There is no such thing as a perfect assignment and everyone has their particular view, but here is my guide to a model answer.
Part A.
Firstly describe the organisation and its context and any particular challenges that impact on leaders. Are there any particular expectations of leaders and leadership? (say, 300+ words). You can define your role and your responsibilities as a leader.
Second section: I would suggest that you identify your leadership behaviours and use 2-4 diagnostic tools (Johari window, Northouse’s leadership questionnaire, there are other leadership questionnaires on shared/distributed online, your own staff appraisal report, Honey and Mumford’s learning styles questionnaire also on the Internet). Think about what your leadership behaviours approximate to and which model(s) of leadership. You should not write ‘I am a really nice person and everyone likes my styles of leadership which is caring’ but more like ‘based on the data generated by the self –diagnostic tools, there appears to be a tendency to adopt transactional styles of leadership particularly under pressure. This is illustrated by….’. (say, 500+ words)
Third section: Reflect on whether this is where you would like to be and if not what actions are required in terms of training, professional development etc. It may well be easier to write about being transactional, managerial autocratic and wishing to become more transformational and authentic. If you’re where you’d like to be then the issue is then one of dissemination of good practice and how this is done. You may wish to produce a Professional Development Plan (Issue, action required, measure of impact) if you wish and place it in the Appendices, although this is not a requirement, with a summary of the ley action points as your last paragraph in part A. In this last paragraph you must identify what professional training needs are required– in house training, a series of away-days, an MSc in Leadership!! (say, 500+ words)
Part B.
You may wish to discuss the organisation and its organisational structure- is it flat or hierarchical? Is it bureaucratic or empowering? Where are decisions taken- at the site or elsewhere? What is the nature of delegation? (say, 300-400 words)
In the second section, you should explain the organisational culture(s) that prevail- is it collegial, or divisive? Refer to the work of Edgar Schein, or Hoy and Miskell here. You may wish to reflect on the degree to which organisational culture impinges on leadership behaviours or vice versa. How are leaders viewed in this organisational culture? (say, 400-500 words).
In the third section, can leaders influence the culture of the organisation? If so, at what level and how? Then think about what leadership model(s) approximate what you see. This needs detail and the relative merits/impacts of certain types of leadership behaviours. Remember we are not referring to people but behaviours. This may be a theory heavy paragraph but one that relates theory to professional practice. The most effective assignments are those where theory is not isolated but linked to what happens in the workplace. (say, 500-600 words)
Again, develop a set of recommendations for professional development identifying why this is required. Which model of leadership do you want to promote and why? Again, if you want to expand on your recommendations in the final paragraph, then produce an Organisational Leadership Development Plan for your centre and put this into the Appendices. (say, 400-500 words).
David.
