M2A1: PERSONAL ASSESSMENT REFLECTION

1)Write a short introductory paragraph that summarizes what you learned about your leadership style/personality from the tests.

From the new Enneagram test, I have learned that I am a reformer. A reformer likes to do everything right. In short, reformers are perfectionists (9types.com). Perfectionists are realistic, conscientious, and moral. Their goal is to live it to their highest ideals. To deal with reformers correctly, you will need to do some of the following: 

• Try to acknowledge their achievements.
• Give them assurances that they are just fine the way they are
• Always be fair and considerate with them.
• Try to apologize if you have been unthoughtful to help them forgive.

Reformers are always self-disciplined and can accomplish a lot; they are hard workers, have high standards and ethics, and never compromises themselves. Reformers like to be reasonable and put facts together to come up with wise solutions, and always work hard to bring out the best in others.

However, reformers always feel burdened by too much responsibility, thinking that whatever they are not good enough. Reformers often feel not appreciated for what they do or feel that others are not trying as much as they are (9types.com).

2) Evaluate the principles and foundational skills you possess and what they teach you, as described by the readings. Include descriptions of each and whether you consider them to be a strength or weakness as a leader.

Self-disciplined is one of the core principles that I possess. It is because of self-discipline that I can achieve a lot of things (Baron & Wagele. 1994). Most of the time, I stick to plan and almost always end up with the anticipated results. This principle is a strength for any leader. I am reasonable and dedicated in everything that I do. Most of the time, I choose to do the right things, rather than most things. In what I choose to do, I do it in full dedication and commitment. It is through this way that I get things done most of the time. This principle is considered a strength to me as a leader. Hard work is another of the core pillars in my life. I always go out to see that at least there is an improvement in the task being undertaken. I believe that it is by hard work that we can make our world a better place. This principle is a plus to me as a leader.

 However, I often tend to be disappointed in others or myself when a task is not delivered to my expectations. Sometimes I may start obsessing about what I did or what I should do, which not healthy for anyone. I am often a victim of anxiety, which makes me tense hence start taking things too seriously. All of these are negative traits and considered a weakness for a leader.

3)Discuss some opportunities that you might have to improve on your weaknesses. These may be employer training, additional education, or other real-life experiences.

Most leaders of this kind can improve on their weakness, but the fundamental of all is accepting the following few facts. They need to convince themselves that: 

• I need to accept that It makes me a loving person by letting others be who they are.
• I need to accept my weakness to make me understand others and accept them the way they are.
• I need to accept the world the way it is. This adjustment will make me more patient with things, and I will be focused on achieving the achievable. 
• I need to accept being enough for myself is what counts and will help me accept myself and bring me closer to others.

In addition to that, it is important to see life from a whole different perspective. Learn to see life as an invitation to play in the field of options rather than choosing one path or the other to walk (leadershipreality.org). Learn to be-friend anger. When you get angry that others have not delivered, you are most likely to get angry at yourself for being angry. Learn that explosions of rage are often exhaustive to those around you. Therefore, the bottom line is to learn. The good thing is that leaders can learn most of these things, and that Is what matters.

4) Conclude by summarizing what you have learned about yourself and how you plan to use the information in the future.

I have learned that there are great principles that I possess that make me a great leader. Qualities like self-discipline, goal orientation, hard work, and dedication give me an advantage as a leader. I have learned that it is vital for me to take it easy on myself and others because it is the only way to become a better person. I have learned that it is crucial to work on my weaknesses to improve my skills. I need to learn to let things flow. I need to understand that the whole world does not depend on me, and therefore, I need not feel the weight of responsibilities on my shoulders. It is crucial to improve on my strengths too (Callahan, 1992). If I know for sure that I can pull off the task, I need to do it with all the conviction and commitment.

Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele, 1994. The Enneagram Made Easy. Discover the 9-types of people. HarperSanFrancisco.

Rev. William J. Callahan, S.J. 1992. The Enneagram for Youth. Counselor’s Manual Loyola University Press.

https://leadershipreality.org/leader-archetype-1-in-reformer/

https://www.9types.com/descr/?type=1&book=callahan1