A necessary ingredient of being an authentic leader is to have the self-awareness that enables you to act with integrity and empathy.
Reflect on your experience in the course.
Synthesize the following:
Finding Your True North: A Personal Guide
Your newly emerged insights on authentic leadership and teaming
Write a 700- to 1,050-word article that addresses the following questions:
What have you discovered about your leadership skills and style that you didn’t know before? Where do you excel and where would you like to improve?
- What have you learned about your professional relationship management skills and style? Where do you excel and where would you like to improve?
As a leader in health care, how can you engage with the cultures present in the work environment to become more effective in your role?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this course on authentic leadership and teaming, we have explored the concept of being an authentic leader and the importance of self-awareness. We have delved into the book “Finding Your True North: A Personal Guide” and gained insights into our own leadership skills, style, and professional relationship management. Additionally, we have examined how engaging with the diverse cultures in the healthcare work environment can enhance our effectiveness as leaders. In this article, we will reflect upon our experience in the course and address the questions related to our discoveries about leadership skills, professional relationship management, and engaging with diverse cultures.
Answer:
Throughout this course, I have discovered several aspects about my leadership skills and style that were previously unknown to me. One of the key revelations is my ability to effectively communicate and inspire others. I excel at articulating my vision and goals to my team members, motivating them to work towards a common objective. I have recognized my inclination towards being a transformational leader who fosters a sense of shared purpose and empowers individuals to reach their full potential.
However, an area where I would like to improve is delegation. While I am capable of taking charge and making decisions, I have realized that I tend to take on too many tasks myself instead of delegating them to others. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and may hinder the growth and development of my team members. Moving forward, I intend to work on honing my delegation skills, trusting my team members’ abilities, and distributing responsibilities more effectively.
Regarding my professional relationship management skills and style, I have learned that I have a natural inclination towards being empathetic and understanding. I excel at creating a positive and supportive work environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns. By actively listening and showing genuine care for my team members, I am able to build trust and develop strong professional relationships.
However, in terms of improvement, I have recognized the need to become more assertive and assert my expectations when necessary. At times, I find it challenging to provide constructive criticism or address performance issues directly. This can potentially hinder the growth and development of individuals in my team. Moving forward, I aim to strike a balance between empathy and assertiveness, ensuring that expectations are communicated clearly while still maintaining a supportive environment.
As a leader in healthcare, engaging with the diverse cultures present in the work environment is crucial for fostering inclusivity and enhancing effectiveness in my role. By actively seeking to understand and appreciate the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of my team members and patients, I can create an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes cultural competence.
One way to engage with different cultures is through education and training. By providing cultural awareness programs, facilitating open discussions, and promoting cross-cultural learning opportunities, I can foster a sense of respect and understanding among team members. This can help in addressing any unconscious biases or stereotypes that may exist and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Additionally, I can encourage an open and inclusive communication style that embraces diverse perspectives and encourages active participation from all team members. By valuing and acknowledging the unique contributions that individuals from different cultures bring, I can create a collaborative work environment where creativity and innovation thrive.
In conclusion, this course on authentic leadership and teaming has provided invaluable insights into my leadership skills, style, and professional relationship management. I have discovered my strengths in communication and inspiring others while also identifying areas for improvement such as delegation and assertiveness. Engaging with diverse cultures in the healthcare work environment is vital for enhancing effectiveness as a leader. By promoting cultural competence, fostering inclusivity, and valuing diverse perspectives, I can create a team that thrives in a culturally rich and supportive environment.
