Developing Manager Report: Leadership, Communication and Culture

This report, focusing on the development of managerial skills, examines leadership styles, communication processes, and organizational culture within the context of two travel companies: Thomas Cook and Saga Travels. The introduction defines a developing manager and highlights the importance of relevant skills. Task 1 compares autocratic and democratic management styles, analyzing leadership characteristics and communication methods used by both companies, and the impact of organizational culture and change. Task 2 assesses the author's personal management skills, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and sets goals. Task 3 explores the role of a manager in motivating a team to achieve goals and suggests managerial decisions. Finally, Task 4 focuses on career development, creating a development plan based on the self-assessment. The report concludes with a summary of key findings and recommendations.

The Developing Manager

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Comparing different management styles..........................................................................1
1.2 Leadership characteristics within the two organisations..................................................2
1.3 Communication processes in the selected businesses......................................................3
1.4 Analysis of organisational culture and change in selected businesses.............................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Assessment of own management skill performance........................................................6
2.2 Analysis on personal strength, weakness, opportunity and threat....................................8
2.3 Setting of goals and targets on priority basis....................................................................9
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
3.1 Role of a manager in motivating team to achieve an agreed goal or objective..............10
3.2 Managerial decisions to support achievement of goal with appropriate recommendations
..............................................................................................................................................11
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................12
4.1 Own managerial and personal skills for career development.........................................12
4.2 Preparation of development plan....................................................................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
A developing manager is a personnel who does not contain appropriate skills and talents
and are in the ways of getting worth with effectiveness. These specializations are necessary in
doing all tasks and actions in a proper manner with high efficiency (Marion, Richardson and
Earnhardt, 2014). This assignment is based upon Thomas Cook which is a travel operator and
finely conducting its operational activities across the globe. This report is emphasised on the
development need of reliable and relevant skills as well as abilities along with capabilities that
must be enhanced by human resource department to attain all goals and activities in certain time
duration. Although, it is compulsory for employees too that they develop virtues and
specializations by taking help of application of self-assessment program and other relevant
theories.
TASK 1
1.1 Comparing different management styles
Leadership quality is very much associated with the style of management that is taken
after by company. Fundamentally, this is related to how an employer will satisfy their staff
members through examining the working performance (Hunt and Weintraub, 2016). It is
essential for the manager to render inspiration as well as direction to workers so that they will
easily fulfil the tasks within certain time limit. Style of management will be divided in two parts
which are mentioned as beneath: Autocratic: According to this, entire power and control is in the hands of director which
must be followed by staff members. They never allow workers to be a part of the
judgement process. If any kind of issue is being faced by staff members then they have to
follow instructions which are being provided by the superior. This will also assist them to
deal with the buyers in an effective manner. It is a traditional management style which is
taken after by enterprises in the old times. In relation to Thomas Cook, they are using
Autocratic leadership style in their business as they are doing business activities
effectually and this attribute is helping them to keep up the service quality (Cozolino,
2014).
 Democratic: In the recent era, many types of associations are utilizing this management
style in their business as it is considered as one of the most effective and efficient
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approach. As per this, workers will be a part of judgement procedure and cater some
suggestions as well as ideas to the superior. It provides motivation to them regarding
working. As a result, their level of involvement will be enhanced with accomplishment of
tasks. It works as the motivation for them and they will be able to complete their work
within limited period of time (Parmenter, 2015).
Henceforth, comparison in between Thomas Cook and Saga Travels is stated as below:
Thomas Cook Saga Travels
 In this company, superior has entire
power to take the decision.
 Workers of an association have to
follow guidance appropriately which is
being provided by the manager.
 Circumstances of chaos are less.
 Leaders are known as the boss of
organisation.
 Workers are taking part in the decision
making.
 Employers are considered as a mentor.
 Chaos chances are comparatively high.
 Superiors of firm will ask the staff
members for thoughts or suggestions.
1.2 Leadership characteristics within the two organisations
Characteristics or traits of leadership will be distinctive according to an association.
Basically, it is related to leadership style which is followed by company so that they will
accomplish the targets effectually (Marion, Richardson and Earnhardt, 2014). There are many
types of leadership styles which are taken after by superiors of Thomas Cook as well as Saga
Travels and these are stated as below:
Leadership style which is following by manager of Thomas Cook: Centralization of powers: It is considered as a style of leadership which is followed by
company and as per this, power of judgement making is in the hands of manager and they
never take support of their staff members. Rules are formulated by the higher authority
which are needed to be followed by workers effectively. Distrust of subordinate’s abilities: In an organisation, manager never takes suggestions
from the staff members due to lack of trust. Delegation of authority: According to this, superiors are giving their power to others.
Instead of this, they are delegating some responsibilities to staff members so that they
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will fulfil their work with maximum effectiveness as well as appropriateness (Derwik,
Hellström and Karlsson, 2016). Communication: In Thomas Cook, they are using one way conversation and therefore, it
is essential for employees to follow each guidance provided by the superior. Motivation: As per the manager of firm, if manager is directing workers then they will
get motivated and will be able to accomplish their work effectually. Instead of this, some
extra benefits will also be provided to them like commission, bonus and many others.
Leadership style which is following by manager if Saga Travels: Guidance from leaders: It is essential for the employer to direct their employees and
thus, they will accomplish operational activities effectually. Decision making freedom: Staff members will take judgement to select the best
alternative to complete their working exercise (Smith, 2014). Tools and resources: Manager of an enterprise will render proper methods to
subordinates and therefore, they will complete the work in an effective way. Problem solving attitude: It is important to determine the best solution for any issue so
that work will get completed without any hurdle.
 Empowerment: Required roles and responsibilities are given to employees so that tasks
will be performed within limited period of time.
1.3 Communication processes in the selected businesses
Communication process: There are certain steps which will comprise into this and these
are described as: Sender: Encoding is another name of it and he or she needs to transfer his or her message
properly (Pegram and et. al., 2014). Medium: It will be utilized by encoder like e- mail. Channel: This is accountable to message transfer such as internet. Receiver: He receives message from the encoder. Feedback: It will be provided by the receiver as it aids to assure that whether obtained
information is correct or not. Context: This will include place, time, etc. and it is connected with the encoder.
 Noise: It will cater negative influence to the communication process.
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Henceforth, it will get understood that if the best process of communication is used by
superior then, they will be able to share information as well as data with maximum effectiveness.
It will also help to take judgement in an appropriate way. Many communication patterns will be
adopted by an enterprise so that they will be able to gain positive outcomes. These are described
as below:
Verbal communication: As indicated by this, entire data and information is shared in a
verbal way. There is no proof in written; thus, it will develop any kind of issue while working so
that it is not considered as an effective method in any company (Nguyen and Hansen, 2016).
Written communication: This type of factor is used by the higher authority so that they
will transfer required information to middle level. Both companies i.e. Thomas Cook and Saga
Travels are using this pattern of conversation in their business so that they maintain connection
with the staff members.
Non- Verbal communication: This will comprise of various types of symbols or signs
such as if employees are giving their best performance then, thumbs up to motivate them. It has
been evaluated that both the associations are using this method in their business.
Linear communication: It describes that when conversation is done at similar type of
level. Every firm is operating their business activities as per their choice and along with that, it
has been seen that divisions are linked with each other.
Lateral communication: When conversation is done at horizontal level and this will
happen between different departments. By maintaining proper communication, company will
easily obtain positive outcomes. Along with entire operational activities will be accomplished in
an effective as well as efficient manner (Kaynak, 2014).
Formal communication: According to this, it is required for an enterprise to set a
specific flow of interaction so that requisite data and information will be shared by people
effectually. Suggestions will be given by workers to their superiors by following proper
structure.
Informal communication: As per this, no particular framework will be followed by an
organisation. Henceforth, Thomas Cook is following this method because they are using the
autocratic management style.
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1.4 Analysis of organisational culture and change in selected businesses
Culture of organisation will get evaluated with the help of micro and macro factors
because it can affect overall business operations directly or indirectly. Additionally, this can
affect work execution of employees. Several kinds of components are associated with it which
are mentioned as below:
Internal factors: It is an essential duty of top level management to render proper guidance to other level
and they have to follow this so that entire work will get accomplished within limited
period of time. In relation to both the associations, i.e. Thomas Cook and Saga travels;
higher management will provide impact to working performance of employees (Custovic
and Insaurralde, 2015). Human resource practices: It will cater influence to an organisation. Therefore, it is the
main duty of human resource superiors to identify requirement of training and
development program as it will assist individuals to improve their abilities and skills. Socialization: Basically, staff's working execution is highly associated with the culture of
company. It has been examined that if person is much talented then they will complete
the work with maximum effectiveness as well as appropriateness.
External factors: Context of community: It defines that external elements will provide impact to an
organisation because people who are working there belongs from different cultures as
well as places. They will provide a huge impact to intrinsic environment of company.
Therefore, it has been examined that this element will influence both the firms. Government rules and regulations: It can include many types of laws and legislations and
that will be developed by ministry bodies. These act will be related to welfare,
surrounding etc. It is essential for company to implement all legislations in business so
that they will accomplish the entire work ethically (Cheung and et. al., 2014).
 National culture: Thomas Cook is doing their business in many countries which will
influence the firm in a positive or negative way. Henceforth, it has been evaluated that
Thomas Cook follows culture according to their wish whereas, Saga Travels are utilizing
it as per country.
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TASK 2
2.1 Assessment of own management skill performance
Professional skills Current Level
5 = Strong
1 = Weak
Best Current Example Ways to improvement
Communication skills 4 I am working as a
Assistant manager in
Clayton Crown hotel
which is situated in
London. Thus, it is
must for me to attend
numerous visitors and
for this, I need to
increase my
communication
capabilities.
For improvisation, it is
essential for me to be a
part of group
discussion and along
with I will attend
debates.
Listening Capabilities 4 It is essential for me to
solve problems of
workers effectually
which are facing by
them.
To sort out difficulties,
I need to listen every
staff member.
Leadership Abilities 5 I need to provide
proper directions to
my juniors.
For their improvement,
it is must for me to
give them some power
or responsibilities.
Planning and
Organizing
4 To manage entire
activities effectively, I
will formulate some
strategies.
It is fundamental for
employees to complete
set targets within
certain time span.
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Presentation Talent 5 I need to show things
to my seniors
appropriately;
therefore, they will
easily obtain effective
decision which will
render maximum
benefits to company.
This will aid hotel to
compete with
competitors at
marketplace.
To enhance
presentation skills, I
will take support of
some e- learning tools
or methodologies.
Problem Solving 1 To sort out each
troubles, I will take
support of my team
members.
For improvisation, I
will ask for assistance
to lower level of
management.
Professional
knowledge
2 I possessed numerous
abilities regarding
professionalism as I
was consultant in
college in past times.
To improve this skills,
many sort of latest
techniques will be used
by me.
Team work 5 It is required for me to
understand needs and
wants of my co-
members; thus, I will
provide them some
benefits in this
regards.
For enhancement, I
have to deal with
members who belong
to different groups.
Self- Management 1 I need to prepare plan
on regular basis.
To manager each
things, I will do pre
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planning.
Time Management 4 To manager time, I
need to prepare time
table which must be
follow in a proper
way.
I will use some
strategies which are
associated with time
management.
Technology Skills 3 Information and data
will get collected by
utilization of internet.
It is must for me to
obtain proper
knowledge about
surrounding.
2.2 Analysis on personal strength, weakness, opportunity and threat
SWOT examination will aid an individual to know his or her strengths as well as
weaknesses (Beratarrechea and et. al., 2014). Along with, they will find out opportunities which
are available for them and assist to reduce their threats effectually. It will help to take an
effective judgement which is advantageous for person.
Strengths Weaknesses
 I will manage team properly as I
possess leadership skills.
 I will inspire workers to do work with
maximum effectiveness and
appropriateness.
 My conversation skills are very
efficient so that I will easily share
things with others without any
hesitation.
 During work pressure my work get
mismanaged and this affect my working
quality
 Sometimes, I am unable to use new
methodologies properly and this will
unplug me from external surrounding.
Opportunities Threats
 I will use some kind of strategies as
well as methods because it assists me to
 When I see many troubles then this will
make me panic and I will not find out
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improve conversation skills. As a
result, I will find out proper solution of
any difficulties.
best solution.
 If planning is not done by me
effectively then, this can influence
working performance negatively.
Illustration 1: SWOT analysis
(Source: SWOT analysis, 2017)
2.3 Setting of goals and targets on priority basis
Targets along with time duration:
Targets Time duration
My major shortcoming is, I have lack of professional skills; therefore,
it is essential for me to overcome from this. Hence, books, journals, etc.
will read by me which are associated with business.
26 days
I need to learn that how stress will be managed and for this purpose, I
will prepare some policies or strategies.
22 days
It is necessary for me to manage everything on the basis of certain
period of time; as a result, entire activities will get accomplished
timely.
23 days
Objectives along with time duration:
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Aims Time duration
It is required for me to know about the extrinsic surrounding and for
this, I will utilize latest methods which will be implement by me in
procedure of working. Henceforth, entire will get accomplished within
provide time duration.
22 days
I need to improve my skills and capabilities which are associated with
presentation. Thus, it is necessary to attend conferences and seminars.
8 days
I need to possess many self-administration skills and for this I have to
create an effective plan. As a result, entire task will accomplished
systematically.
14 days
TASK 3
3.1 Role of a manager in motivating team to achieve an agreed goal or objective
There are some roles and responsibilities that possess by managers in order to hit all
targets in limited period of time (Islam and et. al., 2014). These liabilities are motivating staff
members, strategy formulation, team building etc. Other than these, there are some
responsibilities that should be done by management personnel like conducting training sessions,
maintain employee relations, etc. In relation to Frankie's & Benny's, it is a restaurant which is
serving best quality of goods and services to customers. That is why, managers are very clear
about their missions and visions. Consequently, company can take competitive advantages and
this action further enhances profit of firm. To accomplish this mission managers should motivate
their staff members either in monetary for or non-monetary format.
There are some roles and responsibilities which is performed by manager in developing a
team, these are elaborated as below: Communication with team mates: It is fundamental in an association that adequate
conversations should be done among all working people. Henceforth, employee will
easily share their thoughts and ideas with their co-workers and can get solutions of their
problems. This action is also helpful in making appropriate decisions (Turabik, Baskan
and Koçak, 2014).
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