Introduction
The global economy has become more advanced and dynamic due to the forces of globalization, technological breakthroughs, and changing human interactions. Leaders operating in the 21st century need to develop their competencies continuously while transforming their abilities in such a way that they can succeed in diverse environments. The best strategy for realizing this objective revolves around the establishment of professional development and self-reflection habits. Managers who ignore the evidence-based practice of lifelong learning will be at risk of being replaced by younger professionals who are ready to take risks and revolutionize the workplace. I will improve my management capabilities through lifelong learning, adoption of motivation and leadership theories, promotion of goal-setting and delegation of tasks, and consultation with published materials on leadership practices.
Self-Leadership and Management
The concept of self-leadership guides managers in different fields to engage in critical thinking and identify practical strategies that can support their objectives. Personally, I view myself as a skilled professional capable of guiding followers to complete their tasks and improve organizational profitability. I possess key traits that support my goals and achievements as a manager. Some of the outstanding ones include the ability to communicate and listen attentively, organizational skills, and enough background in the field of leadership. Successful managers understand how to plan and assign roles to the targeted followers (Kjellström et al., 2020). I understand how to delegate a wide range of activities in an effort to improve performance.
Several strengths explain why I identify myself as a competent manager. First, I have developed a unique philosophy of leadership founded on the Christian worldview. I embrace the notions of sympathy, commitment, duty, and responsibility. I am always ready to help and guide others to focus on the best outcomes. I apply the framework by considering the outlined goals and the most appropriate strategies to achieve them. Second, I apply practical lessons from some of the most successful leaders the world has ever seen, such as Barrack Obama, Henry Ford, and Michael Zuckerberg. This strategy allows individuals to identify some of the best practices for empowering others, solving problems, and making informed decisions (Cakir & Adiguzel, 2020). Third, I apply a befitting managerial strategy depending on the identified issues and the competencies of my followers.
Unfortunately, I have some unique weaknesses that disorient my abilities and achievements. The first one is the absence of a developed tactic for guiding ten or more employees. This gap means that I might not deliver the much-needed results in a big organization. The second issue affecting my managerial abilities is the inability to make timely or immediate decisions. This challenge can make it impossible for the selected team to complete its tasks much faster and solve emerging challenges (Kjellström et al., 2020). The third weakness is the absence of clear expectations for my overall leadership strategy. Nevertheless, I am on the frontline to address these issues in an effort to achieve my objectives in the ever-changing and competitive world.
I am planning to apply several approaches to expand my management capabilities. I will begin by engaging in lifelong learning and continuous self-reflection. Such an initiative guides individuals to learn more about their current strengths and gaps (Kjellström et al., 2020). The emerging information dictates the most appropriate course of action to practice efficient leadership and empower more followers to achieve their goals. I will go further to identify several mentors who can equip me with evidence-based approaches for managing situations, followers, and activities. I will borrow some of the best practices that will make me a skilled professional. The use of journal entries is another strategy that will make it possible for me to monitor my achievements and improve them accordingly.
Managing and Leading Others
One of my key concerns is how I can become a competent leader capable of inspiring others, promoting confidence, and maintaining the highest level of followership. Skilled managers master how to influence their respective employees or team members (Iorhen, 2019). They do so in accordance with the formulated organizational policies, mission statements, and cultural practices. Such individuals will be more involved in most of the activities and introduce additional strategies to promote performance. Similarly, leaders can benefit from their followers since they create opportunities for developing desirable actions and attitudes (Iorhen, 2019). Managers who pursue this relationship in a professional manner tend to experience or record desirable outcomes.
As a leader, I am planning to develop a practical approach to inspiring followership and ensuring that workers are in a position to improve organizational performance. The first initiative revolves around the use of proper theories or frameworks. For instance, the adoption of the transactional model of leadership will make it easier for me to provide specific recognition. I will be in a position to encourage members of the selected team, thereby setting the stage for followership. Cakir and Adiguzel (2020) argue that the recognition, mentorship, and empowerment of workers make it easier for them to be part of the organizational process. They will go further to make timeless contributions, solve most of the emerging challenges, and focus on the success of the company.
The second effort entails the experimentation and application of timeless leadership skills. For example, I will create an environment that promotes discipline and integrity. A competent manager will consider the importance of performing numerous tasks and responsibilities while allowing the followers to emulate the same (Kjellström et al., 2020). These individuals will be willing to follow the leader and inspire their workmates (Iorhen, 2019). It will be appropriate to introduce and promote a desirable organizational culture that fosters cooperation and followership. As a discerning listener, it will be easier to identify sources of conflicts, empower individuals who might encounter challenges, and eventually set the right mood at the company.
On top of the outlined strategies, it would be appropriate to focus on the needs of my followers if they are to remain committed and willing to follow my instructions. Different motivation theories have helped many professionals to guide their workers, thereby helping improve organizational performance. As an upcoming leader, I intend to apply Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs model to break down the demands of my followers into these five categories: self-actualization, social, safety, physiological, and self-esteem (Artaya et al., 2021). This effort will create the best environment for a favorable mood in the workplace.
The application of the ERG theory will create the best environment for allowing different followers to meet their existence, growth, and relatedness (R) demands. These strategies will inspire followership and make every team successful (Beltrán-Martín & Bou-Llusar, 2018). Throughout the period, I will introduce incentive programs and open-door policies to ensure that most of the employees remain engaged. Through the adoption of these tactics, I will improve my leadership abilities, foster followership, and eventually guide my organization to the targeted business objectives.
Career Development and Advancement
Strategic management entails the identification and implementation of initiatives that can support the achievement of organizational objectives. Successful leaders develop a set of initiatives that enable them to succeed in their respective careers and positions. As professional planning to guide and ensure that my future company remains profitable, I have decided to apply various approaches. First, I will master the art of prioritizing specific tasks that resonate with the anticipated goals. This initiative is evidence-based and guides individuals to manage time more efficiently (Kjellström et al., 2020). My followers will be involved and guided to consider specific activities depending on the expectations of the targeted customers. Combined with goal-setting, the move to prioritize key tasks will support performance and deliver the intended goals.
Second, the concept of leadership is effective since it allows those planning to pursue managerial roles to succeed in their respective fields. This tactic will allow me to identify and develop some of the most appropriate competencies for guiding others, such as decision-making and problem-solving. I will focus on the best strategies to improve my communication, conflict resolution, and mentorship abilities. Professionals who transform their models or styles of management depending on the nature of recorded challenges and opportunities tend to record desirable goals (Cakir & Adiguzel, 2020). Based on these attributes, I will improve my philosophy of leadership continuously and embrace emerging ideas or practices.
Third, the idea of delegating complex tasks to other individuals contributes to effective management. The effort reduces procrastination chances, allowing all followers to have a sense of direction (Kjellström et al., 2020). I will set goals through delegation and ensure that those who undertake various activities possess the relevant abilities. Fourth, the process of aligning activities to organizational competitiveness is a plausible management strategy (Cakir & Adiguzel, 2020). By pursuing this approach, I will be focusing on emerging technologies, employees’ concerns, and customers’ demands. These measures will guide all workers to function optimally and complete tasks that can make the selected company more profitable.
On top of the outlined management strategies, it is necessary to consider a number of resources that will support my career advancement. The first one is the use of online networking to identify colleagues and partners who might have succeeded in the field of management. The second resource includes all websites focusing on leadership strategies for promoting organizational performance (Kjellström et al., 2020). The third one includes all the materials, activities, and efforts undertaken in my organization. By completing a wide range of complex tasks and liaising with different workers, I will eventually record improved career achievements. Finally, I will read a wide range of books and journal articles since they present evidence-based ideas for personal career development.
Conclusion
Managers should strive to develop proper communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. The concept of continuous learning and self-reflection makes it possible for emerging leaders to address their weaknesses using their strengths. The emerging ideas guide the most appropriate strategies for succeeding in a managerial career. Some of them include the application of motivation theories to inspire followership, such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. By engaging in goal-setting, delegating a wide range of tasks, and consulting online and published materials, I will be in a position to enhance my career advancement.
References
Artaya, I. P., Kamisutara, M., Muchayan, A., & Deviyanti, I. S. (2021). Abraham Maslow’s hierarchical need fulfillment and Herzberg’s two-factor theory for creating worker loyalty. The Spirit of Society Journal, 4(2), 66-75.
Beltrán-Martín, I., & Bou-Llusar, J. C. (2018). Examining the intermediate role of employee abilities, motivation and opportunities to participate in the relationship between HR bundles and employee performance. BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 21(2), 99-110.
Cakir, F. S., & Adiguzel, Z. (2020). Analysis of leader effectiveness in organization and knowledge sharing behavior on employees and organization. SAGE Open, 10(1).
Iorhen, P. T. (2019). Strategies for developing high-performing work teams (HPWTS) in modern organizations. Journal of Business Management and Economic Research, 3(2), 16-25.
Kjellström, S., Stålne, K., & Törnblom, O. (2020). Six ways of understanding leadership development: An exploration of increasing complexity. Leadership, 16(4), 434-460.