Task 1
You are to prepare a discussion paper aimed at the group of ‘middle’ managers in your organisation which evaluates the:

a. terms leadership and management and their application in organisations
b. personal leadership and management skills required to support achievement of organisational goals

The discussion paper should include exploration of relevant theories and practice and clearly demonstrate, with examples your understanding of how personal leadership and management skills help to ensure achievement of organisational objectives

Extension activities:
To gain a merit grade, the paper should include
• an analysis of the impact of organisational objectives, values and cultures on the leadership and management role

To gain a distinction grade you must add a section to the paper in which you
• analyse the leadership and management skills of a leader in a named organisation. The leader does not have to be from an organisation you know well personally, but the analysis must be based on documented evidence.

Task 2

This task is designed to enable you to manage the development of your own personal and management skills to support achievement of organisational objectives. It falls into several parts which will need to be completed over a period of time:

a) Carry out an audit of own personal leadership and management skills, presenting it in a clear format showing strengths and development points. The skills audit must relate to a particular role which is undertaken in the organisation and be completed with reference to the needs of the organisation and its stated objectives. This may be an organisation where you are employed or where you work in a voluntary capacity. You could also use as an example for the purposes of this assignment, an organisation you know well or where you study.

b) Set objectives to meet personal development needs identified in your audit to support achievement of organisational objectives

c) Identify and explain the opportunities you will utilise to meet the objectives set

d) Prepare a personal development plan to develop own leadership and management skills to support organisational objectives
e) Carry out and record appropriate personal development activities you have undertaken in accordance with the plan to develop skills identified in the audit. You must include evidence to support the record produced

f) When you have completed the activities in the plan, review progress and outcomes of the personal development against the objectives set

Extension activities:
To gain a merit grade;
• Justify how opportunities selected for the personal development plan support achievement of organisational objectives
• Compare current personal leadership and management skills with the outcome of the original audit identifying clearly what has been achieved and what has not.

To gain a distinction grade;
• Analyse areas for further development and provide a new plan clearly showing the amendments you have made