Introduction
For my development action plan, I will focus on the development of my leadership skills, which is one of the people skills. According to Adair (2007), leadership skills are now universally considered the most important ingredient in management where being a good manager is synonymous to being a good leader and vice versa. These skills help achieve organizational goals and maximize efficiency (Management Study Guide 2013). More specifically, these skills allow a leader to effectively initiate actions; motivate the employees; and provide guidance, create confidence, and build the morale of the subordinates. In addition, these skills enable a leader to build a conducive work environment and to synchronize the employees’ personal interests with the organization’s goals.
In this regard, I believe that it is important for me to develop leadership skills as these will help me not only to advance in my career and have a good relationship with my colleagues but will also help me in other areas of my life, as these skills can be used not only in organizations but also in the home, in school, or among friends..
On a professional level, one of the challenges that I may encounter in achieving my goal is the lack of opportunity for using these skills, that is, if I am not assigned to a leadership role or if I am not assigned to tasks that will allow me to act in a leadership capacity. However, I can overcome this challenge by trying to apply the skills that I will learn in my own individual tasks and projects, as well as in situations outside of the workplace. Another challenge I may face is that my colleagues might resent me should I apply these skills in team initiatives, especially if I’m not the assigned project lead. To overcome this, I will try to explain to my colleagues that what I’m doing is part of my leadership skill development plan. Also, I will try my best to ensure that my actions do not offend anyone.
On a personal level, one of the challenges for me would be changing old habits or attitudes (e.g. being too shy) that may be contradictory to good leadership skills. Another would be learning or adapting new attitudes and ways of doing things that I am not currently accustomed to. However, I can overcome these challenges by constantly practising and using the skills that I will learn and by trying to change my mind set with regards to my old habits and attitudes.
As the outcome goal, this development plan will enable me to become a more effective and efficient leader, both within and outside the workplace. More specifically, I aim to develop the skills that will enable me to efficiently lead others in the completion of tasks or activities while at the same time inspiring the people I work with and developing a good relationship with them.
Leadership Skill Development Plan
Development activity or progress goals
Conclusion
My managerial and development plan focuses on the development of my leadership skills, which is one of the people skills. These skills are important, as they largely contribute to the success of an organization, which is why I believe these to be the key skills that I need in order to advance in my career. In particular, I aim to become an effective and efficient leader who can effectively and efficiently lead the execution of tasks and who can build good relationships with the people I work with, at the same time motivating them to cooperate in the achievement of a common goal. In line with this, I aim to develop specific sub-skills, such as communication skills (i.e. speaking and listening skills); problem solving skills (i.e. decision-making and conflict resolution skills); and soft skills (i.e. the ability to control one’s emotions, know one’s limits, and promote one’s self). Although various challenges may be encountered, I know that I can overcome them by being proactive and keeping an open mind.
References
Adair, J., 2007. Develop your leadership skills. Philadelphia, PA: Kogan Page, Ltd.
Cherry, K., 2013. 10 ways to become a better leader: Improve your leadership skills. [online] Available at: http://psychology.about.com/od/leadership/tp/become-a-better-leader.htm [Accessed 4 July 2013].
Investopedia, 2012. How to improve your leadership skills. [online] Available at: <http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/12/leadership-skils.asp> [Accessed 4 July 2013].
Management Study Guide, 2013. Importance of leadership. [online] Available at: <http://www.managementstudyguide.com/importance_of_leadership.htm> [Accessed 4 July 2013].
Nishi, D., 2013. 'Soft skills' can help you get ahead. The Wall Street Journal. [online] Available at: < http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324715704578481290888822474.html> [Accessed 4 July 2013].
