Today I completed a Personal DISCernment Inventory. It’s been about seven or eight years since I have completed one of these. The purpose of this inventory is to identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to better align your strengths with a particular situation so you will be a more effective leader. It’s important for leaders to be able to predict how we and other people will react and relate to certain tasks and circumstances. We plan on having all of our staff complete this inventory and to see how we can better relate to one another so that we can be more of a team. I’m not suggesting that we are not a team right now. I have an amazing staff! My desire is that we make our teamwork stronger and more effective. Understanding all of our strengths and weaknesses will help us to support and compliment one another. Okay, so I guess you are wondering how my inventory went. Well, I’m not real happy with the results, but here’s what the report said about me.
Hershel is a self-starter who likes new projects and is most comfortable when involved with a wide scope of activities. He prefers an environment with variety and change. He is at his best when many projects are underway at once. He likes to be forceful and direct when dealing with others. (I don’t agree with that) His desire for results is readily apparent to the people he manages. He embraces visions not always seen by others. Hershel’s creative mind allows him to see the ‘big picture.’ Hershel may lose interest in a project once the challenge ceases. He may then be ready for another challenging project. He is forward-looking, aggressive and competitive. (I thought I took care of this competitive streak in me, but I guess not.) His vision for results is one of his positive strengths. He is deadline conscious and becomes irritated if deadlines are delayed or missed. He is extremely results-oriented, with a sense of urgency to complete projects quickly. Hershel prefers being a team player, and wants each player to contribute along with him. He is a goal-oriented manager who believes in harnessing people to help him achieve his goals.
Hershel will work long hours until a tough problem is solved. After it is solved, Hershel may become bored with any routine work that follows. Sometimes he may be so opinionated about a particular problem that he has difficulty letting other participate in the process. When faced with a tough decision, he will try to sell you on his ideas. Sometimes he becomes emotionally involved in the decision-making process. Hershel finds it easy to share his opinions on solving work-related problems. He has the ability to make high-risk decisions, but sometimes should seek counsel before acting. He should realize that at times he needs to think a project through, beginning to end, before starting the project. He is a good problem solver and troubleshooter, always seeking new ways to solve old problems.
Hershel may sometimes mask his feelings in friendly terms. If pressured, Hershel’s true feelings may emerge. He challenges people who volunteer their opinions. He may lack the patience to listen and communicate with slower acting people. He likes people who present their case effectively. When they do, he can then make a quicker assessment or decision. Hershel tends to be intolerant of people who seem ambiguous or think too slowly. He may lose interest in what others are saying if they ramble or don’t speak to the point. His active mind is already moving ahead. He tends to influence people by being direct, friendly and results-oriented. He likes people who give him options as compared to their opinions. The options may help him make decisions, and he values his own opinion over that of others!
Okay, that’s it! At least the summary of this report. Man, I have a lot of weaknesses that I need to work on to be a more effective leader! I would have to agree with 90% of the report. It has helped me to open my eyes more and examine where I need to improve. I can’t wait to see the profiles of our staff. I read our Bob’s today and he’s the exact opposite of me. Which is good because it helps us bring balance to the team.
