MAN501 Solving Problem Assignment Sample
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Developing Self-Awareness
The most imperative characteristic that a sales manager should possess is self-awareness. It is the ability of a person to monitor his or her own reaction and emotion. One, who can master this skill, will be helpful to become an effective leader. Most of us are never fond to spend our precious time on self-reflection. As stated by Serrat (2017), self-awareness helps in identification of opportunities in relevance to personal growth and professional development. I have personally strategized various things for improving my self-awareness and thereby developing my potential. For development of self-awareness, knowing strengths and weaknesses is very urgent. It is much needed to know the strengths and cope up with the weaknesses, which eventually helps in improving self-awareness. Every people have some strengths and weaknesses, which help us in shaping the way to meet our organizational goals. Weaknesses holds one back to achieve great things while strengths comes in an easy way to overcome that situation. One should initialize ownership while assessing themselves as it is for their own personal development. One of the most convenient ways of developing self-awareness is writing down that things to be done and then tracking the progress (Bolden, 2016). I have personally been very beneficial in learning about the traits where I need to develop professionally and personally.
As opined by Sutton et al. (2015), for developing of self-awareness, a sales manager should profess in developing intuitive skills of decision-making. It has been noticed that intuition performs an important role in the development of one’s self-awareness. This might be the initiation of major errors in various phases of decision-making. The intuition helps a person in navigating yet faster, which might at times be misleading depending on some wrong facts. This is very helpful for a sales manager as it is assumed an effective way of feeding ones subconscious mind. Moreover, for developing self-awareness it is needful to know emotional triggers. Identifying the things that emotionally triggers is a bit challenging but understanding and getting known to it helps in boosting one’s self awareness. The key for coping up with this is to catch oneself reacting when emotions are triggered. A sales manager has to be a good listener and ask for feedback, which pertains in the development of self-awareness. I have personally followed that asking for feedback is a hurtful event in most of the scenarios but it helped me a lot in empowering myself. It is obvious that no one can enjoy it but trials are made for viewing criticism as useful feedback in improving themselves.
During my professional life as a sales manager in Northwestern division of a renowned clothing manufacturing company, I came across various situations where using self-awareness became inevitable (Peuker and Kiss, 2018). Few days back, I with my fellow colleagues attended annual national sales meeting held at Chicago. The meeting went awesome where I have learnt lot of things related to business strategies and its way of implementation. The lecturers over there were highly qualified and innovative in their approaches. The meeting held with the purpose of discussing various strategies in terms of manufacturing, designing of clothes and others. While attending the meeting I have always stayed focused and planned to take some of my friends with me to have dinner at an expensive restaurant in Chicago. However, I gave my friends a big treat after being promoted to sales manager but my intention was to generate more revenue for my company and making some sort of business deal with them (Foss et al., 2016). One of my friends is an owner of a small clothes-manufacturing factory. In the current scenario the cost of manufacturing of clothes is getting higher day by day as a result, the rice of finished clothing is also increasing to cope up with the production cost. Keeping an open mind, my intention was to make a good deal with that friend so that our company can make clothes at comparatively low cost than ever before. My friend was seeking for getting some brand recognition and our necessity is to make production high at a low cost. Thereby I created a better scope by which we both can be benefitted.
The second friend whom I took to dinner is a fashion designer. I felt it better to make a good deal with him so that new trendy dresses can be designed and produced. This will bring innovativeness in our products. With the world changing every night, the clothing trends are also changing. We can bring abstract dressing style and designs, which will eventually attract more customers to like, purchase and wear clothing of our brand. This can be one of the greatest opportunities for gaining competitive advantage in the market. I have always kept myself motivated with the thought that creativity earns money (Upadhyay et al., 2015). With strategic implementation of thoughts, I am quite sure that the brand value of our company with be skyrocketing. The third friend is associated with marketing and promotions. For increasing brand recognition and spreading our business worldwide, it is much necessary to promote our company and our products. In a competitive market, business can never be expanded without promotion. Marketing and promotion creates attentiveness on the customers mind to check out the new brand. Strategizing best marketing promotional features will increase number of sales. The last friend of mine is related to supply chain business dealing within a short network. From my habit of trying new experiences, I am quite sure that handing over the logistics affairs to him is going to be a profitable step, whereby saving a lot of money and delivering the products in time (Jackson and Wilton, 2017). This will eventually help in enhancement of customer loyalty and customer satisfaction. Being disciplined in my work, I have tried to gather and share information related to clothing business to meet the organizational goals and objectives.
Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively
According to Salvi et al. (2016), the process of problem solving involves realization of the benefits out of the problems, common barriers for effectively solving the problem. Moreover, it is associated with solving the identified problems in a structural way by virtue of defining opportunities, nuisances. While solving a problem identification and structuring of the objectives is done by application of problem solving techniques and tools, analytical and logical techniques and tools for analyzing the problem. During solving aroused problem information are assembled, patterns are followed, analytical thinking with deductive reasoning, root cause analysis and finally decomposition is performed. In the process of problem solving, various types of thinking are explored such as critical, analytical and creative types. As stated by Sowden et al. (2015), by knowing, the way of our thinking and process of solving problem to situations allows a person to open up their minds and courageous for embracing new types of thinking and thereby adapting to those situations appropriately.
Creative and analytical problem solving abilities always trust on various skill sets. Analytical thinking is known as logical thinking whereas creative thinking is called lateral thinking. According to the situation, it can be differentiated in terms of left-brain or analytical and right brain associated with creative thinking. I have always applied analytical thinking in case of solving convergent problems for deriving only single correct answer. On the contrary, creative thinking works better in case of getting solutions for divergent problems, where there is a chance of infinite solutions (Jaiswal and Dhar, 2015). I have always preferred solving problems enforcing a mix of both the approaches. The way of solving problems following analytical approach depends on the capability of recalling or conducting research on data, which are relevant to the aroused issue. I have always been proficient enough in categorizing these facts and thereafter using the right ones in most appropriate way by thinking logically regarding the probable results coming out from different options. Applying analytical problem solving skills I have always tried to narrow down the options and eliminated all the irrelevant data and unworkable choices. By following this strategy, I have improved my ability to observe the current trends closely and assess the tendencies. Thereafter I have used what has just happened previously for predicting the future probable outcomes.
In solving those problems which are much complex and consists of abs tract elements, I felt better utilizing creative thinking. Creative thinking delivers the opportunity to observe not only the evidences but also the missing clue of the solution (Nickerson et al., 2017). One of the most common problems solving approach, which I have used in many cases throughout my career, is brainstorming. This technique helped me in collecting numerous ideas before criticizing or discarding any of those. Another efficient skill I have implemented through creative problem solving approach is the capability of suspending judgment and thereby following a series of consideration imaginatively to observe precisely where it might take me (Lampel et al., 2014). It is also helpful in laying an issue aside and thereby allowing all the related elements to percolate within the subconscious mind and in turn observing new solutions and angles have emerged. While working at a lower level managerial position in Boise firm I came across numerous situations where I need to solve those applying some sort of techniques. While working there I faced a critical issue with my boss. She has been new to the firm and was seemingly to be pleased in turning all things upside down. I have been there for a quite long time but the changes brought in by the new boss created problems for me as well as her.
Within few days of working, she started to institute new procedures for reporting. Previously the norms were very familiar and had no issue in facing, dealing and resolving the reporting procedure to the clients. The implementation of new reporting procedure made it problematic to not only me but also quite a few. Boise firm has been reputed for quality service, integrity and client satisfaction. The incorporation of new procedures hampered the processing and thereby affecting the proceedings. Moreover, new meeting schedules have been framed which has been disrupting the meeting procedure for the clients. The burden was coming up to me, as the clients know me better than her because I have been here for the last 15 years. The situation was not favorable to me, so I strategized to plan something better to deal with this issue. First I tried to convince her that the new approach is not suiting us and nor the trustworthy clients who have been associated with us for a long time.
For handling the situation, I increased my availability. I have been responsive and consistently approachable so that customers never get or feel ignored. I used to explore my working abilities as well while facing and solving these issues generate by my boss. I took the responsibility of organizational credibility. My performances have been outstanding in building confidence among the customers with the processes involved in licensing, awards and accreditations. Being in a property management firm, I prioritized in maintaining regular communication with both the investors and tenants and have ensured proper addressing and concerns over the time (Mumford and McIntosh, 2017). The new budgeting process is also not favoring the current trends in a competitive market. The investors and the tenants are all feeling dissatisfaction with the new implementations. As far, my opinion is concerned, the old prevalent system has been better and makes more sense. I tried to be diplomatic for a long period by holding my patience but I personally found no reason for this change. Though I realized that she was just trying to flaunt her power but without being judgmental, I focused myself in property marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, repair, and finally financial reporting (Levitt and Dubner, 2014). I offered investors for low budget advertising about their properties and thereby creating an opportunity for setting the firm budget, which minimizes expenses. The business manages and controls each property in accordance to the investors’ wishes and promise solemnly for treating each property, as it is their own.
Managing Conflict
As stated by Rahim (2017), conflict management is considered as a process where the positive sides of a particular situation is highlighted, and eliminating the negative aspects of the conflict. It is known to be as a process where a resolution is taken to minimize all the means of conflict by eliminating all forms of conflict. Conflict management includes a pattern or a style that every organization can try to follow; the main basic aspect is to handling concept in a constructive way. The five conflict management styles or approach is accommodating, avoiding, collaborating, competing and compromising. One needs to identify the particular scenario, and choose one of the modes of styles to deal with the situation.
Accommodating refers to that particular approach where one’s original self is hampered; it works against the goals and objectives of that particular person (Cahn and Abigail, 2014). It is a process where it is beneficial only when the other person is an expert, knows the situation better, or has a better idea. It can also be effective for the future aspect of relationship associated with the situation or person. The next model or approach is avoiding, where a person needs to avoid the situation, assertiveness does not plays a role here. In this case, one needs to avoid the situation completely and it can happen when the situation does not matter to one, and when one realize there is no strategy to win the conflict. Sometimes the emotional aspect plays a role here, as to create a certain amount of space one need to avoid for the time being.
According to Yeung et al. (2015), the next approach is collaborating, where the collaboration both the parties happens to achieve the goals. It is a way to put forward the issues, judging both the sides and creating a bigger prospective for everybody. All the ideas should be well accepted between both the parties that would lead to a solution. However, it can consume a lot of time, as the trust level would work as a key factor here. The next step or method is competing; in this case, no cooperation is added from one’s perspective and the total situation depends on competition to reach one’s goal and objective. The last method or approach is compromising, where it is considered as lose-lose scenario. This situation requires immense amount of cooperation and understanding. It can be taken into consideration when both the parties have same kind of goal and objective, and it is a temporary solution.
In the above-mentioned situation, the office employee is talking loudly over the phone, after telling her numerous times not to do it (Ishaque, 2017). Now in this situation, as I have repeatedly told the other person not to talk too loudly in the office environment, an approach needs to be chosen so that it resolves the conflict eventually. At first, I tried to explain the situation to her while using the accommodating approach so that no future collision occurs. However, in this situation, I have chosen the competing approach to get over the situation. This approach has helped to put my viewpoints assertively, and it helped to gather the support of others too.
This approach was necessary because, I did not want to cooperate repeatedly for the same reason, which was ruining the office atmosphere. Due to this reason, I wanted to approach her directly with the problems I am facing in a continuous basis, and the competing approach has provided me with the ‘win-lose’ situation. This situation is a kind of emergency as I was unable to work properly with the job oriented tasks and it was hampering my overall performance (Forbes, 2015). I needed to act quickly, and needed the support of others; this is possible only when I confront her with the problems I am facing.
While discussing this scenario, an alternative should also be taken into account, where it can help her to understand my issues and I can achieve my goals and objectives. Exploring alternatives should always be a point of consideration regarding conflicts. In this case collaborating can be an alternative approach where she needs to understand that her loud voice over phone is restricting the work (Kerns, 2016). In this situation, I would also understand the importance of her call and simultaneously she needs to look upon my issues. This would help in complex situations like this and would work as a tool to resolve the conflict. Nevertheless, it would be time consuming as well as a base of trust and confidence too. Both of the situations are effective in order to resolve the conflict, but I have given priority to the competing model, as it would be effective to provide an immediate solution to the issue. The alternative can also be considered as a moderate approach to create a solution.
Leading Positive change
As stated by McClenaghan and Ikin, (2017), with the purpose of making working environment a better place and thereby the world, it is much needful to be bring a leading positive change within the organization. Six keys to leading positive change can be incorporated in any organization for its betterment. The first is show up, by virtue of which we need to show our skills, abilities, culture and everything for enforcing betterment. I trust that my presence should matter and bring a difference in the current proceedings. The next is speak up, whereby being in charge I raised my voice. I have always been clear in saying what is needed to be said. I never set back in asking whatever question what need to be asked and clarified. It is much necessary to shape up the agenda. I have always been proficient in reframing issues and giving new perspectives (Holten and Brenner, 2015). The third is look up, which taught me to have higher vision always. This helped me a lot in bringing values to our team while working as an in-charge in sausage manufacturing company. I have always been eager in elevating people out of weeds and am a bigger role model for ensuring that work is important. For running any company profitably, it is of high need to team up. I personally believe that all things goes fine being into a partnership and is better not to try alone and thereby building a sense of partnering. For bringing leading positive change, I have always strategized to give up never. I kept myself focused to persist until the work is done. There are situations when things seems to get failed in the middle of the approach but it takes longer that I have ever imagined and kept on going. I have always been flexible in my approach and inflexible in my persistence. I have always strategized to lift others up and shared my success and credits with others.
In a competitive world, everything needs to be changed and be implemented in a far better way for earning more and satisfying customers. While working as an in-charge in sausage manufacturing company I was apprehending for a quite long time that things have been running smoothly but the need for change became inevitable. The change became prominent in terms of manufacturing, serving, processing, marketing and many more aspects (Fullan, 2014). For extending the business I felt it right to enforce empowerment and teamwork in the work place. According to my previously set strategies, I started hiring new labors, which are efficient and dedicated enough in their work. For generating more profit, it was much necessary to reorganize my work force. With this purpose, I made small teams comprising of new members and old ones and directed them into each type of work. This resulted in bringing efficiency and thereby increasing the production of the company. As opined by Petrou et al. (2018), working in a team made the workers work more effectively and increased their effort in doing better compared to the other and helping other according to the need. I have always been in-charge with an ideology that lets concentrate on satisfying the customers of United States; profit will come walking to the door of the company.
For exposing my business to a broader area, I strategized to do marketing and promotions of our products. Through marketing, the sales increased and the demand for our company’s sausage increased remarkably. The labors are also satisfied with the increased sale and focused on increasing their production. My management philosophy has always been as such that the profits the company is making should be shared among the employees (Agote et al., 2016). This philosophy motivated the workers in working for longer hours and making the best tasty and delightful sausages across the country compared to other big brands. The earning came from the first turnover is utilized in bring more machinery for increasing the production in meeting the market demand. The company is at its best in supplying sausages to the market and fulfilling the desire of the customers. In due time, with increasing number of sales, I made the price a bit lower compared to the other companies dealing with sausages to enforce competitive advantage in the market.
Though the employees were concerned that any change in the existing system might be accompanied by layoffs and downsizing but the offerings and payments they are drawing at this moment brought smiles in their faces (Cameron and Green, 2015). They have become more energetic in working proficiently and earning more, which they have once dreamt. By enforcing the leading positive changes, the company is going good and earning huge profit in United States. The company has been successful in meeting the customers’ desires and thereby achieving customer loyalty, which ensured in escalation of brand value in a competitive market.
References
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