839

Signpost # Chosen

Questions Posed Answers to Questions

1

Has the person engaged their passion and dreams? Can they describe the person they want to be, the life and the work they want to have in the future? Can they describe their Ideal Self?

Yes, I have engaged my passion and dreams by challenging myself advancing my career. Getting feedback from former managers and others, going back to school, and taking other types of training will help me get there. My epiphany was realizing and recognizing my current successes, but seeing there was more I could do (Boyatzis p11). As in Boyatzis and McKee’s article, “Intentional Change”, I felt a lot like the CEO. I have a fulfilling career, but something was missing. In assessing my Ideal Self, I discovered that learning more about myself and advancing my education was my passion. I aspire to being a better Human Resources professional and work more strategically with the senior staff of the organization I am a part of. Since this passion is intrinsic – I want to learn, so my self-directed learning will commit me to accomplishing my Ideal Self. (Deci & Ryan, 1985)

2 Does the person know him/herself? Does the person have a sense of their Real Self?

Yes, I know myself, more so now after the last few months of delving into EI abilities and competencies. The reading, as well as the results of the MSCEIT has encouraged me to look deeper, both personally and professionally. It was reassuring to see that I scored in the Skilled range overall. Conversely, the lowest scoring area of Using Emotions to Facilitate Thought gave me a lot to think about for development to round out and increase my overall EI. It was disappointing at first, but the more I read about the branch, the better I could see the correlation of how I could use development in that area. Yes, I do have a sense of my real self. Aside from results from the MSCEIT, I was fortunate to get 360 feedback from the ESCI360. I got to see how others saw me which was the compliment to how I saw myself. With mine and their feedback, I have a better sense of my personal balance sheet. I can see where the weaknesses/gaps are to work on (although I’d rather call them development opportunities!) while not losing sight of my strengths, to develop my Ideal Self (“to contemplate change, one must contemplate stability” – Boyatzis – p.17).

3

Can the person articulate both their strengths (those aspects he/she wants to preserve) and gaps or discrepancies between their Real and Ideal Selves (those aspects he/she wants to adapt or change)?

Yes, I am aware and can articulate both my strengths and gaps to be able to come up with a personal balance sheet. Being fortunate to have feedback from two assessments this semester, has given me great insight into what I do well and where my gaps are. Being self aware enough and also open to the feedback from mentors will lead to my success. I believe that doing well overall with the MSCEIT indicates that I have numerous strengths. Being in Human Resources and dealing with people, I think that being skilled in Identifying and Understanding Emotions is a big plus when dealing empathetically with employees. My passion to assist them and genuine care and concern for them has set me apart from most HR professionals. The gap, Using Emotions, and developing in this branch will be key to staying positive while I take on advancing my education while maintaining a high-stress position with my organization. Anxiety and a defeatist attitude do get the best of me at times. If I let that happen, it could lead to failure at work and at school. (“adaptation does not imply or require death but evolution of the self” – Boyatzis p. 17)

8

Does the person have their own personal learning agenda? IS it really their own? Can the elements of the plan fit into the structure of their life and work? Do the actions fit with their learning style and flexibility?

Yes, I do have my own personal learning agenda. I am focusing on MY desired future and not what someone else might deem to be a desired future for me (Ought Self). If it was someone else’s passion for me, I think I would struggle with the success of my self-directed learning. For example, going back to school is only one way to learn – it’s an external way to increase my knowledge. Taking the ESCI360 and following up with those who participated is another part. The feedback is being digested so I can start focusing on the gaps that others’ see. I trust that these mentors have my best interests and development at heart. So while others have given me the feedback, they are not dictating how I should change. In fact, many family members and friends question my sanity of wanting to go back to school and push myself when I already have a good career. Thankfully, those at work understand my drive and passion for this learning

(Discovery #5 – Boyatzis). They are encouraging and flexible with my work schedule and understand that I might not be able to work nights/weekends as much. They also know that I am open minded to 360 feedback and actually give that to me “in the moment” so it is more meaningful. Since school is a huge time commitment, making room for that in my personal life is an adjustment. I do not seem to have as much time for fun, but I have accepted that pursuing my Masters is something that I want to do and the more I focus on this now, the more I will get out of it and the completion will be that much more meaningful. Since “a major threat to effective goal setting and planning is that people are already busy and cannot add anything else to their lives” (Boyatzis p.20), I have purposely carved out time to focus on this development. It is an adjustment as I do miss having some spontaneity in my life. But again, it is a small sacrifice to make for now.