A520.1.3.RB_Anderson Shane

Describe how your level of self-awareness has changed since you began your MSLD program with respect to the "Five Core Aspects of Self-Awareness" (Whetten & Cameron, 2016). Furthermore, discuss how others have acted or reacted to the changes you have experienced.

Emotional Intelligence

Whetten & Cameron describe emotional intelligence as "the ability to diagnose, understand, and manage emotional cues"(p.49)  I've always been an emotional person and can easily able to recognize my emotions.  Perhaps it's because I'm a woman, a mother or Italian but controlling seems to be a bit more difficult for me. As I've aged, though, I've noticed I am able to regulate my emotions, depending on the situation and environment.  I would also say that I am very good at recognizing others' emotions and empathize with them.  I wouldn't say that my emotional intelligence has changed much since beginning this program.  However, I've learned to think critically about my emotions and responses to people and situations. 

Personal values

Determination, Honesty, Generosity, and Accountability are probably the top values that govern my life.  The Air Force has also instilled Integrity, Service, and Excellence provide guidance on how to conduct my professional military life. 
This degree program has helped me become more aware of values of Vision, Teamwork, Leadership and Focus.  Leadership Foundations in Research taught me the importance and benefits of critical thinking which requires focus.  Vision was also a key attribute of critical thinking. MSLD 511 Organizational Leadership, helped mature my values of teamwork and leadership.  I look forward to developing these principles and values as I continue this degree program. 

Cognitive/learning Style

My preferred learning style is planning.  My work tends to be well-organized and thought out.  I like to plan and make lists in order to work more efficiently and feel that it makes me more reliable and effective.  These three standards seem to go hand-in-hand with each other. For example, making to-do lists keeps me on track throughout the work-week.  Without them, I tend to forget tasks and details.  Prioritizing the items also is another way I stay organized.  I also keep binders or articles, information, and how-to's that I've found helpful throughout my career.  These binders are organized by topics such as bullet writing and professional development. By staying organized and accomplishing tasks in a timely manner, I am reliable and remain an effective member of the team.  

Core Self-Evaluation

The Big Five Personality attributes as described in the text are extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness.  As a kid, I was very shy and introverted.  When I joined the Air Force it was difficult to crack out of my "shell".  However, once I started getting promoted and put in positions with legitimate power, I realized I needed to step up to the plate to be the best Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and Senior NCO I could be.  My determination allowed me to overcome obstacles such as my quiet personality. I would describe myself as very agreeable, positive and open.  Furthermore, I am a very task oriented individual. 

These past few classes have helped me see my core self-evaluation.  I would say that I have an overall positive self-regard.  Nevertheless, I would like to improve my tendencies to have a negative outlook.  I wouldn't say that I'm a negative person, but I grew up with a mother who was bi-polar and neurotic which influenced some of my outlook on life.  Through mediation and critical thinking, I have discovered ways to combat negative thinking and promote positive thinking.  This is probably something most of us struggle with.  I am glad that I am aware of this "fault" in myself and eager to continue to improve it.

Attitude Toward Change

During the last class, I learned about Locus of control.  I very much believe that I have control over my life and what happens whether good or bad.  My decisions and actions determine outcomes. My internal locus of control also affects how I respond to others' leadership styles.  For example, when peers and supervisors make decisions that I do not agree with or like, I do not let it consume me or impact my decisions.  I realize that I can overcome the situation and see the positive side.  How I react also impacts my Airmen.  I believe that if I had an external locus of control, that attitude would spread throughout the section.  Therefore, I try to keep a positive outlook even in the midst of difficult situations and other leaders decisions. 

As for tolerance of ambiguity, I feel I am fairly flexible of changing environments and ambiguous conditions. There's a saying that the only constant is change.  I have found this to be true, especially within the last year working in the Support Section.  We are constantly, fixing, changing, improving and chaos is inevitable.  I've learned that change is good and that you must be flexible and tolerant of it in order to succeed. 

"We cannot improve ourselves or develop new capabilities unless we know what level of capability we possess."(Whetten & Cameron, 2016)

Whetten, D. A., & Cameron, K. S. (2016). Developing management skills (9th ed.). Essex, England: Pearson Education.