Developing Manager: A Report on Management Styles, Skills, and Career Development

This report explores the concept of management styles and their application in the travel and tourism industry. It analyzes the management styles employed by Thomas Cook and TUI, examining their leadership characteristics and communication processes. The report also delves into the personal management skills of an assistant manager at Clayton Crown Hotel London, conducting a SWOT analysis and outlining a development plan to enhance their capabilities. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of effective management for both individual and organizational growth.

The Developing Manager
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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................4
Task 1.........................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Compare different management styles.............................................................................5
1.2 Discuss leadership characteristics....................................................................................7
1.3 Evaluate communication processes in selected businesses..............................................8
1.4 Analyse organisational culture and change in selected businesses................................10
Task 2.......................................................................................................................................11
2.1 Assess own management skills performance.................................................................11
2.2 Analyse personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats..............................12
2.3 Set and prioritise objectives and targets to develop own potential................................13
Task 3.......................................................................................................................................14
3.1 Lead and motivate a team to achieve an agreed goal or objective.................................15
3.2 Justify managerial decisions made to support achievement of agreed goal or objective
and recommendations for improvements.............................................................................17
Task 4.......................................................................................................................................18
4.1 Explain how own managerial and personal skills will support career development.....19
4.2 Review career and personal development needs, current performance and future needs
to produce a development plan............................................................................................21
Conclusion................................................................................................................................24
References................................................................................................................................25
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Introduction
This report is prepared to develop the concept of the management styles and its development
in the business context. This report is prepared in four different sections. The first section of
the report contains the comparison among the different management styles used by the
organisations such as TUI and Thomas Cook. Further, the characteristic possessed by the
leaders is also provided along with the communication procedure used in the business. The
second section of the report provides the discussion in terms of the management skills
performances along with the SWOT analysis. The third section of the report shows
understanding regarding leading and managing the team in pursuance of the set goals and the
objectives. Effective justification is also provided along with the proper recommendation to
enhance the working. In the last section of the report, a career development plan is prepared
taking into consideration the employees involved in the service sector. The plan should
indicate the both the managerial and the personal skills.
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Task 1
Introduction
Travel and tourism industry is considered to be an expanding and the growing business sector
in the UK. The organisation which is used in this report to develop the understanding of the
concepts of the management styles is Thomas Cook and TUI.
1.1 Compare different management styles
The continuous growth in the travel and tourism sector has a positive impact on the GDP of
an economy. Both the organisation that is TUI and Thomas Cook are using a various form of
the management styles to offer the quality services to the customers. But the styles used by
the top management of the company in relation to the developed products and the services are
provided thereunder:
Thomas Cook Group: Thomas Cook Group is a travel company which is listed on the
London Stock Exchange. In the organisation, the role played by the staff personnel’s help in
maintaining the effectiveness in terms of its development. It is analysed that the top
management involved in the Thomas Cook used active management style to manage and
maintain the operations of the business and also to develop the engagement among the staff
members. This style helps the company to focus on the various needs of the staff personnel’s
such as safety, physiological and the self-actualisation (Cardinal, 2013).
When all such needs of the customers are fulfilled then this results in the development of
motivation among the workers to enhance their performances. This style also helps in
providing the direction to the staff regarding all the activities such as planning and collection
of feedback from the customers to enhance the effectiveness of the business. Further, the
system approach is also followed in the Thomas Cook Group which helps in the integration
of the goals of the different departments as a whole. With the help of this approach, the
organisation is benefited in terms of the promotion of the business goals and the objectives.
All the constituents that affect the business operations are considered to be part of the
working (Hickson and Pugh, 2014).
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TUI:
TUI is considered to be a leading brand in the tourism industry of the United Kingdom. The
contingency approach is followed in the working of TUI. This is an approach which mainly
focuses on the needs regarding the flexibility and the adoption of the administration practices.
For example, if employees face certain problems in the working environment then the
management of the company is adapted to change the circumstances as per the situation of
the business. The management style which is used in by the management is Consultative. As
per this is Consultative management style. As per this style, the managers and the supervisors
involved are forecasting the activities and offer the training practices as per the requirements
of the customers. Herein the management involved collects the information from the staff
personnel and consider their views and formulate the plan accordingly. This is also
considered to be an analysis which helps in meeting the needs of the customers
(D’Innocenzo, et. al., 2016).
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1.2 Discuss leadership characteristics
Leaders are considered to be a significant element which helps in directing the management
functions. Leaders are considered to be a responsible person who helps in the growth and the
management of the workforce and the organisational goals.
Thomas Cook: The style which is used in the business of Thomas Cook is autocratic
leadership styles. This style is practised in the functioning of travel sector as this helps in the
development of the decisions without any interference involved. In other words, the decisions
making is not affected and also the control lies in the hands of the employees. This form of
leadership is practised in the organisation (Pinder, 2014). The leaders act as an engine that
helps in driving the individuals under the command. For example, the management involved
in the Thomas Cook is provided with the powers to take the decisions as per the matters. This
helps the management take the decisions in the minimal time period. Further, this
organisation also uses the participative leadership approach when there is required to make
the variations in the working environment. This form helps the employees to adapt to the
changes (Johnson, 2018).
TUI: In the case of TUI the leadership style which is followed considers the transactional
leadership. This form of leadership helps in the enhancing the management procedure and
also helps in improving the decision making procedure. Further various forms of the
motivational concepts are also used in by the TUI to enhance the working performance of the
employees and also to fulfil the customer requirements. In certain situation, the organisation
also uses the democratic leadership approach. In this approach, there is involved a high
degree of the participation among the workforces (Cornelissen and Cornelissen, 2017).
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1.3 Evaluate communication processes in selected businesses
Communication is considered to be an important element used in the tourism business.
Communication helps in maintaining the effective flow of services and also helps in planning
the activities effectively. This also benefits the organisation in terms of the adoption of the
various trends and activities. The communication process helps in the collection of the
customer feedbacks which helps in changing the services as per the needs of the customers. It
is analysed from the research that the top management involved in the functioning of Thomas
Cook uses certain methods of the communication. These are provided thereunder:
E-mail: In the case of Thomas Cook the e-mail is considered to be one of the methods used
in the communication process. This is considered to be a suitable method which is used by
the Thomas Cook to share the guidelines and the activities of the staff members. It is a part of
upward communication method that has a positive influence on the working of the business.
This helps in the management to offer the specific details regarding the plans for the tour
packages or any other details related to the customers (Johnston and Marshall, 2016).
Meeting: Meeting is also considered to be a method which helps in the development and
maintenance of the interactions with the staff personnels. The meeting is considered to be a
part of a formal communication process which proves to be effective in terms of developing
the real-time reactions of the staff personnel’s. This method proves to be significant to
develop the interaction with both the supervisors and the managers.
The methods of communication which are used by TUI group are provided thereunder:
Internal communication: In this, the key participants involved in are upper-level managers,
line managers, etc. In this method, all the employees are given chance to participate in the
decision making procedure involved in the organisation. The flow of information in the
organisation is also very appropriate which helps in the management of the activities in an
effective form. Further, the methods which are used in by the organisations cover the use of
posters, weekly briefing, etc. (Wright, 2016).
External communication: The official website formulated by the TUI group helps in the
development of communication with the key stakeholders. Hence its official websites help in
linking all the outside employees in the organisation.
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Barriers to effective communication
There are involved certain barriers in the communication process used in by the
organisations. These are related to differences involved in terms of perceptions, language, etc.
One of the main problems is related to the effectiveness in terms of the perceptions by the
individuals in relation to the workplace environment and the compatibility. These issues
develop the problems in the organisation. Hence organisations should consider formulating
the plans taking into consideration all the standards and the values related to the employees
(Peters, 2015). The effective solution of the barriers helps in the organisation to grow
effectively.
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1.4 Analyse organisational culture and change in selected businesses
Thomas Cook offers a variety of services to the customers as per their need and the wants.
The hierarchical structure is used in the business undertaking to allocate the resources and
collect the feedback from the customers. In the case of Thomas Cook Group and TUI, the
culture of the business is based on the demographic locations and the customer’s targeted
which ultimately aids towards the attraction. In the case of Thomas Cook, the senior staffs
appointed provide the support and guidelines to work collectively. The development of
motivation in the organisation helps in the development of the effective environment in its
working. For example, in Thomas Group the motivation factors help the employees to work
harder and serve the customers as per their needs and the demands. Hence the effective
relationships, coordination and the smooth workflow help in maintaining the effective culture
in the Thomas Cook Group (Hickson and Pugh, 2014).
In the case of TUI group, the flat organisational culture is followed which helps in the
bringing all the employees in the development of healthy relationships wherein the
employees are given freedom to work and make decisions. The employees working in the
TUI group are encouraged and provided training to develop the good and effective relations
with the customers rather than competing with each other. In other words, the common goal
of the organisation should be taken into consideration by all the employees involved in the
working environment. This organisational environment is developed in the working of the
organisation as the demands of the customers are increased constantly. Hence the focus of the
organisation is on the delivering the quality services to customers to increase their level of
satisfaction (Cameron and Green, 2015).
Conclusion
It is concluded from the above report that the factors such as culture and the communication
help in the development of effectiveness in the working of the organisation. The differences
in the functioning also develop the effectiveness in terms of the concepts used and essential
in the organisation.
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Task 2
Introduction
This report is prepared as an assistant manager working in the Clayton Crown Hotel London
wherein the management skills performances are analysed. All these are analysed in terms of
their strength, weakness, opportunities and the threats involved. The effectiveness in terms of
the objectives and the targets are provided.
2.1 Assess own management skills performance
The skills present in the manager helps in the smooth flow of work-related practices. The
effective evaluation of the skills helps in the development of understanding regarding the
roles which are provided thereunder:
Leadership skills: The presence of the leadership skills in me helps in the effective
management of the workplace. I have been working in the hotel group wherein it is analysed
by me that the effective skills are present in me which helps me in the managing the
workplace environment and practices. It also helps in the development of efficiency among
me regarding the working environment which helps me in the
Personal skills: The personal skills also play a key role in the organisational growth and
development. The interpersonal skills present in me are very strong as I am connected with
the employees around me. The nature possessed by me is such which is very coordinative and
helping which allows the individuals to share their feelings and problems with me. This skill
helps me in my role as a manager. The communication skills present in me helps in the
development of customer’s satisfaction by solving their queries.
Organisation and planning skills: I plan tasks in advance which help me in the organisation
of all the work on time. The planning made by me in the development of schedules helps me
in the long run. This also helps me in managing my work on time with the minimal wastage
of resources.
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2.2 Analyse personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
The various skills and capabilities present in me help in the effective management of the
workforce. All the factors that help me in my role as a manager are provided thereunder:
Strengths: The developed communication and coordination is one of my main strength
which helps me in the organisation of all the work in time. With the help of coordination
maintained with the employees, I understand their problems and the needs and manage their
work accordingly. I also possess the quality of learning which helps me in the development of
confidence. The learning helps me in dealing with the several problems that are part of the
organisation and handling them accordingly. The other strength which is possessed in me
helps to handle the situation and issues accordingly.
Weakness: One of my weaknesses is perfection which I demand in almost every employee.
The work and the duties performed by the employees in the organisation even if it is correct I
desire to make it more perfect which develops the problems for me in terms of extra pressure
and the struggle. The other weakness which is present in me is regarding my nature,
impatience attitude.
Opportunities: The biggest opportunity for me is to enhance my knowledge and
understanding to that level which helps me in promoting to the higher role. Further, the
education in the related fields and the courses attended also acts as an opportunity for me to
work in the more productive environment. The manager’s role also helps me in the
development and the analysis of the current situation.
Threats: The corporate world and the continuous changes has become a threat to the
corporate environment. The increased competition develops the issues for me regarding my
role being performed as a manager.
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2.3 Set and prioritise objectives and targets to develop own potential
It is analysed by me that the skills which are lacking in me need to be improved by me with
the help of various methods. The experience derived from the various situations helps me in
the solution of the issues and also helps in the development of standards which helps me in
the future. The learning and managerial skills need to be improved by me to assure that no
such related problems occur with me in the future. There are set some of the objectives for
me which I need to attain. These are related to completion of the work on time with the
minimal wastage of resources. I also need to attain some of the training sessions which help
me in improving that weakness in which I am lacking.
Conclusion
It is concluded from the above report that the effective analysis of the competencies helps in
the development and growth of individuals.
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Task 3
Introduction
In the management report provided below the discussion has been presented on the various
skills and capabilities that are required to be acquired by a manager of a restaurant. The
report has been developed keeping in mind the restaurant industry of UK. It should be noted
that the company chosen from the report is Frankie’s and Benny’s restaurant which is an
emerging business and brand of The Restaurant Group PLC.
Image source: Tripadvisor.com (2018)
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3.1 Lead and motivate a team to achieve an agreed goal or objective
As per the scenario, I am working for Frankie’s and Benny’s restaurant and have been
assigned the task to lead the restaurant and manage the same in an effective and efficient
manner. It should be noted that in order to do the same, I have to keep the team motivated
and satisfied such that enhanced performance of the employees can be ensured and they may
contribute to their fullest potential in order to achieve their personal as well as organisational
goals. Apart from this, it will also help me in ensuring that the quality of services that are
being maintained are at optimum levels and the customers of the company are satisfied (Levi,
2015). In order to ensure the completion of these goals it is required by the manager i.e. me to
build the team and motivate them which have been explained below:
 Motivation: In order to boost the performance of the employee, motivating them is
necessary or which it is essential to effectively and efficiently understand their needs.
In order to do the same, the Maslow’s Hierarchy Model would be considered by me
and followed such that various needs of the employees are recognised and fulfilled
(Robertson, 2016). According to Horng et. al., (2016), the major strategic advantage
that would be received with the implementation of this theory is that it will enable the
manager of the company to make required decisions regarding the salary, position,
safety and development of the employees. This will not only help in increasing their
productivity in professional and personal levels. Apart from this in order to motivate
the employees and boost their morale another technique that would be used by the
manager of the company would be of performance appraisal and rewards (Horng et.
al., 2016).
 Team building: In order to ensure the success of the team and the organisation it is
required that the team that is working in the company should be competent and
knowledgeable. This helps the company to get a competitive edge in the market and
also helps the team to effectively perform the tasks in accordance with the
benchmarked standards. This also helps the members of the team to effectively
analyse their roles and responsibilities such that they may contribute even more to the
development of the company and helps the organisation to achieve the goals. in order
to build an effective team for the working of the restaurant, the manager of the
company is required to focus on three essential constraints of an individual i.e. skills,
knowledge and experience of the workers in the relative industry. This will helps in
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ensuring optimum development and delivery of the services and products that are
offered by the restaurant (Guo & Sun, 2016).
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3.2 Justify managerial decisions made to support achievement of agreed goal or
objective and recommendations for improvements.
The various forms of decisions play a key role in the development of the effective procedure
and functioning. The key decisions which are required to be made by me in managing the
services offered by the hotel are provided thereunder
Strategic planning:
The effective implementation of the plan helps in the management of operational activities. In
this effective planning and the assignment of the roles are performed by me. The past
activities are analysed and the issues are identified. I will consider all the factors and make
the decision accordingly. I will also undertake the reviews from the consumers to make any
form of decisions regarding the services performed by the hotel.
Building of relationships:
The effective relations maintained among the staff and the management plays a key role in
the terms of the communication and also to complete the tasks in minimal time. In this
regard, the work is managed with the help of conducting the meetings with the team
members. The meetings conducted help me in the analysis of the behaviour of the team
members (Armstrong and Taylor, 2014).
Recommendation:
It is recommended that Frankie’s and Benny’s restaurant should focus on the needs of the
consumers and the training should be offered to the staff personnel’s. It is analysed that the
working environment in the organisations is good but there are involved the lack of control
and the delegation of authorities. Hence the feedback collected helps in the identification of
the issues and formulate the plans accordingly.
Conclusion
It is concluded from the report that the effective framework and the activities are considered
in order to manage the operational plans and the acts.
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Task 4
In the management report provided below the author has focused on the development of the
essential concepts such that the managerial capabilities of the individual can be increased.
The focus of the report has been kept on the required abilities which are important for the
purpose of professional and personal development. The report has been presented to the
manager working in Clayton Crown Hotel London.
Image source: Tripadvisor.co.uk
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4.1 Explain how own managerial and personal skills will support career development
In order to build the career in the industry of travel, tourism and hospitality, it is required by
the individuals to have a certain set of skills that can help them in developing in the industry.
In order to grow in an organisation like Clayton Crown Hotel, it is required that the assistant
manager should possess some certain skills which can help them to contribute in the
development of the organisation and get recognised by the top level management. These
skills have been explained below as follows:
 Effective communication: It has been analysed that in order to work in the industry
of travel and tourism, a manager is required to possess good communication skills
such that they may be able to make effective interaction with the customers in an
enhanced manner. With self-evaluation, the manager has recognised that he has a
good command of the verbal and non-verbal communication. This could be further
improved such that relations at the intrapersonal levels with the employees of the
company can be satisfactorily maintained (Bolden, 2016).
 Leadership: In order to gain an effective position in the company it is required that
the manager of the company should have leadership skills such that he is able to lead
and direct the efforts of the employees towards the completion of the organisational
goals. It has been identified from self-evaluation and monitoring that the manager of
the restaurant has effective skills of leadership as he is able to lead the team and
manage the project which was assigned to him. The completion of the same was also
ensured on time. Effective skills of leadership also help the manager the company to
control the human and material resources in an effective and efficient manner
(Bolden, 2016).
 Time management: In order to develop the career not only on professional levels but
personal levels too, the skill of festive management of time is critical and should be
possessed by the individual. It has been analysed that Clayton Crown Hotel group of
hotel is very particular about the timely delivery of product and services such that the
satisfaction of the consumers can be ensured. From the self-analysis and evaluation, it
has been identified that the tasks that were assigned to the assistant manager of the
company were festively and efficiently completed within the required time limit
which reflects that the skill of effective time management is possessed by the manager
of the company. it should be noted that in some cases, there was lag and delay in the
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delivery of services which helps in identification of the fact that there is still scope of
improvement in the area of time management (Cottrell, 2015).
 Adaptability: The industry of travel and tourism is dynamic in nature and with the
globalisation which is increasing in a rapid manner, it is essential by the manager of
the company to ensure that he is adaptable to the constantly changing environment
such that they can harness the potential opportunities in order to explore the
opportunities. Apart from this, these set of skills will also help the manager to get in
accordance with the updated set of roles and responsibilities that are required to
develop in the industry. It should be noted that these skills help in encouragement of
learning which is required to grow and develop in the industry of travel and tourism
(Cottrell, 2015).
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4.2 Review career and personal development needs, current performance and future
needs to produce a development plan
In order to develop in the industry of travel and tourism, it has already been identified in the
former segment of the report that there are a certain set of skills which are required to be
possessed by the manager of the company. In this segment of the report, there is a critically
evaluated personal development plan has been presented which will not only help the
manager to improve their skills and grow in the industry but will also help to develop in the
personal aspects too. It has been identified from the personal evaluation that th9ough there
are some distinctive set of skills which are possessed by the manager of the company there
are still certain areas which would require development (Friedman, 2017). In order to develop
and ensure success in the future, the development plan provided below would be followed in
an effective manner.
Development Plan
Objectives Timeframe (Months) Actions/ Description
Team building
skills
1 month In this task, the major challenge would be to
find the competent personnel and train and
develop them such that they may be effectively
able to contribute their fullest towards the
achievement of the organisational goals.
Communication 2 months I this task the major area of focus would be to
develop the strategies and apply them such that
verbal and non-verbal communication can be
enhanced.
Leadership 3 months In order to develop the leadership skills such
that the efforts of the employees can be
directed towards the achievement of
organisational goals the manager of the
company would take lessons from the leaders
in the industry and will also read online articles
available
Time 1 month In order to ensure effective management of
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management time, it is required that the manager should join
courses and take a critical review of the
activities in the past.
Issue
management
1 month To help develop the issue management skills I
will undertake a critical review of the
management theories and principles and apply
them wherever possible to solve the issues and
contingencies that may arise.
Gantt
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Conclusion
Thus form the management report provided above, it can be concluded that in order to
develop in the industry of travel and tourism an individual must possess some critical skills
which would not only help them in increasing their productivity but will also give them
various opportunities to grow in the filed in terms of job role and position.
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Conclusion
Thus form the management report provided above it can be concluded that it is the
responsibility of the developing manager of the company to control and implement the
operations in such a manner that personal development along with the growth of the
organisation can be ensured in an effective and efficient manner. The report that has been
presented above is inclusive of various essentials and leadership theories that are required to
be embedded by the individual such that they may be effectively able to develop in the
industry.
It has also been analysed that when the development of the individuals is being considered
one of the main area of focus is the motivation of the employees. the motivation can not only
help employees in increasing their job loyalty and satisfaction but can also help in
maintaining strong interpersonal relationships which can help in including positivity in the
environment of the company. It is required that the decisions that are being made by the
manager are justified and align with the objectives of the company along with the
requirements of the employees. In the end, the report has presented a development plan which
can be considered by the manager in order to increase their technical and managerial skills.
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