A511.4.3.RB-Leadership Traits

        The two components of managerial motivation are personalized power orientation and socialized power orientation.  One describes the use of power to satisfy a personal need, complete with the flaunting of material things.  The other is about using power for the people.  This was one of the most important concepts that stood out to me, I had always realized people used their power for self-absorbed reasons but never thought it was an actual phenomenon.  I feel once leadership goes to a person’s head and they forget about the real reason they are leaders.  

Another concept that I felt was significant was the three-factor taxonomy of skills: technical, interpersonal and conceptual.  They all play different yet equally important roles in leadership.  It is important to have the process and procedure skills as well as the people skills and logical skills to be a good leader.  

For me my most prevalent skills are interpersonal in nature.  I have always been a people person, which is why I have been in customer service for over 20 years.  I can connect and relate with both customers and colleagues in ways that have advanced my career.  I have been fortunate enough to be both technically and conceptually adept also.  I am a quick learner and can pick up on most things while on the job.  I also have no desire to own or flaunt material possessions and I believe a good leader is all about the people around them.  

     I recently applied for the assistant manager position at my current job.  In the interview I was asked what my strengths and weaknesses were, to which I replied, “my strengths are my adaptability and people skills and my weaknesses are my limit knowledge of the computer system.”  I also explained that my lack of knowledge with the computer system is a result of lack to time and instruction.  I feel my skills and background qualify me for the job.  We will see what the cards hold.