This blog will demonstrate my ability help others show commitment and understand team’s value (CIPD, 2013). In addition to that, it will highlight the skills needed to become an influential figure which I have obtained during my studies at Coventry University “CULC”.
Leading in a changing world course has helped me develop my leadership skills, as it is one of the key roles for a democratic leader to be able to influence and negotiate thoughts with followers (Simon, 2000).
During my course I have worked in teams that consist of diverse multi-national members from different backgrounds, & level of knowledge. It was quite challenging to work together hence each member has his/her own style of learning and completing the tasks.
Therefore, to overcome some of the challenges I have used Hofstede’s cultural dimension study that I learnt in EPS course last term to be able to understand a few of our differences; to come up with the optimum solution.
I have learnt that when I am working with Chinese I do not have to worry about their willingness to win. Because according to Hofstede they are high in masculinity. Therefore, when I it was my turn to become a leader in Leadership course on 4 Chinese fashion students; I knew I didn’t have to motivate them to work because they were self driven.
For example, according to the chart, I have worked with a British student that avoids uncertainty, therefore my authority as a team member gave me the right to negotiate my idea and try convincing her with evidence that supports; that my plan could be in our benefit. After this scenario, we won the challenge against other teams, and by influencing my team to do something different changed their mind-set about challenging themselves & others.
To add to that, using Belbin’s team role theory that was introduced in EPS 1st term; helped us divide the tasks and arrange the teams based on the role each was categorized in. Thereafter, I assured collecting feedback from my team to further develop my skills. Nevertheless, feedback was satisfactory; as I ensured my team’s enthusiasm and confidence level was high. I praised members after the task was over, and recognized their hard work.
However, I still need to improve my confidence and communication skills as followers get influenced by the leader’s attitude. To add to that, even though I have received an exceptional mark in Marketing’s debate Term 1; I still believe that I need to increase my skills of debating my opinion by giving valid arguments and negotiating my ideas to others with confidence and clarity (Branden, 1987). Finally, I must work on ensuring that my thoughts are possible to be turned to actions that make a difference, and learn all best practices to reach excellence in performance.
References:
CIPD. (2013) Skilled Influencer [online] available from <http://www.cipd.co.uk/binaries/Skilled%20Influencer.pdf> [25 June 2016]
Branden, N. (1987) How to Raise Your Self-Esteem: The Proven Action-Oriented Approach to Greater Self-respect And Self-confidence. 1stedn. Toronto: Bantam Books
Hofstede, G. (2016) Cultural dimensions: Country comparison [online] available from <https://geert-hofstede.com/united-kingdom.html> [25 June 2016]
Simon, H (2000)‘Public Administration in Today’s World of Organizations and Markets’. Political Science & Politics, 33 (4), 749-756
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