Reflective Report and Career Portfolio

The report reflects on the experience and learning gathered and implemented on the real ground and explore my personal strength and shortcomings. The report documents my insights on handling different projects and handling the complex problems which frequent the project. My initially vulnerable moments from where I started to later transforming into an experienced and enthusiastic leader leading a team to undertake complex projects with ease.

Running head: REFLECTIVE REPORT AND CAREER PORTFOLIO
REFLECTIVE REPORT AND CAREER PORTFOLIO
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Executive Summary
The report reflects on the my transition from Project Manager to Project Director and my
insights on the skills I developed during the span of six years of my work experience. The report
also highlights the various aspects of my test results, my innate capacities in handling diverse
projects and my deficiencies. A detailed self-assessment and self-development report has been
depicted focusing on my strengths and weakness. The report discusses my abilities to as Project
Manager and Project director and pivotal role played by me in the different firms in which I have
worked. The report also analyzes the on the leadership skills I have nourished in the phase of
MY post-MBA career.

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Introduction
The report reflects on the experience and learning gathered and implemented on the real ground
and explore my personal strength and shortcomings. The report documents my insights on
handling different projects and handling the complex problems which frequent the project. My
initially vulnerable moments from where I started to later transforming into an experienced and
enthusiastic leader leading a team to undertake complex projects with ease. The report also
reflects on my personal strength built, self-development and improvisation in management of
different tasks. The study also explores the process of working the emotional intelligent in a real
life situation. It helped to be empathetic in sorting issues of the team members, enhance
synchronization in a team and develop mutual trusts and confidence within the team. It also
helped me to integrate the diverse management principles in undertaking different projects across
the globe. It is quintessential to understand the core principles as it is directly applicable in
ground reality while undertaking different projects domestic as well as international. I also learnt
that there will be diverse issues while undertaking any project but the strength lies in taking the
command proactively and easing the situation with utmost perfection. I have realized every
problem is an opportunity to excel and immense confidence among the team to handle the
situation. Nurturing a confidence among the team members is vital for the performance and
productivity.
Self-Assessment
I have been a proactive team member over six years of my career in which I have delivered many
international projects with exemplary success. Gaining knowledge and inculcating the discipline
to deliver the projects within the deadline has been my priority. My personal strength is built on

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the strong foundation of leadership skills which has refine and improved over a long period time.
My communication skills are now more articulate and expressive which has helped me to
synchronize the diverse task according to the expertise. Sorting issues with more ease has been
I have honed my caliber and skills in delivering international projects which comprised of
technical experts and consultants from across the globe. Time management and working under
pressure in a multitasking mode has been a crucial part of my work experience. I have applied
the strategic management skills various projects which have been delivered successfully.
Building long term relationships with customers and stake holders was integrated in my job
profile which has helped me to create confidence, trust and mutual understanding with the people
has helped him to improve my productivity and enhance my skills in handling the crisis more
articulately (Gupta 2013). My aim was to assess the requirement of the task adequately prior its
execution. Exploring my innate quality to handle work pressure has come as a surprise to me as
now I can work with ease and confidence. I have gained enough confidence to handle the tasks
systematically and prompt action plan in the respective project. Being a project manager, I have
dealt with complex and emergency situations which has been frequently popped during the
execution of the projects. Working in the dynamic environment has enabled me to work with
utter confidence and deploy my learning in the ground realities. The concepts of risk
management has been beneficial to tackle the tough situations in managing diverse projects. The
challenging situations cropped during the project has enabled me to become more alert in vetting
and planning the project systematically and fix the loopholes in a multipronged approach.
Collaborative approach with expertise, managing the team and guiding the specialists in the right
direction according to the need of the project has been pivotal to my work. There were times
where I had to push my limits and combat the difficulties which has additional experience in my

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handing the issues more promptly. I learned to tackle problems more efficiently and coordinate
work by assigning and distributing the workload according to the respective specialization.
Further, this has enabled me to lead a team efficiently and simultaneously overachieve the target.
The test results describes versatility I handling work pressure, my learning process which was
impeccable and my versatility in tacking various project grew manifold. Gradually, I was able to
empower myself as well as my peers and develop bond with my colleagues’ quite well which I
lead to execute projects successfully. My leadership qualities has been excellent as I was able to
inculcate a vision of the projects right from the inception of the project. I believe that the key
behind my successful handling diverse projects was the prior planning, correct evaluation of the
plan, making a realistic plan and following a basic principle- the survival of the fittest. I have
scored 65% on extraverted quality, while my thinking ability has hovered only at 56%. While I
am 61% assertive yet my judgment and observant quality ranged over at 60 percent. One of the
quintessential element before undertaking any project work is to analyze the capabilities of the
team members so as to choose the most appropriate member for a given task. This effort has
brought a greater ease in allocating the task thereby ensuring the task is completed not only in
the assigned deadline but a quality work is ensured.
Communication is the essence of successful execution of any project which can be
achieved through mutual understanding of the project (Harding 2017). Communication aids in
catching the nerve of any task as it essential to understand the immediate requirement of task and
its long term objectives. This understanding builds only if there is smooth communication and
understanding among all the members of the project. My test results have highlighted that
infusing enthusiasm in the team leaders to work with zeal and vigor, motivating to improve and
enhance productivity was one of the foremost role played by me. I had learned to strategically

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manage the tasks and sort issues regarding the project promptly. Completing a project helps me
to understand my personal shortcomings, loopholes in execution and analyzing the whole project
through self-assessment. This has helped me not to repeat the same in my next project further.
Managing the budget and maintaining the customer satisfaction was the two fundamental factors
determining the success of the any project. I have also realized importance of ethics and
principles should be the foundation of the project so as to ensure the integrity and prestige of the
project. Working ethically despite crisis, financial management, risk management, tackling
various issues has enhanced my ability to lead the team in the right direction and handle
emergency situations with ease. Delegation of the right responsibility has helped me to ensure
better participation and inspire the team consistently. Building a competent team and assuring
calm and composure in stress situation has helped me to restore confidence in unstable situations
(Goleman, Boyatzis and McKee 2013). Often due to immense work pressure the team members
falter, and in such a situation it becomes the duty of the project manager to build confidence and
instill right spirit in the team as a whole. The test has reflected my specialization in my domain
and how consistent I am in my work. It also highlights my special alertness and concern on the
instructions before starting any task. It has evenly explored my duty towards my work which
says I am practical, trustworthy and dedicated to preserving traditional values. My preference to
live life in a structured and organized manner and work within established guidelines on tasks
requiring detail and routine implementation has been mentioned which has been my immense
strength. Following necessary systems and procedures has been my priority yet what I lack is the
impatient behavior with others. The report highlights my compassionate, sympathetic,
understanding and sensitive to the feelings of others. My ability at providing essential customer
support and service has been a key factor which is highlighted in my tests results.

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Self-development
I joined Emerson Process System and solutions in November as a project manager and
responsible for delivery portfolio of complex implementation and consulting projects with total
budget up to $5 million in Chemical, Refining and M & M industries during the entire life cycle
and within given constraints. During the long span of my work experience I have understood that
in the current market scenario, the historical models signifying the autocratic style of leadership
has been defied in today’s world. A leader encourages cohesion through consultation process and
facilitates democracy and independent voice guiding all towards a single path or goal. It is
essential to establish a mutual understanding within a group for ironing out the issues more
promptly. This can be done only when a leader forgoes its egoistic sight of being superior rather
remain grounded to encourage the members and channelize the energy of the individuals to
achieve a definite target (Greenberg 2014). This target or goal must be envisioned in the
conscience of the members which will enhance their productivity. It is true that a leader ensures
the member to dream towards a goal to reach a certain point of career where one can feel the
brimming joy and satisfaction of achieving one’s dream. Despite hurdles and challenges, the
foremost tactic is to face the turbulent time through building an emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to manage one’s emotion as well as emotions of other
members of the group empathetically (Bolman and Deal 2017). This enables to develop a trust
and inculcate an understanding of one’s emotion which can possibly impede the productivity.
This emotions can be anxiety, nervousness, fear or any kind of early jitters which often
encounters one while executing an important task. The decision making process was another
challenging task to undertake after proper vetting of the project and assignment, where each
component requires in depth study of the issue, gauge the repercussions, adapt to creative

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solutions and finally break the ice by taking a well informed decisions (Birasnav 2014).
However, the whole process was not done single handedly but through a team work and effort
which shared their ideas and assessment, insights on vital issues and managing though
cooperation and collaboration. The perfect amalgamation of the effort shine on the successful
completion of a particular task. A right mix of the effort of each individual is required in order to
achieve a pre-determined target.
A SWOT Analysis has helped at every stage to understand the essence of the project
make relevant strategies, control the budget and manage the finances in the right manner (Baker
2014). It has helped me to correctly complete the vetting process, plan out the whole project on a
strong foundation. Arranging meetings with the project teams, updating and monitoring of the
potent risks, managing the risks of the project accordingly and finally publish reports to the
inform the customers and key stakeholders demand a correct risk management and strategic
management which can be achieved by integrating the task with the core principles of
management. However, working in the real world was worth living an experience where each
day is a challenge to overcome and every day one has wake up to follow the plan and meet the
short term goals in a predefined period. This can be done with the right spirit which must be
synchronized in the team. While leadership is essential for the employees to adhere to their
organizational objectives it is equally important to facilitate and nurture future leaders to find
right pathways for the employees who can look up to their seniors. Every task revolves not only
around inner satisfaction which is felt after completion or management of the issue but also to
fulfill the demands of the customers and key stakeholders. Customer satisfaction is the nucleus
of any project and building a robust feedback mechanism to ensure the issues are sorted
accordingly to meet the needs of the stakeholders and customers (Stone & Stone 2013). A leader

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should always keep beware that a single bad decision can be fatal not only for the organization
but also for the employees. He should be mindful of the fact that his subordinates should not be
the victim of the bad decision.
As a project manager in Honeywell process solution, Moscow, project manager and
system manager, which exposed me to work in a new environment and take diverse role in
undertaking different tasks. I learned a constructive process to solve any issue, proactively
managing the tasks and building effective communication with the stakeholders. The results
reflects on structuring information and systematically the completing the project is inherent
quality of effective management. This enabled me to take capture and learn new things more
promptly. Coaching and mentoring the individuals enabled me to regain the confidence to work
in a new environment. Multitasking was a quintessential part of my work which helped me to
undertake handle the work pressure with ease. Over a short span of time I was able to integrate
the PESTLE Analysis in different international projects (Černe, Jaklič and Škerlavaj 2013). I was
able to translate the desires of my clients into objective goals through Pestle analysis as it helped
me to understand the external business environment and undertake feasibility analysis more
adequately. Porter’s five force model aided in better understanding of the competitors,
bargaining power of customers and suppliers and further easing the decision making process.
Threat of new entrants and threat of substitutes are the determining factors which is used as
major concern while undertaking a project. Critically analyzing any situation is the crucial aspect
which must be executed with due care. This helps in prioritizing the tasks according to the needs
of the corporate strategy. This helps to inculcate the work culture and roll out the various tasks
easily (Bolden 2016). Encouraging the team members acts as a multiplying force on the
performance of the team members as it enthuses them to work with more vigor and zeal (Goetsch

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and Davis 2014). As a leader, I realized it is important to work in synchronization in order to
achieve the targets flawlessly.
Conclusion
The report is a critical analysis of my profound experiences and insights on the issues which I
tackled with exemplary courage which has enabled me to explore my abilities. This has given me
boost to my confidence and zeal to look forward for better career prospects. Solving difficult
problems and take a combating role in diverse circumstances has enabled me to do the tasks
efficiently. As a project manager, I was solely responsible for leading a team which has enabled
be to build team spirit, confidence, cooperation and coordination among different expertise.
Reflecting back on my career of six years has made me nostalgic and overwhelming to ponder
upon the work and share my experience. I might have faltered many times but I ensured to learn
from every mistake which I encountered in my short career. The sterling dedication displayed by
the team members under my leadership was extraordinary highlight of my leadership quality. I
discovered my versatility in handling tasks which required out of the box thinking. I realized I
have underestimated myself in the tests as working in the real world and doing a real job requires
a different spark altogether. Pragmatic thinking and approach has helped me to boost the
confidence of the team as a whole. The overall productivity of a team is also dependent on the
leadership role led by a project manager. The performance increases manifold when all the
members coordinate to work together in synchronization towards a definite goal.

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References
Harding, S. (2017). MBA management models. Routledge
Gupta, A. (2013). Environment & PEST analysis: an approach to external business
environment. International Journal of Modern Social Sciences, 2(1), 34-43.
Baker, M. J. (2014). Marketing strategy and management. Macmillan International Higher
Education.
Stone, R. J. and Stone, R. J. (2013). Managing human resources. John Wiley and Sons.
Antonakis, J. and Day, D.V. eds., 2017. The nature of leadership. Sage publications.
Birasnav, M., 2014. Knowledge management and organizational performance in the service
industry: The role of transformational leadership beyond the effects of transactional
leadership. Journal of Business Research, 67(8), pp.1622-1629.
Bolden, R., 2016. Leadership, management and organisational development. In Gower
handbook of leadership and management development (pp. 143-158). Routledge.
Bolman, L.G. and Deal, T.E., 2017. Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and
leadership. John Wiley & Sons.
Černe, M., Jaklič, M. and Škerlavaj, M., 2013. Authentic leadership, creativity, and
innovation: A multilevel perspective. Leadership, 9(1), pp.63-85.
Goetsch, D.L. and Davis, S.B., 2014. Quality management for organizational excellence.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: pearson.

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Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R.E. and McKee, A., 2013. Primal leadership: Unleashing the power
of emotional intelligence. Harvard Business Press.
Greenberg, J., 2014. Behavior in Organizations: Global Edition. Pearson Higher Ed.

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STRENGTH
Communication skills
Leadership skills
Time management
Observant
OPPORTUNITIES
Risk taking ability
Extraversion
Enthusiastic
.
WEAKNESS
Impatient
Thoughtful
Introversion
THREATS
Underestimation
Anxious
Nervousness
Appendix