LW Employability Skills NAT 1: Gallup Theory and Self-Reflection

This report explores employability skills through the lens of Gallup's Strengths theory and self-reflection using journal entries. It highlights the researcher's strengths in influencing, relationship building, and strategic thinking, and how these can be applied to achieve career aspirations. The report also critically appraises the Johari Window theory as a tool for self-awareness and personal development. The analysis emphasizes the importance of analytical thinking, a futuristic approach, and effective communication for career advancement, alongside the ability to build strong relationships and adapt to changing situations. Ultimately, the study aims to foster a better understanding of one's strengths to enhance employability and facilitate career growth.

LW EMPLOYABILITY SKILL NAT
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Journal entry 1:................................................................................................................................4
Journal entry 2.................................................................................................................................8
Journal entry 3...............................................................................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................15
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Introduction
This report deals with the Gallup Strength theory. The key aspects of the theory are taken into
consideration. The strengths of the researcher are highlighted in the report. The strengths help in
achieving the goals and ambitions in life. The core strength makes the researcher more focused
and capable of achieving its goals and help in its career growth. The journal entries are used as a
tool to reflect on the researcher aspiration in life. In this report emphasis is given on development
of professional and transferable skills that is needed in order to have employability opportunity.
The effective and informed career advancement that is happening is discussed in the following
report. The reflection on the assessment tools and the journey that has been experienced is
analyzed and evaluated in the study. The theory other than Gallup theory is Johari Window
which has been evaluated in the study. This model is necessary for the improvement of self
awareness and development of personality in an individual. This is used as an assessment test
about oneself through self analysis as well as from the eyes of others. The feedback about one’s
personality is taken and improvement is made accordingly. The aim of the study is to have a
better understanding about ones strength in order to be more employable and have the career
advancement needed.
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Journal entry 1:
Know yourself Lo1 & Lo2
Identify what you consider some of the key aspects of the Gallup Strengths theory
Journal Entry 1: Key aspects of Gallup Strength Theory
Description: The Gallop Strength Theory is based on Positive Psychology. It is a framework to
analyze strength in an individual. The paradigm of Gallop Strength Theory encompasses the
approaches of psychology. According to Steve (2016), the definition of Gallop Strength Theory
based on positive psychology is defined as “The scientific study of human functioning which
aims to discover and promote the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive is
developed as Gallop Strength Theory”.
Analysis: Psychologist Abraham Maslow originally coined positive psychology in 1950’s. He
drew attention towards human potentialities with psychological afflictions. It is a subset of broad
aspect of “Science of Happiness” and it extends its influence from nature and social science. The
Gallop Strength Theory is based on this psychological science and practice is to be concerned
with strength with weakness as the creativity required in life to mend broken things.
There are three levels of positive psychology:
 In the first level, the study of positive experiences is made upon individuals. The different
aspects of a individual are studies upon like well-being, satisfaction, joy, happiness, etc.
This level brings out optimism about an individual and brings positivity and self-
confidence.
 In the next level, the attitudes of a person is studies based on different instances like
future-mindedness, love, courage, forgiveness, wisdom, etc. It brings out the strengths
which forms the basis of Gallop Strength Theory.
 In the last level, the emphasis is on civil virtues, social responsibilities, tolerance and
ethics and other factors which develops the citizenship and community culture.
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Interpretation: Positive psychology enables the Gallop Strength Theory as the appropriate
scientific study of the strengths that enables individuals to thrive. This theory enables people to
concentrate on themselves, enhance their experiences of love, work and play, and lead a
meaningful live. The strengths are identified are subjected to improvements which makes a
person happier (MacIntyre, 2016).
Reflect on a minimum of three of your strengths
I have adapted positive psychology and according to Gallop Strength Theory, I have three
strengths, namely – influencing, relationship building and strategic thinking.
Influencing: I have the positive strength of exerting an influence on others. Influencing is about
how well I can understand myself and shadows my impact on others. It depends upon how
people perceive me; however, the primary relationship between others and me can be an
effective tool to exert my influence. The things that are going inside me should not affect the
perception about me. I can prepare a wonderful presentation however, if I am not able to present
that in front of the audience, then the presentation goes into waste. Hence, there I apply my
influencing power and can turn a simple presentation into an effective speech in front of
audience and influence them. The quality of influencing is soft or personal power; however, the
power of influencing is independent of one’s positional power and it allows a leader to get things
done from the followers.
Relationship building: Relationship building is an important quality that is inherited by most of
the human beings. I interact with many people and I get involve in their daily well-being. It
builds our career path and helps me to socialize. The interaction between individuals helps to
enrich people in various ways and I have learnt a lot form people by simply interacting with
them. The relationship is build when we share mutual interests between us and this makes severe
developments in individuals. A connection can be made easily but it needs to be sustained, for
which socializing skills are important. I possess those skills and I can foster strong relationship. I
consider this as an important strength of my personality because it has provided me with
contentment and satisfaction is many things. It has shaped my personality and boosted my
confidence in public speaking and suggesting my views in a forum.
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Strategic thinking: The quality of strategic thinking is very important part of a person’s life. It
drives the way in which I think, assess, review, analyze and create things for others and me. It is
an effective tool for analyzing facts and takes correct decisions. I can use the logical portion of
my brain with the creative portion of brain and this combination makes a tremendous valuable
asset. A clear and focused vision is developed with the strategies in hand which helps me to
focus on specific details, which others may miss. I can develop many plans to any issue and have
the flexibility to adapt any decision according to the situation. I am in turn very aware and
perceptive towards my surroundings and I can recognize threats and opportunities prevailing for
me. The strategic thinkers like me, often hears more and gathers clue to form a base for thinking
more critically which easily evaluate problems and provide effective solutions.
How can you apply these to achieve your career aspirations?
Strengths play a unique and effective role in an individual life. In order to have career
advancement and growth it is necessary that it plays by the key strengths. It is only when it is
able to have the key strength and able to use it in its employment the growth will be able to
happen. The need of having analytical thinking and futuristic approach to things will help in
having a brighter future. The person with analytical attitude tends to gather their data through
research which are cautious as well as confrontational (Coetzee et al., 2017). They do not jump
into conclusions directly. The analytical skill helps in having an in depth analysis on the problem
which needs attention and then make calculated steps in order to have a solution. The enthusiasm
and energy to dig deep enough and get to core of the problem is able to make a more informed
decision. It even helps in the team work as one should be there to look at a broader picture and
then get to a conclusion. Futuristic approach means that a person is able to think of long term
rather than short term gains. The long term strategy helps in thinking about the broader picture
and taking into consideration the objectives and aims of the company.
When one has the strength of influencing it is able to have more opportunities than others. One is
able to speak, take charge and then is heard by the people. The other group members look upto
him. It acts as a major contributor both internally as well as externally. The communication skills
of core value as one can only influence when it is able to communicate with the other people.
The art of engagement a person in a topic requires great skill. An individual is able to influence a
person when it has something unique and different in its portrayal which catches attention.
Communication is very important skill required in getting into the business world and having
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career opportunities (Potgieter, 2014.). A concise way of presenting an idea or thought requires
clarity of thinking. Therefore when a person is able to have effective communication and
influence a person about an idea it has on mind it means that it able to know the outcome and
precision of its thought process. When one have the skill to attempt and execute new ideas in a
team and is able to convince the other team members about the process then only its capability is
portrayed in a workplace.
When a person is able to have a connection with other team members and is able to deal them it
shows the human skill. A person is able to create a relation with other team members by showing
genuine interest in their thinking and vision. The sense of adaptability of the present situation
and willingly follow the changes helps them to gain new perspective. Changing according to
situations helps a person in having career it wants and cope up with the improvement happening.
These human relationship skills help a person in coping up with the career aspiration and
develop their employment opportunities in the long run.
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Journal entry 2: Know yourself Lo2 & Lo3
Critically appraise two of the theories from this module (are there any flaws?)
Johari Window
Description
The Johari Window is used in order to enhance the perception of individuals on others. The
theory basically has two ideas, first being that trust that needs to be acquired in revealing
information of oneself to others and the second being learning about ones characteristics from
others feedbacks. Every person is defined in the Johari Window by window panes or the four
quadrants. It signifies the personal information of the individual, feelings, motivation and last
being are those points known to oneself or not (Tran, 2018). Conveying and accepting of
feedback is interpreted in the following model. Johari is to be represented as window in common
with the four quadrants. The window panes are open/ self area, blind self or spot, hidden area and
unknown area.
Analysis
The four quadrants or window panes are:
Open/ self area- In this information about a person attitude, characteristics, emotions,
perspectives and skills are known to oneself as well to others. In this the communication takes
place in a larger arena and it is able to have an effective and dynamic relationship. The feedback
is taken in a positive way. It is the listening to the views of others on oneself is taken in an
optimistic way and improvements would be made accordingly (Saxena, 2015). By this the open
arena can be increased and gained which in turn will reduce the blind spot. The expansion can be
made horizontally as well as vertically. When the size of such will increase in return the
reduction of another area will take place.
Blind self- The information about oneself is known to others in the group but the facts in
unknown to oneself. The others have to interpret the data and the result may be different than
what is expected from oneself. The spot is reduced when an effective and efficient
communication channel is processed and used to seek the feedback.
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Hidden area- the information that is known about oneself but the facts is hidden from others.
The personal information is felt that the person does not want to reveal. Feelings, attitude and
fears which a person is not comfortable in sharing with others as it are personal in nature. It
reflects the feelings which have experienced in the past which are hidden which reduces the
movement of information in open area. When the facts are put into open it makes the transfer of
information easier. This part is the most common as many individual does not wants its life to be
open for public display and comment.
Unknown area- The information about the knowledge about oneself is not there. This feelings
and capabilities are known to the person itself. This can be because of the traumatic experiences
happened in the past or some unknown parts of the brain which the brain is not able to process.
The part is unknown to oneself as well as others. When this happens it is better to have
communication which will effectively decrease this gap. The person is unaware of its own
capabilities and qualities and is not discovered until the feedback is done.
Interpretation
In the Johari window model the areas that are important to be analyzed is as the observation of
them is important. The areas such as Open area where the information is available to both the
person as well as others giving feedback. The information is available in a broader perspective
which helps the person to have a positive and optimistic outlook of one. It has the knowledge
about its flaws as well as its positive situation. The relationship is effective as the listening to
feedback is done in a positive light. The area of the blind spot and hidden areas get decreased in
the process. When there is effective communication and the unknown areas are less the self
awareness is made in a proper way (Khatoon, 2018). In the blind spot, the skills and feelings are
unaware from oneself but known to others. In this the information comes as a surprise to the
person. The information is made available to the person oneself after the feedback. It acts like an
eye opener for the person and is should be embraced by him. When it is done the new skills and
attitude is developed which helps in the long run. New strengths and potentials are gained in the
process. The information about the different aspects of one life is often kept a secret as they do
not want the information to be put on display. The hidden area is to be reduced and feedback is
too made from others. The feelings and attitudes are kept a secret as it is a part of the private life
which does not want to be known to others. The feelings are to keep an eye on. The unknown
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area is what is when no one is aware of the skills and qualities in the life of a person. The
effectiveness is made when the communication is made effectively to reduce the gaps between
them.
Positive Psychology
In this the paradigm is to have a successful and satisfied life. In order to do so the group and
community is to be remain in focus. The role of positivism and happiness is taken into
consideration. The distinction is made in the process as the function entails maintaining a
successful coordination between the people in order to have a successful team (Steve, 2016). The
focus is on the positive emotion and on becoming more self-reliant in the process. The self
reliance is to be attained to have successful work in the environment. The feedback about the
various strength of an individual is discussed and analyzed in the process to make the
adjustments.
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Journal entry 3: Know yourself
Reflect on how you can apply elements of these theories to your future career
development? How will you own them?
Application of the Johari Window and Positive Psychology Theories
As per the knowledge that I have garnered from effective studying and skimming of journals and
articles, I have come across various theories that would help me to shape my future and help me
to develop my career. The knowledge that I have obtained from the application of these integral
theories I have been able to comprehend and discover my potential as a better human being in
the near future. I have gained the knowledge on these two theories by reading through journals
and articles that have critically discussed the utilization and application of these two instrumental
theories. The theories that I applied for the better comprehension of the development in the
future are mainly; Positive Psychology and Johari Window techniques. These techniques have
exposed me to a plethora of information on the reliability of these techniques.
Description of the Theories
The theories that I emphasized upon in order to understand the scope of development that was
available for me in the future are; Johari Window and Positive Psychology (Dewi, et al., 2015)
The Johari Window is an integral psychological model which was created by Joseph Luft and
Harrington Ingham. This psychological model critically discusses about the significance of
maintaining good communication skills and better understanding between the group members.
The while idea of this model was initiated for every individual to develop a better understanding
and trust towards the individuals who work in accordance with the objective of the business
organization. The confidentiality of the secrets are maintained and kept secret by the team
members. This exercise is usually done with the member of a team member as it helps in the
better comprehension of oneself through a critical feedback. The Johari model constitutes of four
significant quadrants that is useful to comprehend the relationship with oneself and other
individuals who are a part of the group. The four significant quadrants of the Johari model are;
Open self, blind self, hidden self and unknown self. These four quadrants are effective in the
comprehension of oneself and the relationship which is established with others. The four
quadrants of the Johari Window are critically assessed below
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Open Self: This quadrant is significant as it portrays the behavioral attitude and awareness skills
which shows that the individual is open to communication and willing to have an open talk with
the other individuals who are a part of the team
Blind Self: The Blind self portrays the state of mind of an individual of an individual who is
understood by the other members of the team but not well acquainted with themselves. This
psychological state of mind occurs when an individual is prone to mimicking the behavioral
attitude famous television personalities ever since childhood.
Hidden Self: This is another significant quadrant of the Johari Window and is associated with the
individual who is not aware about his own personality.
Unknown Self: This significant quadrant of the Johor Window comprises of the individual who
is unknown about himself and others who are associated with the individuals.
These were the elements that I deduced from the four quadrants gave me an insight on the
dynamics of the psychological techniques that were put into practice by me. I also made the
effective application of the Positive Psychology techniques that helped me to monitor and track
my progress.
The positive psychology comprises of the integration of all the positive outcomes that help the
individuals to flourish and become individual in their life (Müller et al., 2016). Therefore
according to my knowledge based on the significance of the each of the quadrants that were
available in the theory of the individual.
Analysis
I applied the positive psychology and the Johari window technique and procured effective results
at the end of the day. According to the four quadrants that were available in the Johari window
technique I was able to comprehend myself as the individual with an Open self view about
myself. This revelation that I discovered helped me to comprehend my position and outline the
positivity that should be ingrained to achieve effective and viable results. With the integration of
the positive psychology I was able to obtain positive results and could see a plethora of
opportunities that were available for me in the future. I made the best application of all the
theories and rendered fruitful results. However, with the initiation of these theories I could
understand the importance of comprehending oneself and reassess our potential an individual.
With the effective application of these two important psychological theories I am able to grasp a
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