A520.1.6.RB-SelfAwareness_HansardCarey

A520.1.6.RB_SelfAwareness_HansardCarey

            Since beginning the MSLD program in January, I have already noticed that I am more aware of several things about my personality. One important aspect of my personality that needs to change is my emotional intelligence. Although I am aware of my emotions and how I react to others, I realize that I need to stop taking some things so personally. When people offer suggestions for improvement or tell me that they do not like something that I have done, I tend to feel hurt. This also happens when I know that I have made a mistake. I feel like I have let everyone down and that I am not doing a good job. Although I know that this is not truly the case, this is my initial reaction. This will not be something that is easy to “fix”, but being more aware of it is half the battle.

            In addition to emotional intelligence, I am more in tune with my attitude towards change. I am not a big fan of change, unfortunately, but once it happens, I am usually happy about the change. I worked as a teacher for 18 years of my life, had the same basic routine every day, and did not do many things that were out of the ordinary. Since beginning my work at ERAU, I have been more accepting of change. I feel freer and have embraced the changes that have been happening in my life. Again, I realize that I still have a long way to go, but I feel more confident that I can take on changes in a positive way now.

            The values that I hold are strong and based on what I learned as a child from my parents. The instrumental values that I hold sometimes get in the way. For example, I get irritated easily when I am out in public and other people’s children are acting in ways that are interrupting others. If they are doing things that are dangerous and the parents are not doing anything about it, I see this as wrong because my values differ from theirs. This is not something that I see as a problem, however. I also have my own terminal values which I also feel though are a product of my childhood and upbringing.

            Finally, I was left to consider my cognitive style. I believe I identify best with the planning style. I prefer to have a plan before I begin a task or chore. Although the plans do not always work out, I feel like organization helps minimize problems and mistakes. One of the aspects of this style that I struggle with is being well prepared. I do not always feel as though I am well prepared, but many of the others characteristics of this style apply to me. I am fairly resistant to change, I like to have rules set in place for everyone to follow and, as preciously mentioned, I follow a fairly predictable routine.

            Being aware of all of this information will definitely make me a more effective leader. Being aware of my strengths and weaknesses allows  me to surround myself with others who have different strengths for certain areas and are like minded for other areas important to my job role.