Leadership and Management
Assess your strengths And Areas For Growth.
When it comes to leadership and management, there are multiple strengths that I possess. One of the things that I am sure to do is to consider how the individuals I am serving behave and think so that any possible conflict of interest is avoided. Being aware of and able to acknowledge my perspectives, morals, strengths, and weaknesses allows me to have a transformational leadership which allows me to adapt to any situation and environment. Another strength of mine is my rational decision-making skills, allowing me to make sound and strategic decisions in the best interest of all involved. My superb communication skills are also another strength that I take great pride in having. My cultural competence is another leadership skill that is also a great strength. In regards to management, my optimism and positive attitude are strengths that I have. I look at all situations as the glass being half full versus half empty, and I always find a positive in every situation. I also encourage those around me to do the same thing. Regarding leadership and management, there is always room for growth in all areas, even those I feel very confident in and view as a strength. So with that being said, I could grow more in all areas that I view as a strength.
My skills fall more in line with a leadership role. When in a group or on a team, I always take the initiative to get things started and keep every encouraged, motivated, and focused. My interpersonal skills are another trait that makes me believe and feel a leadership role would better suit me. Although I know if need be, I would excel greatly in a management role, however, when I consider my personality, a leadership role is more fitting.
Identify at least one growth area in either of these roles you would like to develop further and explain why.
An area that I need great improvement in both roles is time management and procrastination. My time management can be horrible at times, and procrastination is terrible. I procrastinate a lot. Although I always get things done, I sometimes wait until the last minute, which can sometimes cause me to feel very stressed and anxious. Some of my best work is produced under pressure, which I know is the best way of thinking about things. The only I do procrastinate is when I am working in a group or on a team. My time management and procrastination are something that I am constantly working on.
Identify two significant external factors.
One significant external factor that can influence my social work in either a leadership or management role is sociological factors. As a social worker, you should always have a solid and clear understanding of the sociological factors and influences of the individuals and populations you serve; this is when being culturally competent comes into play. A clear and solid understanding of sociological factors will give you a better understanding of the individuals and populations you serve. According to (Adair, 2011), not paying any attention to or acknowledging sociological factors can cause a great deal of conflict of interest between the leader and the target population.
Another external factor that can influence and impact my work as a social worker in either a leadership or management role is political and economic factors. (Adair, 2011) Leaders in society need to be educated on the individuals they provide services to develop and create existing economic and political frameworks that could affect them. Political and economic factors can influence an individual’s perspective and behavior. A social work organization’s economic status and the political factors surrounding the organization can either impact the organization positively or negatively. In most situations, unfavorable political and economic conditions can harm an individual in either role.
Reference
Adair, J. E. (2011). John Adair’s 100 greatest ideas for effective leadership. Chichester, U.K: Capstone
Pub. O’Neill, A. (2011). Manager to leader: Skills and insights for a successful transition