Personal Narrative: My Network Assessment

My network assessment revealed that I have a medium size, medium density network of colleagues. This provides me with both closure and brokerage opportunities. Because my network is minuscule and dense, the avenues to access innovative ideas, resources, and opportunities are abundant. Having a high level of trust and confidence in the individuals in my network provides me with an opportunity to execute plans between people in my network and myself. Because of the strong ties and positive nature within my network, the likelihood of meeting goals and receiving favorable outcomes with potential opportunities and networking possibilities. Unfortunately, the downside to being involved in such a dense network is that it can adversely affect my leadership
potential. A medium density network is, in a sense, a narrow net. Consequently, when advocating for myself for advanced positions, a wider net is necessary. Leadership potential is easier to develop when strong relationships within my company are established. Because of this, I have gained the motivation to develop strong professional relationships with coworkers in hopes of utilizing these relationships as a resource for potential advancements within my career. A diverse network allows access to creative ideas and resources. Friends of different gender, race, and age also advance that opportunity. Based on the feedback provided, if I wish to advance further as a professional it is prudent for me to grow my network beyond the close relationships with friends and fellow students. Expansion of diversity within my network will prove to be beneficial in the future.
The motivational assessment was eerily spot on.
I am a high promotion-focused individual, striving every day to perform my job to the best of my ability. The upside to this is the ability to foster creative, abstract, and forward thinking. Themes and patterns are easily noticeable to an individual with a motivational style similar to mine. However, there are weaknesses to being a high promotion individual. I can be careless and commit avoidable errors, or I could undergo a risk on something that does not pay off. Another weakness listed is saying “yes” to several tasks and ending up overwhelmed. This one specifically strikes home, as I do not benefit from telling my boss that I cannot accomplish something, consequently, it has proven problematic for me. Low prevention-focus means that I might have trouble with thoughtful planning, anticipating problems, and being detail oriented. However, it has benefits. I do not hesitate to switch gears when necessary, nor do I move at a slow pace to avoid errors. This ties directly into my high promotion-focus that can label yours truly careless and commit avoidable errors. Once I start something, I prefer to finish and distractions can be frustrating. Putting an emphasis on a decisions likelihood of success, in addition to being decisive is an attribute of a strong locomotor. Discovering myself as a high locomotor since it is a valuable quality in becoming a leader, something I strive to be now and in the future. Getting your bearings, not rushing into a decision without comparing pros and cons, is a quality that high assessors have, it is also a valuable quality of a leader. Critical evaluation of myself and others is a trait associated with this motivational style. Sensitivity to mistakes and setbacks is another attribute of high assessors, subsequently, it is likely that I will learn from mistakes, and not repeat them. Placing an emphasis on potential value in the decision-making process, and considering options thoroughly
is another characteristic of this motivational style.
All in all, I learned a great deal about myself and my network. I was given detailed information on areas of weakness that I need to be mindful of, as well as strengths that I can use to my advantage in the future. Developing my network is of the utmost importance considering the size and density that is available in the present that could hinder my ability to advance in my profession.