guidance on creating a Professional Development Plan
Rubric
Self-Reflection on Current Leadership Capabilities (C5.2, 1.2)
5. 5: Excellent
30 points
Reflection on current leadership capabilities, including explanation of what has been learned in the course and methods for developing and improving in order advance in the field, is thorough and includes substantial explanation and relevant supporting details.
Articulate the Vision for Leadership in 3-5 Years
5. 5: Excellent
30 points
Articulation of the vision for leadership in 3-5 years, including where student wants to be and what kind of leader student wants to become, is thorough and includes substantial explanation and relevant supporting details.
Leadership Goals and Objectives
5. 5: Excellent
30 points
Discussion of five to eight leadership goals and objectives for each of the four major categories of essential leadership competencies, including explanation of how each goal or objective will help achieve the qualities of professional excellence and integrity, is thorough and includes substantial explanation and relevant supporting details.
Development of a Plan to Achieve Leadership Goals and Objectives and Methods for Evaluating Professional Development
5. 5: Excellent
30 points
Discussion of the specific activities or projects that will assist student in achieving leadership goals and objectives, including methods of evaluating progression of professional development, is thorough and includes substantial explanation and relevant supporting details.
Supporting References
5. 5: Excellent
20 points
More than the minimum number of relevant references are included and substantially support the claims.
Thesis Development and Purpose
5. 5: Excellent
16 points
Thesis is comprehensive. The essence of the paper is contained within the thesis. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.
Argument Logic and Construction
5. 5: Excellent
14 points
Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)
5. 5: Excellent
10 points
Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.
Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)
5. 5: Excellent
10 points
All format elements are correct.
Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)
5. 5: Excellent
10 points
Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.
Professional Development Plan
Leadership as a vocation requires a commitment to professional excellence and integrity, which can be achieved through establishing habits of self-reflection, lifelong learning, and professional development. The purpose of this assignment is for you to reflect on where you currently are in your leadership capabilities; define where you want to go; and specify goals, plans, and a timeframe for achieving your professional objectives. Your professional development plan will be composed of three parts: Vision, Goals/Objectives, and Plans. You are required to support each response with a minimum of one reference.
Vision:
The ability to create, communicate, and compel vision is critical to inspiring and effective leadership. While ultimately many leaders are responsible for developing visions to guide complex organizations, effective leadership begins on a much more personal level—a vision of yourself as a leader. Who are you and who do you want to become in your field or sphere of influence? Once you are clear about that, you can then confidently establish how you will help others and your organization achieve their visions.
Your leadership vision is based on a number of factors, including your attitude, values, personal beliefs, guiding principles, and how you behave. It may also be influenced by theoretical, philosophical, or religious frameworks, as well as the leadership traits, values, and behaviors of others. A leadership vision is also dynamic. No great leader ever “arrived.” Those who have adopted leadership as their vocation can spend a lifetime in self-reflection in order to continue to learn and more effectively motivate and inspire others.
Spend some time reflecting below on where you currently are in your leadership capabilities and write a minimum of 250 words explaining what you have learned about leadership in the course and how you want to develop and improve as you continue your leadership studies and move forward in your field. Review the document “Essential Leadership Competencies” for an overview of the scope of effective leadership capabilities.
Reflection:
Vision:
In a minimum of
3
00 words, briefly articulate your vision for yourself as a leader 3-5 years from now. Where do you want to be? What kind of leader do you want to become?
Goals/Objectives:
After you have stated your vision, create five to eight leadership goals/objectives you will strive to meet in the next 3-5 years. Try to formulate at least one goal/objective related to each of the four major leadership competencies included in “Essential Leadership Competencies”: self-leadership, leading others, leading an organization, and leadership as a vocation.
Utilize your topic resources to develop SMART goals. Include a brief justification for each goal/objective to explain how it will help you achieve the qualities of professional excellence and integrity required of excellent leaders. Be sure to connect your goals to the key concepts covered in this topic related to civil discourse, listening for understanding, leading diverse work groups (e.g., gender, age/generational cohorts, race), and inclusivity.
Plan:
Specify activities you will engage in to achieve your goals/objectives. Consider the following questions as you approach your planning to accomplish your goals:
· What can I start doing?
· What can I stop doing?
· What should I continue doing?
You may find it helpful to research professional development activities in your field or organization to determine what resources are available to you. Be specific about projects you will engage in either as student or as a professional and identify people in your life who can help you achieve your goals. Be sure to include a timeline of events.
Finally, include a method for evaluating your professional development plan at regular intervals. What milestones will you include in your plan to help ensure its success? How will you use methods of self-reflection to assess your progress as you move towards your goals?
References
© 2020. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
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EssentialLeadership Competencies
The purpose of this assignment is to examine essential leadership competencies to demonstrate leadership as a vocation, as well as successfully lead in an organization. Complete all of the questions for each category of essential leadership competencies. Be sure to address each question fully and support your responses with at least one supporting reference.
Self-Leadership
1. Self-leadership provides an opportunity to achieve your objectives through your own thinking, feelings, and behaviors. Self-reflection is a necessary tool to improve the way you function as a leader. Discuss how you plan to practice methods of self-reflection that contribute to the development of how you lead.
I am planning to practice self-reflection such as meditation and journaling to analyze different aspects of my life. I intend to practice meditation for thirty minutes a day. I also want to start journaling every day. Self-reflection will give me time to review myself as a leader. Also, self-reflection will facilitate improvements in my leadership practice and skills, allowing me to better understand my team.
2. Recognition of characteristics of professional excellence plays a key role during interviews and performance evaluations. These characteristics must be visible to colleagues and stakeholders in order for you to benefit from them. Describe which characteristics of professional excellence you currently have and which characteristics you want to have.
I possess multiple characteristics of professional excellence, among them: integrity, commitment, and respect for myself and others. One characteristic I want to have been empathy. By definition, empathy is the ability to step into someone’s shoes, with the aim to understand their perspectives and feelings (Krznaric, 2012). In other words, it is the ability to feel or understand what another individual is experiencing.
3. Emotional and social intelligence skills translate to communication skills. Leaders who are able to access their emotional center have an advantage over leaders who only rely on intellect. Emotional and social intelligence can be an area of significant personal growth. Discuss the emotional and social intelligence skills you think you most strongly possess and those you want to work on.
I possess multiple emotional and social intelligence skills. As of now, I can communicate effectively with other people. I can also solve challenges and issues in ways that work for every member. However, I need to strengthen my own empathy. Sometimes I fail to recognize or understand how another individual may be feeling. This could cost me as a leader.
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. Continued professional development delivers benefits to individuals, their profession, their community, and possibly the world at large. Most notably, continued professional development keeps you desirable in your current position and attractive to potential employers, if needed. Discuss the ways you can utilize professional development to ensure ongoing professional progress and growth, specifically in leadership.
I can utilize professional development in many ways. First, I can enroll on leadership and management courses to help me learn new leadership skills and techniques. I can also attend leadership conference or events to sharpen my leadership skills.
5. Organizational responses to change in the workplace are the result of individual leaders who are employed within the organization. As a leader, the ability to manage change is essential. Describe how you can demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing or unknown circumstances.
During organizational change, I can easily shift and adapt to new ways of working. Also, I can adjust my leadership style to changing circumstances. I can also revise plans as well as strategies to meet the new demands.
Leading Others
1. An effective leader has followers and inspires them. This relationship is mutually beneficial. Leaders and followers support each other in order to achieve goals, vision, or objectives. Evaluate the role of authentic leadership in creating trust and followership. Describe how you plan to inspire followership through the utilization of such leadership and motivation theories.
Authentic leadership is a leadership style where leaders are self-aware, genuine, and transparent (Gatty, 2019). When a leader is genuine, individuals know what to expect. This tends to create opportunities to build trust and fellowship. I intend to do the following to inspire followers: promote transparent communication, solve conflicts and issues in honest and unbiased ways, and show compassion to my followers.
2. Diversity can be a strength within a team and organization. First, diversity must be recognized and leveraged as a strength. Diversity provides fresh ideas and perspective for a team or organization. Discuss how you will analyze people’s strengths in order to leverage diversity to improve performance outcomes.
I will use a SWOT analysis too analyze people’s strengths. SWOT analysis usually considers an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, as well as threats. Implementing a SWOT analysis for each person will help to get a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. This will also allow me to identify their specific threats and opportunities.
3. Communication and collaboration are increasingly important in a global and digital environment. Effective communication and collaboration among different stakeholders are prevalent in the workplace to meet business goals. Explain what strategies you will use for effectively leading teams and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders and how you will apply them.
I will use different strategies for effectively leading teams and fostering collaboration. First, I will define my teams’ goals. I will also foster open and honest communication. Effective team collaboration depends on truthful and open communication. Besides that, I will create opportunities for creativity. For instance, I will arrange for brainstorming sessions. This is a great opportunity for various stakeholders to put forward their ideas and even challenge them. Brainstorming sessions can be discouraging but they can encourage collaboration.
4. A great leader seeks to coach and guide in order to develop leadership qualities in others. Most leaders have had the opportunity to be coached by other great leaders. Coaching others enables people to improve their performance. Discuss some of the methods of coaching and providing guidance that can help develop leadership qualities in others.
There are several methods of couching and guiding others to help develop leadership qualities. Examples include team coaching, virtual coaching, and systematic coaching, among others.
Leading an Organization
1. Analyzing organizational behavior can drive innovative change and encourage organizational growth, including improved outcomes. When new leadership is established, the leader often sets a vision. The leader must evaluate systematic interdependencies among individuals, teams and departments to inform their vision and apply innovation to improve organizational outcomes.
Explain how you can develop and communicate a compelling vision to guide organizational development. Include a discussion of how you plan to analyze organizational behavior to determine systemic interdependencies among individuals, teams, and departments. As well as how you plan to integrate creativity and innovation to improve organizational outcomes through leadership.
In order to develop a persuasive vision, I will first engage employees’ minds and heart. For employees to give their best, they must be emotionally involved. I will also align the vision with those of the employees. After that, I will use variety of channels to communicate the vision.
I intend to examine employees’ actions and beliefs to determine interdependence among individuals, departments, and teams.
I also intend to create and foster an environment that support creativity and innovation. I am also planning to give employees the autonomy required to successfully complete their work.
2. New and existing leadership requires the leader and the followers to be of the same mind. Explain how you can foster a climate of learning and development within an organization.
One way to promote a climate of learning and development is to lead by example. I will take part in continuous learning and ask employees to do the same. Another way to foster a climate of learning and development is to include learning and development in the organization’s core values (Finkelstein, 2021).
3. Organizational responses to technological advances and economic shifts contribute to change in the workplace. Determine which strategies can be utilized for implementing and managing change within an organization and how you plan to use them.
The first strategy that can be utilized for implementing and managing change in an organization is to propose incentives that will encourage individuals to accept and engage with the new company’s direction. Another strategy is to re-define cultural values. I am planning to use all these strategies to ensure a successful change management. In the case of cultural values, for instance, I will create and support a culture of continuous improvement. This will help to changes the minds and hearts of other individuals within the organization.
Leading as Vocation
1. Compare the strengths and weaknesses the characteristics of transformational leadership theory and leader-member exchange theory (LMX). Explain the responsibility leaders have in improving organizational performance. Discuss how you would integrate aspects of transformational leadership theory and leader-member exchange theory in your personal approach to leadership.
Transformational leadership theory focuses on how leaders create a positive and valuable change within their followers. On the other hand, LMX focuses on the relationship between followers and leaders. However, transformational leadership theory can be utilized negatively. On the contrary, the basis ideas behind LMX are not fully developed.
Leaders build and uphold company culture, design effective work processes, and create organizational values. All these elements are vital in improving organizational performance.
Based on the two theories, I will try to push my team out of their comfort zone. I will also try to reestablish the relationship with my followers so as to achieve the best.
2. Numerous historical and recent events provide examples of leaders who did and did not understand they had a moral obligation to lead with kindness, compassion, and justice for the good of followers and the community. The outcomes of these events may directly and indirectly affect you, your peers, the community, and society. Discuss guidelines to ensure you lead with moral obligation for the good of followers and the community. Include how you intend to lead with kindness, compassion, and justice.
The following guidelines will ensure I lead with moral obligations: practicing honesty and integrity, treating every follower in an equal way, and showing respect to the followers and the community.
When leading, I will try to be compassionate and kind with my followers. I will also treat everyone equally.
3. Leaders who consider leadership their vocation consider it a service to others and for the common good. Explain how the moral imperatives of servant leadership are distinguished from other forms of leadership. Describe how you intend to implement servant leadership that promotes the common good and contributes to the benefits of communities and society at large.
Servant leadership is all about serving others through the moral principle of stewardship. I will allow my followers to take leadership roles and provide the tools and skills needed to do so. They will use these skills to serve and help their communities and society.
References
Finkelstein, J. (2021). 5 ways to foster a learning culture. Chief Learning Officer. Retrieved from:
Gatty, A. (2019). 4 Authentic Leadership Traits that Build Trust. Real Leaders. Retrieved from:
https://real-leaders.com/4-authentic-leadership-traits-that-build-trust/
Krznaric, R. (2012). Six Habits of Highly Empathic People. Greater Good Magazine. Retrieved from:
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_habits_of_highly_empathic_people1
© 2020. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
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Running head: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1
Professional Development Plan
Grand Canyon University: LDR-600
Dr. Deanna R. Davis
17 April 2019.
Reflection
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Currently, I work as a charge nurse of two busy cardiac units; one is a step down and the
other is just cardiac. Reflecting on my leadership capabilities, I consider myself a level-headed
supervisor. I am as comfortable working on the floor as I am leading my team. I am not afraid of
a challenge. Yet, I am also the first to recognize when things are beyond my skills or when I need
help. I really enjoy teaching my staff and take pride when they grow in their careers. I believe I
inspire trust and confidence, because my team calls me when I am not on shift to ask what they
should do when something goes bad or they need guidance.
My five-year goal is to become a unit manager for at least two years to gain further
knowledge of hospital administration and then, if an opportunity becomes available, to be a
hospital administrator. I will jump at that chance because it’s my ultimate goal. I believe the
hospital where I work needs strong managers. This writer know quite a few of the ones there, and
many them display toxic leadership styles. I am up to the challenge of fixing the current situation
because we have high turnover rates and very dissatisfied nurses.
There is always room for improvement. After I finish this degree, I will continue to take
leadership courses and will work harder to make time for self-reflection at work. Presently, when
a situation arises and I make a judgment call that I am not fully satisfied with, I come home and
talked to my spouse. Sometimes his guidance leads me to go back to change things around, or I
get kudos for a job well done.
Vision
My vision for my next three to five years would be working as a hospital administrator,
helping to lead the new nursing generation. My goal is to make changes that will improve both
the nurses, and the patients’ lives. As a leader, I am learning and evolving into a transformational
leader. Northouse, (2016) explains, transformational leadership is a process that “changes and
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
transforms people. This process encompasses the follower’s emotions, values, ethics, standards,
and long-term goals. While, getting to know their motives, satisfying their needs, and treating
them as full human beings.” After reading the book The Culture Cure: Transforming the Modern
Healthcare System by Pamela M. Tripp, I could not help to feel motivated by Mrs. Tripp work.
Furthermore, her description of transformational leadership hits every aspect that I would like to
achieve as a leader. Positively changing people’s lives by harvesting their strengths! I consider
this to be the best investment any person can do.
I work on a daily basis with great nurses that are trying their very best to positively
change people’s lives. They are helping people from all walks of life, including homeless, drug
abusers, non-compliant patients, morbidly obese, homemakers, athletes, and professionals.
Meanwhile, these nurses have their own personal and family problems but come to work with a
smile on their face for their patients. Through all their issues, these nurses continuously try to
modify behaviors, though teaching, compassion and perseverance. Why not invest in these
amazing people with such values, ethics, standards, and long-term goals? They already invest so
much into their patients and deserve a leader who cares as much for them.
On the health field, if more hospitals invested in building up their staff members, we
would not have the issues we are having nowadays. There would be a better environment in
hospitals and, as a result, the staff would provide better service and have lower turnover. It’s a
simple equation that makes sense but unfortunately some organizations and CEO’s would rather
have more money in their pockets than invest in their staff. Henceforth, it is part of my vision to
be a part of an organization that invest in their people.
Goals and Objectives
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
I. Leadership goals in next three to five years.
a. Self-leadership
A primary element to self-leadership is self-reflection. According to (Confucius, n.d.)
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by
imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the most bitter.” USC, (n.d.)
explains, self-reflection empowers leaders to create meaning from their experiences, and there
are three easy steps for the practice of self-reflection:
1. Identify important questions – For example, ask “Am I communicating in a
manner that enforces trust?”
2. Choose a method – By selecting a leader that I trust and having a partnership
where we can discuss issues that we don’t feel fully confident in.
3. Schedule Time – By creating a daily routine, with a set time of ten minutes
every afternoon, to self-reflect on issues that arise. This will help in keeping stress levels down
and rectify improper judgement calls. Following the University of Southern California three-
step self-reflection tool and adherence to a set schedule will assist in becoming a better leader by
reflecting on issues. Allowing time for self-reflection will allow stress levels to decrease.
b. Leading others
As discussed in the vision section, I am determined to become a transformational
leader because they not only inspire people to be better, but they build upon their strengths.
Northouse, (2016) informs us that, transformational leadership is the process by which a person
engages with others and builds a relation that increases the motivation levels and virtue in both
the leader and the follower. Furthermore, (Northouse, 2016) explains, this kind of leader is
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
attentive to the needs and motives of followers and tries to help followers reach their fullest
potential.
c. Leading an organization
The healthcare industry is dynamic, where changes are constant and, as a leader, one
must be ready to help the organization cope. Consequently, it is important to have a strategy for
implementing and managing change. Champlain.edu, (n.d.) provides a recipe for success with a
ten-step strategy for managing change. These steps are: careful planning, be transparent, always
tell the truth, communicate, create a roadmap, provide training, invite participation, give time for
change, monitor, and measure and demonstrate strong leadership.
d. Leadership as a vocation
The best way to implement leadership as a service to others is to become a
transformational leader. According to (Northouse, 2016) a transformational leader displays
integrity, and possesses the skills to cultivate and inspire visions of the future. They stimulate
people to realize this vision, they administer its conveyance, and build stronger and prosperous
teams. All these qualities together, with the ones explained above, help people become better. For
me, in the healthcare profession, improving the lives of those in the field also helps the
community by having better prepared workers to lift the community’s health and spirits.
Plan
My plan to achieve my goals is already in motion. First is my education which I am
currently enrolled in. Second is the job. Currently I am a charge nurse, and I was already offered
a unit manager position opening in October. My plan is to remain in that position for at least two
years to gain sufficient knowledge and then move into the hospital administration. For activities
that helps me to reach my goals, I am already a volunteer for the education department at the
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
hospital where I work. In that position, I help educate new nurses in hospital procedures,
equipment usage and nursing skills, like intravenous catheter insertion or Foley catheter
insertion, to name a few.
For the method of evaluation, I have already built a table that involves a prescribed
schedule. I will add milestones and project satisfaction where I will evaluate my fulfilment.
Importantly, I will add my performance feedbacks which will give a good picture of my
performance. I will self-reflect along the way to see where I am and, if needed, make significant
changes to my plan to achieve it.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
References
Champlain.edu (n.d.). The 10 Best Organizational Change Management Strategies. Retrieved
from https://www.champlain.edu/online/blog/best-organizational-change-management-
strategies
Confucius quotes. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://thinkexist.com/quotation/by_three_methods_we_may_learn_wisdom-first-
by/10494.html
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory & practice (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Publications.
USC. (n.d.). 3 Simple Ways to Practice Self-Reflection. Retrieved from
https://eml.usc.edu/blog/practice-self-reflection
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