Abu Dhabi University MBA: Leadership Profile Development Plan

This report presents a comprehensive leadership profile development plan, focusing on key leadership competencies essential for success. It begins with an introduction to leadership competencies, emphasizing the importance of conceptual and systemic thinking. The student identifies these areas as needing improvement and outlines specific activities to enhance these skills. For conceptual thinking, the plan includes 'thinking outside the box' exercises and observation of mentors. To develop systemic thinking, the student proposes rotational assignments and coaching from experienced leaders. The report also addresses the importance of emotional intelligence and provides activities to improve listening and social skills. The plan concludes by highlighting the activities designed to foster well-rounded leadership capabilities, referencing relevant literature to support the strategies employed.

Profile Development Plan 1
Name of the student:
Name of the Institution:
Roll No:
Date of submission:

Profile Development Plan 2
Profile Development Plan
Introduction
Leadership competencies are skills and values that every leader must have in order to ensure
that the leader that has been chosen is successful and able to lead the organization, or team to
become better. In the following report, I will discuss conceptual thinking and systemic
thinking, which are essential in every leader. I will also discuss ways in which these qualities
can be developed in the individual.
Conceptual Thinking
Conceptual Thinking is an essential element for every leader, since this ensures that the
leader is astute and is able to understand why things are being done in the manner in which
they are being done (Davis, Dent and Wharff, 2015),. They are insightful and are able to
think in an abstract manner as well, which is why it is essential for leaders be conceptual
thinkers. My conceptual thinking skills are not as strong as I would like them to be, which is
why I have suggested activities that can improve my conceptual thinking skills.
Activity 1: Thinking Outside the Box
In this activity, I will be provided with various problems that are related to the organization,
and will have to come up with the possible solutions. I will be assigned issues which require
out of the box thinking, which is an essential element of conceptual thinking. I will be given
the resources and books, and how others have solved similar problems, but the solution that
has to be provided by me should be unique.
Activity 2: Observation
For this, I will also choose a mentor or guide, and follow and observe them in their workplace
as much as possible. I will choose a leader who is good at conceptual thinking, so that it is

Profile Development Plan 3
possible for me to observe and learn from them. Besides this, I will also attend lectures and
seminars that are related to conceptual thinking. I will present a report of what I have learnt,
after one week of observation of the leader, and attending one of the lectures, so that my
learnings are easily trackable as well.
System Thinking
System Thinking has been regarded as one of the best types of thinking for a leader to have.
A system thinking is learning to adapt to the chaos and the complexities of the organization
(Senge, Hamilton and Kania, 2015). It has been found to have the highest correlation to
performance, which is why it is essential for the organization to have a leader who has system
thinking. Leaders who are system thinkers are found to be more flexible and divergent in the
solutions that they are able to come up with, which is why it has been found to be working
well for the organization. My system thinking skills require improvement, and here are two
activities that would help me in the improvement.
Activity 1: Rotational Assignments
In order to develop System thinking, I will use the concept of rotational assignment, where on
a rotation basis, I will go and look into every aspect of the organization. At the end of each
rotation, I will have to submit a report of what I have learnt from the section that I was in.
This helps me understand the business better, which is why I would improve my system
thinking skills.
Activity 2: Coaching
I will have a leader who is good at system thinking coach me into how to become a system
thinker. This will require extensive effort and organizational experts, but it is one of the most
effective methods.

Profile Development Plan 4
Conclusion
By using the activities that have been mentioned above, I will be to able to improve the fields
that I am not so strong in, which will help me become a better leader. There are many aspects
and competencies to becoming a leader, which is why it is important to be all-rounded.

Profile Development Plan 5
References
Davis, A.P., Dent, E.B. and Wharff, D.M., 2015. A conceptual model of systems thinking
leadership in community colleges. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 28(4), pp.333-
353.
Senge, P., Hamilton, H. and Kania, J., 2015. The dawn of system leadership. Stanford Social
Innovation Review, 13(1), pp.27-33.