Benchmarking Of Values Beliefs Attitudes Theology Religion Essay

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

New Zealand Diploma in Business L6

Victoria Institute of New Zealand

Table of Contents

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1

PART A: A Self-Assessment Process ……………………………………………………………………………… 2

Benchmarking of Values, Beliefs, Attitudes ………………………………………………………………….. 2

Benchmarking of Traits, Skills, Strategies …………………………………………………………………….. 3

Benchmarking of Memories and References ……………………………………………………………….. 4

Benchmarking of Major Decision Points ………………………………………………………………………. 4

Quotes from the Leaders …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5

Personality Type Report (MBTI) …………………………………………………………………………………... 6

Leadership Abilities in the Global Cultural Context ………………………………………………………. 8

Leadership Abilities Using Theories of Leadership ……………………………………………………….. 9

PART B: Leadership Development Plans …………………………………………………………………….. 10

3 Personal Strengths ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10

3 Personal Weaknesses ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

3 Opportunities for Development ………………………………………………………………………………. 12

Strategies to Achieve Goals ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 12

References ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13

Introduction

We all have somebody we emulate because of the traits they possess which we think make them extraordinary. As a child, our first role models are usually our parents, and then older siblings, if we have one.

As we grow older, our values, beliefs, and attitudes change because of the environment we are in and the people we meet along the way. And so do our role models. We still look up to our parents, only we broaden our set of people to admire. Then, our perspectives in life change as well. And all these people in our lives, whether we know them personally or not, influence how we form and develop (or change) our new set of values, beliefs, and attitudes.

I personally have my own set of people I truly respect for their special qualities. I especially admire those who have endured life’s struggles. The future may seem uncertain but they held on, being persistent in their faith that they are going to prevail in the end.

For the purpose of this project, I have chosen Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr., two of the world leaders whose values, beliefs and attitudes I would like to benchmark against my own. This paper will also discuss about their leadership abilities in the global cultural context, the theories of leadership according to experts like Mr. Geert Hofstede, and finally, my own strategies to develop my leadership skills.

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PART A: A Self-Assessment Process

BENCHMARKING OF VALUES, BELIEFS, ATTITUDES

 

VALUES

BELIEFS

ATTITUDES

MOTHER TERESA

> places high value on religion > responsibility & accountability > public service > affection > meaningful work (she devoted most of her life doing work that benefitted the whole world)

> she believed in fairness (nobody should suffer) > equality (one's rights to a decent standard of living) > believed in God (there is a Supreme Being guiding us) > she believed that one day there will be harmony among nations > community (sense of unity)

> affectionate > devoted > persevering > selfless (altruism) > humble

MARTIN LUTHER KING

> he gave high value on his country > democracy > personal development among his fellow African-Americans) > freedom > truth

> he strongly believed in non-violent protest > objective (fairness) > equality among all races > basic human rights > highly believed in human dignity

> ambitious > determined > faithful (he had faith that there will be racial equality) > serious > hard working

MYSELF

> I give the highest value on God > affection (love & caring in family, friends, and romantic relationships) > privacy (personal space, confidentiality about myself) > ecological awareness > humility

> I believe that there is a Supreme Being who is in control of my life > honesty > wisdom > children's innocence & rights > fairness (equality)

> emotional > sympathetic > cooperative > open-minded > sincere

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BENCHMARKING OF TRAITS, SKILLS, STRATEGIES

 

TRAITS

SKILLS

STRATEGIES

MOTHER TERESA

> endurance (she never gave up in helping to uplift the human spirit among the poorest of the poor) > passionate (to fulfill vision) > inspirational

> adaptability skills (she could live among the poor in Calcutta) > empathizing skills > strategic skills (expansion of her ministry around the world) > interpersonal skills (related effectively to the sick, dying, poor) > self-motivation skills

> took medical training in 1948 to be able to cure the sick in India > formed the group Missionaries of Charity to help the unfortunate > put up orphanages and hospices worldwide, attracting volunteers > expanded her charity work around the world > targeted communist countries in Eastern Europe to spread her mission

MARTIN LUTHER KING

> assertive (he was confident in expressing what he wanted for his nation) > intelligence (he knew what to do or how to deal with racism) > courageous (fearless)

> strong critical thinking skills > excellent persuasion skills (motivated African-Americans to fight for their rights) > outstanding negotiation skills > very good strategic skills > brilliant communication skills

> exercised non-violent protest for civil rights of the African-Americans > sought guidance & advice from other civil rights activists > conducted sermons & speeches throughout the USA to get his message across > associated himself with US presidents to get their support for his causes > joined forces with other civil rights groups to march on Washington

MYSELF

> compassionate > hard working > diplomatic

> time management skills > psychological and rapport creation skills (can adapt to all kinds of personality) > sales skills > delegation skills > interpersonal skills (can talk to anyone and a good listener)

> took the early retirement program from my company to look for better opportunities and start a new life > saved money and did not spend them to use in the future > applied for a student visa to get into New Zealand > created my own network of friends to find a job and a place to stay in NZ > stick to my sleep routine/pattern

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BENCHMARKING OF MEMORIES AND REFERENCES

MEMORIES

MOTHER TERESA

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

MYSELF

Felt that she had a mission to start charity work in September 1946, while going on her annual retreat in Darjeeling

Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott following the racial discrimination against black Americans in Montgomery public buses in 1955

I was born the youngest of the brood. I was not taught the value of independence early in life. I was very nurtured.

Witnessed suffering of the poor, sick & the dying in the slums of Calcutta

Organized non-violent protests to change civil rights laws in Alabama in 1957

I relied too much on my mother's opinions, I did not have my own

She saw the need to expand the Missionaries of Charity throughout the world

Joined the March on Washington in August 1963 for Freedom and Jobs for black workers in the south of America

My job and life in my country caused inertia in myself

REFERENCES

Felt God's calling to spread love to the world

Followed Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent protest against human injustice

My mother influenced much of my thinking and decision-making when I was very young

Was captivated and inspired by how missionaries lived their life and served in Bengal

Was mentored by civil rights leader and theologian Howard Thurman; taught him about Mahatma Gandhi

Learned from famous personalities how they handled circumstances where they had to make life-changing decisions

Her mother introduced her to God by raising her a Roman Catholic

African-American activist Bayard Rustin was his mentor & advisor; taught him about non-violence resistance

Inspired by close friends who have endured trials & hardships in life and overcame them

BENCHMARKING OF MAJOR DECISION POINTS

MOTHER TERESA

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

MYSELF

Became a missionary and went to India with the Irish nuns, Sisters of Loreto

Decided to follow in his father & grandfather's footsteps

Quitting from my job of almost ten years

Devoted herself to help the poor, sick & dying of India and the world

Led the African-Americans against racism & injustice

Leaving my country for New Zealand

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Quotes from the leaders:

“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only love.”

“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.”

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."

- MOTHER TERESA

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

- MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

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Personality Type Report for Gretchen

Your Personality Preferences

INTROVERT

While you may not be anti-social, you do need (and deserve) your private time and space to retreat from the world. Unlike extroverts, you need to develop a concept of the world or some aspect of it before experiencing it. Too much socializing may sap your energies. Your energies are derived from exploring the inner world of ideas, impressions and pure thought.

INTUITIVE

While you do process information through your senses you add a twist to your processing by relying on intuition and serendipity. You look for undercurrents of meaning and abstractions in what you experience physically. You do not just see things just as they are, but as what they could be. While you may rely on common sense at times, you trust inspiration far more.

JUDGING

You like decisions to be made as soon as possible. You are not comfortable with loose ends and like to see conflicts resolved as soon as possible. You have a preference for a well-structured, orderly lifestyle with few surprises. It may not be all that important who makes the decisions that gets things done as long things do get done. You take commitments very seriously. While you are not inflexible, you do like to stick to a plan once it is set into motion.

FEELING

You make decisions subjectively based upon your values and what is important to you. How people will be affected by your decisions is important to you. You are likely to make decisions based upon what you feel is acceptable and agreeable rather than what is logical. Your truths are founded in your values and those of the society you live in. It is important to remember that we are discussing how you evaluate data and make decisions, and that you rely on your feelings to do so in no way implies you are overly emotional.

Your Personality Type

Introvert/Intuitive/Feeling/Judging

Sometimes you may seem to have a mystical quality about you. You are very sensitive and deep. You place a high value on integrity. Your inner life is well very well developed. You are an idealist capable of very creative, original thought. You are gentle, compassionate and enjoy your time alone. You need both inner and outer harmony. When reaching for a goal you are very determined and persevering.

In relationships you are very tender and gentle. You have a very strong need to create a pleasant home environment. You do not make commitments lightly, but once you do you put all your energies into it. You understand your feelings and are able to share them with those you care for. At times you may find it difficult to balance your need to retreat into your inner-world and your need to be with those you care for. You can be very playful and fun when you feel at ease. You need harmony in your intimate world. Conflict can upset you to the point of making you sick.

Famous People of Your Type:

Aristophanes, Chaucer, Goethe, Robert Burns, Martin Van Buren, Jimmy Carter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Fred McMurray, Shirley Temple Black, Martin Luther King, Jr., Shirley McClain, Piers Anthony, Michael Landon, Tom Selleck, Oprah Winfrey, John Katz, Angela Lansbury, Richard Gere, Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher.

Occupations Suited to Your Type Include:

Architect, artist, clergy, consultant, editor, musician, philosopher, doctor, programmer, researcher, scientist, teacher, and writer.

Take The Assessment Again

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Click the Links Below to Read About the Different Personality Types

INTP INFP INTJ INFJ ISTP ISFP ISTJ ISFJ

ENTP ENFP ENTJ ENFJ ESTP ESFP ESTJ ESFJ

Goddess Flight © 2007 - 2008

I agree with the test results above. I really believe I am introvert and intuitive. I derive pleasure from having an “alone time” and examining (or re-examining) the goings-on in my life. As for the judging part, I do really like to stick to my plans, I follow them strictly and I feel thrown-off when they don’t push through. I am a “feeling” person, I easily get emotional. Although at times I can control it and I am able to think objectively (which, by the way I learned late in my life).

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On the summary part of the analysis, about making commitments, it really takes a very long time for me to make commitments. I must admit, when it comes to critical things that need my commitment, I always think of the negative aspect. I always worry that my final decision might not be the right one and then I might regret it in the end. I guess I base it on my past experiences, which should not be the case. We are always given another chance and we must take advantage of it and just be courageous enough and be positive that the decisions we will make will turn out to be the best one.

I also value harmony very much. For me, it’s like water and air, I can’t live without it. And yes, absence of it makes me sick! I’m not sure if western and Chinese astrology have something to do with it, but I think, having rabbit as my animal sign explains this. Rabbits are peace-loving animals by nature, and they are very delicate and sensitive that exposure to harsh environmental conditions for a period of time leads to their early demise.

Finally, I think if I were not doing what I am doing today, I could have been an artist, a consultant, editor, philosopher, researcher, teacher, or writer. Who knows, I just might do one or more of them someday. Personally, I would love to be a writer, making, but not limited to, novels, screenplays, documents about latest discoveries, advertising materials, etc.

Leadership Abilities in the Global Cultural Context

We can all agree that Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King exemplified the true essence of a leader. The same can also be said of the two in the global cultural context, as they went the extra mile in caring for the poor, the oppressed, and the victims of injustice. In a country where Mother Teresa spent most of her life in, which is India, she learned to adapt the culture of collectivism, long term orientation. She brought these traits when she went to other countries to help needy people and teach them the value of seeking for truths, rather than sticking to only one belief. She demonstrated collectivism by giving importance to caring for everybody, that man cannot depend solely on himself. Mother Teresa even initiated the expansion of her mission to other parts of the world.

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In the case of Martin Luther King Jr., he was from a country that gives high importance to individualism, but not to uncertainty avoidance. In the United States, people are highly self-reliant and practice freedom of expression and they have high willingness to try new things. And these were reflected in the way Martin Luther King, Jr. dealt with the oppression against the black Americans during his time. I am from the Philippines, a country that has a high collectivist and masculine society, and yet is low in avoiding uncertainty. I still practice these characteristics, only this time, I am gradually departing from them, now that I’m learning to adapt to New Zealand culture. Everyday is an opportunity for me to practice my leadership skills which I have acquired in my native country. And maybe even gain some more, as I deal with people of different cultural backgrounds.

Leadership Abilities using Theories of Leadership

These are the leadership qualities of Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, if I were to use the Theories of Leadership. The trait theory that Leaders are born, not made definitely applies to them. Especially Mother Teresa, when they were very young, they already had that vision to lead people for a good cause. Mother Teresa had the Drive to build and expand her mission to help the poor, while Martin Luther King had the Honesty and Integrity as he stayed true to his promise to uphold the rights of the African-Americans. Both had the Desire to lead, because they were determined to realize their dream for the humankind. Finally, I believe they also exhibited the traits of Charismatic and Visionary Leadership. Both leaders also demonstrated the traits of a Transformational Leader. They envision the future. And they have the passion and energy to work on their vision. They will never put their followers down, they are always on the forefront, and will never stop uplifting their followers’ spirits.

They were born to make a strong impact to the people. They did not just express their vision, they lived it. They were truly extraordinary.

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For me, I believe I also possess some of the leadership traits that they have. For one, I give high value to honesty and integrity. The world will be full of chaos if all human activities are based on lying, cheating and deceit. I have yet to learn how to develop the drive, and the desire to lead. Being the youngest in the family, I grew up getting used to being in the background, the follower of my older siblings. But growing up, I would have the chance every now and then to lead a group, whether in school or at work. And now that I am on my own, living in a foreign country, I believe this is my best opportunity to learn those leadership traits of my chosen leaders, and develop them.

Summary of my leadership abilities

Based on the MBTI test that I took, I can say that I am the type of person who relies on my feelings, intuition and past experience to judge things, situations and people around me.

PART B: Leadership Development Plan

My 3 personal strengths

Diplomatic â€" this is probably one of my communication skills that I’m proud of. I just have that perfect way of talking to people that makes them at ease with me, whether I just met them or have known them for a while. I believe this is one of the qualities to look for in a leader. I think it’s innate already, I did not learn this from anyone. I was told when I was a little girl that I was effortlessly poised.

Open-minded â€" also the exact opposite of judgmental. When I’m presented with a situation, from the extraordinary to the trivial ones, I look at it at different angles. I take into consideration the possibilities, weigh them out, and then I make a decision. Ideal trait of a leader.

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Sincere â€" for me, sincerity is more than just being true to one’s self, or telling the truth. It’s also about honoring one’s promise. Especially when someone asks me to keep their secrets, they are assured it will remain a secret. Also, another good trait of a leader, to make his/her subordinates/followers feel at ease in sharing their own ideas.

My 3 personal weaknesses

Indecisive â€" it is very hard for me to make decisions quickly, especially the major ones. I am fickle-minded. I guess it is because of the way I was brought up. Since I’m the youngest in the family, I was sheltered, I was the baby of the family. I learned to be independent very late in life.

Emotional â€" emotions always take over me, I find it hard to look at situations with a rational mind.

Feebleness/faintness â€" I am weak when it comes to facing challenges in life, and if it were not for the help of friends or people I meet along the way, I might not have survived.

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THREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT

 

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

SHARE KNOWLEDGE

FURTHER EDUCATION

GOAL

To be permanent at work

To teach English to foreign students

Take a course in Marketing

Short Term outcome

Finish Business Diploma level 6

Take IELTS; get a band score of 9

Finish Business Diploma level6; enroll in a university

Time frame

12 Nov, 2012 - 01 June, 2013

14 December, 2012 - 31 March, 2013

12 Nov, 2012 - June 2013

Long Term Outcome

Meet expectations of the company

Teach English in institutions; help Asians improve on their english

Earn a diploma or degree in Marketing

Time frame

05 December, 2012 - 05 March, 2013

April 2013 - 31 December, 2013

May, 2014

STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE GOALS

GOAL

To be permanent at work

To teach English to foreign students

Take a course in Marketing

Start Date

5 December 2012

14 December 2012

June 2013

End Date

5 March 2012

31 March 2013

May 2014

Resources

Use all forms of media to reach out to potential clients; conduct seminars to clients; provide training to marketing representatives

Check test dates for IELTS; review for the test (borrow books from the library); practice on sample tests from books and the internet

Seek advice from my immigration adviser about which school to choose; use my saved money to pay for the tuition fee

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