Leadership skill-building exercises and their effectiveness

¶ … enhance the reliability of this exercise, I requested Alex, a good friend of mine, to rate me by checking statements he believed to be generally true about me. I then proceeded to complete the assessment exercise by checking statements that I believed were a true reflection of myself. Later on, I compared Alex's analysis with my self-analysis. This exercise, I must say, was critical in the assessment of my interpersonal skills related to both leadership and influence. I was able to identify a number of specific behaviors that ought to be changed.

In brief, the exercise revealed that I am fond of telling others that which they want to hear, as opposed to the truth. Upon reflection, I found out that this I do to avoid hurting other people's feelings. I also routinely have trouble displaying or demonstrating my true feelings. Again, this I do to avoid hurting others. Next, the exercise also revealed that in addition to finding it difficult to criticize others, I also avoid controversy at all costs. I am also not very good when it comes to dealing with people from different cultures.

This exercise revealed a number of weaknesses in relation to how I associate with others. To be able to relate well with other, especially in group interactions, there is need for me to change some specific behaviors. Regarding my inability to tell others the truth, instead choosing to tell them that which they would want to hear, I will, from now henceforth, make a point of saying that which ought to be said -- in at least three instances every day. This will help me develop the confidence I need to engage others and point out anomalies and inconsistencies when there is need to do so. While at it, I will develop ways of putting across that which needs to be said in a way that does not necessarily hurt the feelings of others. I am confident that after approximately three weeks, I will find it relatively easy to engage in positive criticism and demonstrate my true feelings as would be appropriate in various situations.

I also ought to be more appreciative of diversity, particularly cultural diversity. This is particularly the case given that unlike was the case a few decades ago, the world of today is largely a global village, with people of diverse cultures relating more frequently than was the case in the past. To properly manage cultural diversity, Adler and Gundersen (2007) recommend that one identifies that cultural diversity is of great significance. Going forward, I will try to learn as much as I can about different cultures so as to be more appreciative of individuals from cultures different from my own.

Quiz Reflection 15-2

I agreed with quite a number of statements in this exercise. Most specifically, I generally agreed with items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10. Those that I generally disagreed with, therefore, were items 7 and 8. With regard to item 7, I have not had a teacher I would strongly consider an inspirational force in my life. This is, however, not to say that I do not have people I look up to. Amongst those I look up to is a family friend who also happens to be a high ranking official of a fortune 500 company. Regarding item number 8, instead of dropping that which I am engaged in at a specific point in time to aid someone, I would prefer to complete the task first and assist those in need of assistance at a more convenient time. My reasoning, in this case, is that neglecting individual tasks so as to help others in some way could get in the way of efficiency and productivity. On the basis of this reflection, it is likely that I have the inherent mental abilities to be a mentor.

Exercise: 15-2: My Leadership Portfolio

During the First Quarter of the year 2014:

I was elected leader of the neighborhood security watch team. The team was formed with an aim of reducing burglary incidences that had become rather common. In addition to supplying residents with literature on how to protect themselves from burglars, the team was actively involved in the identification of and fixing of security vulnerabilities. This experience further sharpened my ability to mobilize resources and coordinate effort.