How good are my authentic leadership skills?
Personal masterly
After reflecting on the past couple of months, I reviewed my authentic leadership image based on 10 image-related behaviors on a scale of 1 to 4 (low to high) based on an evaluation by Campbell and Criswell (2008). I also indicated how often I put a particular behavior into use (rated on a scale of 1 to 4-very rarely to very often) as recommended by Campbell and Criswell (2008). I scored 20 out of the total 40 points based on how skilled I am in image–related behaviors. Based on how often I exhibit the image-related behaviors, I scored 19 out of 40. This means that I exhibit a moderate authentic leadership image. Based on the evaluation, I highly consider the image I project to people at all work levels (a score of 4). I rate lowly in my body language and the attention I pay to myself. I rated 2 in both of these behaviors, meaning that they are my weakest image-related behaviors.
Practical Application
I feel that I possess a decent, authentic leadership image. Campbell and Criswell (2008), state that the effectiveness of a leader in a work setting is closely related to the leadership image he/she exudes. My moderate score in authentic leadership image reflects the leadership presence I portray in the eyes of employees, customers and other stakeholders. I would prefer my leadership image to be an asset and not a liability in all aspects of my life. I feel that I can improve on my flaws, exude an excellent leadership image and lead diverse groups of people in whatever confines I find myself. I believe that my consideration on the image I project to people at all work levels is pivotal in helping me improve on the attention I pay to my image.
Personal Goals
I would like to improve the attention I pay to my image also improve by body language. My goal is to score 4 in these two behaviors. As a financial analyst, I’ll lead teams in the future and an outstanding body language coupled with an impeccable attention to my self-image will be the hallmark of my leadership image. I want to improve my body language to ensure that I do not send conflicting signals to the people. I hope to improve the attention I pay to my image through practice and awareness. I’ll work on aspects such as maintaining eye contact, and not crossing my arms when addressing people. I believe that improving my body language and the attention I pay to myself will close the gap between the leader I want to become and the leader I am currently.
References
Campbell, D. & Criswell, C. (2008) Building an Authentic Leadership Image Volume 121. CCL
(Center for Creative Leadership) Series Ideas into Action Guidebooks.
