Individual written assignment (Learning Journal) (2000 words) Weighting: 30% Task: The individual assignment is a ‘learning journal’. Upon completion of a variety of self - assessment instruments, you are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of selfawareness in relation to leadership. Your learning journal is based on your insights and provides you with an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which the issues and concepts raised in the course affect you personally in your role as a manager and leader. Purpose of the Learning Journal Management research indicates that developing self-awareness has several advantages: personal growth, career development, and an enhanced ability to understand and have empathy with others. In their studies of managerial and executive derailment, the Center for Creative Leadership found that successful managers: (1) understand their values, personal styles, and strengths and weaknesses; (2) know the impact of these values, styles, strengths and weaknesses, on their ability to effectively work with others and achieve their goals; and (3) are quick to reflect upon and learn from their own experiences. Despite these advantages, we often resist opportunities to increase our self-awareness. We try to protect our self-esteem. We fear that learning something new about ourselves will be painful or may require us to change. We may think that we already know ourselves well enough. Or we may not want to take the time out of our busy schedules to engage in selfreflection. In short, developing a willingness and ability to engage in self-reflection, is a critical leadership skill that is not easily learned yet reaps many rewards. Keeping a learning journal is a structured way to develop this skill. This journal is a confidential, written record of your personal development through the class. The learning journal helps you to reflect on how your personal styles influence your interpersonal relationships, particularly in your role as a manager and leader. The completed assignment should be about 2000 words and double spaced. Your learning journal is a confidential document. Only your course facilitator will read it. You are required to identify your learning journal by your name and student number. Learning Journal Requirements Based on the self-assessment instruments used in the course: 1. Choose four areas in Leadership for your self-analysis. 2. Summarize the results of the relevant self-assessments in your learning journal. 3. Share your results, insights and conclusions with someone you trust and respect. Ask them for their reactions and comments. 4. Discuss in the journal:  What you learned about yourself.  How your perceptions of yourself are similar and different from the perceptions of the person with whom you discussed your assessments. Page 10 of 12  How your style could affect your relationship with others, particularly your work relationships. Consider its influence on how you see and relate to others, how others react toward you, and implications for the kind of work you prefer.  Given this information, what can you do to take advantage of your strengths and minimize your weaknesses as a manager/leader? Criteria and marking standards: The following criteria will be used to evaluate your learning journal. :  Completion of assignment: You submit the journal on time and present an in-depth self-analysis based on the instruments chosen.  Self-reflection: You demonstrate a willingness and ability to engage in self-reflection. You provide examples from your own experience. You show an understanding of the consequences of your values, attitudes, style, behaviour, etc. on yourself, others, and the organization.  Conceptual understanding: You demonstrate a thoughtful understanding of conceptual material and leadership theories discussed in the course, and integrate them, as relevant, into your analysis.  Application: You demonstrate a willingness and ability to take steps towards personal change. You discuss in depth possible action plans.  Written Composition: The learning journal is professionally presented: well-organised and well written (including spelling and grammar).  References: Harvard style preferred.