My personal leadership development plan will utilize the SMART goal framework. 

A SMART goal is also a statement of what you are working to accomplish and is designed to clearly articulate the expected performance and development levels (University of California, 2017; Purdue Global, 2023).
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My SMART goal is to obtain knowledge that can further develop my advocacy skills by becoming more comfortable speaking up about my workplace concerns and finding resources to become more familiar with working in a mental health setting as a Registered Nurse. 
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I plan to accomplish my SMART goal by October 31, 2023, after I have completed my NCLEX exam and prior to me working in a mental health setting.  

Summary of My SMART Goals

Goal 1

Building on my current communication skills to communicate my concerns effectively and persuasively when concerns arise by registering for two specific Coursera courses:

• “Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health” by the University of Michigan 
• “Speaking to persuade: Motivating audiences with solid arguments and moving language” by the University of Washingto

For a SMART goal to be relevant, there must be self-reflection and an examination of how this goal could benefit your academic performance or set you up for your desired career in the future (Purdue Global, 2023, paras. 4). 

The “Speaking to persuade: Motivating audiences with solid arguments and moving language” course, created by the University of Washington (n.d.), discusses how to develop and design a persuasive argument, utilizing strategic and motivational language and persuasive delivery. 

The “Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health,” course created by the University of Michigan (n.d.), goes over how to improve my communication as a health professional with other professionals, patients, policymakers, or the public. 

These courses would be necessary for advocacy because part of a strong follower and advocate is being willing to ask questions and provide constructive and thoughtful feedback (Grossman & Valiga, 2017, p.82). 

Goal 2

To become more familiar with Alberta Health’s Services (AHS) Addiction and Mental Health’s Mobile Apps Directory.

Achieving goals 2 and 3 will help me build my competence and knowledge to become more familiar with working in a mental health setting as a Registered Nurse. 

Goal 3

Becoming more familiar with the Addiction & Mental Health Principles of Care, the Community Mental Health Assessment, and the Mental Health Triage Rating Scale.

A study conducted by Dixon-Woods et al. (2022) has taught me that I need to be very knowledgeable and comfortable with my clinical, technical, or procedural knowledge in the clinical setting or environment I hope to work in.

Therefore, achieving Goals 2 and 3 will also help me become more comfortable with my clinical, technical, or procedural knowledge within a mental health setting. ​