Effective Team Leadership and Communication

This assignment details the experience of managing a group event, where the author takes on a leadership role. The author emphasizes the importance of effective communication, patience, and conflict resolution skills in leading a successful team. The assignment highlights the ability to work with team members, prioritize tasks, and manage conflicts in a professional manner.

Spring 18
Professional Skills Portfolio
(PRSK4048)
Name: Student Number:
Lecturer Name:
Tutor Name:
Presentation Group Members (GM):
GM1 GM2
GM3 GM4
GM5 GM6
This is your Professional Skills Portfolio. Please save a copy on your computer
and back it up regularly (e.g. by saving it on your computer / in the cloud (e.g.
Google Drive) / emailing it to yourself). You will receive a printed copy which
you should bring to all lectures and tutorials. However, at the end of the
course, you need to submit a completed electronic copy via Turnitin. Please
refer to suggested word counts for each task included within this portfolio.
1
Assessed Learning Outcomes:
1. Understand and have knowledge of professional skills and continual
awareness in a business environment.
2. Use appropriate technologies to facilitate the completion of
self-analysis/reflection.
3. To reflect, analyse and discuss strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities
personally and academically.
4. Understand, improve and reflect upon their own personal strengths in
relation to the professional environment.

Table of Contents Pag
e
Learning
outcomes
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence
(These tasks will often be drafted in class and are designed to inform the written
task in section 2.
Suggested word counts are included in brackets.)
The Long-Term Vision (200 words) 3 LO2, LO3
Potential Roles and their Suitability (300
words)
4 LO2, LO3
Belbin Test (150 words) 5-8 LO2, LO3
Cross-cultural awareness/negotiating (150
words)
9 LO1, LO3
Participating in Meetings (400 words) 10 LO1, LO2, LO3
Preparing an Action Plan (100 words) 11 LO1, LO2
Resolving Problems and Conflict (300 words) 12 LO1, LO2
Ethical awareness (100 words) 13 LO2, LO3, LO4
Presentation Plan (100 words) 14 LO1, LO2
Post-Presentation Reflection (350 words) 15 LO2, LO3, LO4
360 Degree Review (150 words) 16-17 LO1, LO3
Professional Development Plan (PDP) (150
words)
18 LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Section 2: Written Tasks
(These tasks should be developed throughout the semester but completed in
weeks 9-11.)
Task 1: Professional Skills In Action (600
words)
19 LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Task 2: Your Professional Skills (600 words) 19 LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Total Word Count: 1,200 (written tasks) + 2,400 (portfolio evidence) =
3,600 words (+/- 10%)
2

Track your progress by ticking off each task as you complete it.
All tasks must be completed individually, except for the ‘Action Plan’
(week 5) and ‘Presentation Plan’ (week 8) which should be completed in
collaboration with your other group members.
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence
Portfolio Evidence [Week 1] The Long-term vision
When discussing the types of roles you would like to apply for, it is useful to
consider how these might fit in with your long-term vision. Imagine yourself
travelling approximately 5 or 10 years into the future. This activity is not about
laying down a rigid plan but to help you gain a sense of the type of life you want,
so you can make the right kinds of choices to achieve it (200 words).
3

Activity: The Long-term vision
Five/ten years from now, I see myself...
Aspect Write your own vision of this aspect
below
On a scale of 1-10 how
important is it to you?
I consider the most important
things in my life to be…
To be oriented by the family and team that
would provide me enormous supports
throughout my struggles.
10
Living in which part of the
world and in what kind of
place?
In my home country, in a part where the
dynamic learning scenario would be
present.
The pleasant weather and moderate
climate would be preferable.
8
Working for myself? Working
for a large company? Working
for a small company?
I would like to work for a larger company
in next five years with a diverse team
support and leading them for the
upcoming projects.
9
Doing what kind of work?
Routine? Challenging?
In an office? In the field?
I am ready to work both in an office and in
the field by considering the difficulty
level. The challenging atmosphere would
always help me to grow more.
8
4

With what kind of work/life
balance (consider hours of
work/stress levels)?
30 hours in a week would be much
feasible for me. The rest of the time I
would like to invest on my personal
interests.
9
Taking a lead? Taking
responsibility? Working
individually? Part of a team?
In next few years I want to take the lead
and take the responsibility as well.
9
Working with colleagues who
are… artistic? intellectual?
practical? caring? competitive?
I would like to work with the colleagues
who are artistic, practical and competitive
enough to work in a dynamic scenario.
8
I enjoy spending my time
outside work doing…
I enjoy spending my time outside work
with my family and friends and reading
books.
8
Other important aspects of my
vision of the future are…
I would like to travel all over the world
and learn about the culture. I would like to
9
5

explore places of wonders. I would also
want to be a part of social work
organisation to help people who are in
need.
Portfolio Evidence [Week 1] Potential roles and their suitability
Using one of the roles you discussed in your week 1 tutorial, complete the
following table below (use the following example to guide you; write 300 words):
EXAMPLE: My desired Role is: Retail Manager
Key Skills required My current experience in this skill
Effective Leadership
Skills
In my current job as a retail assistant, I have helped to
manage the store and train staff in the absence of my
manager. However, this is an area I need to gain more
experience and confidence in.
The ability to plan and
prioritise workloads
My experience at GSM has helped me develop these skills,
although there is a still a little room for improvement as I
need to start work on my assignments earlier.
How does this role match my long term vision?
Advantages Disadvantages
I think I would enjoy the fast-paced and
varied nature of the work and wouldn’t
mind taking responsibility for different
areas of the business. ..(please continue)
Some retail manager positions may
involve working long hours and I would be
worried that I would not achieve a work-
life balance…..(please continue).
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My desired Role is: EVENTS CO - ORDINATOR.
Key Skills required My current experience in this skill –Use own words
Team work
As an event coordinator, I work under my manager and work with the
team. I coordinate with the team mates and plan the entire event. I
supervise the decoration, venue selection, and other necessary facilities
that are to be utilised in the event. I manage the people who will be
present in the event.
Good Leadership
A good leader needs to communicate with the team members and
develop the transparency that encourages them to share their concerns.
A good leadership always motivates others to perform in a better way
and develops the learning scenario for their personal and professional
growth. As an event coordinator, I supervise the event associates to
lead them systematically and make the event a successful one.
Good communication
In an event field, communication is necessary for a coordinator. I need
to communicate effectively to make them understand about their
responsibility and manage the entire event with a greater success.
Planning
An event coordinator needs to plan the event in a synchronised way.
An event coordinator plans the venue, decorators, food, audience, and
entire event. The structured planning helps in managing the entire
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event systematically.
Ability to work under
pressure
While working in a challenging and dynamic working scenario, I feel
pressurised sometimes. In next few years, I shall be more flexible
towards such challenges and I will be working under pressure.
How does this role match my long term vision? – Use own words
Advantages Disadvantages
A role of an event coordinator helps me in
meeting people from diverse background and
strengthens my communicational skills. In
future, I shall be able to lead people and work in
a dynamic situation. It would be helpful enough
for me to take the administrative position and
lead people in a better way. It would help me in
strengthening my knowledge to deal with the
dynamic environment and people.
The most disadvantage I might face in next few
years the higher level of the competitive
scenario. The business world is rapidly changing
and keeping pace with it, the customer demands
are changing as well. Hence, the more
competition in the field may create more
challenges. In fact, it would require more
knowledge in the administrative department,
which would be a bit difficult to gain in this
field.
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Portfolio Evidence [Week 2] Belbin test
Belbin (1996) outlines the different type of roles people may have within a team.
Complete the following questionnaire to identify your main role(s). You will
discuss the results in your week 2 tutorial. To complete the questionnaire:
1. Tick in the far left hand columns the one, two or three sentences most
applicable to yourself.
2. Then in the column on the right, share 10 points between those sentences
that apply to you: one of which you feel sums you up well while the other only
applies some of the time.
E.g. You could give your first choice seven points and three points to your second
choice. In some instances you might decide that there are two sentences which
apply to you equally – if this is the case, award five points to each.
SECTION A
When involved in a project with other people:
Tic
k
Points
1. I can be relied upon to see that work that needs to be
done is organised.
2. I pick up slips and omissions that others fail to notice.
3. I react strongly when meetings look like losing track of the
main objective.
4. I produce original suggestions.
5. I analyse other people’s ideas objectively, for both merits
and failings.
 2
6. I am keen to find out the latest ideas and developments.  5
7. I have an aptitude for organising people.
8. I am always ready to support good suggestions that help
to resolve a problem.
 3
SECTION B
In seeking satisfaction through my work:
Tic
k
Points
1. I like to have a strong influence on decisions.
2. I feel in my element where work requires a high degree of
attention and concentration.
 2
3. I am concerned to help colleagues with their problems.  3
4. I like to make critical discrimination between alternatives.
5. I tend to have a creative approach to problem solving.
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6. I enjoy reconciling different points of view.
7. I am more interested in practicalities than new ideas.
8. I particularly enjoy exploring different views and
techniques.
 5
SECTION C
When the team is trying to solve a particularly complex problem:
Tic
k
Points
1. I keep a watching eye on areas where difficulty may arise.
2. I explore ideas that may have a wider application than in
the immediate task.
 1
3. I like to weigh up and evaluate a range of suggestions
thoroughly before choosing.
4. I can co-ordinate and use productively other people’s
abilities and talents.
 6
5. I maintain a steady systematic approach, whatever the
pressures.
 3
6. I often produce a new approach to a long continuing
problem.
7. I am ready to make my personal views known in a forceful
way if necessary.
8. I am ready to help whenever I can.
SECTION D
In carrying out my day-to-day work:
Tic
k
Points
1. I am keen to see there is nothing vague about my task
and objectives.
2. I am not reluctant to emphasise my own point of view in
meetings.
3. I can work with all sorts of people provided that they have
got something worthwhile to contribute.
 2
4. I make a point of following up interesting ideas and/or
people.
 1
5. I can usually find the argument to refute unsound
propositions.
6. I tend to see patterns where others would see items as
unconnected.
7. Being busy gives me real satisfaction.
8. I have a quiet interest in getting to know people better.  7
SECTION E
10

If I am suddenly given a difficult task with limited time and unfamiliar
people:
Tic
k
Points
1. I often find my imagination frustrated by working in a
group.
2. I find my personal skill particularly appropriate in
achieving agreement.
3. My feelings seldom interfere with my judgment.
4. I strive to build up an effective structure.
5. I can work with people who vary widely in their personal
qualities and outlook.
6. I feel it is sometimes worth incurring some temporary
unpopularity if one is to succeed in getting one’s views
across in a group.
7. I usually know someone whose specialist knowledge is
particularly apt.
 3
8. I seem to develop a natural sense of urgency.  7
SECTION F
When suddenly asked to consider a new project:
Tic
k
Points
1. I start to look around for possible ideas and openings.
2. I am concerned to finish and perfect current work before I
start.
3. I approach the problem in a carefully analytical way.
4. I am able to assert myself to get other people involved if
necessary.
5. I am able to take an independent and innovative look at
most situations.
6. I am happy to take the lead when action is required.  7
7. I can respond positively to my colleagues and their
initiatives.
 3
8. I find it hard to give in a job where the goals are not
clearly defined.
SECTION G
In contributing to group projects in general:
Tic
k
Points
1. I think I have a talent for sorting out the concrete steps
that need to be taken given a broad brief.
2. My considered judgement may take time but is usually
near the mark.
3. A broad range of personal contacts is important to my
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style of working.
4. I have an eye for getting the details right.  3
5. I try to make my mark in group meetings.  1
6. I can see how ideas and techniques can be used in new
relationships.
 2
7. I see both sides of a problem and take a decision
acceptable to all.
 4
8. I get on well with other and work hard for the team.
Scoring Key for Self-Perception Inventory
1. Transfer your point’s allocation from the seven sections of the Self-Perception
Inventory to the appropriate boxes below. The pre-printed numbers in the grid
refer to the question numbers (QN) of each section. For example if for Section A
you scored seven points for question 6 and three points for question 1, you would
allocate them in the columns RI and IMP respectively.
SH CO PL RI ME IMP TW CF
Q
N
Q
N
Q
N
Q
N
Q
N
Q
N
Q
N
Q
N
A 3. 7. 4. 6. 5 5. 2 1. 8. 3 2.
B 1. 6. 5. 8. 5 4. 7. 3. 3 2. 2
C 7. 4. 6 6. 2. 1 3. 5. 3 8. 1.
D 2. 3. 2 6. 4. 1 5. 1. 8. 7 7.
E 6. 5. 1. 7. 3 3. 4. 2. 8. 7
F 6. 7 4. 5. 1. 3. 8. 7. 3 2.
G 5. 1 7. 4 6. 2 3. 2. 1. 8. 4. 3
Total 8 12 2 15 2 3 16 12
2. Once you have allocated all your points, total each column. The highest two
totals represent your primary and secondary preferred team roles.
3. After your tutorial, comment briefly on your primary and secondary team roles,
what they represent and to what extent you agree with the outcome, using
evidence of past experiences to support your position (150 words):
12
The evidence obtained from the Belbin’s Test, I have observed that my primary role is a Team
leader and the secondary role is a team mate. I shall reflect on some of the qualities that I need
to ensure while performing my responsibility.
As a team leader, my primary responsibility is to motivate my team mates and encourage them
to work in a challenging scenario as well. I prefer exploring new ideas and help my team mates
wherever they seek any help in performing their jobs. During the difficult scenario, I like to take
the lead and use my conscience to make an effective decision. In a group discussion, I
encourage others’ ideas and like to make the most use of it. I maintain a good communication
skill to develop a good coordination with my team mates.
My secondary role is a team mate, who also needs to be much responsible towards the work that
would be allocated to me. I need to maintain the good coordination with my teammates and
team lead. I should seek more learning opportunities for my personal and professional growth.

Portfolio Evidence [Week 3] Cross-cultural
awareness/negotiating
Negotiations are complex. One factor is how different cultures approach
negotiating when doing business internationally. In the following scenario, what
cultural misunderstandings could occur and what strategies can you undertake to
minimise those misunderstandings? Write two paragraphs (150 words).
Scenario:
Saudi Arabia is using its vast oil wealth to build $400bn of new infrastructure with
major rail, healthcare and construction projects. A British and Chinese company
have been awarded two of the largest contracts. They need to negotiate with
each other and the Saudis to plan some of the transport projects
It becomes difficult to develop a greater negotiation process when there are the considerable
challenges faced due to the language barrier. The above scenario is also quite complex since people
from different cultures and lingual background are participating in this negotiation process. The
major complexity may arise if the associated delegators fail to communicate in a proficient manner.
A Chinese negotiator has the tendency to discuss a matter in details whereas the British negotiator
beliefs in concise and short discussion. On the other hand, the Saudi Negotiators also like to focus
13

on the concise decision without making it too long. The rude approaches, reluctant in exploring the
information in details, or concept of misusing time may create the major misunderstanding in such
negotiation process.
The misunderstanding can be avoided if people expertise with the knowledge of diverse cultural and
lingual background would take participation in this negotiation process. The trained cross cultural
communicator can develop an effective communication while negotiating with the people from
other countries (Ribbink and Grimm 2014). On the other hand, making the necessary modification
in the rules subjected to the negotiation process would also be helpful in such regards.
14

15

Portfolio Evidence [Week 4] Participating in meetings
Evaluate your meeting in your tutorial from the perspective of both your group
and you as an individual (if you did not attend in week 4, please use one of the
follow-up meetings you will have in class to complete this section; write 350
words).
16

The Group
Outcomes
(What did you
achieve/decide?)
As per the scenario reflected in the group meeting, our group
appeared to be exploring more innovative and dynamic ideas for
completing the entire project. Almost 25 members were associated
in this group and they are skilled enough in various aspects.
Members thus were divided as per their expertise level.
Time Management
(How effective was your use
of the time?)
As per the prepared schedule, the meeting was started at the right
time. The schedule was checked prior to start the meeting for
enlisting the activities as per the urgency level. However, in some
of the cases, few of the discussion rounds were longer than the
scheduled timing.
Communication
(How well did you
communicate with each
other?)
The communication transparency was present in the meeting.
People were communicative and raised their questions whenever
they were in doubts. On the other hand, people even encouraged
others to present their ideas as well.
17

18

Dealing with Conflict
(How did you deal with any
disagreement?)
Few instance even highlighted some sort of disagreements,
especially when the decisions were about to finalize. The opposite
remarks developed more conflicting scenario to some extent.
Yourself
Participation
(How much did you participate
in the discussion?
I found myself quite participative in a group discussion. I like to
encourage the innovative ideas and present my standpoint as well
to make a fruitful decision. I am flexible towards listening to their
concerns and speaking out my ideas.
Contribution
(What ideas did you
contribute?)
I appreciate my contribution in this group discussion. Starting
from presenting my own point of view and justification and
encouraging others’ concerns to be delivered, I developed a
fruitful decision making scenario in this group discussion process.
I advised to make a synchronised work pattern to manage the
activities in a systematic way. I helped them to select the venue
and decorating the ambience for the event.
19

20

Communication
(How well did you explain
yourself and listen to others?)
I have strengthened grip over communicational attributes due to
which it was quite easier for me to explain myself on my
judgment. I am a good listener too that helped me to gather
knowledge from others; ideas as well.
Management of the Discussion
(How much did you help to
ensure the meeting was
productive?)
I created a systematic discussion period that focused on the
prioritised work activities. I even managed the conflicting
scenario by calming people who lost their control during the
disagreement.
Action Points
(what could you / your group do better in future meetings)
 Allocating the specific time for particular discussion agenda
 Taking more hands-on approach on resolving the emerging conflicts during discussion
 Making the concise approach towards the conflicting scenario
21

 Appreciating more practical and realistic views
22

Portfolio Evidence [Week 5] Preparing an Action Plan
Goal: Completion date:
Milestones (steps to be taken) By date By whom Evidence that milestone is completed Done
1
Preparation of the entire script of the discussion
topic
15th April
2018
Andrew Emailing the script as an evidence 
2
Making the necessary changes in the script
18th April Justin Editing the script and presenting in the group
meeting

3
Finalising the modified script
19th April Stevens Email to the group members 
4
Enlisting the name of the participants
21st April Sarah and
Tony
Emailing the names to the group members 
5 Arrangements of projectors, camera, speakers, and
microphones
23rd April Drake and
Drew
The pictures of the stage would be emailed to
the group members

6 Providing time for rehearsals 25th April Associated
members of
the group
The group leader would monitor this rehearsal 
7
Team meeting for the final discussion
27th April Leader and the
group
members
- 
8
Presentation Day
30th April Group
Members
Professors and the mentors would assess this
presentation

23

Prepare an action plan with your group which details the steps you will take to prepare your week 9 presentation/video/debate. Be
specific as to exactly what the task(s) of each group member is and decide how you will know the task has been completed (i.e.
will they email to the group/someone to check?) (100 words).
Portfolio Evidence [Week 6] Resolving problems and conflict
Identify difficulties you have encountered within your groups and comment on your actions and the outcomes in the
table below. Issues may include students not attending classes or responding to emails, disagreements within the
group, a lack of effort from some students or a tendency to dominate in others. Refer to theories/strategies covered in
your lecture in relation to these issues (300 words).
Activity: Resolving Problems and Conflict
Define problem The actions taken Positive outcomes for
myself
The effect upon other
people
Further action
needed
1 Emerging conflicts due to disagreements I spoke to the group
members to understand
their concern. I calmed
them down. I analysed
the better solution for
the scenario and
presented the better
solution
It helped me to making
myself knowledgeable
enough in terms of
developing my critical
analysing skills.
Moreover, I came
across the fruitful
strategies that would
help me in resolving
the future conflicts as
My decision helped
them to realise the best
solution for the
conflicting scenario
and they can even
resolve the similar
issues in future as well.
N/A
24

well.
2 Lack of adequate concentration and efforts The students who were
reluctant to provide
their effort on this
process were asked to
list up their
responsibilities.
Making changes to
their responsibilities
and dividing the tasks
as per their areas of
interests were much
fruitful to make the
students engaged.
I could develop my
knowledge on different
subjects that catch the
interests of the
associated students.
When I am looking
forward to become a
team leader, this
activity would
contribute to
strengthen my attribute
of understanding my
team mates and their
area of interests
When the tasks are
divided to the students
as per their interest
areas, it became easier
for them to complete
within a short span of
time. Moreover, they
received the
motivation as they had
to perform on their
forte.
Monitoring their work
progress and
motivating them to
perform better
25

Portfolio Evidence [Week 7] Ethical awareness
In a professional environment we are often faced with complex situations
revolving around ethical conduct. Decide on two ethical issues faced by you
during your teamwork and discuss them in terms of ethical awareness (100
words):
The ethical awareness is the integral part of a team performance. During the team meeting, some of
the team members were much disrespectful towards their associates whenever they faced any kind
of disagreement. This lack of respective gesture was completely against the team ethics. It was
necessary for the team mates to develop their understanding on the code of ethics associated of their
job specifications.
Lack of integrity was also a considerable ethical issue found in this group. It was noticed that some
of the group members were completely relied upon others and copying their presentation statement
instead of putting their efforts. This lack of honestly is against the ethics and it should be
eliminated.
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Portfolio Evidence [Week 8] Presentation Plan
1) Please provide an outline of your presentation/video here, in a format of your
choice. Include the main sections and content (be specific), a clear indication of
each person’s role and any anticipated problems. Bullet points / note form are
acceptable (100 words).
2) Provide screenshots of your presentation for evidence. If your presentation a
video this will be evidenced during your presentation and you are still required to
follow the step above.
PRESENT 6 SLIDE OF POWER POINT PRESENTATION (TOPIC: - MY PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT)
27
 Introduction of the presentation purpose by the team lead
 Explanation of the project agenda
 Introducing the participants
 Presenting the video related to the project
 Presenting the ethical concerns
Specifications of the Roles
 Stevens is the group leader who took the active participation in finalising the entire event
statement and resolving the conflicts. The team leader took the responsibility to divide the
task as per the expertise level and monitoring the outcome and the structured scheduled of
the event.
 Drake and Drew were responsible to check the technologies used in the presentation
process. They monitored the technologies and ensured there is no problem with the
projectors.
 Sarah and Tony have the greater communication and presentation skills. They took
participation in presenting the project.