Module 2 – Interpersonal Skills

Introduction

Having defined leadership in Module 1, we encourage you to look inwards, at yourself. Module 2 will address self-reflection, self-assessment, self-knowledge, and self-efficacy, providing tips and tools that might be important and useful to you.

Learning objectives

Personal competencies

• Facilitate the understanding and importance of self-awareness
• Foster the understanding of and strategies for self-reflection
• Foster and increase the understanding and importance of self-promotion

Skills

• Enhance the ability to reflect on leadership skills, traits, and styles
• Use of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis in professional assessments

Module 2a) Self-reflection

Introduction

Who are you? What are your strengths? What are you challenges? What do you like and what do you dislike? The answers to these questions will influence your relationship with others, how you communicate, and how you perform as a leader.

Reflections

1. Create a personal SWOT, using the questions posed in the video and listed in the resources section below. This is not related to your knowledge of topics or your intelligence, but rather your own personal traits. Remember, there is no right or wrong, so be honest since the only one you will trick, is yourself. Ponder the questions and discuss with a peer, mentor or family member afterwards.
2. What do you consider as the three key messages in Module 2a? 

Resources (SWOT)

Module 2b) Self-assessment

Introduction

Self-assessment differs from the act of self-judgment. It is human nature to often judge ourselves or focus on our weaknesses and shortcomings. Now we will discuss the importance of identifying personal strengths. We will reflect on the imperative of strength-based leadership as, “a person can only perform from strength” (P. Drucker).

Reflections

1. Think about what makes you unique.
2. Identify 3 personal and 3 professional strengths. Reflect on how you feel when you express your strengths. 
3. How does a strength-based approach fit with the culture and common way of thinking in your community?
4. What do you consider as the three key messages in Module 2b?

Module 2c) Self-knowledge

Introduction

Self-knowledge is an essential trait of a great leader. By knowing your values, personality, needs, habits, emotions, and how these affect your actions and the actions of others, you will be better able to manage your stress, make decisions and ultimately lead others to do the same. Self-knowledge fosters self-control, increases self-reflection, and strengthens self-advocacy.

Reflections

1. Reflect upon things you enjoy and things you are good at. 
2. Reflect on the concept of self-advocacy. How is this perceived in your culture?
3. Reflect on your ability to self-advocate. What grade do you give yourself?
4. What do you consider as the three key messages in Module 2c?

Resources

*We suggest to right-click and open the resource article below in a different tab/window.

• What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It) (Harvard Business Review)

Module 2d) Self-efficacy

Introduction

Self-efficacy is having a realistic confidence in that one can successfully perform an activity. It is established through experience such as performing tasks and jobs, seeing others successful in jobs you aspire to, or having respected colleagues providing feedback when noticing your competency. Self-efficacy reflects the total sum of your confidence in your ability to exert control over your personal motivation, behavior, and social environment.

Reflections

1. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
2. Which steps related to personal development do you need to take to get there?
3. What do you consider as the three key messages in Module 2d?

Resources

*We suggest to right-click and open the resource article below in a different tab/window.

• Self-Efficacy and Leadership Effectiveness: Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Leadership (Michael J. McCormick, 2001)

Supplemental Conversation

Professors Jeanette H. Magnus and Bernadette Kumar discuss several aspects of leadership styles and ways to identify the best style for yourself when stepping into a leadership role. The takeaway message is to select the style that is most relevant to you as a person. Although leadership includes others, it is important to begin the journey with yourself and look inwards. When developing leadership skills, it is key to take the time needed to get to know yourself well before considering which leadership style you would like to possess. For example, identifying your core values is one thing that will assist you with the selection of a style that is most fitting to you as an individual. Over time, your core values may change, however it is imperative to recognize these throughout and continue to reflect on yourself while advancing in leadership. 

Continue to Module 3 - Time Management