BPP Business School

Coursework Cover Sheet

Please use this document as the cover sheet of for the 1 st page of your assessment. Please
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Module Name Personal Effectiveness

Program Name MSc Management

Student Reference Number (SRN)

Assessment Title Developing the Personal Effectiveness

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Declaration of Original Work:

I hereby declare that I have read and understood BPP’s regulations on plagiarism and that
this is my original work, researched, undertaken, completed and submitted in accordance
with the requirements of BPP School of Business and Technology.

The word count, excluding contents table, bibliography and appendices, is 2476 words.
Student Reference Number: _ Date:
Table of Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................3
1.2 Strengths and Weaknesses..............................................................................................................4
1.3 Skills in My Career..........................................................................................................................4
TASK 2.......................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Mark Zuckerberg............................................................................................................................5
2.1 Elon Musk........................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Your Own Business Leader Skills..................................................................................................6
TASK 3.......................................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Short Term Plan for Strengthening Strategic Vision....................................................................8
3.2 Short Term Plan for Enhancing Adaptability...............................................................................9
Conclusion................................................................................................................................................10
References................................................................................................................................................11
Introduction
Personal effectiveness is the phenomenon in which people try to reveal their best abilities and
behaviours that lead them towards success (McGill, Ali and Barton, 2020). This report will
investigate the principles of personal effectiveness using reflection which is very important for
enhancing personal effectiveness as it provides a thorough analysis of strengths and weaknesses.
In this report, Task 1 will focus on a reflective analysis of group project work, discussing
strengths and weaknesses as well as lessons learned in collaboration and conflict resolution by
using Gibbs Model. Task 2 will evaluate the leadership practices of Mark Zuckerberg and Elon
Musk by utilizing CEO Genome Project, highlighting skills such as decisiveness consistency
commitment flexibility vision. The third task will detail such short-term approaches to increasing
adaptability and strategic vision as practical measures. The inclusion of knowledge from these
tasks can give people a holistic concept in personal performance sets that are characterized by
the use of collaborative skills, responsive management skill set and future considerations.
TASK 1
1.1 Reflective Practice
In my final semester of university, we had a team project. In my group, there were four people
representing various disciplines. That is how we met to discuss ideas and later this resulted in
joint research on the impact of climate change at local ecosystem level. The perspectives of each
member enriched our planning process because they represented their areas of expertise. We also
distributed specific responsibilities, which included data gathering, a literature review and the
preparation of a presentation. Over the course of our collaboration, we met both challenges and
triumph. Due to our efforts, we concluded a research paper and presentation that clearly
presented the results of our findings as well as recommendations. For me, I wanted the group to
be working together and using strengths of each member as a means of getting quality
results. During the situation my feelings were mixed because I enjoyed productive minds-on
debates with a small dose of anxiety, as there is always an inherent possibility for conflicts
within groups. At the beginning, I had hope but at the end of it, there was some relief. Some
other members of the group may have felt such exhilaration with a moderate pressure to
succeed. As I was doing the task, my thinking alternated from pragmatic concerns of
management such as schedule and logistics. The strengths were that individual abilities were
used well and communication was clear throughout the project. Nonetheless, such occasions of
tension arose because we had different opinions that sometimes prevented us from moving
forward. All people contributed in a positive way by giving information, following the deadlines
and critic of their work. However, there was also some negativity associated with occasional
conflicts and varied working styles. Our work on the project was very successful because we
were always ready to make corrections when necessary. In contrast, difficulties arose whenever
there was no efficient communication at times. Through this, I learned how to create an enabling
team environment that is supportive and inclusive as well as to ensure open communication
channels for resolving conflicts in a positive way. In order to deal with such cases more
effectively in the future, I need to become proficient in conflict resolution, active listening, and
adaptability. If I were dealing with a similar situation, then I would focus on regular check-ins
and feedback sessions where concerns could be addressed quickly to establish a more
cooperative working environment.
1.2 Strengths and Weaknesses
My competencies include excellent communication skills, flexibility, and collaboration as
demonstrated in my ability to promote open dialogue among the team members, adapt easily to
new situations and work together with others toward a common objective. This aligns with Paige
et al., (2021) idea of focusing on communication and adaptation in effective teamwork. Yet, I
identified a weakness in conflict resolution with sometimes tensions within the group outlining
opportunities for development. Similarly, John-Eke and Akintokunbo (2020) recommend
conflict resolution skills for team effectiveness, which in its turn requires addressing conflicts
constructively to maintain unity and productivity.
1.3 Skills in My Career
Skills needed most in my chosen career which is projected management in the environmental
field are communication, adaptability and collaboration. Strong communication helps me to
communicate the sophisticated nature of environmental issues that impact clients, policymakers,
and members of the public. Adaptability is essential due to the dynamic nature of environmental
issue and regulation. Collaboration is necessary for building partnerships involving
interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders in the creation of sustainable solutions (Elia, Margherita
and Petti, 2020).
On the other hand, my deficiency in conflict management might affect project success. It is
common to have conflicts in environmental projects because people differ in their priorities,
values, and interests as stakeholders. Walker and Daniels (2019), draw attention to the need for
conflict management skills in environmental matters, which should help reduce tensions and
foster a constructive conversation on how to address common issues. As such, developing my
conflict resolution competencies will play a vital role in career development towards
environmental project management as well as result in beneficial outcomes for projects and
stakeholders alike.
TASK 2
2.1 Mark Zuckerberg
I have selected Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook CEO, as he shows reliability and decisiveness in
his leadership style which aligns with CEO Genome Project. Zuckerberg’s ability to make quick,
decisive decisions has been illustrated in Facebook’s strategic acquisitions and product launches
(Agbaje, 2020). Zuckerberg’s quick decision-making has made it possible to catch emerging
trends and remain one step ahead in the fast-changing tech world. Additionally, Zuckerberg’s
ability to remain consistent with a vision for the company and pursuit of long-term objectives is
also an indication of trust that he has gained among investors and shareholders (Grant, 2021).
One of the positive skills possessed by Mark Zuckerberg is his engagement with users and
stakeholders. However, Zuckerberg’s direct engagement with users via town hall meetings and
Q&A sessions show his dedication to listen to the needs of customers (Docherty, 2020). This
degree of user involvement creates a feeling of community and transparency, improving
Facebook’s image as a user-oriented company.
Alternatively, Mark Zuckerberg’s adaptability has been challenged as privacy and data security
concerns continue to rise on Facebook’s platforms (Caroline et al., 2021). Although Zuckerberg
has been subjected to growing criticism and pressure from regulatory bodies, his answers have
generally remained reactive in response to emerging privacy concerns.
Besides, Zuckerberg’s management has been accused of apparent non-transparent and
accountability especially in dealing with cases such as the Cambridge Analytical fiasco (Gordon,
2019). His first criticism of issues associated with the misuse of data undermined trust in
leadership at Facebook and made users wonder whether Zuckerberg’s focus on ethics and user
privacy was genuine.
2.1 Elon Musk
The ability to adapt is demonstrated by the actions of Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and
SpaceX. Pivoting and innovating in the face of technological challenges and market demands
have been essential factors to success in companies such as Tesla, which changed the world with
its electric vehicles (Muegge and Reid, 2019.). Musk’s readiness for risks and the willingness to
propose unusual solutions go a proof of his adaptability and vision in the future.
Furthermore, the employees and followers of his firms’ projects have been impressed by
engaging Elon Musk in addition to being involved with problem-solving (Allen, 2022). The
enthusiasm of Musk for nspace exploration and sustainable technology has made people support
projects such as the missions to Mars by SpaceX, and the progress of Tesla in terms of renewable
energy solutions.
Contrarily, Elon Musk’s decisiveness has done little to discourage him from making hasty
decisions whose effects have been unpredictable with regards to his behavior (Sibony, 2020).
Musk’s habit of making bold statements about Tesla via social media without considering the
regulatory implications has got both Tesla and himself into trouble legally, hence casting doubt
on his judgment and leadership skills.
In addition, Musk’s reliability to lead has been put into question due to delays in production and
quality concerns with Tesla’s electric vehicles (Higgins, 2020). In spite of the ambitious
production goals, Tesla failed to adhere to deadlines and deliver quality products consistently;
raising questions about Musk’s ability to maintain sustainable growth in the long run.
2.2 Your Own Business Leader Skills
The comparison of the skills possessed by Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk as representatives of
business leaders with mine has shown both common points and potential for my further
development. As Zuckerberg and Musk, I appreciate that it is crucial for the leader to be decisive
and dependable. For me, timely and knowledgeable decision making is essential for consistency
and reliability in my work. But I recognize that in order to increase my personal effectiveness as
a leader, it is necessary for me to boost adaptability, involvement and strategic foresight.
The interaction of Zuckerberg with the users and stakeholders reveals how important it is to
develop relationships that matter and ask for feedback to promote innovation (Wang and Huang,
2018). Although I appreciate the importance of collaboration and communication, my level of
engagement can be increased by soliciting different opinions from other stakeholders and
incorporating them into decision-making practices. This will increase transparency and
accountability, building trust and harmony in team members and stakeholders.
Similarly, the adaptability and visionary leadership of Elon Musk highlights the need for change
and innovative concepts to succeed in volatile areas (Calvo, 2020). Developing my adaptability
includes building a growth mindset and viewing ambiguity and uncertainty as learning
events. Embracing novel perspectives and methods enables me to react in a more productive way
to emerging challenges fostering innovation in my activities.
Furthermore, Musk’s ability to communicate his vision clearly supports the importance of
strategic communication in leadership (Hashimy et al., 2023). By improving my communication
skills, both verbal and non-verbal, I will be able to communicate my ideas easily, motivate
others, and achieve buy-ins on common goals. This requires active listening, openness to others,
and the adaptation of messages for different audiences to create understanding and agreement
among various stakeholders.
In addition, creating a strategic vision involves predicting future trends and disruption,
pinpointing new emerging opportunities and charting out clear ways forward (Édes,
2021). Through the development of my strategic thinking capabilities, I will be able to
effectively integrate my actions into long-term goals; focus on initiatives accordingly and deal
with complexity and uncertainty in a confident way. This calls for a huge strategic analysis,
critical thinking and the art of reconciling short-term desires with long-term sustainability and
impact.
TASK 3
3.1 Short Term Plan for Strengthening Strategic Vision

Increasing adaptability is essential for coping with change and managing change well (Duchek,
2020). To do this, I have set specific goals and steps to help us be more flexible in the near
future. For starters, I want to participate in some activities that are outside my comfort zone, and
challenges that need the flexibility and persistence. This includes engaging in activities that I
have not been familiar. Another critical action to learn more about my strengths and weaknesses
in the field of adaptability is to seek feedback from mentors. Positive criticism will allow me to
point out the blind spots and develop plans for managing change successfully.
The workshops on adaptability and resilience provide structured learning opportunities to learn
techniques and tools for fostering the development of an adoptive capacity. These seminars can
offer practical suggestions and advice from professionals in the field (Michael Brunt et al.,
2020). Concerning problem-solving, I want to enhance adaptability by doing divergent thinking
exercises and trying different approaches for addressing challenges. The diverse problem-solving
kit will ensure I learn how to solve the various problems in different situations and
circumstances.
Reflecting on failures and successes is critical for learning (Crane et al., 2019). Through
analyzing past cases, I can arrive at the patterns of behavior and decision-making that benefit or
undermine adaptability. This self-awareness allows me to improve and make strategic changes in
the near future. In the course of this venture to develop adaptability, it becomes evident that there
is a need for continuous learning and adjustment because things change all the time (Lesort et al.,
2020). By embedding these activities into my daily routine, I try to develop resilience and
flexibility in the face of uncertainty.
3.2 Short Term Plan for Enhancing Adaptability

Enhancing strategic vision includes defining long-term goals and building a path to personal and
career development (Rudnicka et al., 2020). First of all, I will write reflections on my values,
interests and ambitions to shape up the vision for my future. This process of self-reflection and
consideration of possible routes and opportunities coincide with my values and
objectives. Setting SMART goals assists in the conversion of vision into specific actions (Bailey,
2019). By dividing the larger goals into manageable tasks, I could observe the progress and be
accountable to my overall vision.
The process of making a vision board or any other visual representation acts as a physical
reminder of my aims and urges me to keep track of my objectives (Waalkes, Gonzalez and
Brunson, 2019.). With regard to the improvement of strategic thinking, I will focus on
continuous learning by reading, research and analysis. Reading literature on strategic planning
and foresight gives me access to other points of view and structures for thinking
strategically. (Althaus et al., 2022) stated that successful strategic initiatives provide a practical
guide to making and implementing effective decisions. By analysing practical cases, I can
understand the core principles and use them in my strategic operations.
The involvement in strategic planning exercises is a great practical opportunity to learn scenario
analysis, risk assessment, as well as decision-making under uncertainty (Wright et al.,
2019). Such immersive learning experiences refine my strategic intelligence and help me to
anticipate future challenges, which I can overcome successfully. In strengthening my strategic
vision it is evident that adaptability and agility have a role in responding to the dynamism of
events. Through incorporating these actions into my daily routine, I seek to establish a resilient
mindset that will propel me towards long-term prosperity.
Conclusion
Overall, the assessment tasks captured a general appraisal of personal effectiveness involving
various key components such as teamwork among others. While the organization of Task 1
demonstrated collaboration in a group, there were strengths displayed regarding communications
and coordination with difficulties implementing efficient conflict resolution. The second
assignment focused on the leadership qualities of Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, mentioning
essential considerations like that of decision-making reliability engagement adaptability in
effective leadership. Task 3 offered a set of pragmatic recommendations on increasing
adaptability and strategic vision through reflexion, goal setting, lifelong learning as well as
participation to planning sessions. Taken together, these activities demonstrated the multiply
dimension that personal efficiency is made up of and so called for self-reflection, lifelong
learning and a variety of skills. If people follow these values, they can deal with life's challenges
and work towards success.
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