Module 2 Assessing Leadership

As I reflect on leaders that I have worked with or observed, I think back to my anatomy and physiology teacher during high school. She had the opportunity to implement technological change, and was a leader to other teachers and students while doing so.

When I attended high school, I was the class that was on the cusp of "digital homework." In most of my classes, we were still doing schoolwork solely with paper and pencil. However, my anatomy teacher had the opportunity to integrate technology use into our everyday homework assignments. She took on a democratic leadership style-allowing us (the students) to participate and give feedback.

Our teacher allowed time for us to become adjusted to the new computerized homework assignments. There was even before/after school time and class time to work on the homework assignments. (It was very accommodating for those of us that were still coping with a dial-up internet connection!)

I believe that some of the reasons why her leadership efforts were successful were due to her value of human resources (i.e., the students and our individual needs), and the shared vision. As students, we had a desire to learn the material well and grasp concepts, and our teacher shared the same wishes.

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I scored a 65 on the first leadership assessment. This was in the bottom area of the "excellent" leader score. I was honestly surprised that I scored so high-I didn't think my score would be so good. I feel that I am lacking in the leadership skills department. The lack of confidence most likely stems from being young, I believe.

Here are my personal characteristics-

Successful leaders tend to have certain traits. Two keys areas of personal growth and development are fundamental to leadership success: self-confidence, and a positive attitude.

Self-confident people are usually inspiring, and people like to be around individuals who believe in themselves and in what they're doing. Likewise, if you're a positive and optimistic person who tries to make the best of any situation, you'll find it much easier to motivate people to do their best.

 I think that this assessment really hit the nail on the head. I would definitely consider my two weaknesses to be maintaining a positive attitude and healthy self-confidence. It's funny, because these two attributes actually seem to go hand in hand. Improving upon these characteristics would immensely help my leadership abilities.

On the second leadership assessment, my lowest score belonged to Creating Clarity: Visioning and Mobilizing. This honestly didn't surprise me, because it involved communicating and collaborating. As you already know, this happens to be one of my weaknesses. It most likely stems from low self-confidence and less than a positive attitude. 

My goal if to be a leader of great self-confidence with a positive outlook. Improving upon these qualities will enhance my level of trustworthiness with colleagues as well. I will strive to be the person that people look up to and professionally admire.