Reflective Learning Paper 1: Learning To Soar ✓ Solved

Reflective Learning Paper 1learning To Soar

Write your paper in APA style format. Double space. 12-point font. Times New Roman style. Two to three pages. This essay is based on your SOAR Profile. SOAR (strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results) is a framework for strategic thinking, planning, and leading that embraces a whole systems approach to strategy via dialogue, solution seeking, and results-oriented tasks.

Refer to your Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Perspective on p. 4 of your SOAR Profile. What do your AI perspective scores indicate? Refer to your SOAR Capacity on p. 5 of your SOAR Profile. What do your SOAR capacity scores suggest? Refer to your Capabilities on p. 6 of your SOAR Profile.

Why are recognizing your strengths critical to effective supervision? What do you see as five core strengths you possess (provide evidence/illustration of these strengths)? What are two to three opportunities you would like to pursue for yourself and why? What do you care deeply about? What do you aspire to be? What are some indicators - results - to know you are succeeding? Assuming you have achieved your aspirations and took advantage of your opportunities, how do you know you succeeded? What are some results you have achieved?

In reviewing your SOAR Profile results, what did you find most interesting or surprising? How will this help to develop yourself as a supervisor? How might a SOAR-based approach to supervising best help others? Can it build a "positive mental attitude"? Which theory in your courses does SOAR best align with to develop you as an effective supervisor?

Paper For Above Instructions

The concept of SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) serves as a powerful framework for personal and professional development, especially for those in supervision roles. My SOAR Profile has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of my strengths, capacities, and areas for growth. As I reflect on my results, I recognize that my AI (Appreciative Inquiry) perspective scores reflect an optimistic outlook towards both my personal and professional interactions, emphasizing collaboration and solution-focused dialogue. This positive mindset aligns with the essential nature of effective supervision: creating an environment that fosters empowerment and growth (Stavros & Hinrichs, 2009).

My SOAR capacity scores suggest that I have a solid foundation to build upon. This capacity indicates my potential to embrace and leverage my strengths while identifying and pursuing opportunities for growth. For example, having strong analytical skills allows me to analyze complex situations, leading to informed decisions. Furthermore, understanding my core capabilities, as illustrated in my SOAR Profile, emphasizes why recognizing my strengths is pertinent to supervision. Effective supervision hinges on the ability to lead by example, and demonstrating personal strengths creates a culture of authenticity and trust within a team (Cole, Stavros, & Zerilli, 2017).

Upon reflection, I identify five core strengths that I possess: empathy, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience. Empathy allows me to understand my team members on a deeper level, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Effective communication is vital for articulating expectations and feedback, ensuring clarity and minimizing misunderstandings. My problem-solving ability helps me tackle challenges with a strategic mindset, contributing to a solutions-oriented work environment. Adaptability enables me to remain flexible in dynamic situations, while resilience aids me in navigating setbacks and maintaining a positive outlook for my team.

In terms of opportunities, I aspire to pursue leadership development programs, enhance my public speaking skills, and explore mentorship opportunities. Participating in leadership programs will equip me with advanced skills necessary for effective supervision. Additionally, further refining my public speaking abilities will enable me to communicate my vision to broader audiences confidently. Mentorship is invaluable, as learning from experienced leaders can provide insights, guidance, and alternative perspectives that will foster my growth as a supervisor.

My aspirations are driven by a deep commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and supporting the growth of others. I care deeply about creating an inclusive environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to excel. As I navigate my path towards becoming an effective supervisor, I aspire to cultivate a space where innovation flourishes, and team members are inspired to contribute their unique talents.

Indicators of success in reaching my aspirations include team satisfaction and engagement metrics, individual career progression within my team, and the successful implementation of innovative projects. Monitoring these outcomes will provide tangible evidence of my leadership effectiveness and my ability to steer my team towards success. Achieving these milestones will serve as a benchmark for my performance and growth.

Upon reviewing my SOAR Profile results, I found the insights into my strengths and opportunities most enlightening. I was surprised by the profound impact of my adaptability and resilience scores—these qualities will play a crucial role in my development as a supervisor. Understanding how these characteristics influence my interactions will guide me in creating a supportive environment for my team. By leveraging these strengths, I can effectively navigate the complexities of supervision and create conditions conducive to high performance and collaboration.

A SOAR-based approach to supervising can significantly benefit my team by cultivating a positive mental attitude (PMA). As articulated by Stavros and Cole (2013), adopting a strengths-based strategy fosters positivity and encourages creative problem-solving, which enhances team morale. Furthermore, a SOAR approach encourages continuous dialogue, allowing team members to express their thoughts and ideas candidly. This participatory atmosphere empowers individuals and achieves collective objectives.

In reviewing course theories, the SOAR framework aligns well with transformational leadership principles. This model emphasizes inspiring and motivating team members to achieve their fullest potential while cultivating a supportive and empowering environment (Rodrigues et al., 2016). By integrating SOAR into my leadership style, I can enhance my effectiveness as a supervisor and drive my team towards meaningful outcomes.

References

  • Cole, M., Stavros, J. M., & Zerilli, M. (2017). The SOAR Profile (TSP) 2.0: A rapid assessment tool to help individuals and teams build strategic capacity. Poster session presented at Lawrence Tech Research Day 2017, Southfield, MI.
  • Rodrigues, R. G., Marques, C. S., & Lopes, M. P. (2016). Transformational leadership and its effects on employees’ performance: A study of local government. Public Administration Review, 76(5), 691-700.
  • Stavros, J. M., & Hinrichs, G. (2009). Thinbook of SOAR: Creating strengths-based strategy. Bend, OR: Thin Book Publishers.
  • Stavros, J. M., & Cole, M. L. (2013). SOARing towards positive transformation and change. The ABAC ODI Visions. Action. Outcome., 1(1), 10-34.
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