Personal
Balance Sheet
People who truly intend to change needs to see all aspects of their life, with
an accurate sense of themselves. Biology, life experience, and the situation at
hand form one’s unique characteristics, while we constantly evolve and adapt
throughout life (McKee, Boyatzis, & Johnston, 2008). Discovering our real
selves is a crucial step towards intentional change. Identifying who we truly
are, enables us to find the gaps necessary to be filled in order to achieve who
we want to be (Boyatzis & McKee, 2005). To enhance my self-awareness, I
evaluated my assets and liabilities, found through self-reflection and dialogue
with an intimate circle of people in my life.
Assets
My distinctive strengths. Based on my perspective, my strengths are critical
thinking and organization skills. My critical thinking is related
to problem-solving. When time is available, I usually go around the circle
through most (or all) of the elements of reasoning before I make a decision
(Nosich, 2012). For instance, once I needed to deal with a security situation
on board, and any decision would cause a type of disruption, either involving
the cost to the company or lay off (in the short run). I did not have too long
to think of it, but I thought about all the possible security consequences in
the long run, not only for my team, department, or my company but for the
aviation industry. I engaged with my direct report involved in the situation
and got her input. We discussed and in minutes I decided to go for the broader
decision, although it would cause a short-term disruption and probably a high
cost to the company. I considered priorities I should not compromise for
financial consequences.
My organization skills are related to look for ways to facilitate the process
of task completion. I tend to see what can be done to improve processes and
procedures and enhance the quality of service. For instance, I have been
grounded due to a medical issue and worked in a department which helped with
internal customers. I noticed a pattern and repetitive requests from different
people. I decided on my own to design a sheet in order to collect data, so I
could suggest to my manager a FAQ in the company portal, workshops to be
hosted, or an increase of staff on popular departments. While still collecting
data, my manager noticed my initiative while close to my table and was
surprised by it. What I developed became a standard in the department, and some
of my suggestions were followed through.
Based on what others see on me, I often get 360° feedback on my organization
skills (for the same reason mentioned above) and for my balanced approach in
leadership. When getting upward feedback, direct reports usually mention I
guide without a parenting style, I am kind and relaxed but not soft and
hands-off, I am hands-on without micromanaging and when needed I know how to
stand up and be decisive. This feedback about balance I also get in my personal
life, through my family, friends, and relatives.
My potential strength. Initiative is a strength that I could
apply more broadly. Often when I see an opportunity to help someone in my
personal and professional circle, I stop whatever I am doing to look for ways
to make it happen. When it comes to my own aspirations or liabilities, the same
rule does not apply, I postpone possible initiatives and steps that could
assist in making my dreams coming true.
My enduring dispositions (effective and I do not want to change). A
habit I do not want to change that usually helps me, is my analytical
thinking process, which is intrinsically related to my critical thinking,
mentioned as my distinctive strength. I also would like to keep my practicability
and ability to see the big picture, without compromising my priorities. Compassion
is a trait I often witness rooted in my behaviors, which helps me to be
successful, personally, and professionally speaking.
Liabilities
Weaknesses I want to do better. Time management is a
potential strength, as I do apply in some situations, but I believe it is my
greatest weakness. When I have a deadline, and I know I will be the only one
impacted by the quality of work, I tend to postpone the task. For instance, in
my studies, I leave assignments to be completed on the due date, although I
start earlier. It is something so simple to solve, as it just involves
self-discipline, but I usually fail in improve in this aspect of my life.
Mind-wandering is another weakness (Jha, 2017). Even when listening to
others, my mind is already rushing to past experiences related to it, linkable
subjects, conclusion, and if is the case, possible solutions. It quite often
plays in my or my team’s favor, but sometimes it takes form me the opportunity
to connect to people or see the rots of an issue or situation.
Weaknesses I want to change. A weakness I want to change is my “over-speaking”.
I would like to learn how to listen more, and while speaking, being more
straightforward. When giving direction I usually do not have an issue, but when
telling a story, explaining my thoughts or trying to influence people, I
usually speak more than necessary, and quite often I get distracted from the
main point. This is led, I believe, by my over-thinking characteristic,
which takes me back to my mind wandering.
My enduring dispositions that get on my way (but I do not want to change). Paradoxically,
my analytical thinking process is an asset and a liability. While
effective, my analytical operational system turns the process of decision
making (personal and professionally) inefficient. I fall into
analysis-paralysis for a while, which in critical situations, it can
drastically change the consequences. Although it is an enduring disposition
that often gets on my way, I do not want to change, since it often leads me to
positive outcomes.
References
Boyatzis, R.,
& McKee, A. (2005). Resonant leadership. Boston, MA: Harvard
Business School Press
Jha, A.
(2017). How to tame your wandering mind. Retrieved
from https://www.ted.com/talks/amishi_jha_how_to_tame_your_wandering_mind
McKee, A.,
Boyatzis, R., & Johnston, F. (2008). Becoming a resonant leader. Boston,
MA: Harvard Business School Press
Nosich, G. M.
(2012). Learning to think things through: A guide to critical thinking
across the curriculum (4th ed). Boston, MA: Pearson
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