Strengths and Weaknesses Identified Through Scoring Test Evaluation
This report aims to analyze the issue of self-confidence based on tentative scoring and understand its contribution in relation to leadership skills. This is based on the scoring test evaluation and on the basis of this self-reflection; it has been found that as an individual I am highly self-confident perhaps with chances of arrogance.
There are three strengths identified through the testing, and they are risk-taking ability (quiz no. 2, I am hesitant to take responsibilities), positive mindset towards the different situation (quiz no. 4, I perform well in all my situations) and a quick learner (quiz no. 9, I dread it wen I have to learn a new skill).
However, there is specific weakness like an attitude of arrogance quiz no. 10, I freely criticize people), aversion to change (it is rare that I change decision just because somebody challenges it, quiz no. 15) and biased in decision making (quiz no. 8 I am cautious before making any substantial change).This paper aims to develop the strengths and weakness in the later part of the report by conducting a SWOT analysis and a development plan. This development plan would include leadership models to analyze the relationship between self-confidence and leadership skills.
Self-confidence has a direct correlation with the aspects of leadership (Charness et al., 2018). It is the fundamental basis for the development of a future leader. In order to lead a large group of people, it is crucial to develop the inner foundation, and the answer lies in building self-confidence(Charness et al., 2018) While there are multiple theories and explanation for the development of leadership, people and theorist have largely ignored the importance of self-confidence. Hence it is essential to consider the importance of self-confidence for becoming a true leader.
The SWOT analysis is undertaken to analyze the possible strength, weakness, opportunity and threat of a given variable. This is conducted for the internal and external analysis of the given variable (Phadermrod et al., 2019).
- Since the taken variable is risk-taking ability, it has been observed that risk-taking ability is perceived in most of the cases in a negative way; however, it is essential to consider that risk-taking in a different situation can actually help in building confidence and help to stand out in the crowd. Risk involves a more considerable amount of learning than a risk-averse attitude since this comes with a lot of challenges and learning from those challenges. Hence it is vital to have a risk-taking attitude in order to grow at the individual level.Moreover, I consider it to be my strength because my past experiences have made me realize that I can take up responsibility and complete them with all my dedication. However, a clear understanding of the issue and the situation is the pre-requisite before taking any risk. It includes the threat of failure in a difficult situation unless it is well planned prior to the decision (Mumford et al., 2017).
- A second important outcome is a positive attitude towards the situation. The strength of having a positive attitude towards things in life is that it always brings positive opportunities in life and makes the work enjoyable. However, positivity towards every situation can actually lead to the ignorance of the prevalence of negativity (Northouse, 2018). I consider it to my strength because positive outlook in difficult situations have helped me to gain confidence in life.Hence it could be argued that positivity and positive attitude towards opportunities of life should be assessed and analyzed in order to avoid the unforeseen situation. There are plenty of opportunities associated with having a positive attitude in life since it helps to learn about the new experience in life.
- The last important strength is a quick learner.A self-confident person is a quick learner which is a pre-requisite for being a true leader. A true leader has a vision for things, and it is developed from the learning experiences by doing mistakes. It is to be noted that mistakes are the indispensable part of the learning process: however, it is essential to become quick learning to avoid committing future mistakes. The strength of quick learning have made ,e capable in life to deal with situations by applying one of the skills that I have learnt sometimes in life. However, it is essential to consider that the right learning is taken into consideration which can contribute to building knowledge in one or the other way (Northouse, 2018).
- In terms of the weaknesses found, it has to be acknowledged that an attitude of arrogance can be harmful in leading a group of people. I considered arrogance as a weakness of my character and personality because there have been instances in life where my attitude of arrogance have reflected my image in front of people in a different way and people have formed wrong perception about me.It is essential to consider the weaknesses and threats associated with the variable of arrogance, aversion to change and learning and biasness in decision making. It is to be noted that there is a fine line between the attitude of confidence and arrogance (DuBrin, 2015). In a particular situation, leaders tend to be arrogant, and it destroys the necessary faculties of a good leader. An arrogant leader is tending to make a negative impact on the people while biasness in decision making is another block of an effective leader and decision maker.
- The leader who is biased towards some people as their decision is ignorant about the other’s opinion which includes the risk of taking the wrong decision. Such an attitude of favoritism is a sign of inefficient leadership (DuBrin, 2015).I considered this to be a weakness because biased attitude and decisions made me blind to the other effective and resourceful decision around me and made me take wrong decisions in life.
- The leader is the embodiment of knowledge and enlightenment, and it is gained through the ability to learn for a new situation (Northouse, 2018). Hence an attitude of aversion to change and gaining new knowledge is not conducive to the character of a true leader. I consider aversion to change as one of my weakness because it has restricted me in my life from experiencing and exploring new path since I have an aversion towards new changes in life. Hence, this is one of the many weaknesses of my character which can impact the successful growth of a future leader.
According to the transactional model approach, a self-confident leader who undertakes the proactive and responsive role within the organization by dealing with the present issues that are concerning the organization, it is to be noted that in order to develop the qualities of a leader, there is a need to develop the weaknesses into strength. Regarding this, these following steps to be adopted (Alvesson et al., 2017).
- Firstly,in order to eradicate the issue of arrogance, a more down-to-earth approach would be undertaken keeping in mind the vision for future goals. This is important to consider that clarity of knowledge of the people the leader is serving and their more significant impact will help to eradicate attitude of arrogance from the character (DuBrin, 2015).
- Secondly,to deal with the problematic situation and avoid decision-based on biasness, it is crucial to enhance self-awareness and logical understanding of the issue which will leave scope for the development of a balanced understanding of multiple factors.
- The third essential elementundertaken to overcome the perceived weakness of aversion to change is question the benefit attached to each of the variables. This is important to consider how one issue can contribute towards making positive changes. This attitude will help to become a quick learner. A self-confident leader is one who is not averse to change and active learning.
- In order to capitalizeon the perceived strength of risk-taking ability, it is essential to acknowledge the failure associated with the job in a positive and effective manner. To capitalize it further, an attitude of experiment and quest for knowledge is necessary on the part of the leader since it will give an opportunity to the leader to learn more from taking risks. The Second most crucial element required to capitalize on the strength of positive attitude is reframing the challenges and finding optimism in situations of negativity. Self-confidence coupled with a positive attitude helps the leader to make effective decisions and take effective actions. The third essential element to capitalize on the strength of quick learning is taking a compelling interest in learning and utilizing them in a proper manner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it could be said that the relationship between self-confidence and leadership is of complementary to each other. Confidence is the cornerstone of the idea of leadership. This is the skill of believing in the self that determines the character of a true leader. While leadership is the foundation, self-confidence is the base for the foundation. This is important to note that self-confidence is the ability of the individual to be confident about one’s skills and competencies and the role of the leader in influencing others can only become successful when there is clarity of one’s strengths and weaknesses.
References
Alvesson, M., Blom, M., & Sveningsson, S. (2017). Reflexive leadership. Sage Publications Incorporated.
Charness, G., Rustichini, A., & Van de Ven, J. (2018). Self-confidence and strategic behavior. Experimental Economics, 21(1), 72-98.
Coleman, S., & Bourne, M. (2018). Project leadership: skills, behaviours, knowledge and values. Association for Project Management.
Dartey-Baah, K. (2015). Resilient leadership: A transformational-transactional leadership mix. Journal of Global Responsibility, 6(1), 99-112.
DuBrin, A. J. (2015). Leadership: Research findings, practice, and skills. Nelson Education.
Mumford, M. D., Todd, E. M., Higgs, C., & McIntosh, T. (2017). Cognitive skills and leadership performance: The nine critical skills. The Leadership Quarterly, 28(1), 24-39.
Northouse, P. G. (2017). Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice. Sage Publications.
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage publications.
Phadermrod, B., Crowder, R. M., & Wills, G. B. (2019). Importance-performance analysis based SWOT analysis. International Journal of Information Management, 44, 194-203.
Sommer, S. A., Howell, J. M., & Hadley, C. N. (2016). Keeping positive and building strength: The role of affect and team leadership in developing resilience during an organizational crisis. Group & Organization Management, 41(2), 172-202.