Leadership and Management: Developing Manager's Report and Analysis

This report delves into the crucial role of developing managers in modern organizations, emphasizing their responsibilities in planning, organizing, staffing, and controlling company operations. The report compares different management styles, specifically focusing on the system and contingency approaches, and contrasting autocratic and democratic leadership styles within Thomas Cook and Saga Travels. It explores leadership characteristics, communication processes, and the impact of organizational culture and change. The analysis includes an assessment of management skills, personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, followed by goal setting for personal development. Furthermore, the report examines the role of a manager in motivating a team, justifying managerial decisions, and developing a career plan. The report provides insights into the intricacies of management, leadership, and communication within a business environment.

The Developing Manager

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Comparison between different management styles..........................................................1
1.2 Leadership characteristics within the two organisations..................................................2
1.3 Communication processes in businesses..........................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Assessment of management skills and performance........................................................5
2.2 Analysing personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.............................8
2.3 Setting of goals and targets on priority basis to develop own potential...........................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Role of a manager in motivating a team to achieve an agreed goal or objective.............9
3.2 Justifying managerial decisions made to support achievement of agreed goal or objective
with appropriate recommendations......................................................................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
4.1 The way own managerial and personal skills will support career development............11
4.2 Preparation of development plan....................................................................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
In the modern era, developing managers play a vital role in every single organisation.
Their responsibility is to do planning, staffing, organising and controlling all the activities which
are related to operations of company. Apart from this, they also motivate and direct subordinates
so that they can attain their own targets in stipulated time period. Training and development
programmes may help in improving the skills and knowledge of working staff members. By all
the activities, organisation can give hard competition to rivals and improve both profitability and
productivity in an effective way (Beratarrechea and et. al., 2014). Apart from this, a developing
manager hires the best candidates so that they can show their talent within company. With the
help of this, firm can achieve targets in an effectual manner. This report includes first section is
showing comparison between Thomas Cook and Saga Travels and in second section the
organisation which has been taken i.e. Frankie & Benny's. Assignment is also considering
different principles which show the behaviour of management. Lastly, various managerial skills
that help in hitting the targets in an efficient manner and career/development plan has been
discussed.
TASK 1
1.1 Comparison between different management styles
It is important for managers to have different leadership styles within them. This helps
them in giving proper sort of environment to employees at workstation. A developing and
talented manager can easily lead its staff members towards their goals and objectives so that they
can hit it in efficient time period. Apart from this, supervisors also plays a vital role in front of
subordinates like they can motivate them and manage the work. Away from this, recruiting
talented people so that productivity can get increases of organisation. It has been found that most
of managers and leaders follows two common management styles and these are mentioned
below:
System approach
System Approach in Thomas Cook helps to fragment whole system into multiple sub-
systems. It is simply a approach to assemble parts into a one complex system.
Some of its features are:
 Elements of system posses interacting property.
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 Everything is inter-dependent and inter-related.
 Every sub-system co-relate and hence avoid isolation property.
 Each module receives some input which gets processed and delivers some output.
 Dynamic structure of Thomas Cook makes is vulnerable to changes. Therefore, all it's
sub-systems be responsive in nature.
System approach in Thomas Cook inter-relates various functions like planning,
organising, directing and controlling, which helps it to make effective decisions.
Contingency approach
Contingency approach in management makes an organisation more responsive and
adaptive to change. Dynamism is one of the factor in large scale firms like Thomas Cook, to
make its management strategies more flexible to circumstances. It can be applied to fields like
economy, finance, marketing and sales, service management, human resource management, etc.
Being travel related financial service provider, Thomas Cook is more prone to
unpredictable situations that can occur in it's management functions. Hence, applying
contingency approach, where assumption is taken that there is no specific pre-defined solution
for problems, gives management a creative and critical thinking.
Autocratic: This type of management style gives opportunities to managers to take
decisions by their own. In this, they don't take any suggestions from any other like subordinates.
Away from this, the decision that they have made every single staff member have to follow with
putting any questions. Managers set policies like they set benchmarks for employees. Hence,
workers have to finish their work so that they can give their best at workstation (Cheung and et.
al., 2014). Compromising in this may deduct a percentage of wages of subordinates. This type of
style can be stated as oldest one from any other management style. Thomas cook deals in tour
and travel sector and is famous in all over world for the packages that they give to consumers.
This organisation's manager follows autocratic style.
Democratic: In this type of management style, managers do not take decisions by their
own. Before making any determination they take suggestions from subordinates of company this
helps them in making a perfect and effective decision for firm. This management style also aid in
giving motivation to employees. Apart from this, staff members feel important and a part of
organisation. This aid company in increasing loyalty of subordinates so that they work with them
for a long time. Also, it helps in enhancing employee relations and a healthy environment. Saga
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Travels uses this type of management style that aid in making beneficial decision in regards to
improve percentile of profit (Cozolino, 2014).
Comparison in between Thomas Cook & Saga Travels mentioned beneath:
Thomas Cook Saga Travels
 Managers of Thomas Cook make
decision by their own without taking
suggestions from their employees.
 Subordinates have to follow all the
decisions that they have made in an
appropriate manner.
 Confusion may not arise at workstation.
 Staff members put full efforts at the
time of decision making process.
 Subordinates have rights to put their
opinions so that it becomes beneficial
for company.
 Confusions may arise as suggestions
are many but leaders and managers
have to pick just one which is more
beneficial than others.
1.2 Leadership characteristics within the two organisations
A leader of a company direct, motivate and support organisation's subordinates. He/she
plays an important role within the company. Their characteristics may vary from situation to
situation in firm. In running operational business activities in a successful way is the main duty
of a leader. These supervisors leads their employees toward their goals and objectives and
support and give directions to them so that staff members can hit targets in an effective and
efficient manner. Managers of both Thomas Cook and Saga travels uses various management
styles are as follows:
Autocratic leadership style is the one which management of Thomas Cook uses, some
characteristics of this are as follows: Power in hand of Supervisor: Managers in this type of style take decisions by their own.
They do not find it mandatory to ask subordinates in decision making process. It can be
stated as managers in this are self-centred and think that they can make appropriate
decisions for betterment of Thomas Cook. Less belief in subordinates: Under this, managers think that subordinates may not give
proper suggestions for developing. Hence, they take decisions on their own.
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 Deputation of authority: Managers do not give any authorities to staff members. These
subordinates only work to hit individual’s targets on daily basis. Communication: In this managers only conveys what they have decided and do not take
suggestions from staff members. It can be stated as one way communicational activity.
 Motivation: This type of management style may not help in motivating staff members.
Hence, manager’s belief in this by compensating employees in terms of money for their
extra work apart from benchmark (Crawford, 2014).
Saga Travels uses democratic management style. There are some characteristics that are
as follows: Guidance from leaders: Subordinates under this type of management style may take
guidance from supervisors. Help in decision-making process: Managers and leaders may take suggestions from
employees. This aid them in making a perfect sort of decision. Tools and resources: It has become vital for managers to give updated tools to
employees so that they can attain their own targets in a short period of time.
 Problem solving attitude: Under democratic style managers gives liberty to employees so
that they can solve their problem by themselves.
1.3 Communication processes in businesses
A communication process is dynamic, contextual, continuous and irreversible in nature
(Communication Process Model: Understanding how to master the process of communication.
2016). Following are the important elements of a communication process:
 Sender (encoder)
It is the source from where message is generated. Here, conceptualization for encoding a
message takes place.
 Medium
It is the element used for communication. For example e-mail, letter, face-to-face.
 Channel
It is responsible for delivery of message from source to destination and vice versa. For example
post office, internet, radio.
 Receiver (decoder)
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It is the end point of communication that acts as a sink a.k.a destination. Here, decoding and
interpretation of message takes place.
 Feedback
It shows whether encoder extracted intended meaning of transmitted message or not.
 Context
It signifies a tangible or intangible aspect which is needed for communication. This include
place, time, event, etc.
 Noise
It means interference. The success of a communication process is only considered when
message's integrity is not altered by noise.
In an organisation, management and subordinates uses various sort of communications at
workplace. These interactions may help in making all the operational activities easy. It has
become vital for firms management to give all the details about changes that they are going to
make. This reduces confusions and conflicts situations at workplace. Some of communications
patterns are mentioned beneath:
Verbal communication: One of the basic element that every single organisation rapidly
uses. Management of both of companies Thomas Cook and Saga Travels uses this sort of
communication to communicate with subordinates and do find if they are working in a proper
manner or not (Daley and et. al., 2016) .
Written Communication: Top level management mostly follows this kind of
communication to convey actions, strategies and plans to middle level of management.
Employee relations gets increases under this.
Non-Verbal: This kind of communication includes sign language. Managers uses
symbols like thumbs up that shows subordinate that did good work.
Linear Communication: Both of organisation uses this kind of communication which
improves relation in between employer and employee. Information can be given under this from
top to middle and then to lower level (Zhao, 2015).
Lateral Communication: Conversation in between subordinates of same designations so
that information can be transferred from one point to another. This can be stated as horizontal
style of communicating.
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Formal Communication: This type of communication can be understand as, orders from
senior authorities to subordinates and suggestions from staff members to administrators. Saga
mostly uses this type of conversation.
Informal Communication: Thomas cook uses this type of communication where
managers and leaders only give orders to subordinates and do not take suggestions from them.
Barriers in effective communication:
 Jargon is one of a kind method that cannot be get understood easily.
 Suggestions from different employees may put leaders and manager of organisation in
confusions.
 When some employees do not understand the accent or language of supervisors.
1.4 Analysis of organisational culture and change in company
Macro and micro environment plays a vital role in context of organisational culture.
Hence, it is important for managers to analyse them in a proper manner so they do not put
negative impact on employees. There are so many factors that affect organisational culture and
these are mentioned beneath:
Internal Factors that affect in this context are described below: Determinations: All the decisions which are related to operational activities that
managers takes it is their responsibility to convey it to subordinates. Human Resource Practices: HR manager’s responsibility is to recruit candidates who
have unique talents so that they can help in enhancing productivity of organisation.
 Socialization: It has been found that in this context culture affects performance of an
individual. This may come in front in both ways negative or positive (Derwik, Hellström
and Karlsson, 2016).
External Factors mentioned beneath: Context of Community: Employees comes from outside world only. Hence, they may help
in brining changes in operational activities. These innovative ideas brings up the goodwill
and brand image in front of society. This functions affects both Thomas Cook and Saga
Travels. Govt. rules & regulations: It is essential for a developing manager to keep on looking at
employee legislations. Government modify and bring changes in policies which are
related to welfare of employees (Ellis. and Abbott, J., 2014). To keep on running business
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in a succeeding manner then administration of both Thomas Cook and Saga Travels to
adapt changes so that favourable conditions can be made for staff members.
 National Culture: At the time of expanding business, organisations face problems
because of different cultures that come across. Hence, management has to make proper
decisions so that company can overcome those problems in a short period of time.
TASK 2
2.1 Assessment of management skills and performance
Professional Abilities Current Level
5 = Strong
1 = Weak
Best Current
Example
Ways to
improvement
Communication
Qualities
4 Clayton Crown Hotel
is one of famous hotel
in England. I have to
improve my
communicational
skills so that I can
deliver good services
to consumers as per
their requirements.
Communication
classes can resolve this
issue.
Listening abilities 3 Reduce or remove
conflicts in between
subordinates.
For keeping
environment healthy I
have to listen carefully
the problems of
employees.
Leadership cognition 5 Directions to
employees towards
their goals.
It is essential for me to
understand where
individuals are weak
and show them ways
to overcome.
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Preparations and
Creating
4 I have to form
strategies so targets
can be achieved.
I can take suggestions
from other supervisors
and from employees as
well.
Presentation Talent 3 Presenting all the
details in front of
supervisors that I have
gathered from market
so that they can make
appropriate sort of
decision (Hunt and
Weintraub, 2016).
This can be done by
doing continuous
research of
marketplace.
Issues resolving 5 Issues of employees
comes in front at
workplace on daily
basis in front of me.
Listening to
subordinates problems
and give them a proper
sort of solution.
Professional cognition 5 I already have proper
knowledge related to
this as a consultancy
organisation already
told me about this.
Adaption of new and
updated technologies
can easily help in
attaining this.
Squad work 4 I have to find out all
the needs and wants of
my squad.
Performance of staff
members and their
requirement can help
me in achieving this.
Self-administration 3 I have to make plan on
regular basis so that I
can attain my own
goals (Varela and
To hit the target pre-
planning is essential
for me.
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Gatlin-Watts, 2014).
Time administration 4 I can make a time
table for me so that I
can finish my work
right on time.
Time management
strategies can help me
out in this context.
Technology
acquirement
2 Learn different things
from internet so that I
can improve my skills
and knowledge.
Various educational
sites may help me in
this context.
2.2 Analysing personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
To recognize a person's competence and constraints SWOT analysis gives a platform to
identify and notify available strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats that
can be used for crucial decision making of career growth.
Strengths Weaknesses
 Leading diverse and multiform team in
an effective manner.
 Motivating employees for better work
performances.
 Participative and relevant
communication practice with fellow
employees (Tabrizi and et. al., 2016).
 Practice proper work ethics and
discipline when it comes to work
 Continuous work pressure increases
frustration level.
 Slow learner when it comes to adapt
technical advancement.
 Get indulge in small tasks so deeply that
sometimes I forget big picture.
 Need calm and silent work environment
or I lose my temper.
Opportunities Threats
 Fast learner when deals with real work
environment.
 Tech savvy.
 Effective and descriptive
 Settlement of conflicts and disputes as
soon as possible or it affects my
concentration that gradually leads a
downfall in my performance (Islam and
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communication skills that helps my
peer coordinates to understand problem
faster that results in productive
outcome
et. al., 2015).
 Poor career planning leads to negligence
of competition in the market.
2.3 Setting of goals and targets on priority basis to develop own potential
My goals and objectives with duration of time:
Targets Time duration
It is important for me to improve me knowledge in regards to my
profession. This may help me in becoming more powerful at
workplace. Books and case study can help me in this context.
20 days
Another objective is to come out easily from complex and stressful
situations. To do this, I can take special consultancy classes.
25 days
One more goal is to formulate a plan so that I can manage my work on
daily basis.
30 days
My goals and objectives with duration of time:
Aims Time duration
To improve my ability it is essential for me to learn about new tools
and techniques from time to time that are coming in market.
18 days
Another objective is to present myself in front of seniors so that they
can understand. I also want to become productive for company.
13 days
Lastly, it is mandatory for me to make a plan so that I can become more
effective and efficient.
28 days
TASK 3
3.1 Role of a manager in motivating a team to achieve an agreed goal or objective
Manager’s main responsibility in an organisation is to manage all the activities which are
related to operational actions. Duties of a manager are planning, staffing, organising,
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