Renovation Paradigm
Some things in life are meant to be updated. Updating a kitchen in a house is a skill set that requires some critical traits: confidence, intelligence, and determination. It may sound very simple; “lets renovate the kitchen”. Performing this task takes technical, human, and conceptual skills as well. Combining these skills and these traits can truly create a leadership paradigm.
Leading the renovation charge could be considered an up-hill battle unless skill sets are sharp and ready for use. Having technical skills will come in handy when measurements need to be exact. Studying or reading informative documents can help greatly to refresh knowledge on proper measuring techniques. Technical skill requires competencies (intelligence) to use appropriate tools to complete a designated project (Northhouse, 2016, p.44). Because technical skills are essential in performing labor-intensive projects that have a high potential of being expensive, using intelligence as a tool for preparation will only help.
Phone calls and internet searches are generally the top ways to locate specialty workers. These workers are certified plumbers, and electricians. Human skills are essential in negotiating, planning (time management), and other communication needs. “Creating an atmosphere of trust helps with comfort levels” (Northhouse, 2016, p.45). Having an open communication line with paid employees is very important when it comes to options. These options may entail “should we use $5000 light bulbs, or $5. light bulbs” the funny thing is that they are the same product just packaged differently. Because human skills can be linked with comfort, strengthening this skill through practice can help save money.
Articulating the vision of my kitchen comes with confidence and determination. The conceptual skill is the “ability to put goals into words” (Northhouse, 2016, p.45). “Over the next month the kitchen will be completely demolished and stripped to the studs. Following this the plumber will do his thing, while the electrician will aluminate the room for all to see. These two workers will be working hard while I (the technically skilled carpenter) will provide all other needs so that this project will be finish on schedule. Because confidence and determination complement vision, building conceptual skills is directly strengthening leadership abilities.
The kitchen has been remodeled on time and on cost. Three different leadership skill sets have been used in this process. These skills were complemented by leadership traits as the backbone to acquiring the skills. Because this specific project held so many moving parts, having such a verse understanding of leadership and its implication on the outcomes of projects is soothing.
Resources
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and practice. Los Angeles, Calif.: SAGE.
djh5474 says
After reading through the Skills Approach and assessing the Three-Skill Approach, technical skill is the first skill identified then human and conceptual (Northouse, 2016, p. 46). Even the various levels of an organization chart lists technical first in each management area with supervisory management needing the most technical skill as this is at the follower/employee level where most interactions occur (Northouse, 2016, p. 46). Updating or remodeling areas of the home definitely meet this criteria of being heavy on the technical skill level with all of the planning and organizing necessary for a successful and beautiful outcome that meets the customer’s desires and wants.
The human skills becomes the next area of focus because the need to work with other people is imperative to success for completion of the remodel. As the leader of the project, being able to work efficiently, clearly, concisely, and effectively with the remodeling group is essential, otherwise the project creeps along at a slow pace with poor results. Being aware of the perspective of others along with understanding your own perspective (Northouse, 2016, p. 45) is extremely important to ensure that the project is communicated correctly and the trust is build along with providing a comfortable and secure work environment (Northouse, 2016, p. 45).
Now to work in the conceptualization skill, this level takes your project into working with ideas and concepts that shape an organization and put your thoughts into words and can understand and express economic principles of the project (Northouse, 2016, p. 45). Letting the technical skill draft the ideas into concrete concepts, then using the human skill to interact and influence the group to build cohesion and trust to complete the remodel enhance the conceptual skill to flawless execution of mentally molding the the meaning of the project and end goal or product desired (Northouse, 2012, p. 45).
An excellent discussion of how the Skills Approach applies to our daily lives and projects that help us achieve peace and happiness in our own homes.
References:
Northouse, Peter G., (7th Ed.). (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. London, United Kingdom, Sage Publications, Inc.