Communication Skills, Peoples Performance at Work - Coursework Example

Skills log and CPD plan Module Leader: Module HRM Practice and Perspectives A Module 7BSP1045 Bian Meng Number: 13079322 Submission Date: 2. Development Record Key dates What did you do? Why? What did you learn from this? How have/will you use this? Any further action? 13.10..2014 My first action was to ensure that I attend the class lectures and more specifically about the ‘The external Environment’ My aim was to make sure that do not miss on any information from our instructors therefore have easy time in my application and exam I learnt what was expected of more and me so what I was to cover for the rest of the module including the human resource profession areas, various behaviour in this profession as well as the expected competence. I am to begin to understand how these external contexts may interact with the work of HR practitioners I will use this introductory part of the module to base my foundation and my research of the course contents and apply the same in exam and other practical involvements. Further, it will enhance my absorption ability in the rest of the course content. However, the noblest influence is that I will be in a position to understand the basic requirement in human resource management. 20.10..2014 On this date, we attended the first group meeting to prepare for our presentation. We therefore outlined some ideas as well as approaches to apply. The main objective was to determine the topic that we would research on and later provide a good presentation. The first meeting has made me learn a lot. However, much of these are more from the whole team working together. The main worry that i had was the actual presentation process. Most of the group members seemed nervous and were not willing to volunteer for to present. Language was also of big concern since many group members come from different background. However, I volunteered to present since I had done the same in my previous engagements. It was not very easy since we had different attitudes toward this task. However, I am glad for this experience since I have realised many things about my behaviour and myself in team works. Working in this group has assisted me in knowing that there are various perspectives exhibited kin group work. This knowledge is helpful, as I will be effectively applying the same in future. Listening is one of the main aspects of group work. Therefore, I will be able to listen to various opinions and views raised by group members and discuss on the same. The application of this knowledge will be emphasised on ensuring perfectionism in service delivery. Further, quality in every aspect of group work will be highly considered. Learning about personality traits has also helped me in respecting other people’s attributes and knowing that we are all different. I will make use of this diversity in personality in my future application. 21.11. 2014 On the first day of the workshop in the afternoon, we did the experiment of team building. My group has seven members. The first member was to build the first layer, and then I was an observer, recorded by two other members of the second floor. Finally, seven group members cooperated to complete the final combination. After learning Belbin’s team inventory, the teacher required us to do an experiment to grasp the theory. According to the Belbin Team Inventory, our team members have their own role in the experiment. It helped me to understand how to work individually and as a team. It helped each one of us to come up with ideas and pool the same together. We carry out discussion, make plan, observation, and the production process has proved the validity and necessity of Belbin Team Inventor. First, I know the importance of cooperation and division of labour. I have realized Belbin’s Team Inventor is very scientific. We have profoundly realized the importance of cooperation and division of labour through the process of the observation and making. Secondly, through the experiment study, I learnt the advantages of other members such as the ability to plan and leadership. Learning others advantages is to overcome my shortcomings. Finally, I learned to make a plan before I do something, which is very necessary. I expect to apply this knowledge in other group work as well as helping other group members in teamwork. In the future work and study, I will pay more attention to the division of labour and cooperation. The work division of labour and cooperation can improve work efficiency and improve the quality of work. I will still be observationally learning advantages from other people, getting rid of my shortcomings. I will try to do planning before doing things. 21.11. 2014 Helen MacKinlay gave some advice on how to overcome nervousness during presentations when I attended the workshop on skills development. Every member was required to participate in the workshop. This was intended to ensure that we develop skills in how we could effectively deliver in presentation. One of the most important lessons that I errant about overcoming nervousness is that I need to prepare in advance and ensure that I am well vast with the topic. Gathering courage and confidence is also vital in presentation. The next step will be to ensure i involve myself in as many presentations as possible, as this will help in overcoming nervousness. 22.11..2014 On this date all group members and I were participated in a presentation on the ‘ Impact of Technology on E-recruitment’ The coursework requires that every student should be in-group to deliver a presentation. This was thus part of the course work. I have developed my presentation skills and increased my confidence to speak in front of a lot people. Further, I became more aware of the presentations. It was not easy to introduce some things to other people and attract them. For example, I need to express my ideas clearly to make sure the audience can understand them completely. Moreover, the body language can alleviate the nervousness and attract he audience. It is very important to take examples and repeat the focus in the presentation, which can strengthen my points and help the audience understand them to support me. As the ability to give, presentations will certainly be a skill that is required in my future career and hence its development is crucial to be successful. Hence, I will gradually strengthen the presentation skills. For example, I can try to make the presentation without notes, which can make the presentation fluent and be easily followed by audience. Furthermore, I will learn to make good use of the body language in the presentation. For example, I should keep in good eye contact with the audience when I am in the presentation. 30.11. 2014 I wrote my Skills log and CPD plan Development of skills log and CPD plan is part of the course requirement. The development of skills log assisted me in knowing what I wanted to have in the human resource profession as well as in my personal life. In the process of outlining the pan, I came to discover about my strengths and weaknesses and areas that I need to work on. I was able to know may main objective as well as how to a achieve the same. Further, I was able to reflect on my personal attributes, and how to improve the same so that to perfect my service delivery in human resource management. The most critical aspect t is that I will continue working on improving of my personal behaviour in order to perfect my work. This is because personal improvement is a continuous process. Further, will continue consulting and reading more materials on personal development and application. This will assist me as i interact with the public in my career. I am planning to enrol in master’s programme and therefore I believe most of these sills and CPD plan will help in having a firm foundation, on the same. 3. SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Enjoy in the HR field- through passion and enthusiasm I have enjoyed the HR department based on all activities and obligations. Positive attitude – I have been optimistic in the HR field leading to a quest for more knowledge while perpetrating the assigned roles. Curious and co-operative – I have interest in learning more about the field and seeking answers. As a result I have brain stormed and exchanged ideas with other team members to achieve the set goal and objectives. Responsibility – I showed this skill while working with my team members by showing them that I had the potential to be relied upon in terms of ideas, roles and results. Independent – I always love working on my own since it saves me time and improves my personal skills. However, when things get tough, I prefer teamwork. Some of the time is when I am inflexible while making decisions leading to time wastage in vital situations. Undecided – I am at doubt whenever I don’t get things rights. Consequently, I find myself making wrong and irrational decisions Procrastination – I at times prefer doing less urgent tasks compared to more urgent ones leading to a last minute rush. Time management – I easily get distracted by some of my hobbies such as watching movies and playing video games. Lack of ability to work under stress – I am often distracted by stress and tend to affect my performance. Opportunities Threats Studying professional courses of HR field – Most modern companies invest in higher degrees; hence, I have an opportunity to continue with professional courses. Exchange and communication with people – contact with other individuals enhances my visions and value about HR Work with and learn from other people where there is a fertile learning environment with proficient individuals that are willing to help Extending knowledge through literature/seminars – since HR department is a wide and dynamic filed, there is the potential to learn through seminars and enhance my perception on • More employment opportunities – the HR field is a booming industry; hence, the increase in job opportunities Lack of work experience – despite my skills and knowledge, most companies require experienced workers. Hard to communicate – the diversity in employee culture makes it hard to bond due to language, social and cultural barriers. Complex environments – there dynamic business industry has led to complex internal and external environments that are hard to adapt after joining the HR department. 4. Development Plan NAME: Bian Meng MEMBERSHIP NUMBER: 13079322 COVERING THE PERIOD FROM: 22.09.2014 TO: 15.12.2014 Planned outcome Where do I want to be by the end of this period? What do I want to be doing? (This may be evolutionary or “more of the same”.) What do I want/need to learn? What will I do to achieve this? What resources or support will I need? What will my success criteria be? Target dates for review and completion Curious – ambitious and inquisitive to enhance the organization’s value and purpose In order to achieve this skill I will ensure that that i become more interrogative in my obligations. In showing my concern on both external and internal environment, I will ensure that i am attentive ion what is being provided in all areas of learning such as lectures and group work. The approach will help me make concerted efforts in improving areas that are questionable. In addition, I will try to come up with hypothetical premises in order to look for answers on the same. I will be keen to assess how various organizations address some issues and also how human resource managers resolve them. This will help me in knowing the existing gaps and become even more curious on how they can be filled. I will have to use literature support that will assist me in providing basic theoretical background on interrogation and learning methods. I will also require learning from colleagues and group leaders in the HR field in order to understand the best approaches. Communication with others will also assist in sharing and gaining more information through brainstorming. Adopting the CIPD HR professional map will also enhance my knowledge in the HR department. The application of these skills will be done in various areas of human resource. However I will base this ion both individual; and organizational level. Further, I will ensure that group work helps me to understand how to practically apply the skill in order to cover a wider scope. I will be assessing my application on daily basis and analysing my achievement (Allen and Kusy, 2011). My target date to achieve the skill is 06.02.2015 Courage and confidence I will be trying to understand the situation but more so gathering courage to find answers from my seniors and classmates. However, i will be bold enough to let my stand known in case of any controversy. This will be after understanding and analysing a situation at hand. Training will be enhanced to other stakeholders so that the entire personnel can share the same spirit. This will create collective efforts and common direction in achieving goals. I will read more relevant literature to assist me in basic principles of overcoming fear and challenging my colleagues to get more knowledge. Interaction with other individuals will also help me understand the need for leadership and challenging group members in the department. I will also use the CIPD HR professional map to gauge my performance in the skill. The success will be measured on the changes that i will have influenced in these situations. This will include in both at group work and application at organizational level. I plan to understand and master the skill by 01.01.2015 Communicational Skills These skills can be improved through continuous practice on my listening ability that is closely connected to communication skills. It means that disagreements and conflicts and that professional language will be adopted to ensure that all parties understand. Body language should also be adopted due to its connection to communication practices. Communicating through presentation. On this, I will come up with my presentation skills since it will be a very useful skill in my future career. In addition, as a professional HR person, there are many instances that i will be needed to do presentations especially to leaders. Therefore, in order to have good presentation, I will need the plan and strategy on how to communicate well. I will need to study more about the communication and presentation skills. I will make use of the available literature to improve in my communication skills and get a clear comprehension of the barriers of effective communication. Secondly, I will focus on presentation applications such as PowerPoint that will assist me in my presentation activities. Finally, I will also utilize the available workshops that engage in communication and presentation activities to enhance my skills. The goals achievement will be based on my personal ability on the presentation. The proper and effective application of communication skills in delivering information will be my score of achievement. On the other hand, I will involve some of my friends to analysis and give me feedback on my presentation and how best I can improve on the same. I plan to acquire the skill by 01.02.2015 Manage people’s performance at work In ensuring that people deliver at work places, various objectives will be set including group and individual assignments. I will apply management by objective (MBO), where I will involve other team members in decision-making process. Further, teams will be expected to be flexible and communicate frequently. support programs for group improving performance will be developed . I will need to invest in literature based on management topics obtain various principles that can be used in enhancing the skill. Newspapers will also be resourceful in improving the skill due to the presence of business articles providing management skills. Workshops/seminars will also be important in providing organization skills due to exchange of ideas and learning from leaders. In this case, success will be based on the targets that the team members will have to agree on in a specific period. This aspect will depend on how efficient I am in time management as well how the same is replicated ion people’s performance. Additionally, using the leadership skills will also help in developing the management proficiency in the field. The target date for learning and mastering the skill is set at 01.04.2015 Conflict resolution The first thing will be to ensure that I understand various needs of members in order to dig deeper on the genesis of conflict. Secondly is to invest in efficient communication skills that will assist in conflict resolution. Members will also be encouraged to have good relationship and provide means through which they can address their issues. I will apply the best communication skills in solving problems as well as negation skills. This will include listening to parties concerned and allowing them to bring their cases forward. This will provide a balanced round for every person and ensuring that there is democracy in conflict management processes. My current job skills will act as a resource and assist in the handling of conflicts due to employee relationships. I will also engage in literature review to gain more knowledge on various ways of conflict resolution. Workshops and seminars will also provide information on ways of handling employees due to the behavioural diversity. The reduction of conflict in-group work will be a clear indication of my success. I will expect conflicts to reduce dramatically. This will mean that my skills ar6e bearing fruits. Additionally, the embracement of listening skills will also prove part of the skill since one has to listen more during conflict management situations. The planned date for the attainment of this skill is 06.01.2014 Time management On this subject, I will make a schedule that will include both gaol lists and time allocated. I will also develop and apply an effective time management framework to help in application of the skills and behaviours. The most important aspect will be to ensure that any project is done within the specified time including following my diary. I will read articles in newspapers and magazines on how successful businessmen and women have managed their time to emerge successful. Moreover, I will also make use of a diary and time management systems such as the urgent/important matrix that will aid in time management (Kinicki and Williams, 2008). Success will be based on the tasks completed within the specified and planned times. I will also be capable of proper application of time management skills that will go a long way in ensuring that the plans that I plan with other team members or mangers, are implemented within the period that we will have budgeted. I plan to acquire the skill by 01.02.2015 Stress management I need to make a comprehensive analysis on the source, levels of stress and ways of management. I will also engage in communication with my colleagues as a stress reliever to prevent it from affecting my job performance I can use my friend’s advice of ways of reducing and relieving stress as an approach to stress management. I can also be involved in my hobbies to distract the stress and get involved in other activities. Success will be rated depending on the level of confidence and handling complex situations. I plan to acquire the skill by the end March, 2015. 5. Explanatory Text Various skills listed in the development will be the basis of achieving success that I aim in my human resource career. The following explanatory text explores the rational for choosing the skills ain the development plan. 1. Curiosity Curiosity is the first learning approach that can be adopted in a new workplace. One has to be inquisitive and open-minded to learn new thing in a new environment. According to (Cipd.co.uk, 2015), one of the drivers of change in any organization is curiosity. It helps in having desire of knowing what can happen in case there were some changes in how an organization operates. Therefore, my intention is to ensure i cultivate enough curiosity that will drive my motivation. This will consequently be transferred to other management teams in an organization or in other teams (Dunbar, 2010). At the same time, training will be extended to other stakeholders so that the entire personnel can share the same spirit. This will create collective efforts and common direction in achieving objectives (Schiraldi, 2007). Further, absorption and integration of changes in an organization will be easier since everyone will be curious to know the outcome and the impact of changes in their workplaces. 2. Courage to challenge Confidence to speak up and self-esteem before colleagues are some of the aspects of acquiring courage in leadership situations (Allen and Kusy, 2011). Remarkably, it is important for an individual’s to be known in any conversation or situation. This is important especially where disagreements and various opinions are raised. Rose (2004), observes that it is important to challenge another person’s views in order to get clarity of an issue. Therefore, having courage to challenge such issues in an organisation will be one of the greatest attributes that one can possess. Further, courage enhances ability to confront any situation or problem. 3. Communication Skills The relay of information among workers in a human resource setting is vital for the success of an organization (Thornton, 2010). Shaw et al., (1999), contends that efficient communication in is critical in any organization. It helps in ensuring that operations flow smoothly without interruptions. Disagreements and conflicts are also reduced with efficient communication skills. One-way of communicating is through presentation of the planned data. I will need to develop my presentation skill because I think it will be a very useful skill in my future career. As a professional HR people, there will be many times to do the presentation to people especially to leaders to presentation the plan and strategy. Therefore, the quality of the presentation may affect the result. Firstly, I need to study more about the professional knowledge to ensure that I am familiar about the field I will present. Then I will learn how to pick the main point to present and combine the real circumstance to make my presentation reasonable. In addition, I will watch more videos to learn how the others do their presentation and practice as much as I can before start the formal presentation. A good example is learning how to speak and making movements in order to attract the viewers’ attention and let them feel excited. 4. Manage people’s performance at work Monitoring and observing workers in an organization are essential strategies in gauging the level of performance. In any HR department, management of people needs to be fundamental skill. This is not possible if one cannot manage him-self of her-self well. It will be challenging them to achieve the people management. Managing people involves several factors such as analysis of the skills, barriers, performance, and set up goals, subjective and appraisal of employee’s performance and so on. Therefore, I want to achieve the people management skill through practically managing myself. Further, I will need to learn more theory about how to manage people at work places before coming up with an individual plan. This will include my schedule, goals, objectives as well as the resources I may need. Finally, I will have to do the experiment on myself, so that I can learn how to overcome the obstacles. Time management will also serve as a competition strategy due to the presence of rival firms. As a result, I will ensure and maximize supervision of the employees to enhance the level of production. A increase in performance will lead to more profits; hence, increased salaries for the human resource department. 5. Conflict Management Conflict resolution is an important tool in any social setting. The HR department consists of various employees with different social and cultural backgrounds; hence, increasing the possibility for conflicts at the workplace. In any teamwork or organization there must be disagreements that may lead to hostile exchanges. It is not possible to avoid disagreements in an organization but it is helpful to understand how to regulate such differences and more so how to solve problems in an organization. According to Kotler 2009, conflicts may involve various parties such as employees and employers or other groups. Therefore knowing how to solve such issues will assist me in reducing the same in a working place. The communication and leadership skills that I will learn will help me in solving conflict. Each party should be listened to, and allowed to express itself. This factor will offer a balanced playing ground in solving organizational conflicts. An effective application process of conflict management skills will help in ensuring that such issues do not reoccur and if they do, the rate is highly minimised. In addition, various organizational and teams’ objectives will be met if operations are not interrupted by continuous disagreements and conflicts. Additionally, I will work hard to learn about negotiable skill since they are important in HR career as well as in the secondary days of my work. Further, in the workshop meeting, we were asked to have groups to do the case study, and record our results and think about the reason for the same. Then I did give some ideas, which my partners agreed upon. Finally, each group needed to send a representative to join the final decision conference of the case. I did not have appropriate negotiation skills, which are important in conflict management. This could have reduced the performance of our group. This is what made me think of having conflict management skills as well as problem solving techniques. 6. Time management Time has become a fundamental factor when it comes to international business (Cheema, 2009). Consequently, each organization has to invest in time management activities to enhance its chances of survival in the markets. The HR department is responsible for time management since it consists of the human skilled force (Hedges, 2013). According to Gillin (2011) asserts that it is very difficult to achieve the objectives set, if proper time management is not enhanced. Therefore, having time management skills will go a long way in ensuring that the plans that I plan with other team members or mangers, are executed within the period that we will have budgeted. At the same time, it helps in showing direction to my workmates. This means that I will be leading by example. By so doing, I will not be having difficult time in directing some operation and managing personnel (Career Success for Newbies, 2015). 7. Stress management Stress can be caused by various factors that include social, psychological and economic (Elizabeth Scott, 2015). A comprehension of the sources of stress will assist me in avoiding it at the work place so that it cannot affect my performance (Parker, 2007). For example if I have financial hardships at home, I have to ensure I do not bring the stress to work failure to which it affects my output. Stress has been known to reduce creativity, innovation, and motivation; hence, there is the need to have stress management skills while at the work and home environments. 6. References List Allen, S. and Kusy, M. (2011). The little book of leadership development. New York: American Management Association. Andrade, H. and Du, Y. (2007). Student responses to criteria‐referenced self‐assessment. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 32(2), pp.159-181. Career Success for Newbies, (2015). Why is time management important. [online] Available at: http://www.career-success-for-newbies.com/why-is-time-management-important.html [Accessed 11 Jun. 2015]. Cheema, D. (2009). Time management. Chandigarh: Abhishek Publications. Cipd.co.uk, (2015). Curious - Behaviours - CIPD. [online] Available at: http://www.cipd.co.uk/cipd-hr-profession/profession-map/behaviours/curious.aspx [Accessed 11 Jun. 2015]. Cipd.co.uk, (2015). Decisive Thinker - Behaviours - CIPD. [online] Available at: http://www.cipd.co.uk/cipd-hr-profession/profession-map/behaviours/decisive-thinker.aspx [Accessed 11 Jun. 2015]. Dale, R. (2004). Development planning. London: Zed Books. Dunbar, A. (2010). Essential life coaching skills. London: Routledge. Elizabeth Scott, M. (2015). Why Stress Management Is Worth The Effort. [online] About.com Health. Available at: http://stress.about.com/od/understandingstress/a/why_stress_man.htm [Accessed 11 Jun. 2015]. Gillin, P. (2011) Insights for theory and Practice in People’s Management. Hoboken, N.J., Wiley. Hedges, K. (2013). Time Management For The Time-Challenged. [online] Forbes. Available at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2013/08/14/time-management-for-the-time-challenged/ [Accessed 11 Jun. 2015]. Kinicki, A. and Williams, B. (2008). Management. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Kotler, Management Theory Review, 2009. Leone, S. (2013). Characterisation of a personal learning environment as a lifelong learning tool. New York: Springer. OConnell, B., Palmer, S. and Williams, H. (2012). Solution focused coaching in practice. Hove: Routledge. Parker, H. (2007). Stress management. Chandni Chowk, Delhi: Global Media. Quast, L. (2015). How To Conduct A Personal SWOT Analysis. [online] Forbes. Available at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2013/04/15/how-to-conduct-a-personal-s-w-o-t-analysis/ [Accessed 11 Jun. 2015]. Rose, J. (2004). Protective Behaviours: safety, confidence and self‐esteem. J of Public Mental Health, 3(1), pp.25-29. Schiraldi, G. (2007). 10 simple solutions for building self-esteem. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. Schneider, D. (2003) Human Resources Management Skills. Berlin, Springer. Shaw, R., & Reed, D. (1999) Measuring and Valuing Human Resources Management. London, Business Intelligence. Thomas, M. (2007). Mastering people management. London: Thorogood. Thornton, C. (2010). Group and team coaching. London: Routledge. Whetten, D. and Cameron, K. (2005). Developing management skills. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Read More