example, Steve Jobs eventually mentored Mark Zuckerberg. Servant leaders wish to see their followers grow, accomplish their aspirations, and ultimately reach their full potential (Northouse, 2017: p.236). Servant leaders, such as the leaders named, are focused on empowering and adding value to the community at large. They likely would not have been as effective nor revolutionize society if following their passion wasn’t at the forefront.

I also enjoyed how Dizzybutterfly made it personal by sharing the desire to mentor and to develop others at this point in his/her career. Since I recently began my career, I am at the opposite side of the spectrum as I am looking for mentors that I can learn from. However, I have hopes of eventually experiencing emergent leadership and thus mentoring others that share my passion (once I have achieved excellence). Not only must I share my knowledge and experience that I have collected over the years but also demonstrate servant leadership qualities in all aspects of the mentorship. I want to inspire others to become servant leaders, embodying strong moral ethics by putting the needs of others first. Thank you Dizzybutterfly for this inspiring blog!

Christina

 

Northouse, P. G. (2017). Leadership: theory and practice (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Rashid, B. (May, 2017). 3 Reasons all Great Leaders have Mentors (and Mentees). Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianrashid/2017/05/02/3-reasons-all-great-leaders-have-mentors-and-mentees/#7f5a698113f9

Watson, L. E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.

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Light from Many Lamps – Response to Matt Squirell

Matt eloquently articulated Wolfe’s conclusion on happiness whereby true happiness is found through serving something greater than oneself. The premise is that people should shift to an outward focus rather than an inward focus. Wolfe argues that this is how one discovers true peace and happiness.

I like how Matt drew the connection between self-awareness and how it dovetails with humility. One must be aware of one’s own beliefs, character, and interests, before understanding humility. Self-awareness demands an individual to understand that the ego is attempting to protect the personal identity and does not serve as a function to bring happiness. The ego fights for the need to be right. Humility and the ego cannot live in harmony, as humility requires selflessness. “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). As this verse states, humility brings wisdom, and with wisdom a deep understanding that happiness is only found in service and looking outward. Humility does not mean that one has low self-confidence or self worth, but rather it allows others to be the centre of attention. Humility allows an individual to be grateful towards the work, accomplishments, and characteristics of another human being. In the process, true happiness is found because “Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself” (Watson, 1951: p.15).

Humility is the paradox of leadership as it was not a trait that was traditionally associated with leadership. Humility and confidence can exist together because they communicate both vulnerability and strength to followers. I found this blog post to be very enlightening and enjoyed Matt’s insights. Looking forward to reading more posts Matt!

Christina

 

Watson, L.E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.

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Rank, Talk, Write – Unit 3

Critical thinking entails analyzing, reasoning, conceptualizing, investigating, and evaluating an argument to bring an individual closest to the truth of the matter (Feldman, 2009: p.10). Critical thinking requires an individual to be neutral and radically open-minded to new ideas and perspectives. Open-mindedness recognizes and respects that others may see things differently and may have a better understanding. While making decisions, it is crucial to use critical thinking and remain analytical without allowing egotism to intervene. A leader must let go of the attachment to the need of being right and take others’ perspectives into consideration that may see blind spots (Dalio, 2017: 187).

(1) Critical Thinking Strategies

Feldman identifies four critical thinking strategies to make better decisions: an open-minded attitude to engage in honest self-reflection, a relentless evaluation of facts and perspectives, a deep respect for differing perspectives and points of view, and a commitment to persevering to reach a knowledgeable decision (Feldman, 2009: p. 27-33).

(2) Positive Outcomes

The Feldman (2009) notes a number of positive outcomes that result from effective critical thinking including: recognizing personal biases and needs for self-improvement, earning respect from all organizational hierarchical levels, discovering the best possible solutions for posed problems, providing persuasive arguments to justify your position, embodying greater insights about the motivations of others, offering better products and services to suit customers’ needs, recognizing and stay focused on key issues, and creating impact through communication (p.10).

(3) Deceptive Reasoning Techniques

The Feldman (2009) identifies deceptive reasoning techniques that distort the critical reasoning process such as: relying on irrelevant facts, oversimplifying the problem, omitting uncomfortable facts, asserting a position from a place of ignorance, utilizing cause and effect fallacy, discrediting an individual with a contradictory perspective, appealing to a large group of people, using circular reasoning, misrepresenting a conclusion of another and then attacking it, and drawing weak links between two conclusions and then criticizing it (p.12 -15).

(4) Emotional Manipulation

The author also discusses ways to detect emotional manipulation whereby a writer will use emotion to sway and manipulate the reader to adopt a certain perspective using tactics such as “inflammatory words, pressure tactics, appeals to sentiments, and ridicule” (Feldman, 2009: p. 16, 17).

This was an invaluable lesson that I can use in both my personal and professional life. It is a timeless reminder to avoid being close-minded through human natures’ egotistical and sociocentric tendencies. Instead, critical thinking involves truly listening, respecting, and understanding others’ perspectives with the goal to come to an informed decision. This lead me to the question:

What is an example in your personal or professional life where you were a strong critical thinker and brought out positive change?

 

Christina

 

Dalio, R. (2017). Principles. New York: NY. Simon & Schuster.

Feldman, D. A. (2009). Critical Thinking : Make Strategic Decisions with Confidence (Vol. 2nd ed). Rochester, NY. Axzo Press. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.student.twu.ca/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=383336&site=eds-live

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Light of Many Lamps – Part 1

I chose to read the short story about the philosopher Seneca called “True happiness is to rest satisfied with what we have” (Watson, 1951: p.8). This story has a simple message that we all need to be reminded of: being grateful leads to true happiness. Considering it is thanksgiving weekend, this story was very timely as I am reflecting on all the blessings and people in my life that I am grateful for. It is easy to get caught up in the rat race or the “keeping up with the Jones’” mentality; always trying to find the next thing that will hopefully bring happiness. However, Seneca argues that people look for happiness as if it is a destination; searching and searching without prevail. He articulates this by stating, “ True happiness… to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future…” (Watson, 1951: p.8). The timeless message that is still relevant centuries later reminds us that happiness is a state of mind. Happiness is an outlook on life; it is the destination. We have no time but the present, and nothing added in the future will unlock the key to happiness.

As a leader, sometimes it is easy to have my heart set on the next goal, objective, or quarter. I fall into the pattern where I think, “if only I could make x amount of dollars or get my organization to x position…” Evidently, it becomes never-ending as I keep reaching and striving. Leaders are obsessed with growth and helping others reach their full potential; however, this can have its drawbacks. Sometimes, it never truly leaves leaders satisfied because before they have even accomplished one particular goal, they are looking for the next target. Leaders must learn to appreciate and be thankful for every moment but also look to the future for improvement. A balance must be sought between the two spheres of a growth mentality and a thankful mentality.

This is relevant in my life because growth and never-ending self-improvement give me value. Stagnation or accepting the happy status quo is not an option for me. As a result, being grateful for the present, without continuously looking for a new goal to tackle, is a challenge for me. In the professional realm, I must appreciate the talent my organization has and not simply look for new talent that could have better skills. But, instead, I need to celebrate and be grateful for those that have transformed the business. As I seek to carry out the vision for my life (to mentor and empower women), I may become frustrated and unsatisfied by the results or lack there of. It will be my goal to be both grateful for how far I have come with my service as well as thankful that I get to continue to grow and inspire other women. Seneca encapsulates eloquently that happiness begins with being grateful for everything that we have in our life. I am very thankful that I got the opportunity to read this message this thanksgiving.

Christina

 

Watson, L.E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.

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Blog Post 4

I found that the personal assessments were very insightful into my leadership skills. I do believe that they align with my self-conception of myself because I see myself as being a futuristic, conceptual person. In addition, I believe that I have developed social judgment skills because I naturally socially adapt to a situation by taking both individual and social perspectives into consideration while leading (Northouse, 2018: p.50). Communicating the vision to followers is key. Therefore, emotional intelligence is a critical component of effective leadership. I would consider myself to be fairly emotional intelligent and the personal assessments confirmed this self-conception. If I relate this to the behavioural approach to leadership, I would fall under relationship behaviour because I value reinforcing and developing relationships with my employees (Northouse, 2018: p.75).

It was enlightening to see that one of my weaknesses is the technical side. As I seek to be a more effective well-rounded leader, this is definitely an avenue that will need further development. It will be challenging to become better at noticing details of the technical side of projects. A critical component to the skills approach is problem –solving, whereby leaders need to be creative as they solve complex or ill-defined problems (Northouse, 2018: p.48). The problem solving skills that I believe that I need to work on include problem definition, constraint analysis, planning, forecasting, and wisdom. My strengths related to problem-solving are those that are related to brainstorming and working with ideas and concepts, such as creative thinking, visioning, and idea evaluation (Northouse, 2018: p. 48). In my past experiences, I usually assigned others to tasks that would compensate for my weaknesses. However, this assignment made me realize the importance of increasing my competency with regards to the technical side. If I were to apply this to the behavioural approach, my weakness would be tasks behaviours related to initiating structure and production orientation (Northouse, 2018: p.74, 75). I found this exercise to be enlightening because it provided insights into how I can become a more effective leader.

Christina

 

Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: theory and practice (Eighth ed.). Thousand Oaks. Sage Publications.