My Professional Development, Research Paper Example

Master of Science in Human Services: Personal Plan of Study

Woodrow Wilson once stated that “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed” (Michael &Lochrie, 2009, p. 62). The study of human services is to prepare individuals to become outstanding leaders in the area of meeting human needs through service delivery systems and the quality of services. Human services professionals make a difference in the lives of people every day and in order to meet this objective, students of human services must have a personal plan of study in order to determine (1) an area of focus (2) how the area of focus should be developed and (3) how their plan of study can be applied in human services systems. There are five specific areas that are critical factors in developing my personal plan of study:

1. Develop an effective leadership strategy based on my personal leadership philosophy and traits
2. Understand the nature of human systems
3. Develop a systems thinking methodology for resolving human services challenges
4. Understand the condition and behaviors which maximizes the functions of major human systems
5. Develop skills in identifying effective implementation strategies and interventions

Leadership

Managers have subordinates and leaders have followers (Changing Minds, 2010).  Managers are often provided a certain measure of power and authority over a group or individual. Leaders, in most cases are visionaries. A leader’s job is to ensure that the organization is moving in the right direction in order to meet the organizational goals of the company. When working in the human services field, however, it is important to understand that leading organizations also includes developing and working with community stakeholders. When people, within the organization or without, are included in the decision making process and have a venue to have their voices heard concerning the effectiveness of support systems, the overall objective of the mission stands a greater chance of success. Developing a personal plan in the human services field which centers on developing strategies to lead and motivate stakeholders is a significant factor in successfully serving the community in a human services role.

The Nature of Human Systems

Developing a plan of study as it pertains to human services requires an understanding of perspectives, theories and the components which make up the human services systems. These components can include areas such individual and group behaviors, the impact of community and society and how these elements interact as well as how human service organizations and public policies are structures. Developing a plan of study which is inclusive of understanding the internal mechanisms of human behavior and how local, state and federal agencies respond to these dynamics will assist in developing a systems thinking methodology for problem solving and implementing recommendations.

Systems Thinking Methodology

“Systems thinking does not suppress or supplant perspectives; it adopts them and finds sense in their multiplicity and diversity…” (Boardman &Sauser, 2008, p. 2). In order to address 21^st century challenges, it is important to carefully assess how various ethnicities, cultures, religions and belief systems interact and impact our world. Analyzing today’s human challenges and recommending viable solutions must include the consideration of the changing racial, social and religious changes to the landscape of this nation. Incorporating a systems thinking approach to the plan of study will assist in developing a logical framework to interconnect the different factors which impact human services systems. (Aronson, 1998).

Conditions and Behaviors which Maximizes Human SystemsA collaborative approach to human services is important in advancing and maximizing human services relations. While human services programs are important factors in developing and maintaining healthy conditions for the community, there are specific programs and implementations that the community can adopt to improve their circumstances. Areas to promote the conditions and behaviors for this type approach can include: (1) medical solutions, (2) social programs, (3) psychologically and behaviorallysupport systems and (4) educationalprograms (Michie & Abraham, 2004). In order to cultivate a plan of study that will encompass all aspects of the human services systems, it is important to include effective methods, as well as challenges, in developing human services relations. Once these areas have been identified, the implementation of successful community interventions isprobable.

Successful Identification of Implementation Strategies and Interventions

Human services is made up of many smaller systems. While this area in the plan of study will likely originate at the end of the degree, the coordination and application of each of these critical factors is the responsibility of the student. Integrating core skills and components surrounding the degree can be considered as the most important step in the learning process. Ascertaining successful implementation strategies and interventions, applying these concepts and identifying areas which have gaps and deficiencies will culminate the objective of the plan of study.

References

Aronson, D. (1998). Overview of Systems Thinking. Retrieved August 10, 2011 from web: http://www.thinking.net/Systems_Thinking/OverviewSTarticle.pdf

Boardman, J. &Sauser, B. (2008). Systems Thinking: Coping with 21st Century Problems. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis Group

Changing Minds. (2010). Leadership vs. Management. Retrieved August 10, 2011 from web: http://changingminds.org/disciplines/leadership/articles/manager_leader.htm

Michael, B. &Lochrie, R. (2010). Integrity: The Core of Leadership. Mustang, OK: Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC

Michie, S. & Abraham, C. (2004). Health Psychology in Practice. London. BPS Blackwells