MSc Management Personal Effectiveness Assignment Sample 2023
Introduction
Personal effectiveness may be termed as the capability and attempt of a person to enhance the underlying skills and qualities to develop the interface of success regarding the aims and goals. The optimization of personal effectiveness is mostly important because the skill and ability to work with other people are dependent on the parametric skills within personal effectiveness (Thompson, 2021). In this report, three tasks, self-evaluation and a conclusion will be elaborated on in light of the topic of personal effectiveness for successful career growth.
Task 1 will depict the case study review of the analysis of the key skills of Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Executive Officer of Facebook namely problem solving, critical thinking, application of new technologies and clarified vision. According to some research, the greater the personal effectiveness of a leader the more clarified will be the vision of both employees and the leader (Cote, 2017).
In Task 2, the evaluation of the learning styles will be done with a summary of the self- evaluation and the evaluative assessment of two learning styles obtained from Honey and Mumford’s learning styles along with the choice of befitting learning style.
Task 3 will revolve around the evaluation of the methods of improving skills and the comparisons between those skills as the differences and analogies or similarities of those skills will be illustrated with proper references. Finally, the report will be terminated with the conclusion section with the overview of all the tasks and subsequent explanations supporting the topic of the report.
Task 1: Case study review
Analyse key skills and behaviour of Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Facebook and the company is currently dominating as one of the popular social media platforms. The skills and behaviour of the person provide immense support to maintain the leading position of the company in the highly competitive market.
Problem-Solving
Mark Zuckerberg is a problem-solver according to the case study and it helps to overcome different types of problems as well as enhances competencies as a leader. Problem-solving refers to the process of solving puzzles and the advancement of technology or dealing with the latest technology that throws problems for the leading person. Khoiriyah and Husamah, (2018) stated in the research that problem-solving skill is one of the important competencies which helps leaders to overcome challenges under high work pressure.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking refers to the process of conceptualising, applying, analysing, and evaluating information through observation, reflection, experiences and so on. Considering the case study Mark Zuckerberg is a critical thinker because the person thinks deeply regarding small or big matters and it helps to take decisions in an effective manner. Hussin et al., (2018) stated in the research that critical thinking refers to the process of thinking which includes the skill to analyse data, the skill to solve issues, and design hypotheses.
Clear vision
Clear vision is another notable behaviour of Mark Zuckerberg as implementing the new idea such as launching a social network is challenging for the person. Along with that, as a leader proper, clear vision is highly important as it helps to achieve desirable goals in the workplace. It may be stated in the research that setting a clear vision provides immense support to face adverse situations and overcome those challenges successfully (Erickson, 2019).
Using new technologies
Mark Zuckerberg always improvises the latest technologies within the company to boost the pace of progress and retain the position of the company in the international market. According to the case study, the implementation of technology provides immense support to the leaders to take the number one position as a social media marketing website.
Mark Zuckerberg’s use of skills and behaviours
The skills and behaviour of Mark Zuckerberg aid to maintain consistency in the international market and taking competitive advantages in highly competitive markets. Carol Ryff has proposed a 6 factors model which focuses on six factors such as autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, self-acceptance, positive relationship with others, personal growth and so on. The skills and behaviour of the CEO of Facebook help the person to focus on the above-mentioned four factors such as problem-solving helps the person to maintain personal relationships with others.
On the other hand, a clear vision helps to enhance the scope of personal growth and finds a proper purpose in life in an effective manner. It may be stated that critical thinking helps the person to enhance self-acceptance and it provides immense support to boost the decision-making process. Psychological well-being is important in recent times and the psychological framework of Carol Ryff helps to assess the psychological functions among adults (Gao and McLellan, 2018).
Figure 1: Ryff’s six-factor model of psychological well-being
(Source: Gao and McLellan, 2018)
Benefits of the skills and behaviour
Critical thinking is important for leaders as it helps to understand the problems in depth and focuses on different aspects which boost the decision-making process. Problem-solving is another crucial skill which helps to generate desirable solutions against any kind of challenge and retain the position among the huge competition. Apart from that, setting a clear vision helps to achieve the aim of leaders and motivates other team members to follow the leaders and it positively influences productivity.
In the age of globalisation, there is rising competition and the implementation of technology aids companies to take competitive advantages among the nations as well as the international market. The effective skills and behaviours of a leader attract the attention of the employees and for this reason according to the case study; Mark Zuckerberg is recognised as a great boss. Hunt and Fedynich, (2019) depicted in the research that in the modern era, leading a team or company is a challenging task and leaders are the pillar of the companies in high competition.
Limitations of the skills and behaviour
The technological implementation creates huge financial risks for the company and it may affect the future progress of the company in an effective manner. Critical thinking skill is highly required whereas deep and critical thinking often leads leaders to be indecisive which may disrupt the consistent success of the company. Along with that, it may be argued that a clear vision is important, whereas it creates huge pressure on the employees because the employees have to achieve desirable productivity to meet the goal on a daily basis.
Task 2: Evaluation of learning style
Self-evaluation summary
I have engaged with Honey and Mumford’s learning style questionnaire to evaluate the learning style appropriate for me by answering the set of questionnaires involving different psychological preferences and choices (referred to Appendix 1). The result of Honey and Mumford’s learning style questionnaire has given me some scores as a learner with theorists, activists, pragmatists and reflectors where I got respectively 18, 12, 18 and 16 (Referred to Appendix 2).
Waters et al., (2021) mentioned that Honey and Mumford’s learning style questionnaire consists of a set of 80 questions which is instructive in nature and easy and fun to accomplish the answering of the questions. However, my score in theorist is high which focuses on my dependency on theory to learn by conceptualizing the models and facts to manage the learning systematically and logically.
I scored lowest in activist learning style which shows that I have weaknesses in role-playing, communication and brainstorming. As a pragmatist, my score presented me as an experimenter with my usual engagement with new ideas, theories and techniques to evaluate the results. In addition to that as a reflector, my score indicates that I have a weakness in time management and always indulge in analysing the lessons through different perspectives before leaping forward.
Evaluation of two main learning styles with explanation
Activist learning style
The activist learning style is preferred to engage me in learning lessons where activists unusually get involved in new experiences with great enthusiasm towards the new idea. My engagement in the activist learning style tends to act first without worrying about the implications initially and sought engagement with the group working, role-playing, exercises and problem-solving by following the precise instructions to act fast.
Hamza et al., (2018) stated that an Activist learner engages in tackling problems through brainstorming where it moves from one task to another by the fading of the excitement involved with a specific task. I have acknowledged that activists preferred problem-based learning styles without detail discussing theory and knowledge about different perspectives. Activist learning style evolves through energetic and active participation of learners to act first and take action which is time efficient and not always appropriate for its speedy approach and irrelevant results.
Figure 2: Honey and Mumford learning style questionnaire
(Source: Hamza et al., 2018)
Reflector learning style
Reflector learning style generally images learning through observation and thinking of the overall approach, reading the lessons and practice before participating in the action and prefers to stand back and watch from the sidelines to analyse the various perspectives before acting. Reflector learning style is also preferable for me to learn by observation and acknowledging the different perspectives of the lessons to mediate my learning by examining the subject from different viewpoints.
Ferdiani et al., (2021) expressed that the reflector learning style is better for its careful decision-making with a preference for observation which involves individuals in creative thinking processes at every stage. My involvement with the reflector learning style may evolve with cautiousness and images in considering all the possible perspectives before formulating any decisions which also depend on past experiences and results to come to a conclusion.
Suitable learning style
I have found that the Activist learning style will be the perfect suit for my learning lessons through active engagement and indulgence to act fast and excitement to put my energy into learning and growing the competencies for future perspectives. Bontchev et al.,(2018) viewed that activist learners learned through the coordination of their own hand and eye, planning and strategy development, quick thinking and acting, problem-solving and engagement in teamwork to learn and grow competencies.
Task 3: Comparison of Methods of improving Skill
Evaluation of methods for improving skill
Interactive method for communication
I found the interactive method for communication is quite positive and influential for developing my communication skill and effectively levelling up my communication through practice, public speaking, listening and controlling my emotions. Shakhnoza and Makhbuba, (2020) pointed out that an interactive method for learning and developing competencies is widely accepted and seeks humanization, liberalisation and democratisation in the process to improve the key skills.
The interactive method is effective for developing communication skills through engagement in close interaction, exchange, sharing and debating around different topics and perspectives to build self-confidence and confidently improve the skill with efficacy.
Stress management and effective planning methods for time management
I have found that stress management combined with an effective planning method is quite useful to develop my key competencies of time management to actively manage my time and delegate tasks positively. Holman et al., (2018) asserted that time management is all about reducing the stress level to actively use the time for deliberately going through the goals to achieve personal and professional objectives.
I actualised effective planning as a useful attribute to coordinate the respected time as per my work schedule to improve my time management skill.
Similarities and differences between the two methods
Similarities
The similarities between the interactive method and combined form of stress management and effective planning both require a schedule to develop the key competencies. Both methods speak about the emotional intelligence of showing empathy for communication skills and stress management for time management skills.
These methods involve the individual in learning through self-efficacy to improve the effectiveness of the key competencies by own practice and gradually betterment of the key skills. The interactive method seeks self-confidence and a positive attitude to communicate and the combination of stress management and effective planning also requires a positive attitude and confidence to align the routine work in managing the respected time.
Differences
The differences between these two methods are interactive sessions engaged with other people as coaches, tutors, mentors and friends whereas stress management and effective planning do not require other’s interaction, it is involved self-practice and self restraints. The interactive sessions required the financial resources for paid courses while time management through effective time planning and stress management only seeks the participation of human resources.
The effective method to improve my skill
I have assessed both methods and I have realised that a stress management effective method for time management is comparatively more effective to improve the skill. Considering the similarities and differences, I think stress management effective method for time management is comparatively more cost-effective and it helps to reduce stress by managing time. In my opinion, time management is highly important as a lack of time management decreases confidence and increases stress.
I have understood that the proper way of stress management also helps to boost communication skills and time management is more important in recent competitive scenarios. I have realised that stress may spoil the goal of a person and pepper allocation of time leads to the path of success by completing tasks within a proper time.
Apart from that, I have evaluated that as a leader time management is crucial as it provides strength to the other team members or the employees to achieve desired goals within time and provides motivation. Kumar and Aithal, (2019) articulated in the research that time is recognised as an important resource on both personal as well as professional fronts and for this reason, managers have to focus on time management skills effectively.
Conclusion
From Task 1 it may be concluded that the analysis of the key skills and qualities of Mark Zuckerberg has been done in support of the topic of this report which is personal effectiveness. On a broader note, the inferences from task 1 are the existence of problem-solving skills, critical thinking and having a clarified vision regarding innovations in technical aspects of Mark Zuckerberg and the relevant usage, benefits and limitations.
Task 2 revolved around the evaluation of two learning styles that have been obtained from the approach of Honey and Mumford’s learning style with proper explanation focusing mainly on the activist and reflector learning style. Moreover, the prioritisation of the suitable learning style for the learner has been chosen and elaborated with explanatory viewpoints and reasons for the obtainment
Task 3 engages the comparative understanding of two methods namely communicative interaction and stress management along with planned and effective time management methods consolidated with similarities and differences of the methods.
The topic of the report was both the focus and trajectory of the tasks because the viewpoint of personal effectiveness is intertwined with these parameters explained in three of the tasks. The case study-based skill evaluation of Mark Zuckerberg, The analytic evaluation and choice of learning styles according to Honey and Mumford’s questionnaire and the comparison and preference of skill improvement methods are impactful for personal effectiveness.
References
Bontchev, B., Vassileva, D., Aleksieva-Petrova, A. and Petrov, M., 2018. Playing styles based on experiential learning theory. Computers in Human Behavior, 85, pp.319-328.
Cote, R., 2017. Vision of effective leadership. International Journal of Business Administration, 8(6), pp.1-10.
Erickson, M., 2019. Leaders’ Ledger. Leadership As We Know It, p.33.
Ferdiani, R.D., Manuharawati, M. and Khabibah, S., 2021, April. Geometry material: Profile of creative thinking process of prospective teachers with reflector learning style in proposing and solving problems. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1869, No. 1, p. 012118). IOP Publishing.
Gao, J. and McLellan, R., 2018. Using Ryff’s scales of psychological well-being in adolescents in mainland China. BMC psychology, 6(1), pp.1-8.
Hamza, M., Hamid, S., Nadir, M. and Mehmood, N., 2018. Effect of moderate learning style–teaching mode mismatch on academic performance among 2nd year medical students in Pakistan. Indian journal of psychiatry, 60(1), p.109.
Holman, D., Johnson, S. and O’Connor, E., 2018. Stress management interventions: Improving subjective psychological well-being in the workplace. In Handbook of well-being. DEF Publishers.
Hunt, T. and Fedynich, L., 2019. Leadership: Past, present, and future: An evolution of an idea. Journal of Arts and Humanities, 8(2), pp.22-26.
Hussin, W.N.T.W., Harun, J. and Shukor, N.A., 2018. Problem based learning to enhance students critical thinking skill via online tools. Asian Social Science, 15(1), p.14.
Khoiriyah, A.J. and Husamah, H., 2018. Problem-based learning: Creative thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and learning outcome of seventh grade students. JPBI (Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia), 4(2), pp.151-160.
Kumar, P.M. and Aithal, P.S., 2019, October. Importance of time as resource in managing organizations. In Proceedings of National Conference on Recent Advances in Technological Innovations in IT, Management, Education & Social Sciences ISBN (No. 978-81, pp. 941751-6).
Shakhnoza, K. and Makhbuba, K., 2020. Interactive technologies as a means to improve the efficiency and quality of the educational process. International Journal of Human Computing Studies, 3(2), pp.182-186.
Thompson, N., 2021. People skills. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Waters, M., Lamb, I. and Mehay, R., 2021. Learning and Personality Styles in Practice. In The Essential Handbook for GP Training and Education (pp. 133-144). CRC Press.
