LEAD.301.C1 Personal Leadership

PLS DO NOT GENERALIZE THE ANSWER. THANK YOUUU!

Week 5 Discussion Forum: Are you playing to Win or Not to Lose?

Our topic this week is personal mastery. Be sure to dooo aaall of the assigned reading and review all material in the classroom. I invite you to reflect on where you are in your own personal mastery and start by thinking of behaviors that you see in leaders you know and/or public figures.Cashman refers to shadow beliefs. Jenny Rogers refers to limiting beliefs. Shizad Chamine talks about saboteurs. Anderson and Adams refer to reactive tendencies. For the purposes of our discussion, they are different takes on the same phenomenon. What limits you from being your very best? The point is, what early developed habits of mind/beliefs/attitudes that you no longer need?

1. Describeeee aaa leader who leads with Character and another with Coping and how that impacts you and the organization. Provide an overview of where you are with your own personal mastery.

2. After you take the Leadership Circles Self-Assessment (REQUIRED), share your highest two creative competencies and how they show up in your work. Also, share your highest reactive tendency and how it has contributed to your success so far. How has it limited you? What one or two creative competencies could you lean into that would make you more effective? How does your reactive voice operate? Be coaches to each other.

3. In subsequent posts, share other insights that come up for you, interact with teammates, and continue to consider how attending to your personal mastery can and will boost your leadership ability.

4. Review the David Whyte quote below. What resonates? What scares you? What beckons?

Leadership Circles Self-Assessment

https://self-assessment.theleadershipcircle.com/en-US/registration

Here are some additional resources.

This is an excellent TED talk by Tim Ferriss to help stimulate your thinking.

https://youtu.be/iPE2_iCCo0w

Here is an important Ted Talk by Dr. Amy Edmonson on psychological safety. Be sure to watch:

https://youtu.be/LhoLuui9gX8

Here is a quick, fun assessment to "test" your "positive intelligence."http://www.positiveintelligence.com/pq-score/and a rather long (20-minute video) by Shirzad Charmine on positive intelligence, and especially saboteurs.

TO DO:

You need to respond to your classmates post in the question above.

Example: (Great post, mate. I am in agreement with you that self-imposed high expectations can be a mixed bag. On one hand, it ensures that you do not rest on your laurels and allows you to continue to drive to be your personal best. On the other hand, having the bar set so highly can run a significant risk leading to disappointment in yourselves. Sometimes when I talk to my mental health counselors, they implore me that my expectations of myself are way too high and that I need to be more realistic. Again, I see that as a mixed bag because I hope and dream for so much more one day. Try not to let that drive be a double-edged sword.)

Classmate #1 Shirzad Charmine laments that our saboteurs prevent us from being our very best. They are especially concerning at the age of childhood, but they persist even as adults. The example of the CEO and business owner quotes were profound enough to give pause. The confidence/lack of confidence these speakers talk about goes all the way down to neurological functions and thinking involving hormones and brain functions, and some of those are instinctually imbedded and hard to break. 1. I have always felt President Barak Obama was the golden standard of modern leadership today. He truly led by example during his administration in a way that is difficult to replicate. He had integrity, and the drive and motivation to lead others. One individual I am becoming less and less impressed with as a leader is Elon Musk, and it is not even from the politics side of things. Reading up on his behavior and attitudes in the office whether it is Tesla or X, he has shown himself to become increasingly cynical and arrogant by giving himself a bit of a "God" complex. He is constantly coping to validate his own actions, and is showing himself to be a bit of a chaotic actor. As for myself, I feel that I still have a long way to go in leadership development. I do not know if this is because the standards I set for myself are so high, the people that I look up to are too strong of examples, or perhaps I am truly not even close to being "there" yet. Perhaps it is a combination of all three. I know who the good examples are, it is just a journey to get there.

2. The Leadership Circle self-assessment gave me some harsh truths. It rated my greatest strength as "complying", which comes off to me as damning praise. I guess being formerly enlisted there is some merit to that with the discipline and following orders mantra, but I am working hard to get away from that now because that is not me anymore. But perhaps it is too deep in me to change at this point? I do not really know. My second strongest trait is protection, which I feel much better about because I have always made a point of standing up and protecting people whether in the military or civilian sector, especially if they have done me right in the past. I look to reciprocate that sort of thing. I think my low "achievement" score is something that I should remedy a bit as something that would help me develop as a leader, and I am a bit surprised to see I scored so low there.

Your response #1

Classmate #2

Describeeee aaa leader who leads with Character and another with Coping and how that impacts you and the organization. Provide an overview of where you are with your own personal mastery. Tim Cook is one of the leaders who has led Apple with character-driven leadership. He has adopted humane approaches to creating a workplace that fosters collaboration among the employees. With character being the frontal method, he has led Apple through enormous transformation as well as open up the company to the world of possibilities. Tim Cook has showcased compassion, excellent service, openness, courage, as well as authenticity. As a result, this character-driven leadership can help me to unleash optimal potential from myself and pass it to others. Similarly, it can assist an organization to navigate through challenging circumstances by fostering teamwork and encouraging creativity from the employees. On the other hand, Elon Musk has demonstrated a coping leadership style whereby he tends to illustrate defensiveness and control. Though he can lift the company out of dangerous turmoil, he is injurious to the workers. However, this type of leadership can puncture my creativity. Also, an organization may not be led with systematic way of doing things. Based on the leadership circle self-assessment report, it is evident that my personal mastery tilts towards creative tendencies rather than reactive tendencies. Out of a scale of 5 points, I scored 4 and above in system awareness, relating, achieving, self-awareness, as well as authenticity. However, in a reactive tendency, controlling, protecting, and complying are below 3 points. Overall, my leadership effectiveness is 4.60 points. After you take the Leadership Circles Self-Assessment (REQUIRED), share your highest two creative competencies and how they show up in your work. Also, share your highest reactive tendency and how it has contributed to your success so far. How has it limited you? What one or two creative competencies could you lean into that would make you more effective? How does your reactive voice operate? Be coaches to each other. In a creative tendency, authenticity and self-awareness are my two greatest competencies. In authenticity, I aim to act based on who I am without any pretense. I discuss with my colleagues what is risky and even take unwavering stand. I adhere to the set moral values without any compromise as integrity is my highest virtue. In self-awareness, I control how I respond to the feelings of others. I also prioritize service over self because I want to provide value. In regard to reactive tendencies, my two highest competencies are perfect and arrogance. I want to do things without any mistakes. I extremely hold high standards of myself and I want others to do the same. I critique myself even when I make small mistakes. Also, with my arrogance, I am self-centered and this has fortunately helped to prioritize my goals. However, both my perfection as well as arrogance have limited my social skills. My interpersonal relations with others is frosty and thus I cannot cooperate with them well. Going forward, as one of the creative tendencies, I was to lean into caring connection. I intend to develop deep affection with others so that I can learn collaborative skills. My reactive voice is that I tend self-centered and controlling. I prioritize perfection in the things that I do. Review the David Whyte quote below. What resonates? What scares you? What beckons? What resonates with me is my authenticity. I want to be myself and act based on what I believe in. However, what scares me is the fact that I am arrogant yet interpersonal skills are highly needed in leadership. What is beckoning is my interpersonal skills. I aim to understand the feelings of others.

Your response #2

Classmate #3

Are you playing to Win or Not to Lose?

• In my pursuit of personal mastery in leadership, I've delved into the insights provided by the Leadership Circle Profile. It's been an eye-opening experience, shedding light on my core leadership attributes and areas where I can grow. Here's a glimpse into my journey:Achieving and Strategic Focus: Throughout my career, I've always been driven by a relentless desire to achieve results. My leadership lens naturally gravitates towards strategic thinking, always seeking ways to win and excel. It's a quality I've cherished as it keeps me focused on the bigger picture and the long-term success of my organization.
• Authenticity: Authenticity has become a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. I firmly believe that leadership starts with integrity and genuine relationships. Building trust with my superiors, stakeholders, and colleagues has been instrumental in my path to success. It's a principle I hold dear and strive to exemplify every day.
• Leading by Action: The ability to lead by action has proven invaluable, especially in times of change and transformation. Actions speak louder than words, and I've committed to being a living example of the values and vision I champion as a leader.
• Protecting: I've come to realize the significance of a critical and discerning mindset. Ensuring psychological safety in the workplace has become a personal mission. It's about fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and heard.
• Community Engagement: Beyond the workplace, I've started to expand my leadership vision towards community welfare. Making a positive impact on society and being of service to others has taken on new importance for me. It's a way to give back and createeee aaaa broader sense of purpose in my leadership journey.
• Mentoring and Developing: Seeking guidance from positive mentors has been transformative. It's not just about learning skills but also about developing the confidence to believe in myself and unleash my full potential. My journey here has taught me that perfection isn't the goal; it's growth that matters.
• Yet, as I continue down this path of personal mastery, I've also grappled with self-imposed high expectations. Sometimes, I find myself believing that I must achieve perfection every time. It's a voice that occasionally whispers doubt. However, I'm learning to strike a balance, realizing that it's okay to stumble along the way because those moments are opportunities for growth.
• My commitment to developing creative competencies, like community engagement and mentoring, has shown me that there's always room for improvement. With each step forward, I inch closer to mastering the art of leadership, driven by a passion to create meaningful change in both my professional and personal spheres.

Part 2: Review the David Whyte quote below. What resonates? What scares you? What beckons?

• Whyte's quote truly resonates with me on a deep level. What strikes a chord within me is the profound value of sincerity and honesty in all aspects of life. I've come to understand that even during moments when I'm not at my best, embracing honesty paves the way for authenticity, and that, to me, is invaluable. It's about being real with myself and others, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be. What really beckons me is the idea of vulnerability as a catalyst for growth and learning. I've learned that when I allow myself to be vulnerable, to step out of my comfort zone, I open the door to new experiences and insights that I wouldn't have otherwise encountered. It's a path to personal evolution that excites and motivates me. However, there's also a fear that lingers in the back of my mind. It's the fear that someday, my capacity to grow might be stunted. I've read about how the brain undergoes changes with age, and there's a common belief that it stops developing at a certain point. But I refuse to let that belief hold me back. I'm very determined to continuously expand my knowledge (continuous learning), keep trying things that I enjoy (Rediscover), and finally, nurture my passions so that they never run dry. The idea of lifelong learning and growth is a guiding principle in my life, and it's what propels me forward with optimism and enthusiasm.

Your response #3

Classmate #4

. Describeeee aaaaa leader who leads with Character and another with Coping and how that impacts you and the organization. Provide an overview of where you are with your own personal mastery.

My Deputy Fire, who genuinely cares about my well-being and wants me to succeed in my new position as Assistant Chief of Training and Fire Prevention, is someone who embodies the qualities of empathy, support, and mentorship. He is a leader who has an open-door policy and the ability to actively listen to my concerns, both personal and professional, creating a safe space for me to share my thoughts and feelings. He makes a sincere effort to understand my perspective, challenges, and aspirations. We are basically on a first-name basis and saying, "I love you, brother."

He doesn't always, but success is his top priority for me as the new leader, and he takes a sincere interest in my professional growth and development. He allows me to go to school full-time and rearrange my schedule to meet deadlines. He recognizes that my achievements contribute to the overall success of the organization. He sees my true potential and commitment to helping us reach our goals, providing consistent support and encouragement along the way. He offers guidance, resources, and direction to help me improve my skills and overcome obstacles.

My Fire Chief stands out as a leader who combines a strong personal connection with an unwavering focus on efficiency. Their leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of camaraderie and results-driven determination. This hybrid leader's genuine friendship with team members fosters a supportive and open working environment, extending beyond the workplace. When it comes to tackling the challenges of firefighting, they exhibit remarkable coping skills, making critical decisions decisively and maintaining a clear focus on tasks during high-pressure situations. He excels in time management and prioritizes wisely, ensuring that the team meets deadlines even in the most demanding circumstances. Moreover, this leader's ability to encourage creativity and adaptability within the team further enhances their effectiveness.

In the face of uncertainty and evolving challenges, my Fire Chief remains composed and seeks innovative solutions. Their emphasis on maintaining a positive team dynamic highlights their understanding of the importance of emotional support in the firefighting profession. This leader's friendship with the team creates a strong bond that helps everyone cope with the inherent stress and demands of firefighting. In essence, my Fire Chief's leadership style not only ensures efficiency in the job but also provides emotional support, making them a remarkable leader in a high-stress profession where coping with adversity is a daily reality.

2. After you take the Leadership Circles Self-Assessment (REQUIRED), share your highest two creative competencies and how they show up in your work. Also, share your highest reactive tendency and how it has contributed to your success so far. How has it limited you? What one or two creative competencies could you lean into that would make you more effective? How does your reactive voice operate? Be coaches to each other.

My two highest creative competencies are Complying and Controlling. This doesn't make any sense to me. In the fire department, mycommitment is to follow established rules and procedures. I take many risk-averse, preferring to stay within the boundaries of established norms without deviation. I don't usually lie about decisions or reasoning to promote a structured work environment. One advantage of being a complying leader is I'm always predictable, as it leads to stable outcomes and reduces the likelihood of errors or violations. However, it can hinder innovation and creativity and may make it challenging to adapt to change due to an excessive reliance on rules, potentially limiting employee autonomy. It's very hard to deal with change and with disgruntled employees.

Controlling, on the other hand, exercises a high degree of authority and direction. I often make decisions unilaterally, I closely supervise team members' work and rely on a command-and-control structure. In the fire service, if people don't follow orders, they get injured or could possibly get killed. This style helps me get results in efficient task execution, clarity in direction, and clear accountability. However, it may disempower my team members, suppressing their initiative and creativity. I can be overbearing in control, it may also lead to reduced job satisfaction and lower morale among team members. I'm trying to learn to be more flexible in both of these.

3. In subsequent posts, share other insights that come up for you, interact with teammates, and continue to consider how attending to your personal mastery can and will boost your leadership ability.

In my capacity as someone actively shaping options and seeking opportunities within the fire service, emergency management, and safety sectors, I place importance on the continuous path of personal mastery to improve my leadership capabilities.

The fire service is characterized by perpetual change and adaptation. Effective leadership in these domains plays a role in staying at the forefront of knowledge and skills. In order to accomplish that, I maintain a proactive approach involving participation in fire conferences, engagement in training programs, and remaining on top of innovative technology about the latest trend developments. Achieving personal mastery means not only acquiring expertise but also skillfully applying it to real-world scenarios in a teaching environment.

My personality is a constant battle with mastery and focus on technical competence. Building strong relationships, fostering a collaborative team environment, and practicing empathetic leadership are things I know are needed for success in this field. My leadership connects with the team while upholding professionalism, trust, and cooperation, particularly in times of crisis. Collaborating with my teammates is of utmost importance, as each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the collective effort. Encouraging diverse perspectives and ideas is a hallmark of effective leadership. I hardest part is the lack of motivation, resentment, and a need for reasoning in my organization on a daily basis.

4. Review the David Whyte quote below. What resonates? What scares you? What beckons?

David Whyte's quote explores various themes, including regret, authenticity, parenting, and the importance of honesty and humility. Whyte's quotes emphasize the significance of acknowledging regret as a sign of fallibility and the challenges of balancing authenticity with interpersonal skills, particularly in leadership roles. He also highlights the value of understanding and embracing the complexities of life, as well as the power of poetry in revealing truths and fostering self-discovery. Additionally, Whyte emphasizes the importance of questions, honesty, and the role of poetry in our lives. His quotes encourage reflection, self-awareness, and a deeper connection with the world around us.

David Whyte's quotes really connect with me because they touch on the difficulties I encounter in being true to myself while improving how I relate to others, particularly in leadership roles. Whyte's focus on grasping life's complexities and how poetry can help us change resonates with my belief in learning about myself and asking meaningful questions. His wisdom motivates me to become more self-aware and build a deeper bond with the world, which I think will help me grow and understand life better.

Your response #4