{"id":307,"date":"2018-10-08T00:09:42","date_gmt":"2018-10-08T00:09:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/books.twu.ca\/strategic-discoveries\/?post_type=chapter&p=307"},"modified":"2019-01-18T17:41:50","modified_gmt":"2019-01-18T17:41:50","slug":"karmels-personal-development","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/books.twu.ca\/strategic-discoveries\/chapter\/karmels-personal-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Karmel’s personal development"},"content":{"raw":"

Karmel as a strategic leader <\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\u201cIndividuals and teams enact strategic leadership when they create the direction, alignment, and commitment needed to achieve the enduring performance potential of the organization\u201d (Hughes et al. (2014, p.11).\u00a0 For me when I think about strategic leadership I think of working on myself first. \u00a0\u00a0When doing the following assignment my focus is self-improvement and achievement of personal goals along with professional goals.\u00a0 I am currently a care coordinator, and to reach my professional goal in higher management I need to become more strategic.\u00a0 I need to improve myself to become a better leader and more strategic.\u00a0 I realize I am not able to achieve those goals on my own.\u00a0 Although it may be a personal goal of career, family, I need support from others to achieve it.\u00a0 \u201cThe waves in our surfer\u2019s ocean provide an analogy: as each wave crashes to the surface, it disturbs the water, which moves in reaction to the falling wave.\u00a0 External forces such as the wind also affect the waves\u201d (Hughes et al. 2014, p.15).\u00a0 For me to become a better strategic leader, I need to understand the threats, supports, opportunities that I will encounter in my journey.\u00a0 Challenges and support system will help me become a better person, leader, and be able to strategize better.<\/p>\r\n

What is your general response to the circumstances you presently face in your life?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Before sharing how I respond to general circumstances, I would like to share a sample of my busy day to give you an idea.\u00a0 I am currently very busy with my job which is full-time Monday to Friday 0730-1530.\u00a0 I am teaching an online course (on Moodle) at Stenberg College, it is only 6 weeks and one week left so I am glad.\u00a0 I do not wish to take on any teaching contracts until after I finish my school now, next March 2019.\u00a0 I also work at my husband\u2019s clinic twice a week, Thursday and Saturdays.\u00a0 I have all of these employments to help me with my school tuition as it can be very expensive.\u00a0 I have two children, son 14 and daughter\u00a09.\u00a0 They are pretty well behaved and self-managed for which I am very grateful.\u00a0 Now that I have shared my general circumstances in my life, I can feel overwhelmed from time to time.\u00a0 This semester with my 501 course has been quite challenging due to Word Press.\u00a0 I am confident with Moodle and learning my way through Word Press.\u00a0 I feel lost and overwhelmed by Word Press.\u00a0 Generally, I can manage stress fairly well.\u00a0 I think just not knowing and not being able to fully navigate myself around Word Press is frustrating.\u00a0 The coursework is already a load but trying to figure out Word press is not fun.\u00a0 I like to be organized and plan ahead of time. \u00a0When I can do this, I feel more comfortable and can perform better. I am fortunate enough to have been certified in both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).\u00a0 I don't just preach this I also practice it.\u00a0 I found this has helped me tremendously in dealing with my personal stress levels. \"Cognitive therapy helps people to develop alternative ways of thinking and behaving which aims to reduce their psychological distress\" (McLeod, 1970).\u00a0 CBT has taught me to build better skills and deal with stressors more rationally.\u00a0\u00a0\"First,\u00a0mindfulness\u00a0focuses on improving an individual's\u00a0ability to accept and be present in the current moment\" (Psychology Today, 2018).\u00a0 DBT has taught me to stay in the moment and stay grounded.\u00a0\u00a0My general response is a feeling of worry and anxiety and both CBT and DBT skills I teach to my patients I review them myself as well.\u00a0 Other ways of dealing with my circumstances if they are causing stress is working out.\u00a0 \u201cScientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem\u201d (Anxiety and Depression Association of American, 2018).\u00a0 I find if I don\u2019t work out in the morning, dealing with certain circumstance during the day is much more difficult.<\/p>\r\n

How do you handle the stressors you face?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Personally, when I face stressors I can be overwhelmed.\u00a0 I have a tendency to become anxious.\u00a0 I can be emotional.\u00a0 However, it really depends on the type of stressor it is.\u00a0 For example, if it has to do with the health of a loved one, that is when I become anxious and worried.\u00a0 Other life stressors I can usually manage well because I have support from my family.\u00a0 Again, as stated earlier CBT and DBT training and certification was the best thing I could have done.\u00a0 I also find praying helps me.\u00a0 I find having in faith in God gives me hope.\u00a0 I manage stress well through managing my emotions.\u00a0 \"Controlling emotions involves attempts to dominate, suppress or restrain thoughts, feelings and behaviour\"(Hasson, 2015, p.57).\u00a0 Emotional Intelligence by Gill Hasson is a great read and has taught me a lot to manage emotions.\u00a0 I try not to worry about things I can\u2019t control but it really depends on the situation as well.\u00a0 Some stressors are uncontrolled, for example; health of a loved one, in this case, I can only provide support and do the best I can to be with them as needed.<\/p>\r\n

Professionally, I can conduct myself really well.\u00a0 I am very assertive and less emotional when it comes to my professional life.\u00a0 I have a different relationship with my colleagues, bosses, employees then I do with my own family.\u00a0\u00a0 I can handle work stress much better, and be more logical and rational.\u00a0 One of the resources I found which have brought a significant change in me is Crucial Conversations.\u00a0 This book has been informative and taught me how to handle stress at work.\u00a0 \"Not only do those who are best at crucial conversations notice when they're slipping into silence or violence, but they're also able to admit it\" (Patterson et al. 2012, p.113).\u00a0 Though learning how to better communicate has brought these changes in me as a professional. \u00a0I am open to collaborating with the team at work if it is a work stressor.\u00a0 For example; our facility often has palliative residents, this can be quite stressful.\u00a0 Our team supports each other through this tough time.\u00a0 The moral support from the team helps me deal with any stressor in my professional life as well.\u00a0 Another example I can share is being rejected after an interview for a job.\u00a0 I had applied many times for a coordinator position before I actually landed my current position which I am in for over two years now.\u00a0 How did I deal with this stressor? I never gave up.\u00a0 I am resilient when it comes to professionalism.\u00a0 Had I given up, I would have never applied after a few rejections.\u00a0 My previous manager had said to me, \u201cKamal sky is the limit, never cut yourself short\u201d (Manager from Mental health, 2015).\u00a0 Three years ago he said this to me and I never forgot.\u00a0 I worked with him for 10 years until March 2016 and to this day when I run into him at Fraser Health events etc., he motivates me.\u00a0 Sometimes we need a push from other and realize our potential.\u00a0 I can one other example when one of my patients committed suicide.\u00a0 I was devastated.\u00a0 This same manager said to me, \u201cyou have to build resilience and deal with emotions better because many times in health care you will come across tragic situations\u201d (Manager from Mental Health, 2015).\u00a0 Through experience, I have become better at dealing with professional life stressors.<\/p>\r\n

What are your wants and needs for changing or strengthening your responses?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

In my personal response, I would like to become more grounded in my emotions as well.\u00a0 I am working on my emotional responses in my personal situations.\u00a0 \u201cThe strategic leader must keep long-term goals in mind while working on to achieve short-term objectives\u201d (Hughes, et.al. 2014, p.15).\u00a0 For example; previously I would jump to conclusions but now I am more rational.\u00a0 I also have set both long-term and immediate goals to improve my responses.\u00a0 One goal is to listen thoroughly, gather facts, think, and reflect before responding.\u00a0 This is an ongoing process, the more I practice the better I will become.\u00a0 Self-awareness is the key.\u00a0 As I continue to become a better person in my personal life, I will continue to improve my professional responses as well.\u00a0 \u201cStrategy involves change, and achieving long-term performance potential in an ever-changing environment requires continuous change\u201d (Hughes, et al. 2014, p.21).\u00a0 I also found is perhaps changing perspective.\u00a0 Not everyone will share my opinions and thoughts.\u00a0 \"One of the benefits of becoming self-reflective is gaining balance and greater perspective in your life\" (Kraemer, 2015, p.28).\u00a0 Having an open-mind helped me become better at responding.\u00a0 I practice staying calm and don\u2019t have expectations from others.\u00a0 I practice more giving and less receiving.<\/p>\r\n

Professionally, I have become quite comfortable in how I respond.\u00a0 The more experience I gain, the better I am becoming in my leadership position.\u00a0 Each situation has taught me something different.\u00a0 I don\u2019t\u2019 believe this is something that can be mastered.\u00a0 I will continue to learn and gain insight into my responses.\u00a0 The only way I will learn is by learning how my responses have affected certain people in certain situations.\u00a0 Crucial conversations when stakes are high are my absolute go-to tool.\u00a0 For example, previously I would become defensive with my manager when she has given me negative feedback.\u00a0 Now, I listen well, I absorb and reflect before responding.\u00a0 I have become better at my job as a coordinator which has increased my confidence level.\u00a0 Because my confidence has increased, I have become more patient with criticism, and with others.\u00a0 \"So be patient when exploring how others think and feel.\u00a0 Encourage them to share their path and then wait for their emotions to catch up with the safety that you've created\" (Patterson et al. 2012, p.159).\u00a0 I have also become better at responding through being more mindful about others emotions.<\/p>\r\n

For both personal and professional response, I change my perspective and my approach.\u00a0 I accept not everyone will think the way I do.\u00a0 Professionally I do not take sides and respond in fairness and honesty.\u00a0 As a leader, it is my responsibility to ensure I listen to everyone.\u00a0 My response can have a positive or negative effect on others whether personal or professional.<\/p>\r\n

What are your strengths and weakness with regard to the desired changes in your life?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

In my personal life, I would like to become more emotionally grounded.\u00a0 I like to worry less.\u00a0 My strengths in achieving this would utilize the techniques which I have taught to my patients again as mentioned earlier the CBT and DBT.\u00a0 The CBT triangle about emotions, thoughts and feelings is one of the main techniques.\u00a0 \u00a0These would be worry techniques and skills to manage stress.\u00a0 My weaknesses are again my emotions.\u00a0 Emotional intelligence by Gill Hasson once again has been a great tool for me to manage this.\u00a0 I have become much better at it.\u00a0 It is a lifelong working progress. My strength is my family\u2019s support.\u00a0 My strength is my commitment to my family, my commitment to myself to become a better version of myself.\u00a0 \u201cAcceptance of yourself, recognizing your strengths and skill mastery, as well as your weaknesses, while focusing on continuous improvement\u201d (Kraemer, 2015, p.1).\u00a0 I can read this book over and over again because this book has been a life changer for me.\u00a0 This whole master\u2019s program has been a life changing experience.\u00a0 I have learned a lot about myself and grown to be a better person.\u00a0 Each and every book has left a significant impact on me both personally and professionally.<\/p>\r\n

Professionally, my weaknesses are somewhat the lack of experience which I don\u2019t\u2019 have when compared to those who do.\u00a0 My strengths are the knowledge I have gained through my leadership experience and through my education in the master\u2019s program.\u00a0 Both in my personal and professional life, I utilize goal setting.\u00a0 CBT is well aware of the SMART model stated by Lepsinger 2010.\u00a0 \"SMART goals also ensure there are no misunderstandings about what is expected so that follow-up conversations will be constructive rather than frustrating or punishing\" (Lepsinger, 2010, p.62).\u00a0 SMART goals will help me work on my weaknesses and improve as I move forward.<\/p>\r\n

What personal and professional mission, vision, and values do you practice?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Personal<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Mission:<\/em><\/strong> to be the best I can be<\/p>\r\n

Vision:<\/em><\/strong> to be a good daughter, wife and mother.<\/p>\r\n

Values:<\/em><\/strong> I value honesty, hard work, knowledge, compassion, and family.<\/p>\r\n

Professional<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Mission:<\/em><\/strong> To be the best I can be<\/p>\r\n

Vision:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0to become a director in mental Health teach nursing at Douglas College, and build my company Medi-Mental Health and Homecare.<\/p>\r\n

Values:<\/em><\/strong> I value honesty, hard work, knowledge, compassion, and family.<\/p>\r\n

What key strategic drivers will help you create significant impact for achieving your potential?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

The key strategic driver in my personal life is my family.\u00a0 Their support is essential for me.\u00a0 My other key drivers are my Profs and my role models.\u00a0 My family keeps me grounded and the motivation to succeed and be the best version of myself.\u00a0 My professors educate me, their motivation, and encouragement and faith in me have brought me to where I am in my master's program today.\u00a0 My role models give me the drive to be like them.\u00a0 These role models are already successful nurses who are teaching or in management, are directors.\u00a0 I have hope, one day I also will reach at my best potential.\u00a0 All of these key drivers in my personal life push me to do the best.<\/p>\r\n

In my professional life, my key drivers are my manager, employees, and colleagues. \u00a0Each and every one of these individuals brings along something different for me to learn from.\u00a0 There is no way I will become anything with support.\u00a0 It is the collaboration of all of these individuals in my life which will help me align all my stars in the right direction.\u00a0 Each one of these key drivers has different educational backgrounds and experiences.\u00a0 Their stories of success in their professional life help me set goals for myself.<\/p>\r\n

What areas will you abandon for your future development?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

I understand there will be sacrifices for me both personally and professionally for future development.\u00a0 Personally, I do have certain people in my circle which I will have let go.\u00a0 It is the lifestyle and negative energy which can be emotionally draining.\u00a0 I know we all have these types of individuals around us.\u00a0 \u201cI need to let go of the busy day-to-day activities and spend more time thinking about the future\u201d (Hughes et al. 2014, p. 15).\u00a0 I also may need to quit working evenings and Saturdays at my husband\u2019s clinic because that is not my passion.\u00a0 I am aware I have a lot on my plate, perhaps it needs to be emptied to pursue my passion and career.\u00a0 I have also opened a company Medi-Mental Health and Homecare to which I am not able to devote any time.\u00a0 This is due to my current obligations towards school.\u00a0 Once I graduate I will have more time and then I can make my company my priority in place of my school.<\/p>\r\n

Professionally, I might also have to compromise when needed to gain experience.\u00a0 For example, to obtain this coordinator\u2019s position I had to give up mental health.\u00a0 I was a nurse in the community but I have dreams and desires to be a director one day.\u00a0 I had applied for many coordinators\u2019 positions in mental health and never was given an opportunity.\u00a0 My current coordinator\u2019s position is in residential care, in a dementia facility.\u00a0 It is very different from mental health such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, bipolar etc.\u00a0 I had to compromise so I can gain experience.\u00a0 I enjoy what I do, but mental health has always been my passion.\u00a0 Hopefully, I will reach my goal to be a director in mental health one day.<\/p>\r\n

What areas will you excel in?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

I am working on myself every day to be a better person, to be a better daughter, wife, a mother, a leader, a friend, a colleague.\u00a0 I am determined to excel in my professional life and become a director and possibly a nursing instructor at Douglas College.\u00a0 Once I have finished my master\u2019s program I will be able to devote time and energy towards my company Medi-Mental Health and Homecare as well.\u00a0 I have full faith in my future.<\/p>\r\n

Explain the personal\/professional culture you want to develop from the mission, vision, values and drivers envisioned and how they align with your present\/future success.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Whether it is personal or professional, I like unity.\u00a0 I like teamwork; I like honesty and hard work.\u00a0 I have always admired love and compassion.\u00a0 I am grateful to what God has given me today.\u00a0 I am fortunate because I have my family walking with me every step of the way. \u00a0Whether it is present or my future, in order to achieve my goals I cannot do it on my own.\u00a0 Every individual in my life\u00a0contributes to my success in some way.\u00a0 My family has been my pillar.\u00a0 What I have learned from the past has moulded me into who I am today.\u00a0 The present is teaching me more about life and giving me opportunities to excel further.\u00a0 They are all interconnected.\u00a0 For example; I never just wanted to be a frontline nurse.\u00a0 I graduated with a diploma in 2007 in psychiatric nursing.\u00a0 My vision to step into management pushed me to start taking online courses to complete my degree in psychiatric nursing.\u00a0 While I was working on completing my degree I started to search for the master\u2019s program.\u00a0 I came across Trinity Western University and went to the information session for my master\u2019s program I am currently in.\u00a0 This was it, I started this journey in Jan 2016, slowly but surely my starts are starting to align and I am many steps close today to reach my goal then I was two years ago.<\/p>\r\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

I am a developing strategic leader.\u00a0 To become a better strategic leader:\u00a0 I realized a long time ago,\u00a0change is inevitable.\u00a0 I understand success is a process of a team effort.\u00a0 For me, this team effort is mainly my family.\u00a0 I came this far, in my career, schooling with the support from family.\u00a0 My family is the pillar.\u00a0 Along with it comes faith, faith in the process.\u00a0 I have always imagined a certain career, a certain goal.\u00a0 I am not quite there yet, but I am definitely going on the right path because windows of opportunities are starting to open up.\u00a0 I am teaching online nursing, which will eventually give me the experience\u00a0I need to teach at Douglas College.\u00a0 I am in a coordinator position, and with experience, I am getting close to becoming a manager, then director.\u00a0 I understand the need for all the steps I have to take in order to get to where I want to.\u00a0 Each step of the way I am becoming more self-aware.\u00a0 Through each experience, I am learning to become a better person.\u00a0 Through making mistakes, through learning from others and through education I am undergoing the process of self-improvement.\u00a0 I discover something new every day.\u00a0 I will continue to improve myself and invest in myself.<\/p>\r\n

Leader development begins with visioning and assessment.\u00a0 Before jumping into specific developmental activities to become more strategic, we encourage you to do several things.\u00a0 First, take some reflection time and imagine yourself leading strategically.\u00a0 What will it look like when you are there? How will it feel? What behaviours will you demonstrate? What will be their impact on others? What will other people\u2019s perception of you be? How will you know when you are doing it? (Hughes et al. 2014, p.265).<\/p>\r\n

The above quote from Becoming a Strategic Leader is going to be my personal and professional reflection tool.\u00a0 Whether it is for my career to become a director, nursing instructor and build a better company, this is what I will utilize to assess my performance in my journey to become a better strategic leader.<\/p>\r\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Exercise for Stress and Anxiety. (n.d.). Retrieved from https:\/\/adaa.org\/living-with-anxiety\/managing-anxiety\/exercise-stress-and-anxiety<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Hasson, G., & Hasson, G. (2015).\u00a0Understanding emotional intelligence. Harlow: Pearson Education.<\/p>\r\n

Hughes, R. L., Beatty, K. C., & Dinwoodie, D. L. (2014).\u00a0Becoming a strategic leader your role in your organizations enduring success. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.<\/p>\r\n

Kraemer, H. M. (2015).\u00a0Becoming the best: Build a world-class organization through values-based leadership. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.<\/p>\r\n

Lepsinger, R. (2010).\u00a0Closing the execution gap: How great leaders and their companies get results. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.<\/p>\r\n

McLeod, S. (1970, January 01). Saul McLeod. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.simplypsychology.org\/cognitive-therapy.html<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Patterson, K., Grenny, J., & Switzler, A. (2012).\u00a0Crucial Conversations. New York: McGraw-Hill.<\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/p>","rendered":"

Karmel as a strategic leader <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIndividuals and teams enact strategic leadership when they create the direction, alignment, and commitment needed to achieve the enduring performance potential of the organization\u201d (Hughes et al. (2014, p.11).\u00a0 For me when I think about strategic leadership I think of working on myself first. \u00a0\u00a0When doing the following assignment my focus is self-improvement and achievement of personal goals along with professional goals.\u00a0 I am currently a care coordinator, and to reach my professional goal in higher management I need to become more strategic.\u00a0 I need to improve myself to become a better leader and more strategic.\u00a0 I realize I am not able to achieve those goals on my own.\u00a0 Although it may be a personal goal of career, family, I need support from others to achieve it.\u00a0 \u201cThe waves in our surfer\u2019s ocean provide an analogy: as each wave crashes to the surface, it disturbs the water, which moves in reaction to the falling wave.\u00a0 External forces such as the wind also affect the waves\u201d (Hughes et al. 2014, p.15).\u00a0 For me to become a better strategic leader, I need to understand the threats, supports, opportunities that I will encounter in my journey.\u00a0 Challenges and support system will help me become a better person, leader, and be able to strategize better.<\/p>\n

What is your general response to the circumstances you presently face in your life?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before sharing how I respond to general circumstances, I would like to share a sample of my busy day to give you an idea.\u00a0 I am currently very busy with my job which is full-time Monday to Friday 0730-1530.\u00a0 I am teaching an online course (on Moodle) at Stenberg College, it is only 6 weeks and one week left so I am glad.\u00a0 I do not wish to take on any teaching contracts until after I finish my school now, next March 2019.\u00a0 I also work at my husband\u2019s clinic twice a week, Thursday and Saturdays.\u00a0 I have all of these employments to help me with my school tuition as it can be very expensive.\u00a0 I have two children, son 14 and daughter\u00a09.\u00a0 They are pretty well behaved and self-managed for which I am very grateful.\u00a0 Now that I have shared my general circumstances in my life, I can feel overwhelmed from time to time.\u00a0 This semester with my 501 course has been quite challenging due to Word Press.\u00a0 I am confident with Moodle and learning my way through Word Press.\u00a0 I feel lost and overwhelmed by Word Press.\u00a0 Generally, I can manage stress fairly well.\u00a0 I think just not knowing and not being able to fully navigate myself around Word Press is frustrating.\u00a0 The coursework is already a load but trying to figure out Word press is not fun.\u00a0 I like to be organized and plan ahead of time. \u00a0When I can do this, I feel more comfortable and can perform better. I am fortunate enough to have been certified in both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).\u00a0 I don’t just preach this I also practice it.\u00a0 I found this has helped me tremendously in dealing with my personal stress levels. “Cognitive therapy helps people to develop alternative ways of thinking and behaving which aims to reduce their psychological distress” (McLeod, 1970).\u00a0 CBT has taught me to build better skills and deal with stressors more rationally.\u00a0\u00a0“First,\u00a0mindfulness\u00a0focuses on improving an individual’s\u00a0ability to accept and be present in the current moment” (Psychology Today, 2018).\u00a0 DBT has taught me to stay in the moment and stay grounded.\u00a0\u00a0My general response is a feeling of worry and anxiety and both CBT and DBT skills I teach to my patients I review them myself as well.\u00a0 Other ways of dealing with my circumstances if they are causing stress is working out.\u00a0 \u201cScientists have found that regular participation in aerobic exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of tension, elevate and stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem\u201d (Anxiety and Depression Association of American, 2018).\u00a0 I find if I don\u2019t work out in the morning, dealing with certain circumstance during the day is much more difficult.<\/p>\n

How do you handle the stressors you face?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Personally, when I face stressors I can be overwhelmed.\u00a0 I have a tendency to become anxious.\u00a0 I can be emotional.\u00a0 However, it really depends on the type of stressor it is.\u00a0 For example, if it has to do with the health of a loved one, that is when I become anxious and worried.\u00a0 Other life stressors I can usually manage well because I have support from my family.\u00a0 Again, as stated earlier CBT and DBT training and certification was the best thing I could have done.\u00a0 I also find praying helps me.\u00a0 I find having in faith in God gives me hope.\u00a0 I manage stress well through managing my emotions.\u00a0 “Controlling emotions involves attempts to dominate, suppress or restrain thoughts, feelings and behaviour”(Hasson, 2015, p.57).\u00a0 Emotional Intelligence by Gill Hasson is a great read and has taught me a lot to manage emotions.\u00a0 I try not to worry about things I can\u2019t control but it really depends on the situation as well.\u00a0 Some stressors are uncontrolled, for example; health of a loved one, in this case, I can only provide support and do the best I can to be with them as needed.<\/p>\n

Professionally, I can conduct myself really well.\u00a0 I am very assertive and less emotional when it comes to my professional life.\u00a0 I have a different relationship with my colleagues, bosses, employees then I do with my own family.\u00a0\u00a0 I can handle work stress much better, and be more logical and rational.\u00a0 One of the resources I found which have brought a significant change in me is Crucial Conversations.\u00a0 This book has been informative and taught me how to handle stress at work.\u00a0 “Not only do those who are best at crucial conversations notice when they’re slipping into silence or violence, but they’re also able to admit it” (Patterson et al. 2012, p.113).\u00a0 Though learning how to better communicate has brought these changes in me as a professional. \u00a0I am open to collaborating with the team at work if it is a work stressor.\u00a0 For example; our facility often has palliative residents, this can be quite stressful.\u00a0 Our team supports each other through this tough time.\u00a0 The moral support from the team helps me deal with any stressor in my professional life as well.\u00a0 Another example I can share is being rejected after an interview for a job.\u00a0 I had applied many times for a coordinator position before I actually landed my current position which I am in for over two years now.\u00a0 How did I deal with this stressor? I never gave up.\u00a0 I am resilient when it comes to professionalism.\u00a0 Had I given up, I would have never applied after a few rejections.\u00a0 My previous manager had said to me, \u201cKamal sky is the limit, never cut yourself short\u201d (Manager from Mental health, 2015).\u00a0 Three years ago he said this to me and I never forgot.\u00a0 I worked with him for 10 years until March 2016 and to this day when I run into him at Fraser Health events etc., he motivates me.\u00a0 Sometimes we need a push from other and realize our potential.\u00a0 I can one other example when one of my patients committed suicide.\u00a0 I was devastated.\u00a0 This same manager said to me, \u201cyou have to build resilience and deal with emotions better because many times in health care you will come across tragic situations\u201d (Manager from Mental Health, 2015).\u00a0 Through experience, I have become better at dealing with professional life stressors.<\/p>\n

What are your wants and needs for changing or strengthening your responses?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In my personal response, I would like to become more grounded in my emotions as well.\u00a0 I am working on my emotional responses in my personal situations.\u00a0 \u201cThe strategic leader must keep long-term goals in mind while working on to achieve short-term objectives\u201d (Hughes, et.al. 2014, p.15).\u00a0 For example; previously I would jump to conclusions but now I am more rational.\u00a0 I also have set both long-term and immediate goals to improve my responses.\u00a0 One goal is to listen thoroughly, gather facts, think, and reflect before responding.\u00a0 This is an ongoing process, the more I practice the better I will become.\u00a0 Self-awareness is the key.\u00a0 As I continue to become a better person in my personal life, I will continue to improve my professional responses as well.\u00a0 \u201cStrategy involves change, and achieving long-term performance potential in an ever-changing environment requires continuous change\u201d (Hughes, et al. 2014, p.21).\u00a0 I also found is perhaps changing perspective.\u00a0 Not everyone will share my opinions and thoughts.\u00a0 “One of the benefits of becoming self-reflective is gaining balance and greater perspective in your life” (Kraemer, 2015, p.28).\u00a0 Having an open-mind helped me become better at responding.\u00a0 I practice staying calm and don\u2019t have expectations from others.\u00a0 I practice more giving and less receiving.<\/p>\n

Professionally, I have become quite comfortable in how I respond.\u00a0 The more experience I gain, the better I am becoming in my leadership position.\u00a0 Each situation has taught me something different.\u00a0 I don\u2019t\u2019 believe this is something that can be mastered.\u00a0 I will continue to learn and gain insight into my responses.\u00a0 The only way I will learn is by learning how my responses have affected certain people in certain situations.\u00a0 Crucial conversations when stakes are high are my absolute go-to tool.\u00a0 For example, previously I would become defensive with my manager when she has given me negative feedback.\u00a0 Now, I listen well, I absorb and reflect before responding.\u00a0 I have become better at my job as a coordinator which has increased my confidence level.\u00a0 Because my confidence has increased, I have become more patient with criticism, and with others.\u00a0 “So be patient when exploring how others think and feel.\u00a0 Encourage them to share their path and then wait for their emotions to catch up with the safety that you’ve created” (Patterson et al. 2012, p.159).\u00a0 I have also become better at responding through being more mindful about others emotions.<\/p>\n

For both personal and professional response, I change my perspective and my approach.\u00a0 I accept not everyone will think the way I do.\u00a0 Professionally I do not take sides and respond in fairness and honesty.\u00a0 As a leader, it is my responsibility to ensure I listen to everyone.\u00a0 My response can have a positive or negative effect on others whether personal or professional.<\/p>\n

What are your strengths and weakness with regard to the desired changes in your life?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In my personal life, I would like to become more emotionally grounded.\u00a0 I like to worry less.\u00a0 My strengths in achieving this would utilize the techniques which I have taught to my patients again as mentioned earlier the CBT and DBT.\u00a0 The CBT triangle about emotions, thoughts and feelings is one of the main techniques.\u00a0 \u00a0These would be worry techniques and skills to manage stress.\u00a0 My weaknesses are again my emotions.\u00a0 Emotional intelligence by Gill Hasson once again has been a great tool for me to manage this.\u00a0 I have become much better at it.\u00a0 It is a lifelong working progress. My strength is my family\u2019s support.\u00a0 My strength is my commitment to my family, my commitment to myself to become a better version of myself.\u00a0 \u201cAcceptance of yourself, recognizing your strengths and skill mastery, as well as your weaknesses, while focusing on continuous improvement\u201d (Kraemer, 2015, p.1).\u00a0 I can read this book over and over again because this book has been a life changer for me.\u00a0 This whole master\u2019s program has been a life changing experience.\u00a0 I have learned a lot about myself and grown to be a better person.\u00a0 Each and every book has left a significant impact on me both personally and professionally.<\/p>\n

Professionally, my weaknesses are somewhat the lack of experience which I don\u2019t\u2019 have when compared to those who do.\u00a0 My strengths are the knowledge I have gained through my leadership experience and through my education in the master\u2019s program.\u00a0 Both in my personal and professional life, I utilize goal setting.\u00a0 CBT is well aware of the SMART model stated by Lepsinger 2010.\u00a0 “SMART goals also ensure there are no misunderstandings about what is expected so that follow-up conversations will be constructive rather than frustrating or punishing” (Lepsinger, 2010, p.62).\u00a0 SMART goals will help me work on my weaknesses and improve as I move forward.<\/p>\n

What personal and professional mission, vision, and values do you practice?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Personal<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mission:<\/em><\/strong> to be the best I can be<\/p>\n

Vision:<\/em><\/strong> to be a good daughter, wife and mother.<\/p>\n

Values:<\/em><\/strong> I value honesty, hard work, knowledge, compassion, and family.<\/p>\n

Professional<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mission:<\/em><\/strong> To be the best I can be<\/p>\n

Vision:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0to become a director in mental Health teach nursing at Douglas College, and build my company Medi-Mental Health and Homecare.<\/p>\n

Values:<\/em><\/strong> I value honesty, hard work, knowledge, compassion, and family.<\/p>\n

What key strategic drivers will help you create significant impact for achieving your potential?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The key strategic driver in my personal life is my family.\u00a0 Their support is essential for me.\u00a0 My other key drivers are my Profs and my role models.\u00a0 My family keeps me grounded and the motivation to succeed and be the best version of myself.\u00a0 My professors educate me, their motivation, and encouragement and faith in me have brought me to where I am in my master’s program today.\u00a0 My role models give me the drive to be like them.\u00a0 These role models are already successful nurses who are teaching or in management, are directors.\u00a0 I have hope, one day I also will reach at my best potential.\u00a0 All of these key drivers in my personal life push me to do the best.<\/p>\n

In my professional life, my key drivers are my manager, employees, and colleagues. \u00a0Each and every one of these individuals brings along something different for me to learn from.\u00a0 There is no way I will become anything with support.\u00a0 It is the collaboration of all of these individuals in my life which will help me align all my stars in the right direction.\u00a0 Each one of these key drivers has different educational backgrounds and experiences.\u00a0 Their stories of success in their professional life help me set goals for myself.<\/p>\n

What areas will you abandon for your future development?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I understand there will be sacrifices for me both personally and professionally for future development.\u00a0 Personally, I do have certain people in my circle which I will have let go.\u00a0 It is the lifestyle and negative energy which can be emotionally draining.\u00a0 I know we all have these types of individuals around us.\u00a0 \u201cI need to let go of the busy day-to-day activities and spend more time thinking about the future\u201d (Hughes et al. 2014, p. 15).\u00a0 I also may need to quit working evenings and Saturdays at my husband\u2019s clinic because that is not my passion.\u00a0 I am aware I have a lot on my plate, perhaps it needs to be emptied to pursue my passion and career.\u00a0 I have also opened a company Medi-Mental Health and Homecare to which I am not able to devote any time.\u00a0 This is due to my current obligations towards school.\u00a0 Once I graduate I will have more time and then I can make my company my priority in place of my school.<\/p>\n

Professionally, I might also have to compromise when needed to gain experience.\u00a0 For example, to obtain this coordinator\u2019s position I had to give up mental health.\u00a0 I was a nurse in the community but I have dreams and desires to be a director one day.\u00a0 I had applied for many coordinators\u2019 positions in mental health and never was given an opportunity.\u00a0 My current coordinator\u2019s position is in residential care, in a dementia facility.\u00a0 It is very different from mental health such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, bipolar etc.\u00a0 I had to compromise so I can gain experience.\u00a0 I enjoy what I do, but mental health has always been my passion.\u00a0 Hopefully, I will reach my goal to be a director in mental health one day.<\/p>\n

What areas will you excel in?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am working on myself every day to be a better person, to be a better daughter, wife, a mother, a leader, a friend, a colleague.\u00a0 I am determined to excel in my professional life and become a director and possibly a nursing instructor at Douglas College.\u00a0 Once I have finished my master\u2019s program I will be able to devote time and energy towards my company Medi-Mental Health and Homecare as well.\u00a0 I have full faith in my future.<\/p>\n

Explain the personal\/professional culture you want to develop from the mission, vision, values and drivers envisioned and how they align with your present\/future success.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether it is personal or professional, I like unity.\u00a0 I like teamwork; I like honesty and hard work.\u00a0 I have always admired love and compassion.\u00a0 I am grateful to what God has given me today.\u00a0 I am fortunate because I have my family walking with me every step of the way. \u00a0Whether it is present or my future, in order to achieve my goals I cannot do it on my own.\u00a0 Every individual in my life\u00a0contributes to my success in some way.\u00a0 My family has been my pillar.\u00a0 What I have learned from the past has moulded me into who I am today.\u00a0 The present is teaching me more about life and giving me opportunities to excel further.\u00a0 They are all interconnected.\u00a0 For example; I never just wanted to be a frontline nurse.\u00a0 I graduated with a diploma in 2007 in psychiatric nursing.\u00a0 My vision to step into management pushed me to start taking online courses to complete my degree in psychiatric nursing.\u00a0 While I was working on completing my degree I started to search for the master\u2019s program.\u00a0 I came across Trinity Western University and went to the information session for my master\u2019s program I am currently in.\u00a0 This was it, I started this journey in Jan 2016, slowly but surely my starts are starting to align and I am many steps close today to reach my goal then I was two years ago.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am a developing strategic leader.\u00a0 To become a better strategic leader:\u00a0 I realized a long time ago,\u00a0change is inevitable.\u00a0 I understand success is a process of a team effort.\u00a0 For me, this team effort is mainly my family.\u00a0 I came this far, in my career, schooling with the support from family.\u00a0 My family is the pillar.\u00a0 Along with it comes faith, faith in the process.\u00a0 I have always imagined a certain career, a certain goal.\u00a0 I am not quite there yet, but I am definitely going on the right path because windows of opportunities are starting to open up.\u00a0 I am teaching online nursing, which will eventually give me the experience\u00a0I need to teach at Douglas College.\u00a0 I am in a coordinator position, and with experience, I am getting close to becoming a manager, then director.\u00a0 I understand the need for all the steps I have to take in order to get to where I want to.\u00a0 Each step of the way I am becoming more self-aware.\u00a0 Through each experience, I am learning to become a better person.\u00a0 Through making mistakes, through learning from others and through education I am undergoing the process of self-improvement.\u00a0 I discover something new every day.\u00a0 I will continue to improve myself and invest in myself.<\/p>\n

Leader development begins with visioning and assessment.\u00a0 Before jumping into specific developmental activities to become more strategic, we encourage you to do several things.\u00a0 First, take some reflection time and imagine yourself leading strategically.\u00a0 What will it look like when you are there? How will it feel? What behaviours will you demonstrate? What will be their impact on others? What will other people\u2019s perception of you be? How will you know when you are doing it? (Hughes et al. 2014, p.265).<\/p>\n

The above quote from Becoming a Strategic Leader is going to be my personal and professional reflection tool.\u00a0 Whether it is for my career to become a director, nursing instructor and build a better company, this is what I will utilize to assess my performance in my journey to become a better strategic leader.<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n

Exercise for Stress and Anxiety. (n.d.). Retrieved from https:\/\/adaa.org\/living-with-anxiety\/managing-anxiety\/exercise-stress-and-anxiety<\/a><\/p>\n

Hasson, G., & Hasson, G. (2015).\u00a0Understanding emotional intelligence. Harlow: Pearson Education.<\/p>\n

Hughes, R. L., Beatty, K. C., & Dinwoodie, D. L. (2014).\u00a0Becoming a strategic leader your role in your organizations enduring success. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.<\/p>\n

Kraemer, H. M. (2015).\u00a0Becoming the best: Build a world-class organization through values-based leadership. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.<\/p>\n

Lepsinger, R. (2010).\u00a0Closing the execution gap: How great leaders and their companies get results. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.<\/p>\n

McLeod, S. (1970, January 01). Saul McLeod. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.simplypsychology.org\/cognitive-therapy.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Patterson, K., Grenny, J., & Switzler, A. (2012).\u00a0Crucial Conversations. New York: McGraw-Hill.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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