Cheng (alias) is a student currently taking MM1051. I have observed him as a friend and classmate for some time and developed conclusions regarding his personality. He aspires to be a leading business leader in future by establishing his company after rising through the ranks of the corporate world. Therefore, he has a high self-esteem that he is meant to lead those around him. Unfortunately, the perception he has makes him feel superior and overlook the input of others around him. He holds the view that those around him ought to submit to his opinion and obey his directions. In the two group discussions I was with him, he conflicted sharply with the others members because of his bossy character. While in a group discussion, all the members have equal rights to contribute ideas pertaining the subject or question under review. However, Cheng always insisted his ideas are the best and ought to be respected by other students. He often interjected others while they made their contributions or used rude remarks to dismiss the ideas of others.
I was observed that Cheng is an overly emotional individual who fails to take criticism and disappointments soberly. On more than one occasion, he developed long-term grudges with classmates who criticized his approach in the group discussion. He stopped attending subsequent meetings and cut links with the student who openly rebuked him for his actions. Additionally, Cheng was also heartbroken when the lecturer also gave him a negative remark during the class presentation. He believed that the lecturer was biased and that is the reason he failed to approve his ideas and approach to presentation. Consequently, Cheng has few friends on campus because of his personality but he still believes that people fear his superior abilities.
Diagnosis
Apparently, Cheng has a problem working with others. He is poor in regulating his emotions and does not know how to handle conflicts in the proper manner. Despite the fact that he has high self-esteem and intelligence, he fails miserably in connecting and working with those around him. According to Mayer, Caruso, and Salovey (2016), people with low emotional intelligence face problems in the workplace because they cannot cooperate with others. Based on the study by Mayer, Caruso, and Salovey (2016), emotional intelligence is measurable scientifically using four variables that include self-management, social awareness, self-awareness, and relationship management. From the observation of Cheng, it is evident that he scores high on both self-management and self-awareness, but very low on social awareness and relationship management.
Given that Cheng wants to become a business leader, he will have to work on his people’s skills. He may have a good grasp of business operational skills and confidence that makes a strong leader but without the support of those around him, he will fail. As a leader, Cheng will also need to be a superb influencer. Oshagbemi and Ocholi (2006) assert that leadership is not a career but a personality that is developed with experience dealing with people and diverse situations. In as such, for Cheng to achieve his career aspirations he will have to change his attitude towards people. He must learn how to relate well with those around him and become a team performer. Otherwise, he will become a poor leader who will not have the support of those around him.
Analysis and Suggestions
Based on the observation of Cheng, the use leadership model proposed by Daft (2008). He postulates five elements that can help in the development of a good leader. The first element is motivation and empowerment. Daft (2008) explains that leaders should have the capacity to empower those around them and motivate them. The second variable is good communication skills. Leaders ought to encourage open communication that stimulates participation. Thirdly, leaders should be good team players. Daft (2008) claims that a good leader operates within the team as opposed to commissioning and watching the team from aloof. The team members should feel the presences and impact of their leader within the team. The fourth variable is the ability to build diverse relationships, and the fifth is the presence of power and influence (Daft,2008). Therefore, using the five elements, Cheng can refine his character and become a better leader in future. Currently, he seems to rely on power only as the tool to manipulate other people. However, he will have to perfect the art of combining all the good qualities of a leader.
Most importantly, Cheng will have to improve his emotional intelligence scores. As observed, he has poor social and relationship skills that makes it almost impossible for him to communicate and relate to others mutually. Mayer, Caruso, and Salovey (2016) explain emotional intelligence ensures that an individual is calm and composed even when under pressure. He or she knows how to handle stress and people with diverse temperaments. In most cases, a leader interacts with people from different backgrounds and with distinct intentions and should be in a position to use wisdom when making decisions. In as such, it would be imperative for Cheng to develop both his leadership skills and emotional intelligence if he wishes to excel in his career.
Actions Plan
Firstly, Cheng will need to control his emotions by attending some anger management therapies. He needs to learn the art of remaining cool even when provoked by those around him. The therapy will also help him avoid long-term grudges by learning the virtue of forgiveness and tolerance in relationships.
Secondly, he will have to enhance his listening skills actively. Part of being a good leader is to have a good listening ear. It involves giving people an audience genuinely and trying to understand their perspective before giving an advice or personal opinion. From the experience I had with Cheng in the group discussion, I know he will be a great leader if he can listen attentively before responding.
Thirdly, Cheng needs to attend several team building exercises that aim to create bonds and cohesiveness amongst the participants. The team building activities aim to test and refine the behaviours of an individual within a team setting. After attending several of such events, Cheng will value relationships and social skills that are critical for a leader.
Ultimately, the best way for Cheng to develop his personality is through experience as opposed to reading books and articles only. From the interaction I have had with him, I know he is an intelligent student that can make a great leader if he can develop his people skills. Therefore, he will also have to work with a few good leaders so that he can appreciate their approaches to diverse issues.
Word count: 1122
References
Daft, R. L. (2008). Leadership Experience (4th ed). Thomson Learning, Inc.
Mayer, J. D., Caruso, D. R., & Salovey, P. (2016). The ability model of emotional intelligence: Principles and updates. Emotion Review, 8(4), 290-300.
Oshagbemi, T., & Ocholi, S.A., (2006). Leadership styles and Behaviour Profiles of Managers. Journal of Management Development. 25(8), 748-762,
