The First Discovery: My ideal self
Who do I want to be?
What metaphors and images do you use to describe your ideal self?
As a metaphor, I would describe myself as the “Underdog” the one they didn’t
expect. I tend to surprise people because I am humble and don’t broadcast my
strengths.
If you allow yourself to dream about an ideal state in the future, what would be
its specific characteristics?
My ideal state would include financial freedom and good health. I am trying to
accomplish financial freedom by making solid investments and interested in
purchasing rental income to supplement my retirement. For my health, I am
exercising more and eating healthier (so I can enjoy my retirement).
What is the relationship between your public self and your private self in the ideal
scenario?
My public and private self are quite different. I don’t try to be the “real me” at
work; I save this for my close friends and family. I need to be a leader at work
and focus on goals and accomplishments. I am laid back at home, not ideal for
the workplace.
In your speech at your retirement party, what aspects of your life will you
highlight as giving you the most satisfaction? What do you want your legacy to
be?
At my retirement party, I would want highlighted my professionalism and
courtesy. That I was fair and unbiased, and treated my direct reports well. I
wish to be well-respected in my field.
The second discovery (My Real Self)
Who am I? How do others see you?
Most times I feel that others see me as a kind, compassionate caring person, but
they also sense that as a weakness. A weakness in the sense that I can be a
pushover and taken advantage of. When I believe that I am being taken
advantage of, I will “snap” at the individual(s), making me “the bad guy.”
What would your closest friend describe as your greatest strengths and
weaknesses?
I believe my closest friend would say my greatest strengths are the ability to
listen and find a logical solution to problems. My ability to be “level-headed” in
tense situations. For weakness, I think that he would say that I seek validation
to often from others, and that I should have more confidence.
What are you really good at - where do you make the greatest impact?
I am good at problem solving-whether it is finding the solution myself or being
able to locate the right person to get the job done. I have great organization
and can coordinate projects effectively. I work well under high stress situations.
Would you describe yourself as being equally successful in your personal and
professional life?
I cannot to describe myself as being equally successful in my personal life. My
family have had some major setbacks with older family members, and I feel like
a failure because I cannot solve the issues. I feel frustrated and defeated.
The third discovery (My learning agenda)
How well do you understand yourself as a leader?
I’m new as a leader, so I’m still in the discovery phase. My weakness is my
ability to delegate, and my strengths are the ability to coordinate. I need to
worry less on what others think of me.
How well do you understand yourself as a learner?
I know my weaknesses as a leader, and sometimes I’m too proud to ask for
suggestions or help. I have issues with control and worry that I won’t meet goal
if I’m not directly involved.
What specific strategies do you use to ensure that your learning is more likely to
be deep and profound?
I intentionally second guess myself (in a positive way) and try to implement
what I’ve learned into real world scenarios.
What learning processes are most appropriate to your learning agenda?
I am a visual learner and benefit from face-to-face interactions.
Essay
After filling out the questionnaire, I’m not really surprised at any of my answers.
I’ve been consistent with how I handle personal and professional matters…but
this is not to be mistaken as “I’m perfect,” I am a work in progress.
I would like to build on my strengths of organization and coordination, and work
on my control issues by having others “take the lead” on projects. I do have
professional and personal goals I want to obtain, and I’m starting small and
focusing on the “small wins”, otherwise I may get discouraged and scrap my goals
altogether.
