Undergraduate Major Project Assignment Sample

Introduction To Undergraduate Major Project Assignment

Leadership refers to the process of motivating and influencing others to work in the direction which helps in achieving set goals & objectives. Each individual needs to develop the skill of leadership which will help in achieving organizational goals effectively. It is very important to have ability of influencing others as well as one self. Leading self will help in developing and setting vision in our life which we need to achieve (Northouse, 2020). It also helps in increasing inner motivation by which individual work in the direction of attaining the goals. Leadership plays a crucial role in managing the retail industry as there is large number of employees working in the field which requires manager to build a high performance team. In retail industry, one need to communicate with many stakeholders, negotiate with customer and supplier, and make crucial decision which requires the skills of leadership (Northouse, 2015). This report will include information regarding the two crucial skills which an individual requires for managing the retail industry. Gibbs model of reflection will be used to share my personal experience related to the skill development. This will also include various strategies and measures through which these skills could be generated. Personal development plan will be discussed in the report by which the required skills could be gain effectively.

Main Body

Reflecting on communication skills

Communication and self-confidence is crucial while providing guideline to other and oneself. From my previous experiences I have understood that leadership could be effectively carrying out in the retail industry though adequate communication. Moreover, communication refers to the process of exchanging thought, ideas, rule, and information to another individual in oral or written mode (Almashhadani and Almashhadani, 2023). In retail industry one needs to communicate with many customers as well as supplier and negotiation with them regarding the prices which will help in developing overall efficiency of the organization.

Oral Communication is one of them, I generally find it really easy to communicate fluently with my companion, friend and family but when it comes on to communicating professionally orally I find difficultly. Within UK retail sector, communication is an essential part which helps in motivating personnel towards the best performance. In service sector, employees are the one who create distinct identity and image in the mind of customers by offering high quality services (Askeland et al, 2020). Referring the significance of the same, leaders lay more focus on motivating personnel through the means of effectual communication. Thus, in the current times, communication becomes the key of all the leadership theories whether it is autocratic, democratic, transactional or transformational. With regards to leading others, effective communication plays a vital role in persuading personnel about organizational vision, mission and objectives.

Being a leader, I have evaluated my own experience by taking into account Gibbs model of reflection. In order to gain and improve my skills I joined small sized retail business unit where I assigned task in relation to guiding and motivating others about business activities. Moreover, post-covid led several changes in the existing business practices (Hayes, 2014). In this, to enhance employee motivation and ensure effective working I need to communicate all the changing guidelines positively. Moreover, when communication is not proper then issue pertaining to employee resistance occur (?ui? Tankovi?, Bili? and Neki?, 2023). In this situation, effective communication becomes a vital part of participative leadership. Moreover, employees get motivated when they have idea about the change that need to be implemented (Fatoki, 2023). However, during communication with team members felt that my listening was not as good as required. In this, the theory that adopted by me was The Spiral of Silence Theory. This theory explains that the communication is dependent on to the perspective or opinion of humans around us. On the back of this theory I have developed my theory of carefully listening before speaking. On the basis of this, I used to hear the opinion first and then focus on keeping my answer as short as possible to avoid the unnecessary cross questioning which occurred at the time of long answers. This learning has helped me too shorten my answer to the question which assists in overcoming the obstacles faced previously.

Another, issue that I have faced is the lack of confidence at the time of oral communication. To improve this issue I have made a rule of reviewing my own communication with the person I have communicated in the past. I have started communicated orally more as compared to the written communication. After communicating with the individual I have decided to ask them about the review and the issue that they have find out in my communication. On the basis of that issue I concentrated towards to maintain a diary in which I used to write all the drawbacks that are provided by the reviewer, on the back of this drawback, he also used to give me a different challenges so that on the basis of overcoming this challenge I can build good sort of confidence on myself. For example, one time I got the review that I have made various errors in the grammar which results in creating confusion for the listener. For improving the same I have decided to attain a English grammatical seminar that is organized by one of the reputed institute, after completing the seminar I have again reviewed my communication and I found that there was immense improvement in the my way of speaking and the grammar, hence I have find out the way of improving my problem. This way I used to review different feedback on my communication on the basis of which I was able to improve my communication skill in the long run. In previous year I was supposed to lead and provide guidelines to my team members regarding the work which they needs to undertake.

I have formulated polices and role without communicating with them regarding their strengths and weakness. Next day, I have allotted each one with the task and gaols which they needs to fulfilled and provide them direction in which they need to work. At the end of deadline, I have identified that most of the task were not clearly understood by the team member leading to generating ineffective results. From my experiences, I have understood that ineffective communication and inappropriate feedback was the major reason behind the not achieving the goals in the desired manner. The objective could be effectively achieved, if had communicated with all the members which helps in determining their thought and the areas in which they have gain expertise. This will help me in better formulating goals and objective according to their capability and assist in effectively fulfilling organizational vision and mission. From the experience, I have also identified that not getting appropriate feedback was also the loop hole in my planning. Strategies were only communicated with them without focusing on the getting feedback which can help in understands their mindset.

I have not focused towards communicating with them regarding what they have understood and if they can carry out the task accordingly or not. This ineffective communication lead to setting up unrealistic gaols for them leading to non achievement of set objective. From this event, I have understood that communication play a vital role in achieving the goals and overall success of the organisation. To improve my communication skills, emphasis has been paid towards using VARK model of communication that helps in effectively transmit my message and helps in better understanding (VARK model of communication, 2021). VARK model is the acronym used for Visual, Aural, and Read and kinaesthetic which is the learning styles used while sharing some information. It has been believed that communication process can be effectively carrying out in organisation if the focus has been provided towards properly understanding the four skills (Deal and Kennedy, 1982). Visual skills involve gaining new knowledge by seeing the information rather than reading the written text.

This involves illustrating diagrams, pictures, graphics, and animated videos to other through which understanding could be improved. Auditory skills involve listening to others before reacting. It has been believed that effectiveness of communication can be improved by carefully listening to speaker and provide feedback based on our understanding. Reading/writing is the skill which involves understanding the perception and ideas of other by reading the written text. While using writing skills, one could transmit its information by creating presentation and text messages which will help in reducing the confusion among members and helps in effectively achieving the goals. Kinesthetic is the skill which involves understanding the belief and ideas of the sender by carefully observing the body gesture and symbols.

I had concentrated towards using this model which will help in improving my overall communication skills. Implementing this model will help in determining various learning style through which the message could be effectively transferred and understood by others. In the retail industry, there is diverse and inclusive workforce that requires leaders to focus on using various learning style through which information and guidelines of organisation can be communicated. Thus, leader must have strong communication skill for getting the desired level of outcome or success (Northouse, 2020). For effectively using this model, I have started communicating with employees by using different learning style. For example: creating presentation which will help in enhancing employees' knowledge by looking at presentation and also listening to me. This will help in reducing the confusion related to their role and helps in effectively achieving set objective.

While I was working in the organization, my superiors have asked me to accomplish certain task and deliver message to my team members. While, superiors were explaining me I was not paying effective attention towards his command and the intention of the task was remained unclear. I was unable to clearly understand the information and based on my assumption I deliver task to others. This results into ineffective accomplishment of the activities leading to negatively impacting overall performances of the organization. From this experience, I have understood that I need to improve my listening skills as it is creating barrier in effective transmitting information. Developing this skill will help in clearly understood the perception of the speaker and assist in making effective decision.

Outside disruption, noise, mindsets of listener are the various barriers which is affecting the effectiveness of communication (Dinandt and Westley, 2021). To overcome the barrier and improving my listening skill I have focussed on using Aristotle model of communication (Aristotle's model of communication, 2024). This model pays emphasis on reducing all the hindrances and obstacle which can affect the effectiveness of communication process. This model includes three main elements which is speaker, listener and the message which is also known as rhetorical triangle. This includes the ethos which the speaker needs to follow that aim at use of languages, words and tone which can be easily understood by everyone (Dwyer, 2023). This model pays emphasis on making a balance between all these elements which help in reducing barrier. Listener or audiences are supposed to use pathos which includes creating an emotional connection with the listener which will assist in improving the listening skills of the individuals.

The third element include logos which referring to providing argument to support the message that assist in improving the efficacious of the communication. By implementing this model, I was able to decide on the choices of word and language through which my message could be easily transferred. This also helps in understanding the importance of effective listening and assists in providing measures through which audiences can be influenced. I have also understood that incoordination between the word and body language creates confusion in the mind of the listener's leading to developing constraints in effective communication. Implementing this models helps me in improving my overall communication skills and assist in enhancing my skills of motivating and influencing others. After applying various models and theories, I was able to identify various drawbacks and limitation in my communication skills. This has been improved by using various measures and strategies which will eventually assist in enhancing my leadership skill.

Creativity skill

Creativity skill refers to abilities that help in dealing with the problems while generating varied ideas through which issues could be solved. It plays most important role when it comes to leading self and other (Ong, Ashford and Bindl, 2023). In order to undertake reflection in context of this skill I will use Gibb's reflective model which associates with six stages and those are- description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and action plan (Gibb's Reflective Model, 2023). Moving ahead with the first stage which is description of experience; in my academic session, I have got varied opportunities and one of the best prospects was related to leading people, I received an opportunity comprised with assisting the team. There were total four members in the group and I was leader. Creativity is the core attribute that requires to be possessed by leader so innovative approaches can be adopted while interacting with team members (Northouse, 2020). Without adopting creative leadership approach it is not possible to solve issues often, it is hard to empower team members.

Democratic leadership theory states that, leaders must involve group members in the discussion and they should be given the opportunities related to taking part in decision making as this lead to develop sense of belongingness in them. (Parker et al, 2018). This theory emphasize on being creative and providing chance to team members. However, in my experience, I can say that, I have not included team members in decision making. At initial stage I followed autocratic leadership theory; according to this, I parted task as per my own preferences and accordingly distributed between team members (Tipuric, 2022). This led to result in creating issues between me and team members, at that time I experienced bunch of feelings which were positive and negative. I thought, I cannot become good leader as team members were not feeling comfortable. However, when i implied theory into practice, I got effectual outcomes. I have adopted democratic leadership style which led to provide me platform for showing my creativity skills.

Creativity attribute includes varied skills such as- problem solving, collaboration, critical thinking, relationship development, observing and decision making. While evaluating my experience I got to know that, I was not able to solve the issues of employees and this was due to lack of problem solving skill. Theory of organizational behaviour states that, in order to implement effective culture at the workplace it is important to consider the issues of employees so they can feel motivated (Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner, 2003). However, I was not able to solve the issues of team members and due to this they felt demotivated and they were not able to perform their task. Thus, from here, I got to know that, it is important to create interaction with team members so they can share their doubts and accordingly problems could be solved in specific manner (Franco, 2020). Therefore, I will ensure focus on this area so I can become able to understand the issues of team members and accordingly measures can be taken. I had conflict with one of my team members and this was due to ineffective interaction, I assured focus on maintaining collaboration with group members and this led to result in creating effectual coordination between all of us. Thus, there is no doubt in stating that collaboration plays most important role while leading team.

Within promoting collaborating, creative interaction with the members can be made and this further helps in developing effective support in completing task (Waldman, 2020) I interacted with group members on individual basis and then I got to know that all of them have different preferences in relation of the tasks they want to perform. However, at that time I was not able to develop insights related to importance of understanding needs of members and due to this I was not able to create interaction with them. Conversely, when I interacted with them, I got to know about their requirements and accordingly I have taken actions. As a result, team member started cooperating me, I further used creative approaches; for instance- open discussion with group associates have been undertaken and their opinions and ideas taken in consideration. This led to develop sense of belongingness in them and they contributed in significant manner while performing task. Thus, I can say that I used collaborative approach in effectual manner which led to develop interaction with team members and therefore, I will use this tactic in future as well.

Analysis of experience led to develop varied insights for me, there were certain areas where I was lacking such as- using critical thinking and making decision. Critical thinking approach is crucial part of creativity skill as it helps in analysing positive and negative elements. It further supports in solving problems while selecting best alternatives. One of the major reason behind conflict between team members associates with not using critical approach. Due to this I was not able to take appropriate decision which was important for solving the issues. With the help of critical analysis skill appropriate decision can be taken. Thereupon, I will focus on both of this skill so I can become able to take mandatory decision in my leadership. This helps in providing effectual results which contributes in gaining effective outcomes (Johannessen, 2020). The creative attributes which have been used by me in appropriate manner are- observing team members and developing interaction with them. Observation is a crucial factor in leadership through which leader become able to witness the working pattern of team members. In my observation, I have evaluated that there were some of the team members who was taking multiple breaks and on the other hand some of the group members was not taking breaks at all. In this manner, I become able to know about the working pattern and I further discussed with team members about the breaks. I encouraged them to take limited breaks that do not impact their working efficiency. Hence, I can say that, observation enabled me to gain knowledge related to team members and further supported me in terms of developing interaction with them. Therefore, I will use these approaches in future as well.

Creativity thinking is an employability skill that helps in promoting vision. Therefore, I want to enhance my creativity skill so that I can become able to develop effectual insights related to importance of achieving vision (Tipuric, 2022). In organizational context, leadership is directly linked with creativity; a leader who does not adopt creative approach is not able to assure satisfaction to team members and further it lead to create dissatisfaction among them. Thereupon, specific and significant focus required in this area. I got to know that creativity shows intelligence, it supports in taking such decision that can lead to provide varied benefits.

Conclusively; I can say that, my experience concerned with positive and negative elements, at certain point I was able to implement understanding with team members, on the other hand, in some areas, it was difficult to analyse their requirements. Thus, I need to create significant focus on this area so I can enhance my creativity skill. I will make personal development plan as this would enable me to gain creative approaches through which leadership practices becomes effective. Thus, there is no doubt in saying that, this experience provided me opportunities so that I become able to witness my weaknesses and further take actions for undertaking improvement in those areas. I will use my strengths for enhancing the skills where I am lacking. This supports in developing effectual insights related to the ways in which improvements can be made and further led to provide effectual outcomes which are essential. Also, I will assure that I am applying my theoretical knowledge into practice as this supports in gaining appropriate outcomes which are prior for undertaking development.

Personal career development plan

The personal development plan for enhancing leadership skill and attribute will be made within considering SMART framework.

Table 1 Personal career development plan-

Thus, I will follow above mentioned personal development plan in terms of improving my weaknesses so that I can become able to enhance my skills.

Conclusion

Conclusively; this could be said that, leadership comes up with wider number of responsibilities which needs to be taken in consideration in order to lead team members. The report has reflected on the leadership experience in terms of leading self and other. This has been witnessed that; leader is accountable for analysing the needs and requirements of team members so accordingly actions could be taken and final outcomes can be enhanced. The reflection was based on two specific skills which was- communication and creativity skill. Communication is crucial component in leadership as this helps while undertaking interaction with team members and further effectual support has been developed towards members. On the other hand, it was analysed that, creativity skill enables in adopting creative approaches that are vital for leaders for enhancing over-all efficiency of group. From the reflection, I got to know that, I need to focus on some of the areas in order to enhance leading abilities. There are different skills comprised with communication and creativity that requires to be focused out. Therefore, personal development plan is being made that supports in enhancing the skills so this can be used in future.

References

Books and Journals

• Almashhadani, M. and Almashhadani, H.A., 2023. English Translations in Project Management: Enhancing Cross-Cultural Communication and Project Success. International Journal of Business and Management Invention, 12(6), pp.291-297.
• Askeland, H., Espedal, G., Jelstad Løvaas, B. and Sirris, S., (2020). Understanding Values Work: Institutional Perspectives in Organizations and Leadership. [e-book] Cham: Springer Nature.
• ?ui? Tankovi?, A., Bili?, I. and Neki?, A., 2023. SOFT SKILLS, COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND HARD SKILLS INFLUENCING THE MOTIVATION AND SATISFACTION OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS. Ekonomski pregled, 74(4), pp.537-556.
• Deal, T. E. and Kennedy, A.A. (1982). Corporate Cultures: the rites and rituals of corporate life, Harmondsworth, Penguin
• Dinandt, P., and Westley, R., (2021). Business leadership under fire: nine steps to rescue and transform organizations. [e-book] 1st ed. London: London Publishing Partnership
• Dwyer, S., (2023). People Behave Badly: Stanford Social Innovation Review. Stanford: Stanford Social Innovation Review, Stanford University.21 (2) pp.89-91.
• Fatoki, O., 2023. Participative Leadership and Employee Job Satisfaction: The Mediating Effects of Psychological Empowerment and Work Engagement. Foundations of Management, 15(1), pp.161-176.
• Franco, M., 2020. Digital Leadership: A New Leadership Style for the 21st Century. London: Intech Open.
• Guzmán, V.E., Muschard, B., Gerolamo, M., Kohl, H. and Rozenfeld, H., 2020. Characteristics and Skills of Leadership in the Context of Industry 4.0. Procedia Manufacturing. 43. pp.543-550.
• Hayes, J., 2014). The Theory and Practice of Change Management (4th Ed). London. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Johannessen, J., 2020. Knowledge management for leadership and communication: AI, innovation and the digital economy. [e-book] Bingley, England: Emerald Publishing.
• Klus, M. and Müller, J., 2020. Identifying leadership skills required in the digital age.
• Mutsuddi, I. and Sinha, R., 2022. Role of leadership skills for developing digital acumen in information technology employees. Vision.26(2). pp.243-253.
• Northouse, P. G., 2015. Introduction to leadership: concepts and practice. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications Inc.
• Northouse, P. G., 2020. Leadership: theory and practice. 9th ed,. Los Angles: SAGE.
• Ong, M., Ashford, S.J. and Bindl, U.K., 2023. The power of reflection for would?be leaders: Investigating individual work reflection and its impact on leadership in teams. Journal of Organizational Behavior. 44 (1).pp.19-41.
• Parker, P., Hall, D.T., Kram, K.E. and Wasserman, I.C., 2018. Peer Coaching at Work: Principles and Practices. [e-book] Redwood City: Stanford University Press.
• Tipuric, D., 2022. The Enactment of Strategic Leadership: A Critical Perspective. [ebook] Cham: Springer Nature.
• Trompenaars, F. and Hampden-Turner, 2003. Riding The Waves of Culture: Understanding Cultural Diversity in Business, London-UK. 2nd Edition. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
• Waldman, D.A., 2020. Leadership for organizations. [e-book] 1st ed. Los Angeles, California: SAGE.

Online

• Aristotle's model of communication. 2024. Online available through:< https://studymasscom.com/communication/aristotle-model-of-communication-advantages-and-disadvantages/#:~:text=Aristotle's%20model%20places%20a%20strong,marketing%2C%20advertising%2C%20and%20politics.>
• Gibb's Reflective Model, 2023. Online. Available through: < https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/reflecting-on-experience/gibbs-reflective-cycle>
• VARK model of communication. 2021. Online available through:< https://www.melioeducation.com/blog/vark-different-learning-styles/#:~:text=The%20acronym%20%E2%80%9CVARK%E2%80%9D%20stands%20for,have%20when%20learning%20new%20information.>