BIP2 Tips 3/25/14C200 Managing Organizations and Leading People Tips Document For Task One you will write a paper on an organization with which you have had personal experience. You will first describe the chosen organization and then perform a SWOT analysis on that organization. You will analyze the organization’s leadership and make recommendations for improvement. For Task Two you have the opportunity to analysis of your own leadership practices. Related, you will develop a minimum of two SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, results‐oriented, and time‐bound) goals related to your own leadership skill development. TASK ONE: ORGANIZATION AND LEADER ANALYSIS Organization Description A1. Describe the organization and its objective(s) Begin by thinking about an organization you have experience with and ideally, an organization where you have either had direct access to a leader or have been able to observe a leader. This organization can be a non‐profit, for‐profit, or a Fortune 100 business. In order to complete this task, you may further refine the group in which you will conduct the analysis as a department or division within the organization. Next, describe the organization you will be analyzing. Provide an overview of the organization, a brief history or the organization, and include the objectives of the organization. If you are analyzing a sub‐ set within an organization, you still want to begin with an overview of the larger organization prior to describing the team, department, division, etc. Finally, it is recommended that you include a brief description of the organization’s culture. A tip: We encourage you to read through the entire task instructions prior to identifying an organization and leader to study. This sub‐section should not exceed 3 pages. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. A2. Describe at least three leadership practices of the primary leader When completing this section, it is important to demonstrate that you can apply what you have learned in this course specific to providing an informed description of the leadership practices. A leadership practice is a combination of leadership responsibility, the performance of the responsibility, and its unique value to the organization. You want to avoid generic descriptions such as being a good communicator and instead provide illustrations of actually leadership functions in which your leader performs daily, weekly or routinely. Single events is not a practice. For example, One leadership responsibility of the CEO is to provide “strategic leadership” to the organization. In the performance of this responsibility the CEO shaped the formation of the organization’s vision and mission, while facilitating strategy formulation and strategy implementation. The value of strategic leadership is determining the organization’s direction by effectively managing the organization’s resources in pursuit of the organization’s vision. (This is just a small draft of the leadership practice narrative. You’re required to go further in depth illustrating how the individual performs the leadership responsibility and the value it provides to the organization. 1 Discuss two strengths of the organization. think about the various functions such as finance. In section A1 you briefly described the culture of the organization. This sub‐section should not exceed 1 page. think about the following: How important is the vision and mission of the organization in the day‐to‐day operations? How is the staff managed? How are decisions made and problems solved? Is the process collaborative or more individually driven? Is the organization hierarchical or flat? Are job titles important? Is there internal language used and understood only be the employees? When it comes to performance. Chapter 8 in your E‐text provides a detailed description of a SWOT analysis and provides examples of sources to conduct your analysis. are the managers and leaders competent. In this section. You may also speak to the role past founders or leaders had on shaping the culture. research and development. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. marketing. discuss how the current leadership has directly affected the organizational culture. events. you can determine the strengths of the organization. This section should not exceed 2 pages. When assessing the strengths. and so forth. SWOT Analysis B1. describe the characteristic in detail and include the positive impact on the organization. are there effective processes in place to evaluate performance and develop talent. For each strength. Evaluate at least two strengths of the organization This section of the task asks you to be strategic and demonstrate an understanding of the circumstances. A3. Based on your understanding of these areas. Discuss how the current leadership has affected the organizational culture A leader’s values and beliefs shape the culture of an organization. When trying to describe the culture.BIP2 Tips 3/25/14 This sub‐section should not exceed 3 pages. etc. Provide examples to support your analysis. Include citations when appropriate following APA 2 . and issues that affect organizational performance. The big deal is that you create a direct relationship between the leaders values and beliefs and the culture of the organization. forces. To what extent are the functions within the organization positioned to support the strategic goals of the organization? You may also want to ask yourself if the structure of the organization supports optimal performance. These must be internal characteristics that directly support the achievement of the organizational goals. you will want to further describe the culture of the organization. what is most valued? How would you describe the work/life balance and mood of the organization? What are the common stories told and what is the meaning behind the stories? Why do employees stay at the organization? Once you have described the culture of the organization. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. 3 .BIP2 Tips 3/25/14 guidelines. For each weakness. Remember to describe each opportunity and threat (section B4) and include the impact on the organization. 4 . resources. Next. Evaluate at least two weaknesses of the organization Discuss two weakness of the organization. We encourage you to refer to chapter 3 when identifying the opportunities and threats (section B4) of the organization. This sub‐section should not exceed 1 page. chapter 3 in your e‐text is a good resource. B4. Evaluate at least two threats of the organization Discuss two characteristics of the external environment that have the potential to be a threat to the organization achieving its strategic goals. are there particular functions. describe the concern in detail and include the negative impact on the organization. however. Similar to B1. In order to respond to this section. Describe each opportunity in detail and include how each will support the performance of the organization.Evaluate at least two opportunities of the organization Discuss two characteristics of the external environment that have the potential to help the organization achieve its strategic goals. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. Provide specific examples to support each strength. this is not a requirement. These should be internal characteristics that directly inhibit the achievement of the organizational goals. Leadership Evaluation C1.BIP2 Tips 3/25/14 B2. technology. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. Describe each threat in detail and include how the threat could negatively impact the performance of the organization. This sub‐section should not exceed 1 page. use the theory to discuss three strengths of your leader. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. We also recommend that you include the positive impact of each strength on the organization. B3. You may use one or more of the scholarly articles included in the Course of Study and available through MindTap. processes. Chapter 3 discusses the external organizational environment which includes competitors. or practices that are negatively impacting the organizations ability to achieve the strategic goals? This sub‐section should not exceed 1 page. This section of the task requires you cite and reference a minimum of three scholarly sources. Provide a brief overview of the leadership theory. Begin by selecting one scholarly leadership theory to conduct your evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen leader. and the economic conditions affecting the organization. Evaluate at least three strengths of your chosen leader This section of the task requires scholarly research. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines.BIP2 Tips 3/25/14 This Strengths sub‐section should not exceed 2 pages. 5 . edu). For guidance on APA formatting. This Weaknesses sub‐section should not exceed 2 pages. C4. Evaluate at least three weaknesses of your chosen leader Using the same scholarly leadership theory from C1. We encourage you to create a cover page. For this section. discuss three weaknesses of your leader. Important Resources Managing People and Leading Organizations email:
[email protected] The Center for Writing Excellence: Writing Center Home Page The Student Success Center: Student Success Center Home Page WGU Library: WGU Library Home Page WellConnect Counseling Services: 1‐877‐685‐3269 6 . D. the theory should guide your analysis. This recommendation sub‐section should not exceed 2 pages. Include at least three scholarly sources to support your chosen leader’s practices Include APA citations throughout each sub‐section and a references page at the end of your paper.BIP2 Tips 3/25/14 C2. Refer to the grading rubric for evaluation standards. Include the negative impact of the weakness on the organization. Recommend three theory‐based practices to maximize the success of the leader Reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of the leader you are evaluating. The Center for Writing Excellence is a resource to help with formatting. and use sub‐headers throughout. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. table of contents. include the following for each of your three recommendations: 1) State the theory based practice. Provide examples to support your analysis. C3. and 3) Discuss the expected outcome once the practice is put into action. 2) Include why you are recommending the practice.. Include a detailed description the each weakness and the impact of on the organization. Finally. Recommend three theory based practices to enhance the leader’s effectiveness and maximize performance. think about what skills or actions would improve his or her ability to lead the organization. please contact the Center for Writing Excellence (writingcenter@wgu. Citations and Reference Page Your paper is required to include in‐text citations and a reference page following APA guidelines. Final Thought It is important to plan for how you will organize and format this document. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. This should be a professional paper that represents your competence. your course mentor team is here to support you throughout this course. Similar to above. BIP2 Tips 3/25/14 7 . Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. identify three strengths you demonstrate as a leader. You will upload a completed Seven Habits Profile into Taskstream when you submit your final paper. Your first step is to take the Seven Habits Profile. provide examples. Evaluate at least three strengths you demonstrate as a leader Using the principles of the leadership theory you selected for this self‐evaluation. This Weaknesses sub‐section should not exceed 2 pages.BIP2 Tips 3/25/14 TASK TWO: YOUR LEADERSHIP PRACTICES ANALYSIS Your Leadership Style and Practices A1. you will evaluate your strengths and weaknesses using a scholarly leadership theory. A2b. and include the impact of your weaknesses. Be specific. To access the profile. Remember to base your assessment in part on the leadership theory you selected for this section. Be descriptive and provide examples. A2a. You must reflect on a minimum of six of the nine categorical results. and include the results of your leadership practices. This Strengths sub‐section should not exceed 2 pages. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. Evaluate at least three weaknesses you demonstrate as a leader We all have room for improvement. After you have completed the profile. provide examples. Reflect on what the results might indicate about your leadership style. Include citations when appropriate 8 . and A1a. discuss at least three areas for improvement specific to your leadership practices. in the lower left corner after the task instructions you want to open the attached file. Be specific. In this section. A2. Complete and reflect on the “Seven Habits Profile” This section is all about you! You will have the opportunity to reflect on your leadership style and practices. the theory you use for this section needs to be different from the one you used in task one. Evaluate your leadership practices using a scholarly leadership theory A note about this section of your paper … similar to section C in task one. open Taskstream. save your results. This sub‐section should not exceed 3 pages. However. 9 .BIP2 Tips 3/25/14 following APA guidelines. Begin by identifying two skills. These goals must be leadership development goals Specific: Goals should be precise.BIP2 Tips 3/25/14 A2c. given available resources. This example is specific. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. This Recommendation sub‐section should not exceed 2 pages. Recommend three theory‐based changes that you could make to maximize your success Now that you have reflected on your current leadership practices. it is time to look forward and plan for your development as a leader. 1) the recommendation and supporting theory. or practices you would like to master in the next month or so. increase. your recommendations will address your identified leadership weaknesses. For example. Discuss two short‐term SMART goals that will help improve your leadership practice Congratulations! You are close to completing the BIP2 performance task! In this final step. For each recommendation include the following. In this section you will recommend three specific actions. measurable. Ideally. I will meet with a senior leader of the organization once a week for an hour over the course of sixteen weeks for mentorship training. Time‐bound: Goals specify target dates for duration and completion. A2d. They should start with To following by verbs – complete. I will also task a four week training course in mentorship from of organizations skillsoft training database. I will run four days a week. (Please note you must provide a minimum of two actions for each smart goal). and time‐bound. Important: Include why you 10 . State what results can realistically be achieved. and 3) the expected outcome of putting the recommendation into action. Now it is time to take those two goals and apply the SMART criteria. you will set SMART goals for yourself. results‐oriented. Goal setting is a critical skill and helps break down a larger initiative into manageable accomplishments while staying accountable and improving performance. For example. or practices that would help you maximize your success in managing organizations and leading people in the future. behaviors. decrease. acquire. Now it is your turn to create two goals that meet the SMART criteria. One leadership skill I seek to develop is my mentoring skill. challenging. 2) the performance gap the recommendation will address. This goal is more likely to yield success than a generic goal such as I will go to college to develop leadership skills. To develop my mentorship skill. attainable. etc. Measurable: A measurement needs to be included to assess the extent to which the goal is accomplished. These recommendations need to be theory‐based. Relevant: Goals should focus on the end‐result. behaviors. I will run for 30 minutes at a time four days a week. It is critical I become a better mentor to my staff to facilitate their professional development. and attainable. For example. Attainable (Achievable): Goals should be realistic. Periodicity is required. Refer to the grading rubric for evaluation standards. table of contents. This section should not exceed 2 pages. Citations and Reference Page Your paper is required to include in‐text citations and a reference page following APA guidelines. Important Resources Managing People and Leading Organizations email:
[email protected] Tips 3/25/14 are setting each goal. your course mentor team is here to support you throughout this course. Include citations when appropriate following APA guidelines. Finally. and what you hope to accomplish as a result of achieving the goals. This should be a professional paper that represents your competence. Final Thought It is important to plan for how you will organize and format this document. how the goal is linked to your leadership development.edu The Center for Writing Excellence: Writing Center Home Page The Student Success Center: Student Success Center Home Page WGU Library: WGU Library Home Page WellConnect Counseling Services: 1‐877‐685‐3269 11 . The Center for Writing Excellence is a resource to help with formatting. and use sub‐headers throughout. We encourage you to create a cover page.