Maxwell’s Thematic

Analysis
Maxwell Smith
27 July 2021
OGL 482
Dr. Hess
Introduction

This Thematic Analysis includes data acquired using qualitative research to

narrow down ten key “life (values based) themes” which best represent my
leadership values, behaviors, and capabilities. The data collected presents a
clear, common arrangements of beliefs and actions which detail what is
most important to me in both my personal life and professional career.
 Research Process and Methods
What data was used? How data was analyzed? How was data coded? Challenges?

● Data was collected from different OGL 482 assignments ● Process: Reviewed all assignments, documents, and
including Yellowdigs reflections, Kuder self-assessments, artifacts from different OGL courses to support the top ten
Career Anchors assessment, and the Leader Identity core leadership values I believe in. Highlighted key terms or
Narrative phrases in different assignments, compiled a list, and then
narrowed them down into broader, more general categories.
● Additional data was compiled from alternative OGL courses
including different personality assessments and work-style
preference analyses.
● Challenges: When compiling and analyzing this data, it was
somewhat difficult to narrow down the exact
● Reviewed documents and identified common themes in
values/themes exhibited. Some overlapping values such as
regards to personal and professional values
team motivation and cohesiveness were grouped together
as they are relative to one another. Inclusion and diversity
● Analyzed and narrowed down words and phrases into
are also two overlapping leadership themes which rely on
categories of relevance and importance
the other to be successful.
● Data was coded in regards to category, subject, importance,
and relevance to common themes

● Differences were established in preferences versus

acquired capabilities
 My Data Sources

The following slides will detail which data sources were used to identify the
common themes throughout different assignment, courses, artifacts, etc. in
regards to my core values as a leader. Each source will include a description
and identifiable code, which will be easily recognizable throughout the rest
of the analysis.
Data Sources
● Life Story Personal Narrative (OGL 482) (LSPN) - This reflective narrative detailed my leadership experiences
from an early age until present time. I learned the importance of leadership at a young age through the Boy
Scouts and have continued to increase my leadership capabilities throughout the years through the OGL
program.
● Yellowdigs Identity Exercise (OGL 482) (YIE) - This exercise involved answering three critical personal life
questions: what gives me joy? Am I good at it? Does anyone need me to do it? This assignment highlighted my
desire to give back to the community through my non-profit organization.
● Yellowdigs Values & Dreams (OGL 482) (YVD) - This assignment highlighted the importance of diversity and
inclusion within the workplace. This leadership value is very important to me and I try to implement inclusive
practices as often as possible.
● Kuder Career Interests Assessment (OGL 482) (KCIA) - This self-assessment asked several ratable questions
in regards to what I find of interest in a career. The results ranked as follows: 1) enterprising, 2) artistic, 3)
conventional.
● Kuder Skills Confidence Assessment (OGL 482) (KSCA) - Similar to the KCIA, this assessment asked ratable
questions into what I actually am confident doing within the workplace. While the results were similar to my
interests, they ranked in a different order: 1) artistic, 2) enterprising, 3) conventional.
● Super’s Work Values Inventory-revised (OGL 482) (SWVI) - This ratable self-assessment identified what I find
most valuable within the workplace. I believe these values are valid in both my personal life and professional
career.
● Career Anchors Assessment (OGL 482) (CAA) - This self-assessment identified personal strengths within the
workplace to identify a possible career fit. This resulted in two closely scoring results in managerial
competence (76) and a sense of service/dedication to a cause (75).
Data Sources (cont’d)
● Work Style Preference (OGL 340) (WSP) - The results from this self-assessment identified my preferred Work
Style Orientation is Manager with a score of 36 (M/O). I prefer to be a visionary, insightful, and integrate all
aspects of an organization when solving problems or planning projects. I take pride in the organization I work
for as well as its culture and people.
● Actual Work Style (OGL 340) (AWS) - The results from this assessment identified similarities between my
Work Style Preference and Actual Work Style. This assessment indicated I have a tolerable view towards work
including tedious tasks and prefer to delegate, oversee, and manage others instead.
● Work Style Fit (OGL 340) (WSF) - Based on the results from both the WSP and AWS, this assessment provided
possible careers which would best fall under what would be of most interest to me. The results suggested a
career in education, financial, and/or personal and human resources.
● Executive Summary (OGL 350) (ES) - This executive summary detailed the importance of inclusion within both
life and the workplace. The value in a difference of opinion is crucial to promote innovation and creativity as
well as create positive social change.
● Organizational Analysis (OGL 355) (OA) - This analysis showcased the importance of a cohesive team. The
analysis itself highlights the importance of job security, workplace culture, as well as the importance of
diversity. While completing this assignment, there was various internal team issues which needed to be
overcome in order to receive a good grade.
● Achievements: Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout Rank) (BSA) - Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout showed
me the importance of hard work, leadership, and perseverance. I still list this acknowledgement on my
resumes and applications to this day due to its personal and professional value.
● “Big 5” Personality Test (OGL 220) (B5) - This assessment identified my top 5 personality traits: 1)
extroversion, 2) emotional stability, 3) agreeableness, 4) conscientiousness, 5) intellect/imagination
● Core Values Self-Assessment (OGL 220) (CVS) - This assessment indicated my top three instrumental values
including 1) honesty, 2) imagination, and 3) independence. My top three terminal values are 1) happiness, 2)
wisdom, and 3) self-respect.
 My 10 Themes
The following ten “values-based” life 1. Higher Sense of Responsibility
themes were compiled using the data 2. Achievement
sources listed above and will be 3. Dedication To A Cause
explained in further detail to follow. 4. Effective Communication
5. Job Security
6. Team Cohesiveness & Motivation
7. Creativity & Innovation
8. Variety
9. Inclusion & Diversity
10. Emotional Intelligence
1) Higher Sense of
Responsibility
Theme Statement: The most central theme within my life is to have a
higher sense of responsibility. Whether this is through a managerial
position, leadership role, or simply being in charge of different projects, I
like to feel as if my work is important and without it, success would suffer.
Higher Sense of Responsibility
(Supporting Data)
● Ever since I was a young child in Boy Scouts, I enjoyed holding leadership positions such as patrol
leader, project manager, or team lead. (LSPN)
● I find joy in leading others towards success - which carries a ton of responsibility. It gives me joy, I am
good at it, and there is need for it in my current place of work. (YIE)
● According to the career anchors assessment, I should be in a profession requiring
leadership/responsibility. I could be a teacher, work in the financial industry, all while displaying
creativity. (CAA)
● The Boy Scouts of America was a great organization to be involved with. We had to complete a
community service project to achieve the highest rank of Eagle which required a higher sense of
responsibility and dedication. (BSA)
● When performing an Organization Analysis for Zappos.com, I learned the importance of leading
responsibly due to the impact one can have on their subordinates and organization’s culture. (OA)

Reflection & Evidence

Overall, having a higher sense of responsibility and leadership go
hand-in-hand. To lead is to be responsible for others and to achieve a
common goal. Being a responsible leader requires the ability to listen, learn,
and change processes which are not yielding the most positive results. The
amount of responsibility leaders hold in their hands is both powerful and
dangerous if not used correctly. I have come to find that being as honest,
thoughtful, and thorough as possible yields a responsible outcome.
2) Achievement

Theme Statement: Achievement has been instilled as an important life

theme since childhood. My parents have always pushed me to work hard
for myself and not rely on anyone for anything. This has followed me
throughout my personal, college, and professional career.
Achievement
(Supporting Data)
● A personal strength is achievement. Once I put my mind to something, I typically see it to fruition. I want
the feeling of accomplishment and achievement. (LSPN)
● According to the results of the Kuder Career Interests Assessment, I am most interested in enterprising
which required some sort of achievement to be successful. (KCIA)
● Through the pandemic, my organization was able to survive economic hardship by coming together and
achieving great things. (LSPN)
● According to the Super’s Work Values Inventory, I hold achievement to be very valuable. I need to have
something to show for all my hard work at times. (SWVI)
● Zappos.com used their organization’s culture to ultimately achieve their success. They made the most
of their capabilities and dedicated their culture to their employees instead of their executives. (OA)

Reflection & Evidence

As a leader, having a desire for achievement is a driving motivator to find
success. If a leader does not find achievement to be important, how can they
truly give it their all? I have always been taught that in order to achieve great
things, you have to be willing to work your hardest. Failure is not an end point,
but rather the start of something new and to be used as a learning
experience. Successful individuals and leaders constantly thrive for new
achievements to remain relevant and up-to-speed on the latest techniques.
3) Dedication To A Cause
Theme Statement: Giving back to the community is a central life theme
which has steered my life in the direction of public service. I find great
value is giving back to those who are less fortunate than myself and
making their lives just a little bit better, if at all possible.
Dedication To A Cause
(Supporting Data)

● The Boy Scouts of America taught me about the importance of being dedicated to a cause instead of
myself. Giving back to those less fortunate through community service gives me great joy. (LSPN)
● According to the Career Anchors Assessment, my second highest scoring score was a profession
requiring a sense of service/dedication to a cause. (CAA)
● I currently am the officer for a non-profit organization who gives money, supplies, and additional
assistance to up-and-coming student artists. (YIE)
● A dream of mine is to expand the non-profit to reach more artists and be a staple within the Arizona art
community. (YVD)
● According to the results from the Work Style Preference analysis, I am dedicated to solving projects,
planning projects, and following them through to fruition. (WSP)

Reflection & Evidence

Being dedicated to something bigger than myself has pushed me towards the
direction of a career in public service. I love politics and the intricacies of raising
money, allocating funds, and supporting different causes. This leads me to believe I
will most definitely continue to have a future in the nonprofit sector. I do not
necessarily believe I want to be a politician, due to the nature of the job which is
grueling and manipulative. I believe I can be just as influential to those who need
certain assistance by continuing my efforts in supporting the up-and-coming
student artist community in Scottsdale, AZ.
4) Effective Communication
Theme Statement: Communication is everything when working with and/or
leading others. There is no bigger frustration than being misunderstood,
therefore it is important to be as clear, direct, and thorough as possible
when communicating whatsoever.
Effective Communication
(Supporting Data)

● My number one personality trait is extroversion according to the “Big 5” Personality Test indicating I
express my emotions outwardly. (B5)
● The Core Values Self-Assessment highlighted the number one value in my life is honesty. Effective
communication required honesty. (CVS)
● Throughout my life, I have found the importance of having difficult conversations. Whether or not those
conversations always lead to change, communication is key to letting people know how you feel about
something. (LSPN)
● According to the Super’s Work Values Inventory Assessment, the relationship between myself and my
co-workers is of great importance. (CAA)
● I like to talk through different issues which arise in life without making assumptions and/or judgments
before knowing all of the facts. (YVD)

Reflection & Evidence

Communication is an all-encompassing life theme which is of great importance.
Being able to talk with friends, co-workers, superiors, and clients for example, are all
essential in maintaining relationships. Without healthy, effective, and clear
communication, relationships are destined to fail. Understanding the perspectives
of others takes patience, thoughtfulness, and a willing to listen. Over time, I have
come to find the value in excelling in the difficult task of effective communication
because the only way to truly understand the people we are close with is to listen to
their needs and find ways to accommodate them.
5) Job Security

Theme Statement: Working and having a job has been an essential part of
my upbringing. I started working for my current employer at the age of 14
and now, 14 years later, I am managing the organization. I have only had a
few other jobs throughout my life because job security is crucial.
Job Security
(Supporting Data)
● I have had the same job since I was 14 and 14 years later I am now managing the organization. (LSPN)
● Giving back to the community is a service which is always needed. Because I have such an interest in
giving back, this creates a sense of job security moving forward. (YIE)
● The Kuder Skills Confidence Assessment provided results including conventionality which encourages
job security and professionalism. (KSCA)
● Job security required as ability to listen to others, implementing necessary changes, and promoting a
positive organizational culture. (ES)
● Zappos.com has guaranteed job security to their employees as part of their hiring process as well as
their continued holarchy management structure. (OA)

Reflection & Evidence

At a very young age I was taught the importance of hard work, supporting
yourself, and acting professional when needed. I have only had two or three
jobs throughout my life because I want to be the best I can be in whatever I
do. My second job as a server was an experience where I understood my
abilities could be shared with others as a trainer. This sparked my continued
interest in leading others and has led me to where I am today.
6) Team Cohesiveness &
Motivation
Theme Statement: Regardless of if I am in a professional setting or not, I
have always been one to want teamwork to flow smoothly while promoting
active participation. Additionally, I like to motivate others through
encouraging words, incentives, and challenges.
Cohesiveness & Motivation
(Supporting Data)

● Managerial Competence requires an ability to work with different personalities, come up with solutions,
and motivate others. (CAA)
● During the pandemic, I took steps to encourage team cohesiveness by increasing the amount of
collective activities we could all take part in. (LSPN)
● An ability to enterprise different ideas required an ability to bring people together to achieve a common
goal as well understand their roles. (KSCA)
● According to the Super’s Work Value Inventory Assessment, workplace relationships are of great value
to my experience. (SWVI)
● When I was in the Boy Scouts, we had to continuously work together, even with people we may not get
along with. This challenged my perspectives and pushed me to understand what was best for the group.
(BSA)

Reflection & Evidence

A team is only as good as its leader as well as its members. Learning to work
together is one of the hardest challenges when leading others. However, once this
process is streamlined, outputs are usually substantially benefited. Teams are better
problem solvers together versus alone and in order to promote this ideal, someone
has to be driving the team’s motivation. This is where I want to shine, bring people
together, and flourish to achieve great things. Someone has to take the role of
bringing a team together through not only their words, but also their actions.
7) Creativity & Innovation
Theme Statement: Being creative and coming up with innovative solutions
to problems is a common valuable theme throughout my life. I am
constantly trying to think of new ways to advance my current organization
to the next step as well as figuring out new ways to do business.
Creativity & Innovation
(Supporting Data)

● I started a band as a young adult to fully embrace my creative side. While the experience served as a
learning experience, I also had the most fun. (LSPN)
● I need to stretch my creative muscle when coming up with solutions to problems. Often, solutions are
not simply black and white and require a detailed analysis. (YIE)
● According to the Kuder Skills Confidence Assessment, I am most confident in my artistic contributions
to the workplace. (KSCA)
● My Actual Work Style indicates my ability to be in charge of others while offering alternative solutions to
challenges using creativity and innovation. (AWS)
● The Core Values Self-Assessment indicated imagination was my second most important value which
required creativity. (CVS)

Reflection & Evidence

I can always remember my head being in the clouds as a kid. I wanted to see the
world, do everything, and felt like anything was possible with the right mindset. This
allowed me to use my creativity for joy. I could create an entire story in my head,
make it seem real, and encourage others to get on board. Creativity is a staple in my
life whether it be through music, writing, or as an innovative manager. In order to
have an innovative mentality, creativity must be welcomed and encouraged as a way
to come up with unique solutions to problems. Creative innovation is a way to bring
society further into the future.
8) Variety

Theme Statement: Doing the same thing every single day is exhausting. I
like to keep myself busy by doing things I have not done before. Especially
at work, variety is key to keeping me interested, motivated, and intrigued.
Variety
(Supporting Data)
● Challenged a new way of approaching business during the economic downturn resulting from the
COVID-19 pandemic. (LSPN)
● The importance of organizational variety not only motivates others, but also allows for the creative
process to flourish. (ES)
● According to the Work Style Fit assessment, I would find most joy in a profession requiring me to stay
on my toes in a fast-paced environment. (WSF)
● Continuously come up with new ways to engage with both new and existing clientele. (LSPN)
● Variety in the workplace includes opening the floor to suggestions, changes, and ways to improve
current practices. (YVD)

Reflection & Evidence

Variety in both my personal and professional life keeps me on my toes. I like

to not necessarily know exactly how a project is going to result or how I am
going to go about it, but I like the challenge and the opportunity to experience
variety. I like trying new things, encouraging others to give it a try, and straying
away from the day-to-day minonity. Variety stimulates motivation and a desire
to try something I’ve never done before.
9) Inclusion & Diversity
Theme Statement: Ever since a young age, I have understood the
importance of diversity and inclusion. Supporting such behaviors and
values indicate an openness for change, a difference of opinions, and
presents an opportunity for creativity and innovation.
Inclusion & Diversity
(Supporting Data)
● Ever since I was a kid I wanted to include those who were different than me to make them feel included
and accepted. (LSPN)
● I have a passion for inclusive practices such as hiring a new female employee to gain her perspective
and alternative opinion. (YVD)
● Employing the trans community both stimulates positive social change but also allows for growth in
different organizational contexts. (ES)
● Organizations like Zappos pride themselves on hiring a very diverse range of employees. It contributes
to their creative innovations and inclusive organizational culture. (OA)
● The Boy Scouts encouraged me to support different types of people regardless of their background,
personality, race, or religion. (BSA)

Reflection & Evidence

Inclusion and diversity are of great importance both in the workplace and in
everyday life. I have always tried my best to encourage others to participate
whenever they feel marginalized to make their voices heard. I can say from
personal experiences that listening to the diverse opinions of others helps me
craft my overall opinions and decisions on certain issues. The value of
including others into the conversation has steered my ability to lead others
towards their own professional and/or personal success.
10) Emotional Intelligence
Theme Statement: Understanding my own behaviors, reactions, and
emotions is crucial in leading others. The only way to understand another
perspective is to be willing to hear the opinions of others as well as be able
to relate with them based on their state of mind.
Emotional Intelligence
(Supporting Data)

● Solve problems using intuition. (KCIA)

● Understanding different personalities and how to make the most of them. Encourage others to share
their emotions and express themselves. (KSCA)
● Express personal and professional empathy including an understanding of what other people may be
feeling in the moment. (LSPN)
● A sense of service/dedication to a cause requires one to be willing to accept things they cannot change
- sometimes including the people or personalities in the workplace (CAA)
● Confidence, communication, and understanding are all important aspects to emotional intelligence.
(LSPN)

Reflection & Evidence

Emotional Intelligence is something I most definitely need to continue to

improve. I like to think of myself as patient, understanding, willing, and open
to change but I most definitely have room to grow. I often remind myself to
take a few minutes everyday to be more mindful. Mindfulness opens the door
to emotional intelligence because it allows for us to realize the mistakes we
may make, learn from them, and understand it is okay to fail as long as said
failure does not continue to repeat itself.
My Personal Vision Statement
“My time here on Earth is limited and I want to spend that
time helping others achieve their goals. I want to give back to
those less fortunate, constantly learn new things, and
welcome those who are willing to better their lives.”

Reflection: This vision statement comes mostly from my top three “life
themes”: 1) sense of responsibility 2) achievement 3) dedication to a cause.
As long as I can encompass all of these values in both my personal and
professional life, I will have a sense of fulfilment. If I am ever to stray from
the path, this vision statement can serve as a reminder of where I feel I can
truly thrive. I do not want to spend my time being miserable, worrying about
decision making, and not taking real action. I need to be consistent,
motivated, and inspiring to others.
My Personal Mission Statement
I am committed to being an honest, thoughtful, thorough, and organized
leader. I will do my absolute best to verbalize, analyze, and resolve any
personal or professional issues in order to eliminate making assumptions
others. I will follow organizational procedures and processes to ensure all
business practices are ethical, legal, inclusive, and diverse.

Reflection: I felt like I could go on and on with my mission statement.

Throughout my life, I have lived my statements like these to help guide my
behaviors and reactions. We had the scout oath and law in the Boy Scouts
which encouraged us to live an honest, truthful, and morally just life. These
themes have followed me throughout my life, but I wanted to keep this
statement simple to serve as a summary of my beliefs and values.
Conclusion
Overall, this Thematic Analysis has proven to serve as a tool in identifying
themes in regards to my values across multiple educational courses,
documents, and life experiences. My leadership journey truly feels as if it is
just beginning and through reviewing these artifacts, I have come to further
piece together the different theories and practices which are most important
to my journey. I value a higher sense of responsibility, need achievement to
feel success, feel fulfilled when my work is dedicated to a cause, understand
the importance of effective and clear communication, require job security,
encourage team cohesiveness and motivation, stretch my creative muscles,
include variety in all aspects of life, work with a diverse group of individuals,
all while remaining emotionally intelligent and catering to the needs of
others.
References
Big five personality test. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.123test.com/ personality-test/
Kuder Journey. (2021). Kuder career interests assessment. Retrieved from
https://journey.kuder.com/my-assessments/career-interests-assessment-results?ID=27521551.
Kuder Journey. (2021). Kuder skills confidence assessment. Retrieved from
https://journey.kuder.com/my-assessments/skills-confidence-assessment-results?ID=27521559
Kuder Journey. (2021). Super’s work values inventory. Retrieved from
https://journey.kuder.com/my-assessments/work-values-assessment-results?ID=27521562
McFletcher Corporation. (2020). Work style preference inventory.
Smith, M. (2021). Executive summary. Arizona State University.
Smith, M. (2021). Life story personal narrative. Arizona State University.
Smith, M. (2021). Organizational analysis. Arizona State University.