The Developing Manager: Skills, Leadership & Career Growth Plan

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of management principles and practices, focusing on the development of managerial skills within the context of the travel and tourism sector. It begins by comparing different management styles, such as directive and participative approaches used by British Airways, and pacesetting styles employed by EasyJet. The report then discusses essential leadership characteristics, contrasting democratic leadership in British Airways with transformational leadership in EasyJet. Furthermore, it evaluates communication processes, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face communication and meetings. An analysis of organizational culture and change in both companies highlights the need for adapting to evolving market conditions. The report includes a self-assessment of the author's management skills as an assistant manager, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It concludes with a career development plan, outlining objectives, targets, and strategies for future growth, emphasizing how managerial and personal skills will support career advancement. This detailed analysis is crucial for understanding the multifaceted role of a developing manager in the dynamic travel and tourism industry.

The Developing Manager
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Contents
Introduction..............................................................................................................................3
Task1.........................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Compare different management styles.............................................................................4
1.2 Discuss leadership characteristics....................................................................................5
1.3 Evaluate communication processes in selected businesses.............................................6
1.4 Analyse organisational culture and change in selected businesses................................8
Task2.........................................................................................................................................9
2.1 Assess own management skills performance...................................................................9
2.2 Analyse personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats...........................10
2.3 Set and prioritise objectives and targets to develop own potential.............................12
Task3.......................................................................................................................................13
3.1 Lead and motivate a team to achieve an agreed goal or objective..............................13
3.2 Justify managerial decisions made to support achievement of agreed goal or
objective and recommendations for improvements............................................................14
Task4.......................................................................................................................................15
4.1 Explain how own managerial and personal skills will support career development.15
4.2 Review career and personal development needs, current performance and future
needs to produce development plan......................................................................................16
Conclusion...............................................................................................................................18
References...............................................................................................................................19
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Introduction
In an organisation one of the most important things which are needed to be considered and
has to be focused on is the management. Each and everything in the firm can only be able to
get managed and attained in the possible required way if there are a proper management and
systematic working. The aims and standards that are been set by the company have to be
obtained which is effectively possible by management. Services sector like travel and tourism
is always judged on the basis of the quality and service served by it. It is very important that
the presence of manager to be there in an organisation so that the management can be able to
get done in the proper way. The development of a manager in an organisation has to be done
so that they can manage and work in the most desired manner. In this assignment, the
understanding of principle and management practices will be done. The personal traits and
potential for being a manager will be discussed. The requirements and need of managerial
skills in travel and tourism sector are very important which will be understood here, along
with this the career development plan will also be understood in this report.
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Task1
1.1 Compare different management styles
The management styles are the techniques and methods which is been used by the people in
the company to handle and carry out the work in the effective and in the best possible
manner. There are several ways to handle the situations of the firm. There is a great role that
is been played by a manager as when to manage the working in the organisation. With the
assistance of this, the firm is able to sustain long and can create more effective and
appropriate strategies to retain its sustainable position in the international market (Aaker and
Joachimsthaler, 2012). British Airways and Easy jet are the travel companies selected for this
particular comparison. The travel and tourism sector is very famous and is getting lots of
growth opportunity in the international market. In the UK these two travel airlines companies
are very effectively carrying out its operations and functionalities.
British Airways
The management styles which is been used in the British Airways company at the initial
stage was the directive styles where the managers of the firm are giving orders to the
employees. The workforce needed to be done all that was commanded to them. It is very
important and essential at the beginning, but at the current situation, a participative
management style was introduced where the employees are having the right to put their
opinions in any of the tasks which are leading to a proper and effective management in the
company (Carter, 2012).
EasyJet
The EasyJet Company is also one of the famous and well-recognized airlines company in the
nation which is effectively using pacesetting management styles which is very effective and
appropriate method to manage the work as the manager here, set standards for his
subordinates by doing the tasks and activity by him (Graves, 2013). This is one of the best
motivational aspects as the employees can use an illustration to perform any of the tasks or
operations.
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1.2 Discuss leadership characteristics
The leadership is one of the major aspects which is needed to be considered in an
organisation to make the employees get to perform in the desired manner as of the need of the
company. Motivation is a factor which is making the workforce of the company to do
effective efforts and work which will be leading the firm to reach its end goals. The
leadership aspect is very useful as to motivate all the manpower working in both EasyJet and
British Airways, as the companies are serving intangible things rather the tangible it is very
much needed that company must serve the clients in the best and effective possible manner
(Alvesson, 2012). For this, the presence of motivation is very much required. Therefore, a
leadership approach which is best suitable for the company d its management is very much
needed to motivate the workers to serve in a satisfactory manner.
Democratic Leadership style (British Airways)
The characteristics of democratic leadership which is used in British Airways are-
 It is very interactive and participative in nature.
 The involvement of employees in the work is very high in the activities.
 The Democratic leaders are very smart in their working and are very creative.
 They are unbiased and are taking steps in an effective and in the required manner.
 They are always willing to make the employees contribute and put more efforts in the work
that they all are doing (Kong, et. al., 2012).
 There is the presence of honesty and loyalty among all where the democratic leadership
approach is being used.
Transformational leadership style (EasyJet)
 The characteristics of Transformational leadership which is used in British Airways are-
 The transformational leadership approach is very effective and it is a self-managed system.
 The leader here is very qualified and is having the potential of making right choices.
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 The adaptability is one of the major aspects which are present in this style.
 The leader here is self-motivated and making others too to get motivated by the actions and
steps that they are performing (Weske, 2012).
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1.3 Evaluate communication processes in selected businesses
The communication is one of the best ways which is used to deliver and convey the
information and required data to another party as per the needs and requirements. It is very
important an essential aspect which is needed to be considered by the people so as to carry
out the operations and work in a successful and in a smooth manner. The improved and
appropriate communication system will lead to attaining the long as well as short-term
standards in the proper and effective way (Kossek and Lautsch, 2012). It is essential in the
airline's company to be communicating each and everything; the managers in the firm are
required to deliver all the detailed data and information about every necessary thing with the
respective people.
Source: (Kothuria.com, ND)
In the business of both the airlines mostly the communication system and procedure that is
been used are the direct faces to face communication. This is one of the best techniques to
make sure the sender and receiver both are equally contributing in the session in the proper
manner. The communication done via direct method is the best as it is providing effective and
appropriate results. The people can be able to interact with each other and can share and
discuss their issues and respective problems.
The presentation and meeting are basically the media of making the message delivery to the
respective people. The airline company is using this to make sure all the people are getting
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the same and right information regarding the subjective aspect. It is very important for the
people as they can solve any query regarding the make strategy or decision at the same time
which is very useful and effective as for the travel industry. The effective and appropriate
communication channel will help in building a good bond between the employees and
employers of the firm which is leading to a coordinative working to attain the set objectives
of the firm.
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1.4 Analyse organisational culture and change in selected businesses
The organisational culture is the environment and the values that are been used and followed
by the companies. It is a very important aspect in every organisation as with the help of this a
definition for the company can be able to give. This is basically an aspect which is making
the frim to get recognised as it is one of its physical evidence. The organisational culture is
very important and has to be managed effectively by the management of both the airlines
companies. The British Airways and EasyJet companies are very effectively using its values
and within the market to meet the requirements of the service users (Saeed, et. al., 2014).
The firm is able to meet the set standards and objectives effectively as if it will be using the
policies and plan in the effective and in a proper manner. Both the airlines companies are
using the traditional methods and techniques to meet the requirements of the company which
is very useful and effective as with its assistance they were able to sustain long but as there is
a vast difference between the present and past operating methods, therefore the organisational
cultures and values also needed to be changed.
Presently the changes in cultural values have been done so that both the airline's companies
can be able to meet the requirements of it and of others. The privatization has been the major
change made along with this the monopoly in the market has also been changed which is very
necessary as well. This is because the changes in the market are not in the favour which needs
to be managed effectively, therefore the liberty in the working and serving aspects have been
introduced in the proper and in the required manner.
The major reason to make the required changes in the work and in the process is that of the
unfavourable external factors in the business environment. It is very necessary for the
organisation to meet the required things in the proper manner for this the changes are making
a great contribution (Warner, 2014). Along with this, the unfavourable changes which are
affecting the business operations need to be managed therefore the changes are playing a vital
and essential role in the growth and development of the airline's industry in the market in an
effective and in the proper way.
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Task2
2.1 Assess own management skills performance
As an assistant manager of Clayton Crown Hotel London, there are various management
skills that are required in an individual so as to operate effectively and efficiently in an
association so that there can be the proper achievement of success and growth as well as
management of different activities. Own management skills are being analysed by me in this
report, which can be defined as follows:
Motivating: The Assistant manager is one of the recognizable positions in a Hotel. There are
so many followers of an assistant manager in an association. Hence a person at this position
must be able to give motivation to others. Showing some care regarding the concern of the
employees makes increment in the dedication to do a work. Motivation, as well as
appreciation, also gives encouragement to the employees so as to keep them updated to alter
environment and technologies.
Decision-making skills: The Assistant Manager is responsible for making many quick and
strong decisions so as to make implementation of various strategies of the business. He must
have proper knowledge regarding all fields and should also have proper analytical skills. I
also have good analytical skills and also have effective knowledge regarding numbers. Good
analytical abilities support comparisons of different alternative options and then making a
selection regarding problem's best solution.
Communication skills: Interpersonal as well as communication skills are very significant for
a leader who is having a position of assistant manager in an association. I am also having
above average interpersonal skills as I am capable to make a long-term and strong
relationship with my seniors and juniors. It also gives support in my career so as to make long
and strong relationships with customers and clients.
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2.2 Analyse personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
SWOT analysis is being defined as the first plan in the progress of a skill improvement plan
for different employees. My SWOT analysis as an assistant manager of Hotel can be
described as follows:
Strengths
Different skills of management like decision
making, communication etc. that are being
described above are considered as some of
my strengths or strong points that will be
very supportive of my whole career.
Self-motivation
I believe to lead task from the front and give
ideas regarding completion of the task.
I will be able to encourage and motivate
employees for the good performance and will
also support in the alignment of objectives
and goals with the objectives as well as goals
of an association.
Motivator
I can find out requirements and demands of
employees and prefer to provide reward and
award to employees so as to motivate them.
Weakness
Fear to make conversation in a group or
public is considered as my biggest strength. I
am new and am not having good experience
in communicating with the public but I am
working on these problems and joined some
coaching classes and course.
I am short-tempered and get angry on little
things, which is one of my weaknesses. I also
get irritation from many things and for this; I
am doing yoga and meditation.
Opportunities
The hotel industry keeps on going day by day
Threats
Competitions from the various managers that
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and there are many opportunities and
potential in the market.
There are several new jobs that are coming in
the sector.
There are various potentials to learn several
new skills in a market.
are there in the hospitality industry are
considered a threat that will give hindrance to
my growth.
Various external forces like environmental
factors, slow growth of economy and
recession are considered a threat.
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2.3 Set and prioritise objectives and targets to develop own potential
By making proper SWOT analysis, I will be having the advantage to find out my weaknesses
and shortcomings that will make an effect on my career in the future. I will make a list of all
the objectives and aims in relation to the priorities and then I will start to work on my
weaknesses. Setting up of objective and goals in life is very significant for the achievement of
respect and growth in an industry. Each and every kind of opportunity must be mapped and
then alignment must be made with strengths that are being mentioned in SWOT Analysis.
There will be the utilization of the strengths to grab such opportunities and also to make
dealing with various external threats. For my development as a leader, I will make the
progression of the plan for almost 5-6 years to grow myself professionally and personally as
well as to overcome these weaknesses.
I will also attempt to learn team building skills in addition to teamwork. Study of the
managerial concepts in my education will also get implemented and there will be proper
recognition of their importance.
I will focus completely on yoga and meditation to stay cool and calm in various situations.
Will join clubs, where the encouragement will be given to the people to speak without having
any fear. It will support my professional and personal development and will support me to be
more confident.
There will be setting up of the target for around six months and the continuous evaluation
will be done for finding out goals improvement. Answer in regards to the developed question
will also be provided like:
1. What do I want to attain?
2. How will I attain it?
3. What kinds of resources are available to support me in achieving goals in terms of knowledge
and skills?
4. What things I will give up for attaining goals i.e. identification of secondary things and
prioritization of work.
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Task3
3.1 Lead and motivate a team to achieve an agreed goal or objective
As per the given scenario, I am working for Frankie & Benny's restaurant and was given the
responsibility to lead new restaurant situated in Stanford, London. In order to have proper
administration regarding the planning of the various activities and resources, it is very
necessary to keep team engaged and motivated with the structure and culture of an
association for the delivery of quality services. This sort of approach will support in meeting
objectives and satisfaction of the customers in an association. For the purpose of motivating
and leading the team at the new restaurant, I will make use of following things:
Team building
For each and every successful association, it is very essential to have a knowledgeable and
good team that can make the performance of the tasks as per the standards of benchmarking.
By considering all such facts, there will be a development of a team by offering directions as
well as training through interactions and meetings with the individuals (Chambers, 2017).
This kind of process will give support to the members of the team to have an understanding
of responsibilities and roles and make and also to make a positive contribution to the
achievement of professional and personal goals. In order to build a team, knowledge and
skills of an individual and their experience will be considered so as to give significant roles
for delivery and service development.
Motivation
For keeping staff engage and to increase morale, motivation is very significant. For the
purpose of motivating an individual, it is very important to understand and analyse the
requirements. For this, Maslow hierarchal needs will be considered that will support in
considering Safety, physiological, social and esteem needs. This will give good support in
making a decision regarding the working environment, position, safety, salary and equal
treatment of staff (Goetsch and Davis, 2014). Apart from this, rewards will also be offered for
better performance of the team, which will also give support for developing a healthy and
competitive environment of work so that objectives and goals of the restaurant can be
attained easily.
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3.2 Justify managerial decisions made to support achievement of agreed goal or
objective and recommendations for improvements.
For the purpose of running and leading a restaurant, various decisions will be made by me for
the effective functional and operational process. Following are considered as the key
decisions that must be made by me for the management of products and services of Frankie &
Benny’s restaurant to attain goals.
Strategic planning
In order to run an association, it is significant to implement and develop a plan in regards to
the operational activities. For this purpose, the procedure to allocate responsibilities and roles
and plan of activities will be done by me. Analysis of the associations past activities and
identification of the problems that make an influence on the performance will also be done.
By taking into consideration, all the factors, decisions will be made by me for delivering and
monitoring of services as well as changes in communication (Smith, 2013). Review of the
customers will also be undertaken for making decisions to make change implementation in
the development of food products.
Building of relationship
In small association, the relation among management and staff plays a major role in
maintaining services and communication to finish task inappropriate manner. For this reason,
decisions will be made by me to get together with team members and conducting a meeting
that will support in understanding value and behaviour of the members of the team. Apart
from this, empowerment of staff and coordination will make an influence on performance
(Jawadi et. al., 2013).
Recommendations
To make improvement in the procedure to meet organizations objective and tactics of
management, the recommendation is being given to the management of Frankie & Benny's
restaurant to focus on the needs of the customer and to offer staff training accordingly. The
association’s working environment is good but the management lacks in the delegation of
authority and control of an individual. For such reason, supervisor and manager must gather
real-time feedback from the staff and clients for the identification of an issue and make a plan
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for resolving it. Suggestions from the customers can also be asked to increase services and
products standards.
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Task4
4.1 Explain how own managerial and personal skills will support career development
The managerial and personal skills are having a great contribution to the growth and
development of an individual’s career. These skills are very much required by the person for
being a manager in a professional world. There are several managerial and personal skills
which are very important to be considered and enhanced by me so that I can be able to meet
the professional needs. Having the knowledge about these skills will be helping me to avail a
bright future ahead in the competitive world. This is essential as with the assistance of
managerial skills and personal traits I am effectively able to deliver my efforts in the
professional world.
The managerial and personal skills which are required to develop a support career are-
 Communication skills- This is one of an essential skill which is needed for me to make a
bright future. This will help me to present myself and what I am to others so that I can be able
to attain the benefits and advantages of the corporate world. I would be able to attain a good
and effective position in big firms. This is helpful as it assists in meeting the career
development and makes me different from others to attain an opportunity prior to anyone else
(Martin and Nakayama, 2013).
 Leadership skills- The leadership trait is one of the most required skills in a person as it is
making in knowing others that an individual is having the skills of leading and motivating
others. In every organisation a good leader is always required; therefore if I will be having an
effective leadership skill I will be able to grasp various market opportunities.
 Time management skills- The time management is also one of the major aspects which
required in an individual. The managers are to be very well managed in their lives then only
they can be able to manage and handle the situations in an organisation. If I would prefer to
be a manager in the firm it is very necessary for me to be self-managed, therefore for that, a
proper time handling system is needed to be known which will lead.
All these skills are very much required for me to be attained and if it is not in me then there is
a high need of developing the plan so that I can be able to improve the working and current
required things for getting into a professional world (Prabhu, 2012).
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4.2 Review career and personal development needs, current performance and future
needs to produce development plan
The development plan is very important for an individual to take in consideration. It is
assisting in meeting the needs and requirements of a person as this will be aiding in the
growth and development. The needs and requirements which are necessary for an
organisation are needed to manage and enhanced, with the career development plan, I am
able to set standards and plans so that with the area which is needed to be improved can be
enhanced in the proper and effective manner (Carlström and Ekman, 2012).
The development plan is very necessary to be formed as this will continuously guiding me to
do several actions and steps through which I can be able to develop more skills and
knowledge which is necessary for an organisation. Below is the personal and career
development plan which is useful for me to develop and enhance myself from the future
perspective as a manager or a leader.
Career development plan.
Current performance Objective/ future needs Actions taken Time
Lack of communication Improve and enhance the
communication skills
Attending
seminars and
taking part in
speeches and
debates
Within two
months.
Poor leadership skills To develop leadership
styles
Using websites
and attending
motivational
seminars I will
try to build
leadership skills
in me.
3-4 months.
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Mismanagement in
everything
Managing the time I will be setting
a time frame for
all my works
which assist in
meeting me all
in time.
Continuous
process.
Lack in coordinative
working
Team working skills I will make sure
I will get into a
practical
situation to
improve this
skill.
Continuous
process.
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Conclusion
From the discussion, it has been understood that management is a very essential aspect in
every sector no matter whether the operations are done at small or large level. It has been
understood in the proper and detailed manner that there are different styles of management
systems are there which is needed to be understood and at different organisation most
effective one is been used in the proper and required manner. It has also been determined that
the leadership aspects are very important which is necessarily needed in a manager to manage
all the operations and activities of the firm. The managerial skills needed in a manager is
understood through which an individual in travel sector can be able to manage all the
activities and functions. The personality development and improvement are a very essential
aspect which one has to be considered. The assignment has also developed the career
development plan so that a person can be able to get to know that manager is an important
part in any of the fields for that a proper planning and processes need to be followed.
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