My Personal Leadership Plan

My leadership development plan as a lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), based on the Four Pillars of Self-Leadership is knowing what you are, knowing what you do, knowing what you learn and using what you know. My objective is to leverage my extensive industry experience to enrich my students’ learning and prepare them for real-world challenges in construction.

WHO YOU ARE – I am a civil engineer with expertise in construction project management, site supervision and hands-on work, underpinning my credibility as an academic educator. My belief in experiential learning drives my commitment to sharing real-world scenarios with students, fostering their understanding of practical applications within the classroom. Yet, I sometimes find translating my hands-on experiences into structured lessons challenging. I aim to develop clearer learning outcomes that connect my practical experiences with the theoretical frameworks taught in class.

WHAT TO DO – My teaching style incorporates storytelling from my career, using case studies that illustrate challenges and successes on the job site. I prioritize interactive learning, encouraging students to discuss real construction scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, I need to improve my delegation skills. Instead of knowledge sharing, I am enthusiastic in creating opportunities for students to engage in group projects and presentations that could allow them to take ownership of their learning and deepen their understanding of construction concepts.

WHAT YOU NEED TO LEARN – I am committed to continuous learning and professional development, regularly updating my knowledge on industry trends, safety and environmental regulations and emerging technologies in the construction industry. I utilize these insights to enhance my curriculum and ensure students are exposed to current practices in the construction and project real world. Besides structuring my learning plan to focus on bridging theory and practice, I also required to incorporated with workshops, site visits or guest lectures from industry professionals, enabling students to learn from various perspectives.

APPLY WHAT YOU KNOW – Throughout my teaching, I have created a collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions. I also incorporate simulations or role-playing exercises that reflect real working situations in construction, helping students to apply their knowledge in practical contexts. While I foster collaboration, I need to establish clearer frameworks such as developing clear rubrics and providing structured guidance for project assignments and assessments which I believe will help the students to improve their performance.

I believe by sharing my extensive work experience with my students and emphasizing both my strengths and areas for improvement allows me to develop a more dynamic and engaging learning environment. Through intentional delegation, structured learning experiences and a focus on real-world applications, I aim to equip my students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary for success in the construction industry. My objective is to leverage my industrial experience to enrich students learning and prepare them for real-world challenges. This proactive approach will not only enhance my personal leadership but also empower my students to thrive in their future careers.