Developing Manager Report: Management Styles, Leadership and Skills

This assignment, focused on the developing manager, analyzes various management styles, leadership characteristics, and communication processes within the context of Thomas Cook, a UK-based tour operator. It explores different management styles such as authoritative, participative, and directive, evaluating their application and impact. The report also examines leadership characteristics, emphasizing self-management, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Furthermore, it delves into the communication processes, organizational culture, and structure within the company, including power and role cultures. The assignment includes a self-assessment of managerial skills, utilizing a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Finally, it outlines career development needs and proposes a development plan to enhance managerial and personal skills. The report provides a comprehensive overview of management and leadership in a real-world business setting.

THE DEVELOPING
MANAGER

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Comparison between different styles of management..........................................................1
1.2 Leadership characteristics.....................................................................................................2
1.3 Analyze communication processes in selected business.......................................................3
1.4 Evaluate organizational culture, structure and changes in selected business........................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Analyze own skill management performance.......................................................................5
2.3 Set and priorities objectives to develop own potentials........................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Lead and motivate a team to achieve an predefined goal and objective...............................7
3.2 Managerial decisions which supports in attaining goals of a company and
recommendations for improvements...........................................................................................8
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
4.1 own managerial and personal skills to support career development.....................................9
4.2 Review of career and personal development needs along with development plan...............9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
A manager is an individual which manages all important tasks, supervise subordinates
and formulate strategies to achieve desired goals and targets within an organisation. A
developing manager formulate new concepts and strategies in a smart way which benefits the
company in managing business effectively. These effective strategies allow companies to gain
competitive advantage against their competitors. To maintain influential existence in domestic
and international market, it is vital for companies to hire efficient managers which are capable to
manage work under changing situations (Black, 2012). This present assignment included four
tasks. To successfully accomplish tasks Thomas cook which is a large tour operator in UK is
considered. they This research will involve different management styles, processes of
communication and leadership characteristics. At last, culture within an organisation along with
required alterations is mentioned.
TASK 1
1.1 Comparison between different styles of management
Management style is defined as a specific way in which a manager plan, prioritize and
organize work efforts to achieve objectives and targets within an business firm. Different
organizations follow different management styles. An efficient manager is able to deal with
different employees and environment effectively. Management style of a manager highly
depends upon aspects like external and internal business environments along with culture
prevailed within a company. As per changing needs, it is the responsibility of developing
manager to incorporate different styles of management which helps firm in gaining competitive
advantage (Cai, Wardlaw and Brown, 2012). In accordance with present scenario, different
management styles followed by Thomas cook are discussed beneath:
Management styles Description Thomas cook
Authoritative style of
management
It is also called as Visionary style
of management. This is
considered as the most effective
style. It provides a long term
vision, clear direction and
In most situations Thomas cook
considers this kind of management.
This style results in quick decision
making as managers formulate and
incorporate strategies as per their
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guidance for workers and
subordinates.
vision. Employees working there
follows the direction and guidance
given by the manager. Sometimes
this management style results in
conflicts when working staff does
not agree with the policies
formulate by manager in Thomas
cook.
Participative style of
management
It is also referred as democratic
style of management. This style
aims to promote harmony,
establish consensus and builds
commitment among working
staff.
Thomas cook avoids this style of
management as top authorities
present their believes that a
manager is capable to make
required actions and decisions
which will benefit both workers and
firm. As employees are ordered to
follow regulations formulate by
managers, this impacts their
working commitment and potential
in some situations.
Directive style of
management
This management style is
Autocratic and coercive in nature.
It follows top- down approach in
which decisions are taken by top
management and workers needs to
obey it whether they agree or not.
Thomas cook prefer this
management style as it is a large
organisation, all the necessary and
important decisions are taken by
management only. This allow them
to incorporate strategies in a quick
manner.
1.2 Leadership characteristics
Role of leaders within a firm is assigned on the basis of their position, such as department
head or manager. It has been analyzed that they are given vital roles and responsibilities which
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are associated with business operations. This supports the organisation in acquiring their desired
objectives. Leaders with a clear vision are capable to guide their subordinates in an appropriate
way. Some characteristics which are needed by every leader are efficient communication skills,
passion and commitment towards work, honesty, punctuality and many more (Cozolino, 2014).
Leaders in Thomas cook possess several characteristics which benefits their respective
firms in gaining competitive advantage and helps them in carrying out their business activities
appropriately. Some of them are mentioned beneath:
Self managing: To manage business operations effectively, it is very important for leaders in
Thomas cook to manage themselves appropriately. Self-managing is concerned with prioritizing
own goals and implement strategies to achieve them. An efficient leader needs to regulate own
attention, time and emotion in an appropriate way.
Acting strategically: A leader must be an open minded person. Leaders in Thomas Cook needs
to adjust their tactics and strategies to grab potential opportunities. As Thomas Cook is a large
tour operator, appropriate strategies are needed to conduct operations properly. Strategically
active leaders will have flexible mindset which helps them to try new idea and approaches.
Effective communicator: Leaders should be able to interact and communicate with their
subordinates in a clear way. Thomas cook is a large and successful tour operator where leaders
are capable to communicate at different levels appropriately. This supports in maintain an
approachable working environment. In Thomas cook leaders of different department possess
good inter-relation which benefits them in sharing and discussing ideas before carrying out any
task. This helps in achieving objective and targets.
1.3 Analyze communication processes in selected business
Exchanging information in formal or informal manner is termed as communication
process. Social media is considered as an effective way of communication. It is identified that
Thomas cook uses different kinds of communication tactics to manage their activities and
operations.
Formal and informal communication: It is analyzed that Thomas cook uses formal way
of communication at workplace. This is carried out with the help of media and predefined
channels (Drucker, 2012). This manner of communicating is smooth which allows both
organisations to interact in an appropriate way. Apart for this way, am informal way denotes less
professionalism but establishes strong relationship between top authorities and working staff.
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Verbal and Oral communication: Thomas cook uses verbal communication while
sharing and delivering information between employees . As Thomas cook is a large tour operator
so they implement various approaches like oral, using social media and written documents to
share and communicate information with customers.
Downward, Upward and horizontal communication: Most of the business
organisations uses this kind of communication tactics where information passes from one level to
another. This helps them in interacting with an appropriate way. In Thomas cook this kind of
communication medium is adopted which helps them in transferring ideas and information
effectively.
1.4 Evaluate organizational culture, structure and changes in selected business
Different kinds of organizational culture and structure: Structure in Thomas cook
follows vertical joining approach. In this approach, manager gives command and guidance to
their employees and work is carried out in this manner only. CEO of Thomas cook is at top of
this vertical chain and other employees are subordinate to CEO. The main motive behind
following a particular structure is to achieve targets and goals along with competitive advantage
(Elnaga and Imran, 2013). Culture of an organization specifies the working behavior and attitude
of employees. Different cultures associated with Thomas Cook are specified beneath:
Power culture: Thomas cook follows power culture where power is accumulated
within the hands of top authorities only. This means all the important decisions are either taken
by management or senior managers. This benefits the firm in taking decisions in a quickly
manner. Sometime conflicts take place when working staff doesn't agree with the opinions of
management.
Role culture: This culture helps the manager in Thomas cook to allot tasks and
duties as per the working potential & capabilities of employees. This benefits them in achieving
successful outcomes.
Elements that impacts change in culture: There are several elements that impacts the
change in culture of Thomas cook. These are mentioned beneath:
Innovation: As needs and demands of clients change with the advancement in
technology, it is must for Thomas cook to implement new ideas and concepts to expand their
client base at regular intervals of time.
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Socio-culture factor: This factor can alter business activities to a great extent like
changing demands of customers due to some religious aspects. Hence, it is required to consider
this factor while implementing any strategy and tactics (Gioia, Corley and Hamilton, 2013).
Demographics: Each place has its own culture and Thomas Cook needs to have
legitimate information about every location where they are operating. This can be managed with
the help of statistic profiles which involves age, occupation, sex and many other aspects.
TASK 2
2.1 Analyze own skill management performance
As a manager in Thomas cook , I need to have certain skills and capabilities which will
helps me in taking appropriate and fair decisions. This will provide several advantages to the
firm. Below are mentioned some skills that I need to have as an manager of Marriott hotel:
Decision making: To attain business objectives, it is must for a manager to implement
relevant and sensible decisions. This will leads the firm towards success. As a manager in
Thomas cook this skill will help me in taking accurate and proper decision within specific period
of time.
Problem solving: Thomas cook deals with different types of clients. As being manager, I
need to use various tactics and tools to solve problems efficiently. This will benefits in enhancing
working efficiency of employees along with increasing profit margins.
Communication skills: To run a business effectively, an appropriate interaction and
communication between employees is required. It is important for me to express my thoughts
and ideas in a clear manner so that no misunderstanding will take place among top management
and working staff (Hunt and Weintraub, 2016). It will helps me in convincing my investors,
stakeholders and customers easily.
Leadership skills: This skill helps me in guiding my subordinates in an appropriate
manner. I can easily influence my teammates to follow my orders which will provide merit to
Thomas cook. It is important for me to persuade and monitor workforce of Marriott to achieve
desired targets.
Own management skills Very rare Rare Sometimes Often Always
Problem solving skills √
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Communication skills √
Leadership skills √
Decision-making skills √
2.2 Analyzing personal strength, opportunities, weakness and threats
To attain competitive advantage within market, it is must for a manager to have sufficient
strength. SWOT analysis helps in analyzing own weakness, strength, threats and opportunities.
This will helps me in identifying my strength and eliminating my weakness. Also, opportunities
and threats are also discovered with the help of swot.
Strength: While analyzing my SWOT, I have identified that I am efficient in solving
problems and managing conflicts. To solve problem effectively I prefer to listen opinion of
everyone before taking any decision. This also denotes my strong communication and
negotiating skills (Kim and et. al., 2012). This supports me in making right choice. Due to this,
solving issues became easy and working efficiency of employees have increased.
Weakness: As per my job description, I feel that sometimes I lack in taking appropriate
decisions within short time which can impact the working environment of Thomas cook.
Opportunities: There are several opportunities which can maintain my future growth. I
am trying to improve my skills in accordance with the need of clients and organisation by
adopting new tactic and technology which helps me in increasing my knowledge.
Threats: There are many individual who are as capable as me and top management in
hotel is eager to hire them. This can be a potential threat for me.
2.3 Set and priorities objectives to develop own potentials
To manage business effectively, it is important for a manager to have clear vision and
objectives. In accordance with present scenario, some points based on my potential are defined
below:
Time management: Managing tasks within allotted time is an important aspect. Hence,
it is important for me to improve my working strategies and pattern which will helps me in
achieving my targets. I can achieve this by joining time management classes (Lam and LeRoith,
2012).
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Market analysis: I have identified that my researching skills are not appreciable. I need
to improve these skills so that I can better understand the needs and demands of customers. I can
take help from my seniors so that I can learn the right way to analyze market.
Practicing: Gaining new knowledge without revising previous concepts results in
mismanagement while carrying out work. If I will continue revise and practice concepts this
will enhance my working capability and skills.
TASK 3
3.1 Lead and motivate a team to achieve an predefined goal and objective
Motivation encourages employees in carrying out their work in an effective manner. It
motivates them to deliver their best performance under stressful and changing situations. Thomas
cook uses motivation as a tactics to enhance the working potential and capacity of the employees
so that company can deal with the requirements and demands of customers in a better way (Lin
and Chen, 2012). Some motivational theories are mentioned beneath which helps the working
staff of Thomas cook in enhancing their productive level:
Maslow's theory of needs: Maslow states that if the basic requirements of an individual
are not given consideration, achievement of higher needs will not satisfy them. To explain this
concept more clearly, Maslow divides this theory into five kinds of needs which is mentioned
below:
Psychological needs: These are basic needs like food, clothing and shelter which are
needed by every employee working within Thomas cook. Achievement of these needs will
enhance their productivity level.
Safety needs: Every worker demands safe working atmosphere. Safe environment
means security from threats like job termination, demotion, reduction in pay etc. if regulations
associated with these aspects are cleared to workers at the time of recruitment. They will feel
more secure while carrying out their activities and able to give their best performance.
Social needs: Primary aspect which is concerned with this need is social inclusion at
workplace. If employees will live with harmony and respects each other feelings, this will
enhance their willingness to work cooperatively with one another (Wald and et. al., 2012). This
will help Thomas cook to increase their revenues and profit margins.
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Self-esteem needs: To increase the working capability of employees it is must for
manager of Thomas cook to give them appraisals and compliments in return of their good work.
Self-actualization: Managers and other senior members of Thomas cook needs to give
some decision making power to employees. This will improve their engagement within company
and they will be able to perform more effectively.
Vroom's expectancy theory:
Expectancy: It is concerned with the aspect that if workers are willing to put more
efforts, this will enhance the overall working potential of Thomas cook.
Instrumentality: It concludes that if workers are willing to perform well then chances of
achieving success is more.
Valence: To carry out operations in an appropriate way, employees needs to work as per
the expectation and desires of organisation i.e. Thomas cook (Matos and Silvestre, 2013).
3.2 Managerial decisions which supports in attaining goals of a company and recommendations
for improvements
In order to manage organisation effectively, the manager of Thomas cook needs to take
several decisions. Beneath are mentioned some key decisions to manage the work and operations
of Thomas cook appropriately:
Strategic planning: To manage business operations efficiently, it is vital for manager of
Thomas cook to formulate and implement several schemes. To achieve this, it is important to
assign roles and tasks to workers as per their capabilities. Along with it, providing services and
facilities to customers needs to be carried out properly. This will helps Thomas cook in
enhancing their client's base.
Relationship building: For large organisation like Thomas cook, bond between
management and working staff needs to be healthy. This will helps in carrying out operations
and activities of firm in an appropriate way which will enhance the profit margins of firm.
Recommendations needed: To improve management strategies and tactics, it has been
recommended that Thomas cook needs to focus more the demands of consumers. It is important
for manager to give proper training and guidance to employees (Puffer and et. al., 2013).
Working conditions in Thomas cook is good but in some situations negligence is faced which
has bad impact on working of organisation. To improve this, managers and leaders needs to
gather real time feedback form staff members and customers. This will helps them in identifying
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and resolving issue within required time. Also, customers can suggest them to incorporate
changes as per their choice and preferences.
TASK 4
4.1 own managerial and personal skills to support career development
To establish my career in a renowned tour and traveling company like Thomas cook
which offers me wide opportunities to gain high position, I need to follow the process and
direction proposed by top management (Turner, 2014). For this, I need to incorporate some
skills and qualities in myself. Following are mentioned some skills which I need to consider to
carry out managerial activities:
Communication skills: while working under travel and tour company, I need to have
strong communication and interaction skills which will helps me while interacting with
employees and customers. These skills covers a major part of professional and personal
development. I needs to improve my verbal communication so that I can easily interact with
international clients.
Leadership: In order to attain recognition and high position within Thomas cook I must
have efficient leadership skills. If I have knowledge to lead and train my employees, this will
enhance my opportunities and sustainability to sustain within an organisation (Renwick, Redman
and Maguire, 2013).
Time management: As per current scenario, managing tasks within time is an important
aspect. In organisations like Thomas cook timely delivery of facilities and services increases the
satisfaction level of customers. I have some issues while managing time which I needs to resolve
in order to attain desired goals.
4.2 Review of career and personal development needs along with development plan
In order to achieve professional and personal goals, I need to focus on my skill sets which
are will helps me in utilizing resources in an optimized way. To obtain high position at Thomas
cook, I need to improve my below mentioned skills within specific time.
objectives Action taken Time line
Team building skills By improving interaction and relation
with subordinates and peers
2 months
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communication By actively involving in meetings,
seminars and presentations.
1 month
Stress free environment To maintain peaceful environment
guidance form seniors is required.
1 month
Leadership Reading online articles, magazines,
observing seniors and leading people
will help
1.5 month
Time management skills By preparing scheduled time tables
which will help in carrying out tasks
within specific time.
Continuous learning
Issue management skills Observing and understanding opinions
of other people will helps in
improving this skill.
2 month
CONCLUSION
From above discussed report, it has been analyzed that to maintain, plan and control
activities with a company, an efficient and developed manager is needed. Research has discussed
required management styles and characteristics that a leader must posses. In next task,
information related with motivating and leading employees of a company is discussed and
justified decisions to attain goals and objectives of a company are mentioned. Also, a plan is
developed to improve and maintain effectiveness in organisation.
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