Introduction
Reflecting on one’s experiences allows individuals to ponder on their behavior in specific situations and identify areas for improvement. At the beginning of this master’s program, I had certain knowledge and skills that shaped how I studied for the last few months. Approaching the end of the Course, I realize my strengths and weaknesses and understand how to apply my newly acquired expertise to benefit a potential employer.
Self-Assessment
Firstly, assessing one’s potencies that can be used in a personal development plan (PDP) is important. When I started the program, the three main strengths that I leveraged to succeed were prior knowledge of management, the ability to work with large amounts of information, and open-mindedness. I had studied management previously and did not have much trouble comprehending the concepts introduced in the Course and searching for articles to complete the assignments. I did discover new information during the learning process, but I have developed the capability to process facts, reports, and other types of data, which helped me to analyze the program’s readings and tasks. For instance, it was relatively more effortless to work on the U.S. Army’s business model canvas (“Business Model Canvas,” 2021). Finally, a quality that I believe has assisted me most is open-mindedness towards new ideas and challenges, which also made me enthusiastic about studying diligently. The three strengths are the personality traits that have benefited me throughout the Course and in several aspects of my life in general.
Following that, people should consider their weaknesses to determine character specifics to advance. As mentioned above, I had some management knowledge when starting the program, but I also felt that I did not have enough confidence to apply it in practice. Regardless of understanding instructions and having the necessary skills, doubting myself has always been a shortcoming, which I believe can be addressed by handling more challenges and reflecting on previous accomplishments. Furthermore, I usually strive to seek new knowledge and get easily bored when dealing with something familiar. As a result, I sometimes begin to pay less attention and may miss significant information, which is a habit that I intend to include in my PDP. My last main weakness at the program’s beginning was sharing responsibility. I have worked in teams with different people many times, yet it is sometimes difficult for me to trust others completely with finishing their tasks. However, I comprehend the importance of teamwork and plan to continue learning how to delegate duties. The three weaknesses are the ones that I have been addressing throughout my life and need to improve.
I have acquired a few artifacts by accomplishing assignments throughout the program. The first one presents case study analyses on cross-cultural management that allowed me to use my knowledge in practice (“Cross-Cultural Management,” 2021). I have analyzed two case studies and have explored the importance of cooperation by assessing the articles, such as the one written by Pratono (2020), which depicts partnerships between advanced and local companies. In the second artifact, I have combined some work done in separate weeks and investigated how the U.S. Army operates as an organization (“Business Model Canvas,” 2021). For example, I have considered matters like the army’s resource utilization based on a paper by Fellmann et al. (2019), in which the authors discuss resource patterns in relation to business. Finally, I have illustrated procedures within a company as one of its employees, describing customers, channels, value propositions, revenue streams, and other operations (“A Flawless Flex Salon,” 2021). In attaining the artifacts, I have researched considerable studies and promoted my abilities, such as handling new information.
The assignments that I have completed have helped me develop skills to meet the program objectives, and I can apply those skills in the real world. I have obtained a comprehensive knowledge of management, enhanced my analytical and critical thinking abilities by doing research, and advanced strategic thinking by studying different organizations’ examples. Throughout the master’s program, I have also developed an entrepreneurial spirit and improved problem-solving by analyzing new information and applying it to case studies. The listed skills can benefit my employer due to their positive effects on job performance. According to Lejeune et al. (2018), job performance consists of task performance and contextual performance. The former refers to proficiency with which one can complete tasks, whereas the latter means positive behavior that contributes to the organization’s goals (Lejeune et al., 2018). During the program, I have successfully and timely completed projects related to management and attained capabilities that enriched my personality.
Personal Development Plan
Although I have experienced professional growth due to the master’s program, I comprehend the necessity for further personal development. I have mentioned my primary weaknesses above, and while I feel more confident in applying my knowledge to practice, I should include the other shortcomings in my PDP. To prevent getting bored when working with familiar information and be more observant, I can begin by promoting mindfulness. Liu et al. (2020) suggest that people with high mindfulness are more likely to maintain a beginner’s mind and concentrate on current activities. Therefore, to be more focused, I will use interventions like seated meditation, gentle stretching, and smartphone-delivered mindfulness programs (Creswell, 2019). Such interventions can also assist me in sharing responsibilities and becoming better at teamwork. Mindfulness can enhance self-awareness and self-regulation to control emotions, thoughts, and behaviors (Liu et al., 2020). As a result, I would recognize each person’s distinct abilities and rely on people to work and solve problems together (Tripathy, 2018). My development plan is oriented toward addressing the weaknesses I had at the beginning of the program and still should overcome them to continue growing as a professional.
Reflection on the Course
I do not have many commentaries regarding the Course, as I recognize the benefits of the learning process, which does not seem to require improvements. I did wish to receive more feedback throughout the program to gauge progress, but such a wish may be related to my lack of confidence. As of now, I am certain that the Course was well-organized and presented considerable opportunities to do research and develop.
Conclusion
To summarize, I have realized that my achievements in the program are due to strengths like my understanding of management, ability to work with information, and open-mindedness. However, the accomplishment could be at risk, as I sometimes doubt myself, get bored, and do not like sharing responsibilities. Nevertheless, I was interested in studying and enjoyed completing the assignments I included in my profile. I now understand what I should advance in myself and have skills that can help me to perform better at work.
References
Pratono, A. H. (2020). Cross-cultural collaboration for inclusive global value chain: A case study of rattan industry.International Journal of Emerging Markets, 15(1), 149–170. Web.
Fellmann, M., Koschmider, A., Laue, R., Schoknecht, A., & Vetter, A. (2019). Business process model patterns: State-of-the-art, research classification, and taxonomy. Business Process Management Journal, 25(5), 972-994. Web.
Lejeune, C., Beausaert, S., & Raemdonck, I. (2018). The impact on employees’ job performance of exercising self-directed learning within personal development plan practice.The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(5), 1086-1112. Web.
Liu, S., Xin, H., Shen, L., He, J., & Liu, J. (2020). The influence of individual and team mindfulness on work engagement.Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1-8. Web.
Creswell, J. D., Lindsay, E. K., Villalba, D. K., & Chin, B. (2019). Mindfulness training and physical health: mechanisms and outcomes.Psychosomatic Medicine, 81(3), 224–232. Web.
Tripathy, M. (2018). Building quality teamwork to achieve excellence in business organizations. International Research Journal of Management, IT and Social Sciences, 5(3), 1-7.
Cross-Cultural Management: A Case Study Analysis (2021). [Course Assignment].
Business Model Canvas (2021). [Course Assignment].
A Flawless Flex Salon (2021). [Course Assignment].