Introduction
Working in the University as nursing demonstrator and clinical instructor in leadership and management module, my role is to assist students, evaluate their presentations, overlook their projects, and supervise them in the clinical area. Therefore, I am leading, instructing, and making decisions. However, making a decision sometimes seems very difficult. I noticed that I am unable to make a good decision in my work, as I frequently face unusual problems (non-programmed), such as nurse managers being uncooperative with students, and refusing to give them clinical practice in some units. I feel there is no easy solution and therefore I become highly stressed, and cannot think clearly, and need to help.
Decision-making is an essential activity for managers and leaders (Hoff, 2004). However, it should be noted that the process of decision-making is important for all individuals in their lives (Holistic Management, 2000). Harris (2009) stated that bad decision-making from choosing incorrect alternatives results in anxiety, uncomfortable feelings, and time wasting.
The aim of this paper is to develop a Personal Development Plan (PDP) to improve my decision-making skills, starting from 7 January to 7 September 2010, to be effective when I return to my fieldwork. Firstly, I will evaluate my leadership strengths and weaknesses. Secondly, I will review decision-making through the literature (my PDP will be stated in the appendix). Finally, I will deliver my PDP with decision-making processes based on evidence and practice.
Leadership strengths and weaknesses
In terms of my leadership strengths and weaknesses, there are several tools that can be used to evaluate myself. However, it is reported that the 360 degree tool is accurate and accepted by other individuals (Garavan, Morley and Flynn, 1997). With 360 degree, I discovered that I am a good planner and have the ability to prioritise my goals with a rate of 8 out of 10, and 7
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