Self-Development Plan For Project Leadership

Self-Identity

Successful running of organizational projects demands effective leadership skills. Modern workplaces are facing a range of issues that require the top leadership to change tacks and develop relevant competencies to guide the organization in achieving its goals. The development of a leader to gain necessary skills requires one to undertake self-development activities. Self-development is one of the main pillars of leaders’ development that start from self-evaluation and analysis to determine areas that need special attention (Day et al., 2014). Self-development enhances a leader readiness in handling greater responsibilities in current position or a higher position in future. In this self-development plan, I will identify my future development goals that will enable me to improve my project leadership skills in future as a manager. This paper provides me with an opportunity to outline my self-identity, project my career path in the next five years and describe the skills that I hold currently. Additionally, I will evaluate my current strengths and skills and establish the areas I need to develop and the strategies I will use to acquire these skills to enhance my project leadership skills.

Self-identity is an integration of various aspects of a person’s self-concept that guides and motivates the behaviors of the person (McCauley & Van Velsor, 2004). People tend to behave in manners that are consistent with their identity and what they believe.  I am a strong believer of no one is an island. I was brought up in a nuclear family background that insisted on sharing tasks at home to ensure they are done perfectly and on time. Hence, I have all along embraced the spirit of teamwork in all the activities I engage in daily.  From my family setting, I have learned the ability to consult and stomach different perceptions on an issue from various people. Moreover, I am person guided by the need to achieve in life. Once I have a set target, nothing stops me from going for it.

My motivations in life result from knowing that after accomplishing the tasks in hand there is a positive reward that benefits the entire group or me. Additionally, I am very decisive.  I do not hesitate to make decisions due to fear of resulting consequences and ride on the fact that mistakes are part of life. My school life has greatly influenced me to be time conscious in daily life. My passion is to watch football and engage in volunteer services that mean life to other people.  My goals in life are to be in a managerial position in an organization that recognizes the value of each member. I aspire to foster the spirit of teamwork and rewarding results at workplaces.

Project Leadership

Project leadership is the guiding of an organizational project through the creation of productive working environment, policies, and strategies to enhance the success of the project. Project leaders are tasked with the responsibility of aligning the project in accordance with the organizational strategies and objectives. According to Adair (2009), the success of the organization project depends on the skills and the competencies of the project leader and, the complexity of the project and the context in which it has to be delivered.  Hence, I perceive project leadership as the aligning the project to organizational goals, providing clarity, making critical decisions and motivating the rest of the team towards the success of the project.

The project success is determined by the context in which it is happening. In this regard, I believe that project leaders must be guided by the situational theory of leadership. Bass (2008) note that situational leadership offers situational variables in choosing the best behavior. Moreover, project complexity affects its success. Hence, I believe path-goal theory should guide the project leadership. Path-goal theory gives the managers ability to turn challenges into opportunities (Lunenburg, 2011). Furthermore, I believe project leaders should embrace transformational leadership in a bid to motivate the team and instill confidence for the project. Transformational theories change people perceptions and inspire optimism (Johnson, 2008). Thus, the project will be successful.

I plan to gain skills in situational, path-goal and transformational theories of leadership. In addition, I will develop skills in self-awareness and regulations through regular self-assessment and be open to any changes.  In life, I have been inspired by my father resilience and ability to make tough decisions. I will strive to follow his guidelines in making bold but significant decisions in every step of life.

In the next five years, I see myself working as a project manager in a humanitarian organization such as the Red Cross undertaking projects aimed to save people’s lives.  The work at these Humanitarian agencies would entail leading a team to mobilize people in a country to make monetary donations or foods for a starving third world country. Additionally, the work with these humanitarian organizations would involve leading a team in the provision of safe housing to people living in deplorable environments through mobilizing resources and actual house constructions. Furthermore, the task would include assembling a volunteer team and conducting training of entrepreneurs in developing countries. The roles in these humanitarian organizations fit in my life goals as it involves working in teams; fostering team spirit and recognizing the value of every member. Working towards saving lives matches my goal of valuing every person in the society. Moreover, tasks would involve rewarding the teams and appreciate the efforts, thus, bring people together.

Career Path

In undertaking my roles as a project leader in humanitarian organizations, I will need to develop technical expertise in regard to the project at hand. When leading projects such constructing houses for the needy people, I will need to understand the landscapes and other technicalities in construction industries to guide the project effectively. Moreover, I will need to develop my adaption skills to guide different projects during my work. Different situations will demand roles such as coaching, mentoring and facilitating. During my roles, I will be involved in construction projects, mobilization of resources and training of people. Thus, I will need to develop adaptation skills to guide the different project successfully.

I will have to possess effective communication skills. Excellent communication will allow me to pass instruction and directions about the project in a simple and understandable way. I will be able to listen actively, observe the happenings and guide me in making decisions. I will need to improve my ability to come down and communicate in an informal way the members to create a friendly working environment. In my roles in the humanitarian organization, I will have to develop collegiality skills. The roles will involve team work and there will be need to delegate some powers to make decisions to the staffs. The skills will enhance the collaborative environment for the project and recognize the effort of every team member.

I will need to develop my Emotional Intelligence skills to enable to guide the teams to the success of the project.  Improving IE helps understand self and colleagues and how one’s attitudes and moods may affect the project (Goleman, Boyatzis & McKee, 2013). I will be able to control any negative attitudes and feelings while understanding and handling team members with respect and emotional care and, cultivating a good relationship with them to ensure success. Moreover, I will be able to motivate the members to adopt the projects and work in uniformity towards the set goals.

My leadership mission is to be a democratic leader; characterized by honesty and integrity in consulting and implementing the agreed decisions for the team. Embracing democracy will ensure the opinions of every person are put into consideration and create a harmonious working environment with team members committed towards the same targets.  I want to be part of an organization that recognizes every team member and makes them feel valued and lead to better decisions. I want to lead a team that will work towards the goodness of a society through humanitarian activities aimed at improving their status in life to help them live in dignity.

Skills

My key work relationship will be built on honesty and respect. I will be open with the information about a project detail and the targets to instill confidence to all the parties. I will strive to lay everything clear on the table and explain the procedures and the protocols to be followed during the project to ensure we are all flipping the same page. Being honest instill confidence and trust among the team and ensure the every party has an opinion that’s prompt willingness to engage in the project (Krot & Lewicka, 2012). Moreover, I will treat every individual with respect and take the time to listen to their opinions and giving honest feedback. I will carefully choose my words in response to queries to ensure I do not offend the team even in exercising my authority as the leader. Treating everyone with dignity, human value and respecting their human rights will create an accommodative environment for the success of the project.

I will create a personal relationship with every staff on the project at hand to ensure they freely interact with me and give their suggestions without fear.  I will encourage phone calls to communicate to me on anything that would affect the project. The personal relationships through phone calls will ensure the staff talks to me about personal matters that affect them away from work.

	Strengths	Development Needs
Character	I am result-oriented, and I remain committed to the duties at hand guided by the urge to achieve and record positive outcomes irrespective of the circumstances. I am very creative and always open to new ideas from colleagues and people around me on better ways to handle the task at hand. I am very tolerant, trusting and cooperative and perceive every team member to be crucial in running the task at hand. I am an extrovert and enjoy socializing and talking more to people around me about anything	I would like to develop proactive skills to evaluate the conditions and know when to keep holding on and when to let go after forecasting potential outcomes. These strengths are based on charismatic leadership style. Possessing skills in proactive decision making enables the project managers to save time and resources (Gillard, 2009). Hence, through the skill, I will be able to utilize resources and plan effectively for the success of the project.                                                                                  I would like to develop my capacity to make an individual and independent judgment on a particular task for the good of the project.  These strengths are based on Authentic leadership style. Making independent and firm decisions reduce mistakes done in the project (Zakaria, Mohamed, Ahzahar & Hashim, 2015). Having the capacity to make personally-evaluated decisions will enhance the success of the project at hand by reducing the possible errors in consultations. I would like to develop the ability to out rightly say no to an opinion I find irrelevant to avoid compromising performance. These strengths are based on transformational leadership style. A successful project leader must possess traits of operating things to increase performance and avoid conflict (Batool, 2013). Thus, I will be able to guide things on the right track to get the results. I would like to develop my active listening skills to be able to get the response and observe crucial details to help the project. These strengths are based on Authentic leadership style. Learning effective communication and critical listening skills will enable project leaders to support team members and achieve success (Brill, Bishop, & Walker, 2006).
Experience	I have experience in team leadership on different projects at school. I Have experience in consultation and boardroom consensus on class projects and sports events. I have experience in class presentations and public speeches at local events.	I would like to gain practical skills in leading a major humanitarian project that would save lives These strengths are based on Servant leadership style. Leading a strong project demands that managers have the practical and technical credibility to complete the task within set timelines and cost (Gillard, 2009). Hence, I will be able to motivate the team and weigh the approximate cost for the best results. I would like to experience more on financial negotiations from donors during mobilization of resources. These strengths are based on Charismatic leadership style. I would like to have more practical experience of events of staff coaching, mentoring and training on various aspect significant humanitarian projects. These strengths are based on situational theory. Embracing staff coaching ensures the project leader empowers the teams and sells the vision to the team (Redick, Reyna, Schaffer & Toomey, 2014). I will be able to share my aspirations and the dreams of the project to create a dedicated team.
Mindset	I am good at persuading and influencing people to adopt an idea through persuasive communication I am more fulfilled by the end results I am good at working at business and paying projects I am good at working with people of different demographics locally	I would like to develop my mental framework towards assertive communication skills. These strengths are based on Authentic leadership style. An assertive project leader cultivates an interactive, consultative and respectful work environment but stands firms with the right to his opinions (Ames, 2009). I will be able to confidently articulate my directions and guidelines while respecting every team member. I would like to improve my mental framework to mind the process of getting to the result. These strengths are based on transformational leadership style. Good project leadership advocates for caring procedures for the staff (Ames, 2009). I will be selfless in my push for best results and mind the welfare of the team members. I would like to develop my mental framework towards working in volunteering and charitable projects. These strengths are based on servant leadership style I would like to develop my abilities to work with people of different demographics from every corner of the world. These strengths are based on charismatic leadership style. Efficient management of diversity at workplace increases satisfaction and job performance (Zakaria, Mohamed, Ahzahar & Hashim, 2015). Learning how to deal with different groups of people will enable me to deliver success in the projects.
Skills	I have good skills in team coordination I have skills in new knowledge acquisition and creative thinking I have significant leadership skills I have excellent verbal communication skills	I would like to like to develop skills in people mobilization. These strengths are based on charismatic leadership style. Building a working team is the key demand of good project leadership (Zakaria, Mohamed, Ahzahar & Hashim, 2015). I would like to develop my skills to pass the knowledge through coaching and training. These strengths are based on transformational leadership style. A Leader should strive to share any information, teach and mentor their subordinates to influence the success of the project (Redick, Reyna, Schaffer & Toomey, 2014). By coaching and mentoring the teams, I will inspire motivation and trust to ensure the success of the project. I would like to develop my technical and physical skills. These strengths are based on situational theory. I would like to develop my active listening skills. These strengths are based on Authentic leadership style. Excellent communication skills allow one to be empathic to the people and respond to their needs (Brill, Bishop, & Walker, 2006). I will be able to address the stressors of the teams and ensure concentration to the project.

	Goals	Methods
Self-efficacy	I would like to develop my personal confidence to help me in leading a huge group of people on a highly valued and impactful humanitarian project. These strengths are based on charismatic leadership style. Confidence portrays credibility and trust (Gillard, 2009). I would like to communicate with authority and inspire necessary actions. I would like to develop abilities to take control and regulate the procedures of a project with boldness. These strengths are based on trait theory.	I will develop this through gaining practical work experience in the humanitarian fields by offering volunteering services during holidays and attending training of leadership programs organized by such humanitarian organizations. I will achieve this through attending more leadership seminars and observing from other authoritative humanitarian project leaders during their work.
Technical Skills	I would like to develop different technical skills such as construction skills as well as improve my physical skills. These strengths are based on situational theory. Broader projects demand technical skills to use the systems to gauge the cost and time (Gillard, 2009).	I will do this through attending formal training offered by different institutions for technical expertise and take part in regular workouts and participating in sports activities.
Self-Awareness	I would like to develop my self-awareness skills. These strengths are based on Authentic leadership style. Constant self-evaluation provides room for learning and taking of lifelong development exercises (Batool, 2013). I would like to evaluate my strengths and abilities and take development projects.	I would do this through regular self-assessment on matters such as skills, character, motivation and commitment.
Coaching	I would like to develop my coaching and mentoring skills. These strengths are based on transformational leadership style. Great project leaders earn respect from inspiring, encouraging and empowering others (Brill, Bishop, & Walker, 2006). I would like developing the abilities of my team members.	I would do this by attending leadership training and taking active participation in teaching activities as a volunteer.
Communication skills	I would like to improve my public speaking skills. These strengths are based on Authentic leadership style. A skilled public communicator relates with ease to workers and project stakeholders (Brill, Bishop & Walker, 2006). I would like to develop my interpersonal communications skills and empathy. These strengths are based on Authentic leadership style. I would like to develop excellent active listening skills and assertive communication skills. These strengths are based on Authentic leadership style.	I would do this through taking advanced communication and public speaking lessons in formal training and participating in public speaking competitions or participating in public debates. Through frequent personal interaction with people of different demographics, culture and opinionated people on an issue. Read extensively on different people personalities as well as observe people during emotive discussions. I will do this through taking formal training in communication.
Cultural awareness	I would like to learn about different cultural communication and business protocols. These strengths are based on charismatic leadership style. Culturally enlighten project leaders are sensitive and interact with different people with ease to influence the success (Gillard, 2009).	Through the reading of different intercultural content and materials such as books, website publication and journal articles. Visiting institution with culturally diverse population and observe their interactions.
Leadership	I would like to increase my knowledge on effective project leadership. These strengths are based on Authentic leadership style. Having relevant leadership skills enables a project leader to manage and increase value of a complex project (Zakaria, Mohamed, Ahzahar & Hashim, 2015). I would like to broaden my knowledge on different leadership styles such as servant leadership, collaborative and authentic leadership. These strengths are based on situational theory. I would like to develop courage in duties delegation. These strengths are based on situational theory. Delegating work duties gives employees the confidence and the independence to pursue the results with trust (Redick, Reyna, Schaffer & Toomey, 2014).	I will do this through attending project leadership training and seminars. Moreover, I will read widely on the profiles of successful project leaders through published interviews and watch as well as listen to recorded interviews. I will acquire this through formal training in leadership in an institution of higher learning. Additionally, I will read extensively leadership case studies published in books and print media as well as attend leadership seminars and conferences. I will do this by learning to trust others capabilities through observation and mentoring them.  I will empower people around me and share my vision for any project.
Personal relationship skills	I would like to improve my personal relationship skills. These strengths are based on Authentic leadership style. Effective skills allow the leader to judge and act accordingly for the success of the project (Brill, Bishop & Walker, 2006).	I will do this through attending friends’ functions. I will increase my presence in social functions, show and become interested in people.
Mobilization skills	I would like to improve my mobilization skills. These strengths are based on charismatic leadership style. Successful mobilization ensures development of manpower and skills necessary for the project (Brill, Bishop & Walker, 2006).	I would do this through volunteering in resource mobilization and people mobilization activities.
Counseling skills	I would like to develop counseling and psychology skills. These strengths are based on servant leadership style.	I will learn this through formal training in school on counseling psychology course.

Having a self-development plan allows one to develop and improve set skills needed in particular field. Through this development plan, I have been able to assess my character, strengths, and weakness in the area of project leadership. My personal assessment for the development plan has helped me identify the needs and sets some goals to achieve and enhance my skills to enable me to be an effective project leader when I venture into the industry. I have evaluated my identity from my tender age that has shaped my personality, values, and beliefs in life.

In this development plan, I have identified my urge to be a project leader in a humanitarian or charitable organization in the span of next five years. I have determined that I need to grow my skills in effective communication skills such interpersonal, public speaking and active listening so as to lead my team to success. I have set the goals to develop expertise in different fields that might relate to humanitarian events as well as my physical skills and emotional intelligence skills. Moreover, I have identified the need to acquire some work experience in the humanitarian world, learn the skills to coach team members and to negotiate and delegate duties to members. I need to build trust and be democratic in my leadership while taking control in decision making. I have the goals of learning about different leadership styles, self-awareness, mobilization skills and counseling psychology skills. Furthermore, I have the goal to learn about self-efficacy skills, cultural interactions and learn more about successful project leadership. I will engage in formal training, attending seminars and conferences, observations and reading widely to acquire these skills that will guide my success in the field. 

References

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Ames, D. (2009). Pushing up to a point: Assertiveness and effectiveness in leadership and interpersonal dynamics. Research in Organizational Behavior, 29, 111-133.

Batool, B. F. (2013). Emotional intelligence and effective leadership. Journal of Business Studies Quarterly, 4(3), 84.

Bass, B., 2008. The Bass Handbook of Leadership: Theory, Research and Managerial applications. 4^th ed. New York; Free press.

Brill, J. M., Bishop, M. J., & Walker, A. E. (2006). The competencies and characteristics required of an effective project manager: A web-based Delphi study. Educational technology research and development, 54(2), 115-140.

Day, D. V., Fleenor, J. W., Atwater, L. E., Sturm, R. E., & McKee, R. A. (2014). Advances in leader and leadership development: A review of 25years of research and theory. The Leadership Quarterly, 25(1), 63-82.

Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R., & McKee, A. (2013). Primal leadership: Unleashing the power of emotional intelligence. Harvard Business Press.

Gillard, S. (2009). Soft skills and technical expertise of effective project managers. Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, 6(7).

Johnson, H.H., 2008. Mental Models and Transformative Learning: The key to Leadership Development?. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 19(1), pp.85-89.

Krot, K., & Lewicka, D. (2012). The importance of trust in manager-employee relationships. International Journal of Electronic Business Management, 10(3), 224.

Lunenburg, F.C., 2011. Leadership versus Management: a Key Distinction–at least in Theory. International Journal of Management, Business, and Administration, 14(1), pp.1-4.

McCauley, C. D., & Van Velsor, E. (Eds.). (2004). The center for creative leadership handbook of leadership development (Vol. 29). John Wiley & Sons.

Redick, A., Reyna, I., Schaffer, C., & Toomey, D. (2014). Four-factor model for effective project leadership competency. Journal of Information Technology and Economic Development, 5(1), 53.

Zakaria, I. B., Mohamed, M. R. B., bt Ahzahar, N., & bt Hashim, S. Z. (2015). A Study on Leadership Skills of Project Manager for a Successful Construction Project. 1(2), 89-94