Francisco A. Martínez
San Diego State University What I have gathered from the description posted online about the “Model the Way” category, is that an exemplary leader sets the example of the behavior that the leader wishes to see in the world. Based on the self-assessment, the report says I scored an 18 out of 30. The average score of the observers gave me for this category was a 25.7. The lowest score being a 23 and the highest being a 27.The first thing I noticed from the report was that I for the majority of the questions, the average for Observers was always higher than the score for the self-assessment. I was reminded of the attitude I had when I took the self-assessment. Authenticity …show more content…
and personal growth were the two things that were on my mind as I answered each question for honest responses are essential to accurate results. Though that is the mindset that I adopted when taking the assessment, I cannot help but feel as if I answered the questions with a low number on the scale knowing that Observers would rate me higher protecting me from a potentially unpleasant truth. Another thought that crossed my mind was a problem that people in my life have mentioned to me: low self-esteem. I have acknowledged this possibility and have worked on reversing the problem. However, I feel as if my low self-esteem manifests itself ever so often. I believe both the fear of an unpleasant truth and signs of low self-esteem are symptoms of a deep insecurity that it slowly deteriorating. After reflecting on the two symptoms of a larger issue, I am confident that I answered the assessment questions to the best of my ability. With regards to the report, the average score of Observers was higher than the score from the self-assessment. The average response of Observers was 4.0 or higher with the exception of two questions in which I received a 3.9. After looking at the summary of all the sections, I went on to review the independent questions. Looking through the responses, I could not help but notice that Observer 7 gave me the lowest ratings overall: seven 3s, three 2s, and a single 1. Seeing the ratings for this observer intrigued me more than upset or shock me. I was curious about who the person that rated me on the assessment. The setting in which the person knew me must be a recent one and/or they must have been critical when filling out questionnaire. Nonetheless, the score I was given set me off in a reflective state, wondering how I could change my behavior for the good of the organization. I then proceeded to be more analytical of the scores, learning that the low scores were outliers. This led to me concluding that setting in which the person knew me was a recent one in which I had not spread my wings yet, so to speak. Still, I am in search of increasing the benefits I bring to the table with my presence. The top three skills or areas I wish to improve on are as follows: inspiration (Inspire a Shared Vision), innovation (Challenge the Process), and integrity (Model the Way).
There were two questions in which I received a 2 from an observer, both questions revolved around communicating a clear vision of the future. To address this, I will be more vocal about what I envision for myself and for the organizations I belong to. As a leader, it must be evident that there is a plan, but that alone will not inspire a movement. I must connect with individuals to then connect them to a cause. For innovation, there were also two questions in which an observer rated me a 2; the two questions were about creativity and flexibility when faced with a difficult situation. Conflict and difficult situations are bound to happen in any setting, but as a leader one must learn to prevent and mitigate conflict. Flexibility plays a role in compromise when there is a disagreement and creativity provides a solution. To improve on the two things, I will practice compassion and foresight from Servant Leadership, a leadership model coined by Robert K. Greenleaf. The last skill or area I would like to work on, is connected to two questions in which I actually received a 3 as a score. Both questions mentioned the word principles but in different contexts: one was about values and principles when applied to the self, the other when applied onto a group. Whatever the case may be, I wish for people whom I work with to have a clear understanding of what I value in life and I also wish to have a clear understanding of the values that other people hold. To improve in this area, I will meet with co-workers, students, and peer to learn more about them and what they value in
life, One behavior that I wish to improve on is a toxic behavior that I have noticed and want to change. I find it fascinating that the only 1 score that I received was for that specific toxic behavior and it came from Observer 1 whom I believe to know the setting in which we work. The behavior in which I am referring to is more of a mindset that I act upon. There is a feeling of scarcity that creates a competitive environment in my head. As a leader who wishes to lead from a place of love, I prefer to have collaboration rather than competition for we all seek similar things in life. To change this behavior, I will remind myself that my vision for a world filled with love that can only become a reality if the people in it adopt a similar notion. With Student Leadership Practices Inventory 360° being the first assessment of its type that I participate in, I have had an overall good experience. I appreciate the fact that the assessment involves people other than yourself, providing a multifaceted view of the results. However, there was some disappointment about the report. I was under the impression that the report would provide action steps to improve certain behaviors and to further strengthen our others. Nevertheless, this is an assessment that may only widen the scope of in which one views themself. I believe people at all levels could benefit from taking an assessment that involves other people. Still, I also believe one must be in a mid-level position, whether it be formal and informal, to receive the most helpful results.