Reference no: EM132397610 , Length: word count : 500
Assignment: Professional Reflection – Managing My Career is Part of Managing My Life
Throughout this course, you have focused on many topics important to you as a current or future manager. Most of these topics point to your relationship with those who work for you and how to motivate and empower them. You have reviewed material on developing relationships, encouraging diversity, and providing effective feedback. This week, you are shifting your focus inward by examining your career goals and professional development.
To prepare for this week’s Professional Reflection:
Review the Discussion forums from this week
Review your previous Professional Reflection entries throughout this course
Reflect on the various topics you have studied throughout this course
Review this week’s Learning Resources, especially
o Cohen, J. (2014). 5 proven methods for gaining self discipline.
o Dattner, B., & Hogan, R. (2011). Can you handle failure? Harvard Business Review.
o Franko, A. (2014). View your career as a jungle gym, not a ladder. Talent Development, 68(11), 72–73.
o Grenny, J. (2017). A 3-step plan for turning weaknesses into strengths. Harvard Business Review Digital Articles.
o Lay, G. (2016). Making mistakes is no mistake. Personal Excellence Essentials, 21(7), 14.
o Padron, M. (2017). When the stress beast is a risk. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, 51(3), 22–23.
o Palade, A. (2010). Significant aspects regarding career management. Means for a better career planning and development. Petroleum – Gas University of Ploiesti Bulletin, Economic Sciences Series, 62(2), 124–134.
o Turbulence Training. (2012, September 25). How to set goals and create a vision for your life [Video file].
o Document: Professional Reflection Assignment Instructions
Consider your own experiences with performance reviews and performance indicators in your job. The following questions may help your thinking here:
o Does your organization clearly define how employees are measured? How does this impact your ability to perform your job? How does it impact your working relationship with your manager?
o If you are a manager, how does having (or not having) a clear set of performance criteria impact your ability to supervise your staff and provide constructive feedback?
To complete the Professional Reflection Assignment, compose a cohesive document that addresses the following:
Summarize the three most important items that you learned from your Discussions and the resources this week. Explain why they stood out to you and how you will apply what you have learned into your life and your work as a manager. Be specific and provide examples.
After reflecting on what you have learned over the eight weeks of this course, describe the three most important concepts that you learned and how they have or will make you a more effective manager.
Describe the 2–3 management skills that you have learned which will help you be an agent for positive social change, in alignment with Walden’s mission. How will you use those skills in this endeavor?
Reflect on how what you know about yourself—and what you have learned about yourself—relates to your career.
o List 4 to 5 of your passions (i.e., what you care about most).
o List 4 to 5 of your skills (i.e., what you are good at).
o List 4 to 5 defining traits/personal strengths you have.
o List 4 to 5 ways you can contribute or add value to an organization.
o Referring to the Ibarra article, complete your own CLEAR model.
o Based on your lists and your CLEAR model, summarize any themes you have identified and explain what these themes say about your career choices and goals.
Now, search for and outline job postings for the types of management work you would most like to do in organizations and with which you would most like to work.
o What are the skills and experience that are listed as required or desired?
o Evaluate yourself against the listed skills and experience and determine what you need to do to become the best candidate for the type of management position that you want.
o Based on your CLEAR model, how do the typical job postings you found align with your model? What does your model tell you about the type of management jobs or organizations on which you might want to focus your search?
Define at least two professional goals that will enable you to obtain your desired management position—or grow within the position you have—so you can be an effective manager.
o For each goal, list at least three specific steps you will need to take to achieve the goal.
o Evaluate your goals and plans for achieving them, including feasibility, timeline, and resources you will need, etc.
Be sure to support your Professional Reflection using this week’s readings or other credible and relevant resources.
General Guidance: Aside from your 5-Minute Pitch in Week 1, your Professional Reflection submissions will typically be 2–4 pages in length.