Professional Development Plan
During our life we have different types of relationships, for example with a coworker, a friend, family members or even an employee. People can influence and change the way that we see the things. Those persons are the ones that inspired and motivated those persons can be called leaders. At every moment we are surrounded by people that we call leaders, like in the government, your manager at the store where you work or even someone in your house (a mother, a brother for example). But what is a leader? What are the characteristics to be a great leader? Do we need a leader?
The leader is that person who is capable of influencing others. A leader is a person inside a group. A leader can be the chief of the group and not function as a leader or the contrary; he can be the leader and also function as the chief. The leader represents for the rest of the group an authentic example of dedication, enthusiasm and courage. According to MCmean, Bill (2009) there are 5 characteristics to be a great leader “The first one be flexible, being able to communicate, patience, combination of humility and being responsible.’’ With these characteristics we can know if someone can be a great leader.
My group is compose of 5 people, this mean that the group reunite 5 different personalities with a lot of desires to be the leader. In this case I’m the leader of the group and I’m going to observe each and every one of my colleagues. Everyone have different ways of being and think. Because we are all different, for some of us a characteristic can be negative and for others may be considered these characteristic a positive one.
Two of my colleagues have the characteristic of being dominant, they like to take control of other people, do many things at the same time. Being a dominant person can demonstrate having a strong personality. In the group having two members with the same characteristic may cause some problems. In the other side one of them have the characteristic of being cautious. He like to solve problems, is very critical and very serious. Those characteristics can be attached and describe a born leader. The last one represent a very social and spontaneous person, this mean that she is interactive just like me.
Is always good that one of your colleagues have your same personality because with this person you can compare yourself. Know I have to think how I’m going to lead this group. What direction do I have to take and how I’m going to be a great leader. First I have to know and understand what motivate them because I can’t assume what people want. Then when I understand what motivates them we are going to set some goals. With that in mind we can achieve great activities and complete tasks. As a leader I’m going to delegate and assigned work to everyone (the same amount of work), this is to reduce some of the work for everyone, doing this my colleagues are going to feel more comfortable, more relax, motivated, important and part of the group. Is important to keep everyone in the same page because groups can quickly dissolve from lack of activity and communication.
Vince Lombardi (1943) ‘’The leader can never close the gap between himself and the group. If he does, he is no longer what he must be. He must walk a tightrope between the consent he must wind and the control he must exert.’’
As a leader I’m very responsible, well-oriented, devoted and very visionary. I want my colleagues to follow my example. A true leader will want to make people stand on their own so they can do a excellent job, a true leader does not want followers and must be a living example of his teachings.