Task -
The individual assignment is a 'learning journal'. In completing your journal you will self assess yourself against a number of leadership ideals, so that you may develop a deeper understanding of the importance of self-awareness in relation to leadership? Your learning journal is based on your insights and provides you with an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which the issues and concepts raised in the course affect you personally in your role as a manager and leader.
Purpose of the Learning Journal -
Management research indicates that developing self-awareness has several advantages: personal growth, career development, and an enhanced ability to understand and have empathy with others. In their studies of managerial and executive derailment, the Center for Creative Leadership found that successful managers: (1) understand their values, personal styles, and strengths and weaknesses; (2) know the impact of these values, styles, strengths and weaknesses, on their ability to effectively work with others and achieve their goals; and (3) are quick to reflect upon and learn from their own experiences.
Despite these advantages, we often resist opportunities to increase our self-awareness. We try to protect our self-esteem. We fear that learning something new about ourselves will be painful or may require us to change. We may think that we already know ourselves well enough. Or we may not want to take the time out of our busy schedules to engage in self-reflection. In short, developing a willingness and ability to engage in self-reflection, is a critical leadership skill that is not easily learned yet reaps many rewards.
Keeping a learning journal is a structured way to develop this skill. This journal is a confidential, written record of your personal development through the class. The learning journal helps you to reflect on how your personal styles influence your interpersonal relationships, particularly in your role as a manager and leader.
The completed assignment should be about 2000 words and double spaced. Your learning journal is a confidential document. Only your course facilitator will read it. You are required to identify your learning journal by your name and student number.
Learning Journal Requirements
In addition to your reflections on your own selection of concepts from the course, you need to show evidence of the following self analysis:
1. Choose four areas in Leadership for your self-analysis.
2. Summarize the results of your self-assessments in your learning journal.
3. Share your conclusions with someone you trust and respect. Ask them for their reactions and comments.
4. Discuss in the journal:
- What you learned about yourself.
- How your perceptions of yourself are similar and different from the perceptions of the person with whom you discussed yourself assessments.
- How your style could affect your relationship with others, particularly your work relationships. Consider its influence on how you see and relate to others, how others react toward you, and implications for the kind of work you prefer.
- Given this information, what can you do to take advantage of your strengths and minimize your weaknesses as a manager/leader?