Myself as a Leader

 A leader also needs to make sure that these future leaders feel confident and empowered to take up the challenge of leadership. Being part of many teams, I have also had my share of leadership especially in school and organizational activities. In every group I led, I made sure that jobs were evenly distributed based on the expertise and interest of the person. The project should be a group effort.

I made sure that everyone shared their opinion and contributed in creating ideas and action plans. Although we did not and could not follow through on every single idea, knowing that their input was important and considered gave every member a feeling of empowerment and self-assurance. They felt more secure and trusting towards the team. It also made them more passionate and interested with working for the goal because they were part of the creation of this shared vision. Although it was not totally their own idea, they still helped shape the idea and did not feel compelled to work on something that was alien to them.

My experience as a member of the team helped me realize just how important team leaders are, as well as the influence they have over their members. Their simplest comment can cause teams to crumble or work harder. I appreciated learning how a leader’s action and beliefs can help shape the team’s performance because it made me aware of the responsibility now that I have chances of being a leader. I was fortunate enough to have experienced being handled by many good team leads. They gave me aspirations and understanding of what makes a good leader.

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I also appreciated being led by my negative–thinking lead. It has shown me what a leader should not be and gave me a lesson for discerning which ones I should follow. Conclusion In teams, we see the adage of strength in numbers is true. Most of the time, however, the strongest number is one. The team begins with one, and it will end if there is only one. Leaders are and need to be that one. They need to be the one who provides direction, inspiration, and strength for the entire team.

References

1. Church, AH. The power of teamwork--fact or fiction. Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Inc [online]. 2006; Available at: http://www. siop. org/tip%5Cbackissues%5Ctipoct96%5C/church. aspx. Accessed 25 November 2008.

2. Kouzes JM, Posner, BZ. The Leadership Challenge Workbook. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass; 2003.

3. Changing Minds.The leadership challenge. Available at: http://changingminds. org/books/book_reviews/kouzes_posner. htm. Accessed 15 January 2009.

4. Lewis, JJ. Leadership quotes. Wisdom Quotes. Available at: http://www. wisdomquotes. com/cat_leadership. html. Accessed 21 January 2009.

A Critical Evaluation of Myself

Life is a continuous succession of events. The happiest incidents always linger in our minds as sweet memories. The most memorable incident in my life is the transition of Hong Kong into an integral part of the great country China. This brought about great changes in the life style and the political affairs of the people.

I am proud to be a Chinese citizen now. Actually, I was born in Shanghai and brought up in Hong Kong. I consider myself to be very lucky to be the part of a very large country with a glorious past and a rich cultural heritage. The ‘great wall of china’ is one of the greatest wonders of the world. This beautiful structure clearly demonstrates the glory and power of ancient China.

Growing up in modern Hong Kong was a great opportunity. Hong Kong has an international culture firmly rooted in age-old Chinese traditions. Life in Hong offers a fine blend of tradition and modernity. My life itself is proof of this wonderful fusion.

Though I come from a traditional family, I was given the freedom to choose my life and pursue my career. I chose to major in art for my graduation. This may appear a bit odd for a person living in a commercial metropolis like Hong Kong. My ambition is to become a great artist. I believe I can achieve my dream because I am a very imaginative person. My specialization is photography and each time before I take a picture, I imagine how it would look like. This critical thinking power has greatly helped me to become an excellent photographer.

All great countries are built upon the solid foundations of their culture. A number of great kings belonging to different dynasties who ruled China built up its great traditions. I love the Tong dynasty very much because they had developed China into a very powerful nation. Today China is a modern nation built upon the foundation of its tradition and culture.

The success of a country is defined by its harmonious blending of the past and the present as in the case of Japan as well. The Japanese are rooted in history and tradition, but they are ready to embrace the new as my Japanese friend Satoko Nishikawa (2009) says: “ In the city, there are tall buildings and old temples next to each other.

Japanese culture is very traditional but at the same time people like to embrace the new. Japanese try to find a guide into tomorrow by taking lessons from the past”. Similarly, my other Japanese friend, Lidia Asato talks about the advantages of the fusion or blending of two diametrically opposed cultures. Born and brought up in Peru, Lidia  Asato (2009) though a full-blooded Japanese, grew up imbibing the Peruvian culture. Unlike the Japanese who are low profile and disciplined, the Peruvians are extroverts with a sense of humor.

Mylinh Phu (2009), my Vietnamese friend also believes in accepting other culture without losing one’s own identity by declaring that “I grew up in America but I am proud to be a Vietnamese.  I still maintain my own culture by teaching my children how to speak Vietnamese”. This attitude is a clear proof of the power of critical thinking in myself as well as in my friends.

A Time That I Felt Proud Of Myself

After a few minutes, the ids' swimming instructor started to notice me and my aunt, so she came towards us; she introduced herself and then asked if I had an appointment. I told her that I had an appointment with Ms. Jane. She seemed clueless but sent me to change into my bathing suit while waiting for Ms. Jane to arrive. I did what she said; my aunt and I went to the locker room, and I could still feel my body was so tense. Had to calm myself, so I began to chant in my head, "You can do it! You need do it for yourself and for your diploma! " When was done changing into my bathing suit, walked by the side of the pool. Eared at the blue water at first and felt like a fool who did not know what do. I was debating in my head if should practice first a little bit or wait for my instructor, but eventually I got into the pool and treaded water, which was my weakest skill. Attempted to do it for one minute but after few seconds could not keep kicking my legs, so I went to hold on the side of the pool; imagining myself with nothing to hold on to while taking my feet to the bottom really scared me to death. After an hour of trying and waiting, I began feel more anxious and impatient because Ms.

Jane was still not there. I felt like giving up, but I had to remind myself that I did not want to do this test at another time; I wanted to get over this fear and not to worry about it anymore. Then, I saw Ms. Sioux coming in my direction, and then she told me that she received a message that Ms. Jane was not going to make it tonight. However, she could substitute for my swimming test. When Ms. Sioux finished teaching the kids' swimming lessons, she came towards me and asked if I was ready for my swimming test; I kept my face calm and said "yes," even though pep inside I was shaking.

Then she instructed what I had to do in my test; so the first thing was the freestyle stroke which was also the easiest one, in my opinion. Started by pushing off the wall with my legs while facing forward. At first, I was worried when I swam across the pool back and forth, but in the end, Ms. Sioux told me I did a great job doing it. Then, the second thing that had to do was the backstroke; I began to think negatively like what if I might bump my head to the wall? What if I could not swim straight while doing it?

There were so many what ifs in my mind, but I pushed them away and took a deep breath. I floated on my back, relaxed my head, and then started to kick my legs backward and forward. I moved alternately both left and right arms. Just like what did in the freestyle stroke, I swam back and forth across the length of the pool. One thing that only bothered me was I got short of breath easily and felt like was drowning when was not inhaling that much. Ms. Sioux told me that the last thing I had to do in my test was one minute treading water, which was my worst nightmare.

Panic started to rise up in my chest, but I kept repeating in my head that I had to get over this. Started kicking with my legs and moved both my arms Fontana and backward horizontally. Had a hard time though keeping my head above, and it felt like the water made it hard for me to move also. I only had twenty seconds, but I started to feel tired and was about to sink in, so swam toward the side of the pool. Wanted to cry in frustration because I felt like a failure. Ms. Sioux told me to take my time and did not have to rush because I only had one last chance to do it.

I took a deep breath before my last attempt. When she said "go," started again, but then I could feel my arms and legs really ache and was having difficulty breathing. I was really about to give up, but then I remembered that I had to get over this or else I was not going to get my diploma. It was my last chance, so I kept repeating in my head, can do it! It is now or never; just ignore the pain! " I tried to calm myself and concentrate on my breathing. Thought positive things until I didn't know my one-minute was over. I could not believe it at first that I really did it, but Ms.

Sioux congratulated me and made me write my name on a piece of paper that she would send to my principal. My aunt Jan Nell congratulated me as well, then I began to call my friends and my parents, but one thing that I would never forget was what my mom told me on the phone, "I'm so proud of you! Could not believe that you finally overcame your fear and accomplished all your graduation requirements. Keep this lesson with you: do not let any fear stop you from getting further in your life and achieving your goal. And even if you did not pass your swimming test... Always remember, I would still be proud of you. "

Characteristics of myself

Characteristics of Myself Kerri Larson Organizational Behavior Southern Institute of Technology Personality can be defined by the characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that "determine how an individual reacts to and interacts with others" (Nancy, Robbins, & Judge, 2014, p. 42). It is very important as it helps define what type of person you are. An individual's characteristics play a large role when it comes to understanding one another. These patterns make every individual unique and distinct from each other.

When I think of personality, I think of it as someone's entire being including perception, learning and titivation. Inner awareness of self and person-situation interaction make up an individual's personality. When I think of my personality, I like to assume I can describe myself as sociable, motivated and ambitious. These characteristics I believe really were ingrained as core values in my life after working hard from such a young age. Having understood the importance of personality, attitudes, values relating to motivation in the workplace, I reflected on my own personality and how it has affected me and the individuals work with.

Growing up, my family wasn't wealthy. My parents aired extremely young and my sister and were born not too long after. I don't remember things in a negative way as a child, but after my parents divorced, things were different. We never had money to buy the toys wanted or go on the trips like my friends. I remember growing up thinking that my friends had what they wanted so why couldn't we. My parents both remarried a few years later and my step-parents were now permanently in the picture. Since my father moved away, my step-father ensured that we had discipline in our life.

There were never enough chores to do and work to be done round the house. My step-father was teaching me work ethic at that age and had no idea how chores would shape the way I work today. It was my fourteenth birthday and as would have said at the time, I was "made" to look for a job before I could play with my friends. I did as I was told, and got a part time job working at a fast food restaurant. This was obviously not my dream job and after a couple of job changes, I worked full time throughout high school earning money to pay for things wanted.

Of course I did not always make the best decisions, but I learned that nothing comes for free and that o have to work hard to get a head in life. When I look back at this, I don't see punishment but a form of discipline which has made me who I am today. Worked endless hours, two jobs at a time and even though wasn't making exponential amounts of money, I was supporting myself and doing the things that wanted. I remember thinking to myself that never wanted to live on the bare minimum. I didn't need the finest things in life, but comfortable living was something I couldn't live without.

Although gained the value of a hard work ethic and discipline, I was yet to receive another life challenge that loud shape my attitudes and values. I was born in Slave Lake, Alberta on May 11, 1984. I was raised and continued to live in Slave Lake throughout my life. Remember the phone call clear as day from my mother. I was coming home from a beach holiday with my boyfriend at the time and I had heard the news that my aunt and uncle had lost their home to a wildfire near town. We had a long drive from Calgary the next day, so we decided to come home early.

We arrived, unpacked and headed to the store to get food. There was threat that town could be under alert, but nothing had happened. We decided o go for lunch at Subway and then go home to pack a bag, just in case. I remember the truck radio on before we went inside stating "I repeat, we are not under evacuation notice". We ordered our lunch and got back in the truck. There was no radio when we started the drive home. As we drove closer to our home, which was only a five minute drive away, the smoke got thicker and we noticed more and more cars evacuating the area.

The wind had pickup for so much that the shingles were ripping off our roof like Evolve. The police arrived to our door at the same time as we arrived and stated we had eve minutes to evacuate and leave. The fire was going to hit town. On May 14th, 2011, evacuated my home and sat across the highway in a nearby parking lot watching my home being engulfed in flames. I arrived home at 1 :pm and was evacuated by 4:pm. I was 27 years old and my life at that moment changed forever. Three hundred and seventy eight homes burnt down including my parents. There was nothing left to salvage.

I lost my job and broke up with my boyfriend of three years. Although my life was tested, I picked up my life, moved to Calgary and took a job with TACO Structures & Logistics. Darted in as a temporary entry-level position with a chance to stay on permanent. I worked hard for long hours, stayed motivated and showed the organization that I deserved to be there permanently. Within six months, I was asked to stay on and have been with them ever since. I learned not only that hard work pays off, but staying motivated and ambitious were also key factors to my new success.

After almost four years and three promotions, am managing a small team in our Calgary office. I can honestly say, that even though the fire destroyed many lives, my life has done nothing but grow in a costive way. I see life differently and try not to take the little things for granted. I am more motivated to live a more positive life and ensure that I help others and my community as much as can. When I think how this has shaped my life, I am more motivated to succeed not only at work, but in life as well.

Since I started working in Calgary, can admit that it hasn't been perfect. I have had much change in managers and team members and when you look for stability in your work environment, these constant changes make a huge impact. I was recently in a situation where I faced a situation where I isn't sure could work for my organization anymore. There are certain things need and look for when working and as time went on, these values Were being tested more and more. When I think Of what I need as an employee or even an individual, trust is probably the more important characteristic.

My manager is the person should be able to trust with my work, comments, feedback and criticism. Was assigned to a large task by my manager which would be completed in a few weeks. At the end of the task, I was required to summarize any issues and work with departments on corrective actions. When it came down to summarizing with my manager, he hose to consult another employee who was not involved. I felt betrayed that my manager did not trust my judgment and decisions. Wasn't aware of how much trust and support meant to me and what the value of that meant as an individual. Also felt since I am a young professional, there was distrust based on the fact that there was a generational difference between my manager and I. Research suggests that generational differences exist in the workplace among the Baby Boomers (born between the mid-sass and the mid-sass), the Generation Seers (born between the mid-sass and the late sass), and he Generation Yes (born between 1979 and 1994). (Nancy, Robbins, & Judge, 2014, p. 80) My manager was a baby boomer while am a Generation Y and was one of the only Gene. Y on our team. Let that since I was younger, was not trusted due to the lack of knowledge and understanding which made me feel weak and not respected. My negative emotions ultimately sabotaged how felt about myself and my work ethic. Negative emotions can led to a number of deviant workplace behaviors. Anyone who has spent much time in an organization realizes that people often engage in voluntary actions that elate established norms and threaten the organization, its members, or both. (Nancy, Robbins, & Judge, 2014, p. 58) Trust is important.

If you don't have trust, then how can anything else follow? The foundations of demodulating and leadership are built on trust. A few weeks went by and the disappointment turned to anger. I could no longer have displayed emotions, "those that the organization requires employees to show and considers appropriate in a given job" (Nancy, Robbins, & Judge, 2014, p. 55). My felt emotions, "an individual's actual emotions" (Nancy, Robbins, & Judge, 2014, p. 5), were surfacing and the office was becoming an unbearable place to be.

I was so disappointed I had to talk to someone, which led me to a small room with human resources. The disappointment built from such a small Issue, that felt I could almost leave the organization which wasn't the most rational decision. We must have the ability to experience emotions to be rational. (Nancy, Robbins, & Judge, 2014, p. 56). The value of trust was so important to me, that felt could no longer work there or it would lead from negative emotions to something worse. The key to good decision making is to employ tooth thinking and feeling in our decisions. Nancy, Robbins, & Judge, 2014, p. 56). After discussing my options and realizing that the choice of resigning was not the option for me, I decided to think positive and overcome the negative aspects of the scenario. What I also realized that this made me more motivated as an individual to prove that I was capable at completing and excelling in my career. I knew that was competent and hardworking and that one small issue was not going to deter me from proving to my manager and myself that was qualified to be there. I was taking a more proactive approach to my personality.

People with a proactive personality identify opportunities, show initiatives, take action and persevere until meaningful change occurs. (Nancy, Robbins, & Judge, 2014, p. 52). In the end I was given the different opportunity to work for another leader. I used this opportunity and took that motivation and was honest with my new manager. I spoke up about the values and motivation I was looking for in a leader and that if this was provided to me, I would provide the same. I took my negative emotions and transformed them into something positive.

Because of this, I was also remoter to manage the team I worked in. Even though he was also another Baby Boomer, we both held the same opinion on trust and taking pride in your work. I used the opportunity to motivate my team when they felt discouraged and ensured that instead of mistrusting them, that they had the opportunity to show me as a leader, what they were capable of. I am not the perfect manager, but ensure that my team sees the importance of bringing themselves and values into their work and that each person brings something different to the table.

Motivating them to see that everyone's opinion is important and how this makes a bigger impact in the workplace. It not only betters them, but betters our organization. When I think of the meaning of the values I've gained over the years, they have ultimately defined what person I am today. I maintain my integrity because I apply these values to my life in whatever situation I am in. Since an individual's effectiveness in the workplace often depends on his/her personality, attitudes and values, along with his/her motivation to succeed, it is important to understanding these characteristics of individuals.

Considering these characteristics can be crucial or an organization to operate successfully. At the same time, it is essential that individuals understand the values associated with the organization in order to avoid any conflicting feelings toward the work they are employed to do. By recognizing and appreciating each others characteristics, values and behaviors, employees and the organizations they are part of, form a highly- beneficial symbolic relationship. Thus, it becomes imperative for employees to remain motivated and for organizations to keep them motivated.

Recognizing the importance of personality, attitudes, values and motivations s something that everyone needs to do in life. I personally believe that people are tested and that this importance isn't realized at the same time in life. People face different external forces and life is never the same for everyone. Personalities are important to recognize as it strongly influences one's expectations, self-perceptions, values and attitudes. (Wisped). Understanding your own personality as well as others gives you the ability to communicate effectively and understand others better.

When you have the ability to understand others personality as well as your own, you gain the ability to recognize what motivates them, what is and is not important to them and where attitudes exist. It is also important to understand the difference between personality and attitudes. Attitudes can change more frequently where personality is more deeply ingrained. In organizations, attitudes are important because they affect job behavior. Employees may believe, for example, that supervisors, auditors, managers, and time-and- motion engineers are all conspiring to make them work harder for the same or less money.

This may then lead to a negative attitude toward management hen an employee is asked to stay late and help on a special project. (Nancy, Robbins, & Judge, 2014, p. 88). Attitudes are our feelings towards certain ideas or issues. They become almost contagious and can be greatly influential among peers and co-workers. Our attitudes are the manifestation of our values and they are expressed through what we say or do and reflect a person's sense of right and wrong or what "ought" to be. Values tend to influence attitudes and behavior and are an integral part of every culture.

With worldview and personality, they generate behavior. Being part of a ultra that shares a common core set of values creates expectations and predictability without which a culture would disintegrate and its members would lose their personal identity and sense of worth. Values tell people what is good, beneficial, important, useful, beautiful, desirable and constructive. They answer the question of why people do what they do. Integrity alongside values is equally important to the workplace.

It gives individuals the ability to bring themselves and their personalities to the organization but stay to true the organizations values as well. Integrity, strong ethics and values are crucial o an organization's success not only because the individuals understand what is right and wrong is, but they practice this in all they do. Work ethics can be described as not only how someone feel about their job or career, but also how someone does his/her job or responsibilities. This involves attitude, behavior, respect and communication.

When you reflect on the importance of personality, values and attitudes and how they contribute to motivation in the workplace, it is equally important to remember that they all have different influences on different motivational processes. Motivation is different for very individual as each person's preferences are different. Moreover, there are also external drivers of motivation. Those external drivers contribute to the level of the motivation of employees in terms of better performance within organizations. The core thing of motivation is to give people what they really want most from the work.

The more the managers provide what they want, the more they can expect what they are looking for like productivity, quality, and services. A positive motivation philosophy and practice should improve productivity, quality, and service. Motivation helps people to achieve locals, to gain a positive perspective, to create the power to change, to build self-esteem and capability, to explore potentiality with creativity, to manage their own developments and their own abilities. When I consider my workplace and co-workers, I attempt to ensure that I bring my values and my personality to work every day.

Of course I was not always like this and there were days when I am not so motivated and ambitious. As well when I consider all the external forces one experiences on a day to day basis, personality is always changing. Ironically my workplace offers a similar course o this course and I learned a little about organizational behavior prior to registering. One of the most interesting parts of the course was that I participated in a personality report and the results were not necessarily new or surprising, but realized how much my personality affects others.

We took part in the DiSC Workplace model and had flying colors in dominance. I'm highly motivated, direct, result-orientated and focus on success and growth. Upon returning to work, I was adamant that one of my key co-workers take the same profile report. We used this opportunity to understand what each there's personality type was and what influenced and motivated each other. Even though we work so well together and have a great working relationship, it was still beneficial to understand what her priorities and influences were.

I could better understand her as a person and become a more effective leader. The other interesting factor I learned was that I am very task/job driven. I am extremely motivated by personal success and job-related functions. I learned that need to ensure that I consider others and contribute more to how they are feeling and what personally motivates them. When focused on completely ark or a project, need to also consider that factors such as personality, work ethic, values, skillet and knowledge all contribute to the quality of work rather than deadlines, budget and resources.

I feel now that even though this was such a small opportunity to participate and understand how complex personalities are, learned so much about howl really affect and influence others. Understand why it is important to recognize what my values are and how my personality is affects others. In conclusion, the key point is that personalities, attitudes and values all contribute to motivation in individuals n different ways. It is what is unique about us that define how these characteristics contribute and shape who we are as individuals.

Discovering Yourself Reflective Essay

Katrina Wright Reflective Paper February 27, 2010 PDC-111 “Discovering Yourself” The topic “Discovering Yourself” was about the many different learning styles. This topic also was about how different individuals use various learning styles. My favorite assignments that I completed when this topic was covered are the Discovery Wheel and the Learning Style Inventory. The Discovery Wheel weighed strengthens and weaknesses of self- discovery, career planning, time, reading, notes, and tests. The Learning Style Inventory measured the importance of things

From “Discovering Yourself” I gained knowledge about how to become a better learner and utilize the skills in school and in the workplace. I also feel this topic was beneficial because it taught me things I never knew about myself. I never realized that I needed to practice time management skills. I learned that I am a good career planner and a good note taker. I also learned that I must practice managing time and taking tests. I discovered that some people learn better by hearing, others by seeing, and others by doing. Additionally, I learned I am a visual learner. This topic means a lot to me because it helped me find myself. Discovering Yourself” has helped me be successful in college by showing me skills I need to practice. I can apply the knowledge I gained from the assignments completed on this topic to school and at work. I can apply what I learned from this chapter in school by acknowledging that I am a visual learner. For example, if something is said during a class lecture instead of relying on memory, I will write it down to better understand. I can apply practicing time management to the work field. For instance, if my boss says there is a meeting on the second Friday of every month, I would write it in a planner to help me better manage my time. Tests” The topic “Tests” was about how to become a better test taker and what to do before and during a test. This chapter covered memory techniques for taking test. Additionally, this topic was about why you should not cheat on tests. My favorite assignments that I completed in this chapter were journal entries16 and 18. In journal entry 16, I was instructed to look back on a time I had difficulties taking a test. In journal entry 18, I was instructed to make a list of excuses I make to avoid taking a test. From the chapter “Tests” I gained knowledge about how to become a better test taker.

This topic was beneficial because I feel it entailed valuable information that is important for now and in the future. I learned that the key to mastering a test is study, study, study. I also was taught that if you are relaxed you retain text quickly and remember it more accurately. Furthermore, I learned to use mnemonic devices to remember things. This topic means a lot to me because it is important in everyday life. In my opinion, “Tests” will help me in college because it has taught me how to do well on test, which will improve my grades. I can apply the knowledge I gained from this chapter’s assignments to work and school.

I can apply what I learned about being relaxed to work. For example, if I were given an assessment at work about what was covered at training; I would know to be calm so I could recall events the events at training. I can also apply mnemonic devices to work. For instance, if I was a grade school teacher I could use the mnemonic device Roy G. Biv to help children learn their colors. I can utilize mnemonic devices in school while taking a math test. I would use PEMDAS. (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally) to remember the order of operations. “Time” The topic “Time” is about how to stop procrastination, organizing time, and managing time.

It is also about how to use a long-term planner. My favorite assignments that I completed in this chapter were journal entry 8 and critical thinking exercise 14. Journal entry 8 instructed me to think about a time I waited until the last minute to complete an assignment and the repercussions of procrastination. Critical thinking 14 directed me to complete a planner for a whole week’s activity. From the chapter “Time” I gained knowledge on how to spend time productively. This chapter taught me not to procrastinate and to plan for future. This chapter was beneficial to me it had important information about how to use time. Time” means a lot to me because it taught me not to let life pass me by. I feel this chapter will help me succeed in college because it showed me the importance of planning, which will make planning to complete assignments easier. I can apply the knowledge I gained from this chapter’s assignments to work and school. I can apply not procrastination to school. For example, if I were given an assignment two weeks before it was due I would do it in advance to ensure quality. I can also apply not procrastinating to work. For instance, if I wanted to become a police officer I would start getting in shape now to do well on the physical health test.

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