My PMAI Results

After reading the results of my PMAI test, I realized that the test was fairly accurate. Taking the test has allowed me to reflect more on myself not only as a leader but also as a person. The test has made me more aware of my faults and has given me the opportunity to improve my train of thought and actions in regards to my weaknesses. My archetypes are Creator, Sage, and Magician. My “shadow” archetypes are Orphan and Caregiver. I am very creative and imaginative, but at the same time realize that imagination and creativity can get you so far. I understand need to keep an open mind and base decisions on past experiences but at the same time being able to adapt and take the best action necessary to solve problems. I also know that I am not the best person when it comes to providing comfort to others when there are problems because I tend to look for solutions. I also do not always take the easiest and shortest path to a solution because sometimes taking risks is necessary to accomplish greater goals. Although I feel the results of my PMAI test were fairly accurate, I believe that there are many leadership traits that a person can possess, and that those traits cannot be categorized into one or three archetypes.

PMAI archetypes: Understanding archetypes and leadership

The Pearson-Marr Archetype Indicator (PMAI) test, is a test that identifies your archetype and leadership traits.  The test is a great way to gain further understanding about yourself and leadership traits/areas that you are strong in and also ones that you are weak in.  Archetypes are generic versions of personalities that are common to all cultures and times. There are twelve different types of archetypes: Innocent, Orphan, Warrior, Caregiver, Seeker, Lover, Destroyer, Creator, Ruler, Magician, Sage, and Jester.  Each archetype has positive characteristics in approaching problem solving and also negative characteristics in how to avoid problems. For example, the innocent archetype characteristics consist of optimism, trust, hope, faith, childish dependence, denial, and obliviousness and other characters are so forth.  Understanding and getting to know the various archetypes will allow individuals to analyze themselves, and enable them to focus on weaknesses in order to develop different leadership skills.  I believe that taking the PMAI is extremely beneficial for future reference because it will help me become more successful at understanding and communicating with other people.  Understanding one’s archetype will allow for further career development and leadership abilities/possibilities.  
 

The Pro and Cons of Traits-Based Leadership Thories...

The traits based leadership theory essentially is the belief that leaders character traits and qualities are innate. The traits based leadership theory assumes that people are born as leaders and that being a leader is not learned from experiences.  It assumes that leadership traits and qualities are part of a leader’s genetic composition and that these traits and qualities are passed down to each generation.  The pros to this theory are that leaders are established from birth and already have inherent leadership traits and qualities.  Leaders do not need to learn how to lead, but know how to lead members from the get go.  However, there are many cons to this theory, mainly that not everyone can be a leader.  Leaders are molded and shaped through their experiences and environments while growing up.  In our society, people are not born leaders, but rather learn to become leaders.

Leadership traits I admire and why...

Good and successful leaders possess a number of important leadership traits, but there are three specific traits that I believe are the most important.  The first trait is honesty.  It is essential for leaders to be honest with members of their team/employees in order to build confidence and trust with.  Without trust and honesty, leadership can easily undermined by team members.  The second necessary trait is knowledge.  Leaders need to have a deep understanding and knowledge of what they deal with.  They need to be able to make well-informed decisions and also be able to deal with problems fairly quickly.  Lastly, self-confidence is a very important quality that all leaders must possess.  Leaders need to be able to make decisions that affects all members of his/her team, and without confidence, they will not be able to make proper decisions or actions in times when his/her team needs it the most.

About me and leadership...

Hi everyone!

My name is Jounghwa Shin, a senior at San Diego State University majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management with an emphasis in meeting and events.  I will be graduating in August 2011.  I am originally from Seoul, Korea and majored in fashion design at my alma mater.  I worked for the Korea Marine Pollution Corporation, a government department, and also owned my own clothing store for a couple of years before coming to the United States to pursue a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.  I have many leadership qualities that have been developed through my many experiences.  I learned a lot about leadership while owning my own clothing store.  It was the most important leadership experience of my life because being an owner was completely different from my time as being an employee.  I was responsible for leading employees in all aspects of the business which included listening to employees for ideas and complaints, making sure there was a good and cooperative working environment, and also assigning responsibilities to employees based on their skills and temperament.  I believe that a good leader needs to have excellent communication skills and the ability to listen to what group members have to say.  It is imperative that a leader provides a good work environment so members and employees are motivated to work towards a common goal.  The ideal leader also needs to exude confidence and passion so that he/she can inspire other people.  Although I believe I have all the skills to be a good leader, I realize that my lack of communication skills in English makes it more difficult to be a leader in the United States.  However, I know that I make up for my speaking skills with a multitude of other skills and traits that makes a good leader.  I will continue to work on and develop the skills necessary to become a good leader.

Leadership
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
  - Steve Jobs

"Leadership is action, not position."
  - Donald H. McGannon

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."
  - John C. Maxwell