https://padlet.com/am3crt/w1e2ppkrj2z6wt6g Made with whimsy en-us 2020-09-29 18:23:11 UTC 2020-11-17 14:54:55 UTC hello@padlet.com am3crt https://padlet.com/am3crt/w1e2ppkrj2z6wt6g/wish/826370505 Using the Gibbs (1998) model of reflection to structure my writing I will reflect upon my first few sessions on my masters degree.

Description - what happened
When I started my masters course we were taught how about the module and structure. This included new tools such as using the padlet system which is where these reflections will be posted.  The process of reflective writing was discussed. In addition leadership was introduced to the group, the different styles and how to identify the type of leader you are as an individual.
Description - Feelings
I felt quite overwhelmed so I was reluctant to start my work. This was partly because I did not totally understand what I was supposed to be doing so I did not want to get it wrong. I was not confident enough in a new group, and a new learning environment at this level to ask for help.
Evaluation
The impact meant I was getting behind with my work and reading which was not good at the beginning of my course. I would try and doing some reading but would get worried I was getting the meaning wrong.
Analysis
It is very common to be nervous when anybody starts something or somewhere new. In a study of professional dentists they found that when completing a masters degree there confidence was impaired both in studies and professionally and only 27% completed their course (Fine et al., 2017). There are multiple reasons why masters courses are challenging for students who are already practiced students and professionals such as increased stress and pressure due to workload (Fine et al., 2017).
Conclusion and Action
In order to solve this and improve this I will be more focused on my reading. I will be honest with my tutor. I will ensure that I will explore different learning styles to help both my confidence and motivation which will improve engagement. I now have access to my specialist support so will have regular meetings with them.

Fine, P., Louca, C., & Leung, A. (2017) The Impact of a Postgraduate Learning Experience on the Confidence of General Dental Practitioners. Dentistry Journal, [Online] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806975/. [Accessed 13 October 2020].]]> 2020-10-13 19:15:14 UTC https://padlet.com/am3crt/w1e2ppkrj2z6wt6g/wish/826370505 am3crt https://padlet.com/am3crt/w1e2ppkrj2z6wt6g/wish/931990791 2020-11-17 14:54:46 UTC https://padlet.com/am3crt/w1e2ppkrj2z6wt6g/wish/931990791 am3crt https://padlet.com/am3crt/w1e2ppkrj2z6wt6g/wish/931991676

I worked in the British Council in customer services. My manager was always very much task oriented and would be on at me about what I needed to do. There was no training or support provided just more and more work. One of the other managers in the team managed in a different way and would show me how to do things which this manager did not like and they argued. In the end the manager stated that I could only complete tasks for and with her.

I would say that my manager was possibly a mixture of a transactional leader and a commanding leader. She ensures the team knows what is expected of them and what will happen if they were not pulling their weight. She made it very clear that she was my boss and even though she had made some errors and the other boss had showed me ways to solve some of the problems. I knew that I should apologise and be submissive to her as my direct manager. She was very commanding as she took her role very seriously and I knew this.

The other manager was more of a coaching or transformational leader, who identified that staff might need training and support to complete their role and stepped into to offer guidance and support.

Despite the lack of support initially my manager was actually quite effective in her role. She got the work completed in her department. However, it would have gone smoother initially if I had been provided with more training and support perhaps through HR if she feels this is not her remit or in her skillset.

Starting point: If I am honest due to my lack of experience I feel I would probably be in the servant style of management as I would not feel confident enough to take full control. Being more reliant on myself gaining respect by working and supporting the team when they need it. Then they will complete their workload and more challenging tasks.

Hardest: I think the hardest role for me to achieve right now would be the autocratic/democratic as it would require me to be confident and be decisive. This is not something I am very good at. I prefer to work as a collective where decisions are made together and we work as a whole.

Natural: I think the natural role that I would aspire to grow into is afiliative and coaching. It is an opportunity for me to help grow and develop my team so that we can accomplish all of our goals, whilst they also accomplish something. However, I would also like to become more confident and be able to make decisions that my team could follow and be confident in following such as an autocratic leader. But this is the sign of a good leader they can adapt styles to what is required at different times.]]> 2020-11-17 14:54:55 UTC https://padlet.com/am3crt/w1e2ppkrj2z6wt6g/wish/931991676