Qualification: Level 4 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF)
Unit: Unit 17: Manage Self for Leadership in Adult Care
Learning outcome: 1 Understand the importance of selfawareness
Assessment criteria: 1.1 Explain how own values, belief systems and experiences can affect work practice either in a positive or a negative manner.
- Positive Effects:
- Enhanced Empathy: If you have personal experience with similar conditions, it may make you more empathetic and understanding towards the individuals you’re supporting. This can lead to stronger relationships and improved quality of care.
- Resilience: Personal experiences, particularly challenging ones, can build resilience, which is beneficial in care work where difficult situations often arise.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Having a diverse background or experience can increase cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity, contributing to more inclusive and tailored care.
- Values Aligned with Care: If your personal values align with principles of care such as empathy, respect, and dignity, you’re likely to be more passionate and dedicated in your role.
- Negative Effects:
- Bias: Personal beliefs and values might lead to unconscious biases, which could affect how you interact with individuals, potentially leading to unequal care or unfair judgments.
- Emotional Over-Involvement: If your personal experiences are too close to those of the individuals you’re supporting, you may become overly involved emotionally, which can blur professional boundaries.
- Resistance to Alternative Approaches: Strong belief systems might make it difficult for you to accept or implement care practices that conflict with your beliefs, even if they are in the best interest of the individual.
- Lack of Objectivity: If your own experiences or values are too influential, it may be hard to maintain the necessary professional objectivity to make the best decisions for the individual’s care.
- In all cases, it is crucial for care supervisors to reflect on their personal values, beliefs, and experiences, understanding their potential impact on practice and seeking to mitigate any negative effects while leveraging positive ones.