Developing Personal and Management Skills

This report covers the reflection on the management and leadership skills with the help of using reflection model and Personal development plan for effective management and leadership. The report also highlights the various transferable skills by applying the theory on the company and for this the chosen company is Sainsbury, that is the leading and second largest chain of supermarkets in United Kingdom.

DEVELOPING PERSONAL
AND MANAGEMENT
SKILLS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
REFLECT ON MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS..................................................3
Transferable skills............................................................................................................................9
Supportive Communication.........................................................................................................9
Motivation..................................................................................................................................10
Empowerment ...........................................................................................................................10
Conflict Management.................................................................................................................11
Team Effectiveness....................................................................................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Personal management skills is very important which results into increase in the
productivity of the company and also enhance the performance of the employees . It is very
necessary for the managers to have required skills and knowledge which helps in guiding and
directing the employees. The recruiters seek for the candidates who have effective management
skills which helps in managing the overall management effectively and make effective decisions
for the achieving the goals and objectives of the organization(Men, and Yue, 2019). The present
report covers the reflection on the management and leadership skills with the help of using
reflection model and Personal development plan for effective management and leadership. The
report also highlights the various transferable skills by applying the theory on the company and
for this the chosen company is Sainsbury, that is the leading and second largest chain of
supermarkets in United Kingdom. The company has expanded its operation in various countries
and is planning to expand its business in the international markets.
REFLECT ON MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Reflection is such a practice in which after performing certain task or set of tasks a
performer look back and figure out the areas where need of improvement is existing. Reflective
practise is a dynamic operation which ensure better performance of a person (Cui, Allan and Lin,
2019.)
Importance of reflection- for a manager or a leader it is reflection practice which helps to
improve the performance and hike the success in this competitive market. For so long it has been
seen that managers or leaders who keep evolving their self are those who ace higher success.
It reduces the possibilities to practice unhealthy practices which restricts the way of
success for a leader. By reflection a leader can develop its skills continuously which will help to
face drastic threats on the way (O'Neill, Johnson and Mandela, 2019.)

Also paves way for fabricating strong and higher performance team in the organization.
Further it improves confidence level of a manager which ultimately reflects in its personality and
make the employees abide his suggestions and guidance.
ROLF'S REFLECTION MODEL-
What?
I am a manager in Sainsbury organization (Cheng, 2021) where I am a branch manager
who is handling all the operations getting functioned in that particular branch. My role as a
manager is versatile, and I am performing a set of responsibility. Being a leader I am responsible
for the management of the branch.
I want to become a more influencing manager. Who can manage the area of jurisdiction
with higher efficiency and also want to expand my position in the organization for that purpose I
will have to be a better leader for the entity.
So what?
For a manager or a leader it is essential to get reformed for this purpose I also want to use
reflective model in order to support my notion of getting reformed. For building a high
performing organization a leader is hugely decides it. So for me by using reflection improving
myself is the must need (Holtham and Dove, 2018.)
SWOT analysis-
Strengths:
I do this things well-
 I am having smart skills to manage
man power in the organization.
 I have clear understanding of my
leadership duties (da Silveira
Cardoso, 2018)
Weaknesses:
Areas to improve:
 I am not much good at my
communication skills, it is personally
observed that in understanding human
behaviour I got failed.
 Motivational factors is not also much

 Professional competence is also at
par.
 The workforce is having good image
of mine which makes me dominating
in the organization.
 Understanding of the organization is
good along with good knowledge of
the market in which our organization
is getting operated (Reilly, 2018)
Unique resources-
 Having a good team which supports
all the time.
 Also, having better technological
support to perform my duty.
Others see-
 Specially the work force of the
organization, majority of them see
me as one of the best and cooperative
leader.
good some times, specially in adversity I
loose the confidence level (Mantell and
Scragg, 2018)
 Target setting is also not much good due
to poor time management skills.
 Having problem in interpersonal skills
since while interacting due to less
knowledge of the field face problem.
 Outsourcing challenges are also there
(Teoli, 2019)
Fewer resources-
 In the organization having less
management subordinates.
Other see-
 Some workers found my straight forward
nature a big weakness which restrict me
to be more indulged with the workers.
Opportunities-
 Performance of the competitors is not
much good.
 By extra skills can help in managing
supply chain related issue of our
organization.
 Can grab more market share by
better managerial practices.
Threats:
 In this drastically changing market
making managerial decisions may place
risk to the entity.
 Labour market is also getting fluctuated
which may be a risky thing for me to
manage labour requirement.
 Market is also not much stable since after
hit of pandemics the trends are shifting

Trends-
 The market trends are in favour for
such organization.
 By better management may drive
more customers to our company.
Turn strengths into opportunities-
 Can use smart and intelligent
workforce to deliver their best so can
satisfy our customers (Palomares,
2021)
 May use our strong position in the
market to position ourself better.
quickly so my planing may go wrong.
 Raising inflations may be another issue
for me to handle customer issues.
Competitors-
 Key competitors like- Tesco and
Morrison, they are drastically following
“Price leadership model” (Agyekum,
2020.) so can grab more market share.
 They are also using digitalize race to grab
the attention of digital media users.
Skills Audit-
Skills Typical Descriptors Skill level
(low to high)
Specific comments
Time
management
Some time while managing
my tasks in the organization
face problem to manage my
time for various activities.
1 2 3 4 5 Skills are not much good it can
be said average or more than
low but less than high,
So need to improve it.
Decision-
making
A range of tasks are
performed as a manager or a
leader so responsible to
make many decisions for the
branch which lies in my
1 2 3 4 5 With this regard I am good yet
may go for further
improvement since this is the
most prominent role of a
manager to make strong and

jurisdiction. advance decisions in order to
bring better to its organization.
Planning As a manager responsible for
planning various things for
the branch. Like day to day
operations, stock
management, stock order and
human resource as well.
1 2 3 4 5 Planning of mine is good
having better knowledge of
leadership helps to ensure
everything in order. In a few
cases may see failure of plan
due to uncertainty factor of the
market otherwise the skill is
good.
Motivation Average at motivating
myself but as above shared
that in adverse time I loose
the confidence level.
1 2 3 4 5 For a manager or a leader it is
essential to keep itself and its
workforce motivated but I
found myself poor with this
skill.
Communication
skills
Being a manager having
rigorous demand of
communication skills. Since
on daily basis having
responsibility to get
interacted with hundreds of
people.
1 2 3 4 5 Communication skills are not
satisfactory. Having problem in
interpersonal communication.
Specifically with such people
with whom I am not much
comfortable and aware of their
attitude.
Delegation To allot work or power of
making decision to the
subordinates is the chief act
performed by a leader.
1 2 3 4 5 Due to less number of
subordinates I generally
delegate authority to them so
without much interfere they
can work.
Now what-

For the purpose of improvement personal development plan will be drafted so can
address the areas which need to be improved, where all those areas which are found not on their
standards will be taken into consideration. For this purpose skills audit statement and SWOT
analysis in which personal weaknesses are figured out will be considered.
PDP table-
Objectives Strategies or activities Resources Evaluation Target date
Improving
communica
tion skills.
For this purpose will be
attending a workshop
conducted by an
institution so can learn
more about
interpersonal skills and
soft skills in order to
have better
communication.
For enrolment
need to pay 500
euros.
The institution
will be evaluating
performance on
regular basis via
zoom or such
online platforms.
30 days.
Hiking my
level of
motivation.
For being more
confidence will help
ultimately surging
motivation. For this
purpose will be going
for personality
development sessions.
These sessions
are free by the
institution from
where I am
signing up for
communication
workshop.
The same
institution will be
evaluating my
performance or
growth with this
regard.
30 days.
Improveme
nt in target
setting.
To improve my ability
of setting targets I will
be following strategy to
set up targets for small
segment of time so can
closely observe them.
For this purpose
no special
resources are
needed just
formation of
small aims to
The progress of
small-time will be
evaluated by
myself on daily
basis and monthly
basis.
15 days.

achieve bigger
one.
Time
manageme
nt
improveme
nt.
For the purpose will be
following every day
evaluation practise so
can trace where I am not
performing well and
how that should be
dealt.
For this purpose
nothing is
required just a
diary is needed or
may also use
online recording
tools.
I myself will be
overlooking
development of
the plan on
weekly basis.
2 months
Transferable skills
Supportive Communication
Supportive communication is defined as the interpersonal communication that helps an
employee to interact and communicate accurately in performing the routine activities in the
company and also in certain circumstances where quick decisions has to be made. It helps in
creating positive work environment and enhance the relationship between the managers and
employees such as addressing the problem and getting feedback which helps in improving the
performance of the employees.
With the help of supportive communication , managers can easily assist their
subordinates and solve their issues and problems which helps to build strong and effective
communication among the employer and employees(Joniaková, et.al, 2020). Various techniques
is used by the managers in order to maintain effective communication at the workplace. The
managers use techniques which helps in guidance by the managers when the employees feel
stress. The problems related to the communication have negative impact on the employees as
well as on the company. When there is lack or ineffective communication at the workplace also
affects the performance of the employees and also the productivity of the company. The other
issue not listening to the view points of others which sometimes results in to ineffective decision
by the company which can negatively impact the company.
For effective communication and interaction at all the departments of the organization Sainsbury
can adopt the “ Linear communication theory” in which every employee will follow the linear

communication approach which enable the subordinates to directly communicate with their
superiors. Sainsbury being the leading brands in UK has huge amount of workforce so many
times it is difficult for the managers to interact but with the help of this theory it helps in better
coordination and helps in resolving the issues with less wastage of time .
Motivation
Motivation is considered as an important factor which helps in improving the
performance of and individual and also in achieving their personal goals. It is a process that
initiates and guides and also maintains the goal oriented behaviour. It involves the emotional ,
social that helps and individual to drive to wards achieving the objectives of the company and
also in their personal development(Li, et.al, 2020). The motivation provided by the mangers
helps in building the performance of the employees by providing appraisals for the efforts they
have put in their work. The main feature of motivation is that is helps in building positive
environment at the workplace.
Management of the company sued various techniques to motivate the employees such as
providing the employees with financial incentives as it is considered as an indicator for the
success of the company. The manager also involve the employees and ask their suggestion in
the decision-making process which helps in encouraging so that they can share their ideas and
views that helps in building effective communication in the company(Lin, Li, and Lam, 2020).
The major arise in the lack of proper leadership structure will lead top confusion in the company
which can lead to ineffective decision of the company.
The best theory that Sainsbury can use is the Hertzberg two factor theory in order to
identify the two factors that id motivating and hygiene factors which act as a motivator and
helps in improving the performance of the employees within the company. It can be related to
job security , rewards, incentives , healthy working environment etc. By considering these
factors will helps in maintaining a positive environment which helps in motivating the
employees which can result into improvement in their performance and also increases the
productivity of the company.
Empowerment
Empowerment is defined as the providing the employees with the resources , authority
and motivation to perform their work. It refers to delegation of the authority from the superiors
to their subordinates and also involving them in the decision-making process. The benefit of

empowerment is that it gives a sense of ownership in the employees, and they work as per their
abilities in the achievement of the organizational objectives(Arefin, et.al, 2019.). With the help
of this method, the performance of the employees increases and also have the ability to present
their views in the decision-making process of the company.
Empowerment is considered as key to motivation at workplace as it give more
responsibility to the employees which helps in the personal development and also enable the
employees to take decisions for achieving the objectives of the company(Marin-Garcia, and
Bonavia, 2021). The managers of the Sainsbury faces various challenges regarding the
empowerments that is insufficient training that is when delegating the task to their subordinates
it requires skills that should be effective in order to perform that task in efficient manner and
lack of training to the employees will result into negative and inappropriate results which can
affect the profitability of the company. The other issue can be breakdown of the organizational
structure of the company.
The best suitable theory in this regard is the Kanter's theory which states that the
empowerment of the employees in any organization can be achieved through the application of
various methods and approaches such as providing them with necessary training, resources,
accessibility etc.
The management of the Sainsbury plays a very important role in empowering the employees of
the company. In many companies it is observed that due to lack of skilled and experience
workers the company is not able to achieve its goals so with the help of application of this theory
which helps in building the skills of the employees and build confidence . By working on their
skills they will be able to enhance their performance which will lead to increase in the
productivity of the company and also personal development of the workers.
Conflict Management
Conflict management refers to the practice of identifying the root cause of the problem
and managing the situation in effective manner. It can also be defined as the process of making
effective decisions in order to produce reasonable outcomes (Roy, et.al, 2022). It is the duty of
the managers to solve the disputes that arise within the organization. As Sainsbury operates at
large scale do it is normal to have conflicts do in that case it is the duty of the managers to find
effective ayes in order to manage the situation.

The importance of conflict management is that it helps in reducing the cost and also
enhances in better decision-making of the company. It also helps in retaining the top and
experienced employees and build effective communication in the workplace. In order to resolve
the conflicts that arise in the company, managers should focus on identifying the root cause of
the issue that is listening to the parties and take decision accordingly(Einarsen, et.al, 2018).
With the help of these techniques the managers listens to both the parties to conflict and then
take decisions. The major issues which leads to conflict at workplace is poor communication
among the workers or with the managers , unfavourable working environment and clash in the
opinions which creates problem in the company and results into conflicts in the company.
Thomas-Kilmann conflict Mode Instrument is a tool that is introduced to measure the
response and is used by the management of Sainsbury as due to vast employees belonging to
different culture and background and in order to resolve the conflict it is necessary for the
management to take effective measures to resolve the conflicts(Raines, 2019). In order to
manage this situation managers consider five elements such as Competing, collaborating,
compromising, avoiding , accommodating.
Team Effectiveness
Team effectiveness refers to the capacity of group of person or a team to accomplish the
goals and objectives with the application of the skills and experience they have. Every person in
a team possess different skills and knowledge which helps in effectively contributes in the
achievement of the goals and objectives of the organization(Lee, and Wong, 2019). In order to
achieve the objectives Sainsbury has delegated to their work among the respective teams as
every employee have their own skills and experience and the task is also assigned according to
their capability to accomplish.
It helps in building team work , better communication and also builds effective communication
channels and every team contributes effectively in the achievement of the organizational
objectives. The managers of the company sues various techniques such as delegating the work
effectively to every team , introduce open communication culture where every one share their
ideas and views. The issues faced during the team work id lack of trust, communication and
clash among the views which results in inappropriate decision of the company.

The Hackman model of team effectiveness which was developed in 2002 that highlights
the five conditions for effective teams and this is suitable model for the Sainsbury which will
help the company to build effective teams.
CONCLUSION
From the report above it can be concluded that reflections play great role in development
of a manager or leader. In the report own management and leadership practices have been
reflected on the basis of that skill audit was carried out and personal development plan was also
fabricated. In the report various transferable skills had been discussed with relevant theories in
order to apply them in Sainsbury so it helps to boost up performance of manager or leader.

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