Each manager has a different leadership style and approach to communication that depends on his or her personal and professional qualities. At the same time, leaders need to understand these characteristics to apply strengths and work on weaknesses for improving their skills. Studying my leadership style and emotional intelligence has contributed significantly to identifying areas for self-improvement, which is the first step for achieving professional goals.
My leadership style and emotional intelligence are both complementary and contradictory. According to the test, I practice a democratic leadership style that is expressed in assisting and directing employees and giving them autonomy. I also have some features of an authoritarian style; however, they manifest themselves in crises. At the same time, my emotional intelligence is at a low level as it is difficult for me to recognize my own emotions and the emotions of other people, and direct them to solve problems. Consequently, the advantage of my management style is that the staff’s relative autonomy prevents me from getting into situations of poor decision-making due to a lack of empathy.
However, I have to understand the needs of the subordinates and their problems, as well as establish team communication and motivation, which is difficult with my ability to recognize and use emotions. On the other hand, the strength of my emotional intelligence is the ability to ruminate and rationally assess the situation, which, combined with autocratic traits in crises, allows me to overcome challenges. I can use my advantages of democratic leadership style and rational thinking to achieve the position of a board member, and authoritarian traits will help me reach my goal of international teaching.
Nevertheless, I can only be successful if I can correct my shortcomings. The most problematic area for me is in various aspects of my emotional intelligence. The first task is to understand my own emotions, control them, and direct them to solve problems, since, without this skill, I cannot communicate effectively with employees. Next, I need to improve my skills in understanding other people’s emotions and using them for motivation and guidance. Improving these aspects will also help me eliminate the flaws in my leadership style and be more involved in the team’s work, contributing to their development and problem-solving.
My SMART goals are to increase emotional intelligence and achieve the position of member of education committees on professional PT boards. Both goals correspond to the SMART parameters, since they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (Maya, 2019). Firstly, in both cases, I know the exact result, and secondly, the level of emotional intelligence can be measured using a test, while progress in various associations and their hierarchy shows the results of my work. Both goals are relevant and attainable as they contribute to my career and professional development, and I also hope to achieve them within three years. The main challenge is that I need to combine my current duties as a director at a pediatric therapy clinic and teaching therapists with participation in the events and self-development practices. This process can be complicated due to a lack of time and high responsibility.
Concrete steps for improving emotional intelligence are following the test recommendations and possibly seeking professional advice. For example, I will listen more closely to my thoughts and feelings to prevent my problems from influencing my communication, and I will also try not to avoid confrontation by any means. I will also actively participate in conferences, events, and organizations, as well as take the initiative to improve hospital and healthcare performance to achieve the second goal. These steps will allow me to show and develop the professional qualities necessary for a member of education committees on professional PT boards.
In conclusion, understanding the characteristics of my leadership style and emotional intelligence helped me to see directions for working on myself. This approach, as well as setting SMART goals, contributes to the consistent and orderly improvement of my professional qualities. Consequently, although I have to work hard, I understand that my goals are achievable and useful for professional development.
Reference
Maya, L. (2019). Smart goals expertise training guide. Estalontech.