A520.1.6.RB - Self-Awareness

I began my Masters of Science in Leadership Program studies in October 2014. Since then I have face a lot of situations at work which have put the skills and knowledge I have acquired during the program to work. 

In Chapter One of Developing Self-Awareness, five concepts of self-awareness were explained. The five core aspects of self-awareness our emotional intelligence, core self evaluation, values, cognitive style, and attitudes towards change. Personal values are the core of the dynamics of behavior, and play so large a part in unifying personality (Whetten & Cameron, 2011). I have always found myself to be someone who is very resilient and honest.  Coming from a military background as well as a working class household, I have developed a thick skin for criticism and directness. I pride my parents on being very straightforward with their approach to my actions as well as the actions of others. However, growing up in such a dynamic can formulate a stoic, seemingly cold person. One aspect I have learned to express is emotional intelligence—the ability to manage oneself and to manage relationships with others

I was taught that showing emotions was a sign of weakness, and that control over one's emotions was the same thing as hiding one's emotions. It was not until I began dating in my teens that I realized I lacked an understanding of my emotions. Though I believe I have become much better at showing emotions, for a long time I had trouble expressing them effectively. I live by the statement, "if you cannot change the people around you, change the people around you" (D, 1996).  It is completely opposite from the "grin and bear it" mentality. If I don't like something, I can either change it or leave it. I have found that leaving it has been the preferred method for me, particularly after a grand push for change met with resistance.

MSLD 520 is my fourth course, and I have seen a lot of improvement in the way I address issues, as well as my dedication to addressing issues I may not have addressed before starting the program. Another quote I live by is, "if not me, who? If not now, when?" (Hertz, 1936). I am still very much working on seeing change as a journey, not simply as a destination that one should rush towards. I am beginning to learn that people are slow to change and that I need to outlast the issues I wish to overcome.

References

D, Chuck. (1996). Generation Wrekked. On The Autobiography Of Mistachuck [CD]. Mercury/PolyGram Records.

Hertz, J. H. (1936). The Pentateuch and Haftoras. Deuteronomy. London: Oxford University Press.
Whetten, D.A., & Cameron K.S. (2011). Developing Management Skills (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.