
A compilation of unpublished documents that I have meticulously curated.
Unpublished Pieces
Owner’s Manual
Becoming Familiar with Me
In a recent personality assessment, Derek was identified as an INTJ, commonly known as “The Architect.” This personality type is characterized by being future-focused, introspective, knowledge-driven, analytical problem-solver, having high standards, independency and confident.
Derek is an introverted, intuitive individual who prioritizes objectivity and rationality. He is highly organized, decisive, and values structure while maintaining assertiveness. As an independent thinker, he thrives when given autonomy to develop and implement his ideas while employing analytical thinking. Derek holds high standards, which often lead to his weaknesses, such as being too impatient, insensitive, and emotionally disconnected.
His directness may sometimes be perceived as extremely blunt. When focus on the task at hand, he suffers from having tunnel vision which can cause him in producing unnecessary mistakes. As a macro-prospective thinker, he occasionally overlooks a few details in his work. Derek emphasizes that he is not arrogant or condescending. Derek is actively working on embracing sudden changes and addressing his weaknesses, including engaging in small talk conversations. He is committed to becoming more extroverted in all aspects of his life, aiming to enhance his interpersonal skills and potentially advance to senior leadership roles in his career.
Cautions
Derek’s stress stems from unfamiliar situations or tasks. He meticulously evaluates each situation to find comfort. He asserts that uncontrollable elements should be accepted and embraced. Life’s outcomes may not align with his desires, but he adheres to a familiar phrase: “everything happens for a reason. While we may not comprehend the reasons behind events, eventually, we will gain understanding and gratitude for the lessons learned.” He recognizes that adding unnecessary stress to his already burdened state is detrimental to both himself and others.
Red flags individuals who waste his time. Derek prefers employees to conduct their own research on a subject matter before seeking his assistance. He aims to empower employees as resources rather than as individuals possessing all knowledge. Derek acknowledges his imperfections and dislikes small talk, recognizing the value of time and money. Therefore, he encourages the limitation of small talk and the direct pursuit of relevant topics.
Work Preferences
Derek thrives in work environments with well-defined organizational expectations and job responsibilities. He maintains a typical work-life balance and engages in honest and meaningful work with opportunities for professional development. Additionally, he possesses creative thinking abilities. Derek prefers a quiet workspace to perform his duties effectively. In noisy and busy environments, he tends to withdraw and isolate himself.
As an early riser from childhood, Derek exhibits peak productivity in the morning hours. A typical work schedule could be from 7 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday. During the mornings, he tends to maintain a higher level of focus.
Derek appreciates constructive feedback on areas for improvement rather than focusing solely on his accomplishments. He does not respond well to accolades. Instead, he prefers direct communication, avoiding unnecessary embellishments that may distract him from the task at hand. Derek maintains a pragmatic approach, prioritizing facts over emotions.
Derek’s motivation stems from his desire to perform at his best in any given task. Unfortunately, the most effective motivator for him is simply striving for excellence.
Derek learns best by uncovering new knowledge and experiences. He prefers hands-on learning approaches. In learning new concepts, he employs the 70/20/10 method, where 70% of learning occurs through practical application and experience, 20% through guidance from others, and 10% through formal training, such as printed materials or manuals.
Final Note
Outside of work, Derek maintains a consistent and authentic demeanor. He does not engage in code-switching between his professional and personal roles. The primary differences lie in the environments and individuals he interacts with. Being entirely honest, upholding integrity, demonstrating empathy, fostering creativity, and experiencing personal growth while enjoying life to the fullest are the hallmarks of his character. He remains committed to continuous development and self-improvement, striving to be a part of the future and working diligently towards his personal goals.
Derek is an avid traveler and nature enthusiast. He cherishes outdoor activities such as walks, bike rides, and hiking, as they provide him with a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation. Solitary moments in nature, such as sitting alone and pondering, allow him to recharge his mental batteries. While puzzles are an enjoyable pastime, his true fulfillment lies in being there for his family and friends during their times of need.
Growth Plan
coming soon
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Dear Future Student,
During my MBA studies, I completed an engaging course titled “Leading Teams”. The course provided valuable insight into how effectively develop and lead successful teams. Several key topics were discussed throughout the course, but one topic resonated with me, and I would like to share my personal perspective and experience.
During our diversity and trust module the concept of psychological safety within teams peaked my interest. Psychological safety is the foundation of any relationship, as it fosters a safe environment where team members should feel comfortable at expressing their opinions while being vulnerable. To aid in finding safety among the team, the Five C’s framework is a valuable tool to consider. These C’s represent the essential elements that contribute to a safe and productive relationship: Clarity, Contribution, Confidence, Comfort and Connect. Clarity, making sure the team understands its mission, clearly outlining goals and making sure everyone is onboard. Contribution, everyone should provide their ideas and place value on their perspectives. Confidence, building that trust among the team by learning from mistakes and wins. Comfort, creating the environment for the team to flourish without any judgement. And, Connection, making sure there is connect from all team members. This framework is critical for understanding how important psychological safety impacts decisions.
Reflecting on my own career, I can now recognize how individuals who are hesitant to express their opinions may find themselves in an unsafe environment that prevent them from feeling comfortable by sharing their thoughts. I personally can be attested to feeling unsafe to voice my opinions. I also connected psychological safety can go hand in hand with the Five Dysfunctions of a Team. The correlation between the two are important. The foundation of a successful team lies in trust, and the bottom tier of the pyramid represents the importance of that trust.
I challenge you to establish a space where your team members can trust one another. This opportunity can be applied to a team you are managing or a team you may be collaborating with. While you may not have the ability to select your team, you do have a role in fostering connections within the group. Creating psychosocial safety within the team may take time, but you will likely experience a positive return on your investment. And remember, psychological safety is crucial for effect team leadership by creating the safe space for open communication, collaboration, decision-making and overall team success.
Derek
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