Reflection of Self - Leadership Steps Assessment

Leadership Steps Assessment

One of the first things we learn was to get to know ourselves. This was done using the Leadership Steps Assessment (LSA) developed by the University of Virginia. It measures 6 items which is mapped out in a web diagram as below. 

 

Strengths 

My strengths were in Clarifying What's Possible (CWP) with the highest score of 39. Relentless Assertion (R) and Support Others So They Can Contribute (SOCC) were close second with 37. 

I think my CWP score was high because I have travelled the world and seen how things can be done. I like immersing myself in new culture and experiences. When I travel (which I used to do a lot pre pandemic), I would make a point to avoid tourist traps and travel like the locals. I like meeting new people and am open to new experiences. 

I also love reading a lot and seeing how other people view the world. It's good to see the world from other people's perspectives. There is so much we can do in the world, so much that is possible. 

Room for improvement

Areas I need to work on include Clarify Your Center (CYC) and Clarify What Others Have To Contribute (CWOCC). 

By having to adapt a lot to new situation and surroundings I feel that this contributes to having low CYC scores. I notice that people who move into new surroundings will usually adapt in two very different opposite ways, they will either assimilate fully into the new culture (and partly lose their own identify) or the opposite happens in which they become more aware of who they are and that their core values are. 

My formative years were spent in the UK, first England then Scotland. We adapted quickly, even had the English accent by our third month there (I was 10 years old). When we later moved to Scotland, I vehemently refuse to use the Scottish accent.  

Me and my brothers before school. It was our winter uniform and my little brother was one of Santa's Elf for the school play that day. 

Me and my father outside our house before school.  

I notice that when I require a task to be completed, I would rather do it myself rather than assign it to someone else. It is too cumbersome for me to assign it to someone and have them do it incorrectly, then I would have to go back and redo the work myself. I have to improve and learn to delegate, see what other people can contribute and put my trust in them that they can carry out the task well. As a leader, it is important to know the teammates and subordinates strengths and weaknesses and assign them tasks and roles suited for them.

If a person loves being in the spotlight, let them be at the front and be the MC. Other people might like to be behind the scenes, writing the script and do the prep work before the event. Encourage development but also acknowledge their existing capabilities. I personally cannot tolerate being an MC for an event but I do not mind presenting and explaining ideas, I can perform well when presenting. 

I was presenting one of the weekly talks at the Hospital in Terengganu. Our department (Plastic Surgery) won the award for the best presentation.  

Me representing my department in the Headquarters (HQ), MoH presenting during the annual coordination retreat with our partner ministry, Public Works Department (JKR) with whom my department works closely with.