Core Assignment

#4
Michael Sosa
Arizona State University
4/17/16

Introduction
In conducting a thematic analysis, I have had the opportunity to look back at some of my
coursework from this past semester. I can honestly say that this is something I have not done
before; at least not to this extent. Although some assignments from this semester and the prior
required research into prior assignments, this particular analysis insured that I would take an
in-depth look into values, interests, life achievements, personal beliefs, and a work ethic. The
information that I poured through made me stop and think about all the things that I have
accomplished to date. I was actually surprised by the amount of work that I have completed in
this course alone. When I look back at some of the assignments, I realize that assessments are
great tools in painting a picture of what I believe, what my abilities are, and how I choose to look
at leadership.
I began by searching for all of the assignments I've completed via a flash drive that I keep
separate for school work. On that flash drive, I set up folders by semester for every class. I've
then label each assignment and place it under a separate class. This allowed me to have easy
access to coursework completed this semester. Several of the assessments that I've completed
and included within this research paper, I have kept in print out form. I retain those printouts
and sorted through each according to the information they provide. As I began work on this
assignment, I set up numerous blank documents. Each document was to be a puzzle piece that I
would put together as a final product. The first document was used to create a table which listed
the data sources used for this paper and the codes that each of those pieces of data would be
listed under. Each assignment and printout was labeled using the following codes:

Data Source

Data Source Citation Code

AZ CIS Interest Profiler

AZ CIS SKILLS Assessment
AZ CIS Work Importance Locator
AZ CIS Career Anchors
Three Questions
Identities Exercise
Values, Desires Purpose, Vision
Autobiography
Personality Characteristics
Ten-Years-Out Activity
Interviews With Significant Others
My Ideal Organization
Keirsey Temperament Sorter II
Career Anchors Assessment

AZCIS IP
AZCIS SA
AZCIS WIL
AZCIS CA
3Qs
IE
VSPV
ABIO
PC
10OUT
IWSO
MIO
KTS2
CAA

Themes Listed:
1. I am motivated when I am part of a team.
2. My family is the source of my commitment.
3. Helping others is a mainstay of my beliefs.
4. I seek to learn from every aspect of my life.
5. I deal with real issues.
6. I enjoy being hands on when it comes to my tasks.
7. I believe in duty and responsibilities.
8. I want to achieve as much as I can based on my hard work.
9. I have chosen my path.
10. I have to be understanding and choose to be realistic in situations.
Theme I: I am motivated when I am part of a team.

Very Satisfying Skills included: Teamwork, safety of others, and flexibility. (AZCIS SA)
Guardians can have a lot of fun with their friends. (KTS2)
Guardians are quite serious about their duties and responsibilities. (KTS2)
My highest score on the Motivation and Career Anchors Assessment was 57 for pure
challenge. (AZCIS CA)

 Two of my higher scores on the Career cluster included law/public

safety/corrections/Security and Hospitality/Tourism. (AZCIS CA)

In my chosen career field of law enforcement, I have come to realize the value of
teamwork. In his field, although I typically choose not to think about this in this manner,
teamwork can be the difference between life and death. We depend on each other to back one
another up. Through some of the raw data taken from the assessments, I could see similarities
among the assessments.
In viewing data from the Keirsey Temperament Sorter 2, I scored high as a guardian.
Though this is not a surprise based on my profession, I would have to include this as I would
with any instance where I would classify team work. In my autobiography, I talked a little about
my volunteering time with the church. Rent a kid (ABIO) was a program that I was a part of
and helped both church members and my youth group to raise money for outing and charity.
My long standing sense of teamwork has helped my work through much of my
professional career. I can recall how teamwork helped me and my platoon get through the rigors
of the academy. Those were tough times yet being a part of team helped me get through. In
looking at the raw data, I would point out high scores on the Career cluster included law/public
safety/corrections/Security and Hospitality/Tourism (AZCIS CA). When we look at our
vacations, we fail to see what goes on in the background. If we think for a minute, I could see
how I scored high in these fields. It takes a team of employees to make a vacation a memorable
experience. In closing on this theme, I would add that one of the most memorable points that I
have learned here at ASU is that great leaders surround themselves with great team members.
Team work is incredibly important.

Theme II: My family is the source of my commitment.

The name brought a tear to my eye as I was proud that my father worked for that
company and may have had a hand in making a piece of the capsule. (ABIO)
I took her method and eventually saved up for my eventual first home purchase.
(ABIO)
My sense of volunteering came from my god parent. (ABIO)

My family has been the single largest source of influence in my life. Although my
grandmother raised me, there were many others who made me the person that I am today. No
matter what, I was always taught to work hard to earn what you have. This brought a better
sense of value for both my possessions and my work that helps me to earn what I have. I listed
the fact that seeing something that reminds me of my father because I must follow example.
Whether, it was his example or anyone elses. He came here with very little and managed to
work his way up. I have begun my career at the bottom and am working my way up.
Growing up, I can look back and say that I had many father figures. There is no way that
I could ever say that I was neglected. I always had the support of my family. I looking back, I
would say that I would

Theme III: Helping others is a mainstay of my beliefs.

I have often been the subject of jokes directed at my helpfulness (3Qs)
It doesnt matter how big or small the gesture may be we all need help at some point.
(3Qs)

 I have worked with my partner Eric since he got off training and have mentored him
since (IWSO)
For as long as I could remember, I have wanted to be a part of something where I can
help. Its in my every day thinking. I can recall my experience during the application process for
law enforcement. I was asked so many questions about my beliefs, my past, my motivations, and
the reasons why I chose law enforcement as a career. Though many cannot understand why I or
we do this job, my sense of wanting to help is a sense duty. When asked the question Why did I
choose this profession I answer by saying, Its the person next to me. And yes, I have been
confronted with the following question, Why not just help at a neighborhood watch or
something? This job still needs someone who is willing to do it.
As I mentioned during the Druiker 3 Questions assignment, I was the subject of a
running joke about my helpfulness. Regardless of where ever we may be, I am confronted by the
chance to help whether it is people on the street, my partners at work, or situations with total
strangers. Often, you do not realize that what you are good at is a service to others (Himes,
2010). During my interview with my wife and partner at work, we talked about our interactions
affect one another. (IWSO) During those interviews, I saw how I was able to be such an
instrumental part of their lives.

Theme IV: I seek to learn from every aspect of my life.

After a five-year hiatus from school, I realized that I wanted more in life. (ABIO)
The best part about taking the course in the History of the Vietnam war was that I could
relate the course material with other leadership courses I had already taken. (ABIO)
Learning about our history helps us learn about why we do things.(ABIO)

 Although these were assigned, they are all tools used for learning: AZ CIS Interest
Profiler, AZ CIS SKILLS Assessment, AZ CIS Work Importance Locator, AZ CIS Career
Anchors, etc

The ability to want to learn and push myself forward is an achievement that I stand
proud of. No matter what, we learn at least one new thing each day. As go through the course of
our lifetimes, different experiences, and different situations bring new opportunities. As stated
above, I referenced my experience with a Vietnam War history class. In that course, I came to
realize that there were so many different aspects of the war that I did not know about previously.
I had misconceptions about reasonings and decision making at the time.
Learning allows me to relate most of the information that I have acquired and translate it
to my current studies. I see how leadership decisions are taken into account and how leadership
can have an effect on those who may not have even been considered in the decision making
process. My ability to learn about many different aspect of life can aid me in translating that
toward better leadership abilities. We are often left wondering why it is that we do things. After
a five-year hiatus from school, I realized that I wanted more in life.
I listed all of the assessments above simply because they have all been great learning
tools. They have helped to confirm my beliefs and skill sets. When taking the assessments, I look
at myself and try to answer as honestly as I could. There have been some assessments that have
surprised me. The Motives and Anchors assessment gave me a higher raking when it came to
independence/autonomy. That could contradict my sense of wanting to be a part of a team. It
made me realize that though I may be a part of the team, I want to contribute as an individual
with my own unique perspective.

Theme V: I deal with real issues.

To belong to an organization and have a secure, long-term position is (AZCIS CA)

Good benefits, guaranteed work, and a retirement program are (AZCIS CA)
Each day brings new challenges and experiences. (3Qs)
Guardians are quite serious about their duties and responsibilities. (KTS2)

 I still see myself living in the Southern California area. I have to reason to move away
from the environment that I am in now. Our family is content and hopefully larger by
then. If not, no worry, travel is always a great backup. (10OUT)

It is true that I have been known to have a vivid imagination. Yet, when looking back at
some of the assessments that I have completed throughout this course, I realized that when it
comes to my career both academically and professionally speaking, must be considered in
reality. We all have desires but we must understand that those desires will not come to fruition if
we are not able to change them into a category of goals.
In looking back at some of the statements made in the Motivation and Career Anchors
Assessment, I considered the following statement. To belong to an organization and have a
secure, long-term position is (AZCIS CA).Looking back, I asked her if she ever felt secure and in
place. She told me that she did whatever was best at the moment. I have to value stability in the
work place. This way I know where I am and where it is that I am going.
Good benefits, guaranteed work, and a retirement program are (AZCIS CA) are all
important to me because all of those things provide me with a sense of worth and
accomplishment. As long as I work hard, I will be able to earn what I have. (ABIO) I went back
to school in order to ensure that I earned a degree that would allow me to either have something
to fall back on, or looking into future and having something in place when I need it.
Each day brings new challenges and experiences. (3Qs). This statement goes to show
that I have the understanding that no two days are alike. I have to be prepared to face any
challenge that comes at me. Being able to learn, had the determination to work hard, all are
intertwined with this them in that they all complement each other.

Theme VI: I enjoy being hands on when it comes to my tasks.

I seek out assignments where I can get my hands dirty (AZCIS WIL)
I would live or work almost anywhere if the job had some real challenges. (VSPV)
I have had the pleasure of mentoring my partner Eric. We take on challenges head on.
(IWSO)

In reviewing raw data from my completed assessments, I have come to realize that I
enjoy a hands on approach. Although it was not my choice to take on a partner who was fresh off
patrol training, I wanted to take some under my wing and guide them. When I got off patrol
training, I was left to fend for myself. I had no one to guide me. I did not want the same for Eric.
I took hands on approach with him from the outset of our partnership. I treated him as an equal.
It was interesting that he mentioned to me during our interview that one of the things that he
cherishes the most is that we divide our work equally. This may not be of interest to many
outside of law enforcement but it is a big deal for us.
With the changing or evolving times in society, I have encountered many who are afraid
to do actual work. Eric and I go hands on when necessary. And yes, that is both literally and
figuratively. I able to do my best work and I apply myself and interject myself into the work. At
work, our reports are typically signed off without corrections simply because we have hands on
approach. We check each others work and add as we feel is necessary. The hands on approach
keep everyone in the loop.
I would live or work almost anywhere if the job had some real challenges. (VSPV). This is
a testament that I want to learn and grow and be a part of something. The only way to learn is by
doing. I could have remained in law enforcement for the rest of my career without a degree.
Instead, I felt that new challenges needed to be tackled. The topics that I have learned from
since returning to school have challenged my mind, my patience and determination.

Theme VII: I believe in duty and responsibilities.

Joy comes from a partnership and camaraderie that comes from working closely with
those who share the same ideals and struggles. (3Qs)
I am turned on by being dedicated to a worthwhile cause. (VSPV)

 I am turned on by being dedicated to a worthwhile cause. Helps me to take a more

balanced view of my work life. (VSPV)

Joy comes from a partnership and camaraderie that comes from working closely with
those who share the same ideals and struggles. (3Qs). As I stated previously, I joined law
enforcement in order to help the person next to me. The person next to me is the person who
dons the same uniform and has the same belief system that I have as far as duty and
responsibility. I swore an oath to up hold the laws of the land. I practice that each day that I am
at work. I take great pride in the work that I do. I have to include the duty that I feel I have
towards my partners. We depend on each other and would go to the ends of the earth for one
another.
A value that I hold dear is that I am turned on by being dedicated to a worthwhile
cause. (VSPV). Believe it or not, there are still many people out in society who appreciate what
we do in law enforcement. They are the ones that get me to continue to believe in my duties. On
a side note, a partner once made a comment that I never forgot. In a nutshell, the following
phrase will always remind me to uphold my duty to my partners. You mess with one bean, be
prepared to get the whole burrito. As cheesy as that may sound, my sense of duty falls along
those lines. I will always back my partners.
My views on duty were examined in the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II. Based on my
answers, I scored highest under the category of Guardian. We take our duties very seriously. In
looking at current event throughout society. Law enforcement favorability has dropped due to
the actions of a select few. It is there bad acts or lack of judgment that makes me cherish the fact
that I can help to repair that image based on my own action. Perhaps it is by one person at a
time, but my sense of duty will carry me forward.

Theme VIII: I want to achieve as much as I can based on my hard work.

Reaching and growing beyond my current level is. (CAA)

 Both poor decision making and lack of organized time management skills are preventing
me from creating the results I desire. (3Qs)
Within the next ten years, I foresee myself working up the ladder within my
organization. (10OUT)

Although I do not seek praise for the work that I do, I still believe in rewarding those who
work hard. In looking back at the Career anchors assessment, I looked over the phrase,
Reaching and growing beyond my current level is. (CAA). This phrase is of great importance to
me. Life is a series of learning steps. Once you have learned one, the logical next evolution is to
move onto something else and tackle another challenge. I work hard for myself based on the
lesson taught to me by family members early on in my life.
Both poor decision making and lack of organized time management skills are preventing
me from creating the results I desire. (3Qs). To me, this phrase paints a great picture about how
hard work is needed in order to achieve goals. I have always been procrastinators. I still have
goals that I aspire to meet. Based on my grade point average entering this semester, I stand to
have earned the honor of graduating cum laude. Had I worked on my time management skills
throughout my academic career, I could have guaranteed myself the highest honor. These are
life lessons that I must accept and move on from.
Although I do not expect a handout, I believe in my organizations promotional structure.
Within the next ten years, I foresee myself working up the ladder within my organization.
(10OUT). If I study and work hard, I will be taking the sergeants exam in the next year or two.
The manner in which I allocate my time to studying will be the determining factors in how well I
score on the exam. The assessments that I have taken have assured me that if I continue on this
course of procrastination, I will ensure that no matter how hard I work, I will not achieve my
ultimate goals.

Theme IX: I have chosen my path.

Self-monitoring will guide me to stay on the correct path. (IWSO)
To have a strong sense of freedom and independence in my work is (CAA)

 What gives me joy is having to ability to work with some great people (3Qs)
I have gained an interest in business management (ABIO)

We all have to make choices in life. In my interview with my wife, I realized that there
still things that I need to monitor. My behaviors and attitude portray certain perceptions. Selfmonitoring will be need in order for me to stay on course. I have been asked if I will continue my
education and seek a masters degree. Though I have yet to make such a decision, I believe that I
will have to change many of my habits. In looking at society, I can see how some have taken the
wrong path.
Sometimes that paths we choose do not follow that same routes as that of others. I know
where I want to be. Through the understanding that I have chosen my path, I can better make
decisions that will allow me to reach the end of that path. I found it interesting that I had a
higher desire To have a strong sense of freedom and independence in my work (CAA). I
interpret this as my way of saying that I know where I want to be, I need to be given the space to
work and achieve those goals.
In the 3 questions assignment, I came across a phrase that made me wonder. What
gives me joy is having to ability to work with some great people (3Qs). I have come to realize
that I cannot achieve all of my goals by myself. Truth be told, I do a lot of my homework while at
work. During down time, I am still busy reading and mostly typing. I have worked with great
people that understand my desire to work hard and achieve my academic goals. They have at
times allowed me to work while they take slightly longer breaks. I have often thanked many of
them for their patience.
In my autobiography, I saw that I commented on the fact that I have gained an interest
in business management (ABIO). I now knew which path I wanted to take. The only problem
was that I was and still am horrible at math. I came across Organizational leadership and
realized that the two were alike in that the amount of math in Organizational leadership courses
was considerably less than that of Business management.

Theme X: I have to be understanding and choose to be realistic in situations.

Working in law enforcement has its ups and downs. (3Qs)
Good benefits, guaranteed work, and a retirement program are (CAA)

 I was the subject of a running joke about my helpfulness (3Qs)

I foresee myself working up the ladder within my organization. (10OUT)

In completing many of these assessments, I have often referred back to my professional

career. Working in law enforcement has its ups and downs. (3Qs). I have to be realistic that in
the sense that I must now incorporate the lessons learned from my academic career and
translate them to my professional career. Some of the best ideas in leadership that I have
learned can be useful. As I have mentioned, law enforcement has had its image degraded based
on the actions of a few irresponsible people who failed to uphold their responsibilities and
duties.
In talking about good benefits, the reality is that we work for specific reasons. I have to
take my job seriously in order to achieve things like retirement. This phrase raises the idea that
at least ten years ago in the law enforcement profession, the idea was all about officer safety.
Today, we must ensure career survival. It seems like we are being attacked from all sides these
days. Though I have mentioned this a few times, I still think that being made the joke of
helpfulness is a reflection on how I have to realistically see that it is in my nature to help.
I have to set realistic goals for myself. Working my way up the ladder within my
organization is something that I can achieve. If I continue to work hard, study, and believe that I
can do it, I can achieve anything. My organization is providing me with ample opportunities to
thrive. It is incumbent on my to take advantage of such opportunities.

Conclusion
In concluding this paper, I would like to mention one last piece of data.
Though I wanted to add this to Theme X, I thought it more appropriate to include in
the conclusions. This is now my final semester here at ASU (ABIO). This is a

culmination of all the work done throughout my academic career. The data that I
have sifted through, provided me was a glimpse into my world, my attitudes, my
beliefs and my skills. My friends, partners, coworkers all have a hand in who I am
today.