Leadership Skills Assessment: Feedback and Development Plan
In the course of this assignment, I solicited feedback on my leadership skills from three
distinct sources in my professional network: a subordinate, a peer, and a supervisor. I
then summarize the feedback received and present a development plan to address the
identified opportunities.
Feedback Received
Subordinate
My subordinate expressed that he perceives a lack of clarity in my instructions and
expectations. Often, he feels like he has to guess what is expected of him, which can
lead to confusion and affect his performance. In addition, she mentioned that sometimes
I seem distant and unapproachable, which makes it difficult to communicate openly and
build a relationship of trust.
Companion
My partner noted that while he recognizes my technical skills and commitment to the
team, I tend to be too dominant in group discussions at times. This can inhibit the
participation of other team members and limit the diversity of ideas that are brought to
the table. He suggested that working on my ability to actively listen and value the
opinions of others could improve team dynamics.
Supervisor
My supervisor highlighted that although I perform well in my current role, I could
benefit from improving my ability to delegate tasks effectively. He noted that I tend to
take on an excessive workload and that I might rely more on team members to carry out
certain responsibilities. In addition, he mentioned that my communication could be
more proactive, especially when it comes to constructive feedback and recognition of a
job well done.
Development Plan
Based on the feedback received, I have identified the following development
opportunities and a plan to address them:
Clarity in Instructions and Expectations
Lack of clarity in my instructions and expectations can negatively affect team
performance and morale. To address this problem, I will implement the following
strategies:
Set up regular one-on-one meetings with each team member to discuss clear
goals and expectations. During these meetings, I will provide specific examples
and opportunities to ask questions and clarify any doubts.
Use communication tools such as to-do lists and timelines to ensure instructions
are specific and understandable. These tools will help avoid misunderstandings
and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Solicit regular feedback on the clarity of my instructions and be open to
adjusting my approach as needed. Continuous feedback will allow me to identify
areas for improvement and adapt my communication style to meet the team's
needs.
Communication and Accessibility
Effective communication and accessibility are critical to building strong relationships
and fostering a collaborative work environment. To improve in this aspect, I will
implement the following actions:
Schedule time on my calendar to be available for questions and discussions with
the team. This will include both scheduled meetings and additional availability
for urgent consultations.
Practice active listening during conversations, asking follow-up questions and
showing genuine interest in others' concerns. In addition, I will foster an
environment of trust where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas
and concerns.
Implement an open-door policy to foster an environment of trust and openness
in the team. This will include promoting open communication and a willingness
to address any issues or concerns that may arise.
Effective Delegation
Effective delegation is essential to promote team growth and development, as well as to
avoid personal work overload. To improve in this aspect, I will follow these strategies:
Assess team members' individual strengths and assign tasks based on their skills
and professional development. This will ensure that responsibilities are
distributed equitably and that each team member has the opportunity to
contribute and grow.
Set clear deadlines and follow-up expectations for delegated tasks, but allow
team members to take the lead in their approach. This will encourage autonomy
and accountability, while providing guidance and support when needed.
Regularly review the progress of delegated tasks and provide constructive
feedback to encourage growth and learning. I will actively recognize and value
the contributions of team members, which will help strengthen trust and
commitment in the team.
Active Listening and Evaluation of Opinions
Active listening and valuing opinions are essential to foster an inclusive environment
and promote collaboration in the team. To improve in this aspect, I will implement the
following actions:
Practice active listening in team meetings, asking open-ended questions and
showing interest in each other's perspectives. This will include mindfulness and
focus on the contributions of others, as well as refraining from interrupting or
dominating the conversation.
Foster an inclusive environment where all team members feel comfortable
sharing their ideas and opinions. This may include implementing facilitation
practices that ensure that all voices are heard and considered in the decision-
making process.
Actively recognize and value the contributions of others, even if I disagree with
their views. This can include public praise for innovative ideas, as well as
private recognition of individual efforts to foster a sense of belonging and
appreciation in the team.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the feedback gathered from my subordinate, peer, and supervisor has
been enlightening and valuable in identifying specific areas for improvement in my
leadership skills. The main areas of focus include the need to improve clarity in
instructions and expectations, strengthen communication and accessibility, develop
effective delegation skills, and foster a culture of active listening and appreciation of
opinions in the team.
Through a detailed development plan, I am committed to addressing these opportunities
for improvement. I will implement specific strategies for each identified area, including
setting up one-on-one meetings to discuss clear expectations, scheduling time spent in
open communication with the team, evaluating and assigning tasks effectively, and
practicing active listening in all interactions.
