Strengths are in the eye of the beholder thus the 360 Leadership Feedback Survey which was given to various individuals such as fellow students, friends, coworkers, and a previous employer range from interpersonal skills to motivation. Similar themes about strengths were identified with 2 fellow students which compromise the following self-confident, willing to take courageous stand, earns respect without being overbearing, encourages open dialogue since and straightforward. Majority of the strengths identified by fellow students relate to interpersonal skills and character which is based in the context of the classroom environment. Parallel to strengths identified by fellow classmates, the strengths identified by friends are also based on the context to which they perceive me. The four friends whom completed the 360 Feedback survey identified similar themes such as listen effectively, recognizes the values of people with different talents, tolerates honest mi
...stakes as learning experiences, communicates an inspiring vision, helps people develop passion for their work, self-confident, respected by others, accepts responsibility for mistakes and can be trusted with sensitive information.
Moreover, the three coworkers who completed the leadership survey rated above average and excellent in strengths related to leadership/motivation (Makes a compelling case for his/her point of view, communicates an inspiring vision, helps people develop passion for their work, recognizes employee contributions and ideas, sensitive to satisfaction and morale in the group, creates an atmosphere that inspires others to achieve at a higher level) more so than interpersonal skills and character. In spite of the differences in area of employment the employer who completed the 360-feedback survey had similar themes as the three previous coworkers. The previous employer identified all the previous leadership/motivation strengths along with
character (eagerly pursues new knowledge, skills, and methods, self-confident, willing to take a courageous stand, respected by others, serves others; avoids selfishness, accepts responsibility for own mistakes, can be trusted with sensitive information, avoids bias in attitude or treatment of people) and interpersonal skills (listens effectively , gives personal attention; is accessible, adjusts to changes without frustration) strengths.
Although there are various strengths identified in the several assessments conducted there are two key strengths that were not represented in the questionnaires. I carry out my everyday activities exemplifying two key strengths analytical and empathy. The analytical individual in me is always attempting to identify all factors that affect a situation with the purpose if building trust, showing compassion and developing hope in others. Likewise, I exhibit empathy in my everyday interactions with the purpose of strengthening relationships and ensuring the other individual feels heard and understood despite the challenges. Both strengths equally stand on their own however since they are interrelated with emotional intelligence and Gallup’s restorative theme, they were more likely to be part of other strengths in the assessment conducted than stand on their own.
Granting that numerous strengths identified in the surveys were correct there was one particular strength that I question. Harmony as it relates to a strength has various components to its overall theme one of which is steering away from confrontation. Although I acknowledge I attempt to find consensus among the given group of people I do not steer away from confrontation. In fact, some peers in the context of how they perceive me state I am confrontational when I have a conviction that needs to be addressed. Considering the components
of harmony, I do in fact display this strength however as it relates to this specific factor it is inaccurate to my character.
In spite of the consensus among my evaluators that I portray from the Strength Based Leadership strength known as self-assurance it is in fact a weakness of mine. The fact that I portray self-assurance doesn’t necessarily mean I fully embody I internally. Majority of the time I full of doubt and are currently attempting to develop my self-confidence by acknowledging my triumphs and allowing myself to feel a sense of accomplishment. According to Center, Adams & Center (2012) in developing self-assurance not only does one in increase their level of confidence but further increases their overall competency as an individual. Aside self-assurance, an additional strength of much needed development involves increasing communication as many times I find myself struggling to verbalize my thoughts. Undoubtedly my communication is interrelated with my self-assurance which goes hand on hand. Once strength I currently do not possess which I would one day hope to embody is that of creativity. Creativity helps broaden possibilities and facilitates the bridging of new ideas which is critical in overcoming obstacles o f daily life. Overall there is no weakness that cannot be turned into a strength and vice versa there is no strength that cannot be turned into a weakness. The key is in the daily execution of the ability all while increasing one’s own personal effectiveness and well-being.
