Richard Step Strengths Test
After completion of the Richard Step Strengths Test, the assessment indicated my top five strengths as faith, integrity, optimism, resourcefulness, and leadership; with balance as the bottom weakness. These results are indicative of my personality, depending on the situation. Whether in the workplace or volunteering for a community event, it is important I see the purpose of my contribution. Learning about other people's background and culture helps me to appreciate and understand their experiences. In the video, On Leadership A Discussion with Robert Hogan, he stated one of the traits followers want in leaders, is integrity. Therefore, I was glad this quality was indicated as one of my top strengths as I attempt to display this attribute
in my professional and personal life. Although, when faced with ethical dilemmas where I made the wrong choice, I try to learn from each experience. Individuals who are honest and have integrity with employees, stakeholders, and the general public, are considered effective leaders (Daft, 2016). That is not to say every decision made will be the correct resolution. However, if followers believe the decision is made with honesty and integrity, they are more likely to support their leader.
Being optimistic and resourceful helps me to be able to look at the positive side of people or things and make the most out of the situations at hand. Visualizing challenges from a different perspective or providing others with the opportunity to be creative in solving a problem instills hope and creates a positive environment (Daft, 2016). In my current position, it is very easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless due to the nature of the business. However, reminding myself and my team of our purpose and goals, help us stay focused and dedicated to the mission.
Although the leadership trait was included in my top five strengths, it is still an area I feel I am developing as I gain more confidence in my ability to assert myself in challenging situations. The democratic style of leadership, which designates authority to others, best describes my leadership approach (Daft, 2016). Seeking team participation and assigning projects to staff, builds their confidence and broadens their depth and breadth of responsibilities. Finally, my bottom weakness was rated as, balance. Although I am able to adapt to surprises, I like structure but tend to take on too much at one time. Understanding my strengths and learning how to utilize them in the different roles I function, will help me to a more overall effective leader.
in my professional and personal life. Although, when faced with ethical dilemmas where I made the wrong choice, I try to learn from each experience. Individuals who are honest and have integrity with employees, stakeholders, and the general public, are considered effective leaders (Daft, 2016). That is not to say every decision made will be the correct resolution. However, if followers believe the decision is made with honesty and integrity, they are more likely to support their leader.
Being optimistic and resourceful helps me to be able to look at the positive side of people or things and make the most out of the situations at hand. Visualizing challenges from a different perspective or providing others with the opportunity to be creative in solving a problem instills hope and creates a positive environment (Daft, 2016). In my current position, it is very easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless due to the nature of the business. However, reminding myself and my team of our purpose and goals, help us stay focused and dedicated to the mission.
Although the leadership trait was included in my top five strengths, it is still an area I feel I am developing as I gain more confidence in my ability to assert myself in challenging situations. The democratic style of leadership, which designates authority to others, best describes my leadership approach (Daft, 2016). Seeking team participation and assigning projects to staff, builds their confidence and broadens their depth and breadth of responsibilities. Finally, my bottom weakness was rated as, balance. Although I am able to adapt to surprises, I like structure but tend to take on too much at one time. Understanding my strengths and learning how to utilize them in the different roles I function, will help me to a more overall effective leader.