CREATE PDP FOR WEEK 7-11

Week 7

TASK 1

I failed to reach an agreement with my friends over our choice of holiday destination. Diverse tastes and priorities made consensus impossible.

Poor communication and listening were my biggest bargaining mistakes. I focused on my cause rather than others' needs. Negotiations were stalled by this technique.

I'd emphasise active listening and empathy. I'd ask open-ended questions to understand people's motivations and preferences to get them talking. I could have reached consensus and made concessions to satisfy everyone.

I would collaborate with others to develop a solution that benefits everyone. Brainstorm and promote polite discussion to generate new ideas.

To optimise a mutually agreed arrangement, I would build rapport and be polite and cooperative throughout talks.

TASK 2

Learning about diverse bargaining outcomes was the most interesting/useful part of today's class. Understanding that talks can end in win-lose, lose-lose, or win-win situations helped explain negotiation dynamics and the repercussions of different methods.

I realised that negotiations require emotional control. Ability to manage and regulate emotions helps improve negotiating outcomes because emotions can obscure judgement and lead to irrational decision-making.

Team tasks and family or friend decisions will be where I will try these methods to avoid conflict. I can seek win-win solutions that satisfy all parties by understanding negotiation outcomes and controlling my emotions.

More role-playing and simulations will help me learn negotiation strategies. I think hands-on practice in a controlled environment will help me improve my negotiation skills. I will also seek out real-world bargaining opportunities to practise and improve.

Reading books, journals, and attending seminars will help me learn about negotiation ideas, techniques, and case studies. The more I learn, the better I can negotiate.

Week 8

Task 1: Personal Wheel of Life Reflection

Satisfaction: In the realm of Career, my sense of contentment stems from engaging projects that challenge and fulfill me. The collaborative and supportive work environment further elevates my job satisfaction. This alignment between passion and profession contributes to a fulfilling career.

Regarding Health, a dedicated commitment to regular exercise and a balanced diet yields positive outcomes. This proactive approach not only enhances physical well-being but also fosters mental resilience, contributing to an overall sense of health satisfaction.

Improvement: Conversely, the Social Life dimension reveals an area that requires attention. The score indicates a decrease in social interactions, a consequence of pandemic-related restrictions. The resultant impact on connections with friends and family highlights the need for improvement in this area.

Task 2: Reflective Commentary

The coaching session unveiled the multifaceted nature of coaching and its distinctiveness from therapy, training, counseling, and mentoring. The exploration of essential elements such as building rapport, active listening, careful questioning, and reaching agreement was particularly enlightening.

One notable learning was the GROW model, emphasizing Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. Applying this newfound knowledge involves adopting a coaching approach in goal-setting and communication in both personal and professional spheres.

This information can be practically implemented by incorporating active listening techniques and framing open-ended questions. These skills will not only enhance my communication abilities but will also play a pivotal role in achieving personal and professional goals more effectively.

Moving forward, my next steps include integrating the GROW model into my goal-setting processes, ensuring goal specificity using the SMART model. Additionally, I aim to enhance my active listening skills by embracing silence, maintaining eye contact, and utilizing non-verbal cues. This comprehensive approach promises to contribute significantly to improved communication and successful goal attainment across various facets of my life.

To address this, I plan to schedule regular virtual meetups, leveraging technology to bridge the physical gap and maintain meaningful connections. Prioritizing quality time with loved ones through intentional interactions will serve to elevate the social aspect of my life.

WEEK 9

Task 1: Decision-Making Table

Should I pursue an MBA after graduating?

pros	score(1-10)	cons	scores(1-10)
Increased career opportunities and salary potential: Opens doors to higher-paying jobs and leadership positions.	9	High cost and student debt: Significant financial burden, potentially delaying other life goals.	8
Develops relevant skills and knowledge: Improves business acumen, analytical thinking, and communication skills.	8	Time commitment and career interruption: Two years out of the workforce can impact work experience and momentum.	7
Expands professional network: Connects with like-minded individuals and builds valuable relationships.	7	Uncertainty of ROI: Career goals and market demand may not guarantee a strong return on investment.	6
Boosts personal and professional growth: Enhances confidence, leadership skills, and adaptability.	8	Lack of practical experience: Some programs may prioritize theory over practical application.	6

Total Pros Score: 42 Total Cons Score: 33 Average Pros Score: 8.4 Average Cons Score: 6.6

Overall Assessment: Pursuing an MBA can be a valuable investment, but carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Consider your career goals, financial situation, and personal preferences. Explore alternative options such as specialized certifications or online courses that may offer similar benefits at a lower cost and time commitment.

Task 2: Reflective Commentary One thing I found interesting about the problem-solving lesson was: The emphasis is on clear communication and collaboration. It highlighted how effective problem-solving requires diverse perspectives and an open exchange of ideas, not just individual brilliance.

I could use these skills practically in my life by: Applying a structured approach to resolving personal challenges, such as career decisions or financial planning.

Fostering active listening and open communication with my friends and family to navigate disagreements and find solutions.

I'd never thought about: The potential downsides of short-term solutions and the "firefighting" mentality. It made me realize the importance of addressing the root cause of problems to prevent them from recurring.

My next steps to further develop this skill are: Actively participate in group discussions and brainstorming sessions, even if I feel unsure about my ideas. Practice critical thinking by analyzing various perspectives before forming an opinion. Seek out opportunities to collaborate on projects that require problem-solving, such as volunteering or community initiatives.

I believe that developing these problem-solving skills will contribute to my personal and professional success by enabling me to approach challenges with a more strategic and collaborative mindset.

WEEK 10

Task 1

	Not all accurate	Somewhat accurate	A little accurate	Mostly accurate	Completely accurate
	1	2	3	4	5
1. I create specific goals for my performance.
2. I think about my own beliefs and values when I encounter a difficulty.
3. I am self-critical when I perform poorly.
4. I keep track of how well I'm doing at work (university).
5. I focus on the positive aspects of my job/ studies over the negative
6. I use notes to remind myself of what I need to achieve.
7. I imagine successfully finishing a task before I start it.
8. I keep my goals in mind while working.
9. I analyse my own beliefs in difficult situations
10. I try to surround myself with objects and people that bring out my best practice.
11. I question my ideas when I have a disagreement with someone.
12. When I have a choice, I do my work in ways that I enjoy rather than just trying to finish it

Reflecting on my self-leadership assessment, I find the results intriguing and revealing. The total score of 44 indicates a moderate level of self-leadership, suggesting that while I have implemented certain strategies effectively, there are areas that could benefit from further attention and improvement. One aspect where I excel is in the establishment of specific goals for my performance. I take pride in my ability to set clear and achievable objectives, providing a roadmap for my professional and academic endeavors. This structured approach allows me to measure my progress effectively, as highlighted by my practice of keeping track of how well I'm performing at work or university. The act of monitoring and evaluating my performance provides valuable insights into areas where I excel and aspects that may require additional effort.

Task 2

Reflective Commentary

1. The most interesting / useful thing I learnt today was... Why? There is no single "ideal" leadership style or personality. The Big Five model helped identify leadership attributes and their pros and cons. It changed my focus from a one-size-fits-all strategy to adaptation and situational awareness.
2. How could you put this learning into practice now? Self-reflection: The Big Five approach helps me identify leadership strengths and flaws. I can find areas for improvement and development.

Adaptive leadership: I may practise adapting my leadership style to the situation and needs.

Empathy and understanding: I can better grasp my coworkers' personalities and requirements. This will help me support and advise better.

1. When Andrew Bryant spoke about the different chess pieces, which one did you recognise as yourself? Be honest! The Queen attracts me most. Like the Queen, I appreciate strategy and execution. I like planning and analysing, but I also like acting and getting results. I also admire the Queen's adaptability.
2. Which of today's ideas would be useful to include in a development episode?

Big Five personality model: This could assist people assess their leadership potential and development areas.

Self-leadership matters: A development episode could discuss self-leadership's benefits and offer strategies for growing it.

Need for leadership adaptability: Participants could share their experiences and learn from each other in a workshop or discussion on this issue.

WEEK 11

Task 1

• The seminar's questionnaires challenged preconceived notions about risk-taking behavior, revealing a correlation between low risk tolerance and high motivation. They showcased that strong motivation often aligns with methodical, cautious strategies rather than bold, impulsive ones. Additionally, identifying an average risk tolerance underscored a preference for careful thought before initiating new projects, confirming a methodical decision-making approach that balances comfort and exploration.
• Insights regarding addressing concerns at the university revealed that strong motivation can occasionally hinder open communication, subtly fueling a fear of failure. Conversely, maintaining a moderate risk tolerance allowed for more relaxed participation and questioning in educational settings, fostering candid conversations and measured risk-taking that supports personal development.

Task 2

Reflective Commentary

Which aspect of today's session did I find most interesting? Why?

In today's session, the concept of the comfort zone resonated with me the most. The idea that the comfort zone is neither inherently good or bad, but rather our reaction to challenges within it, intrigued me. It made me reflect on how often I perceive leaving my comfort zone as a negative experience due to the associated risks and anxiety.

In which specific areas of your life can you see your comfort zone hindering your progress?

Reflecting on my life, I realize that my comfort zone often hinders my progress in my professional endeavors. I tend to stick to familiar tasks and routines, relying on past experiences to navigate my work. While this might provide a sense of security, I acknowledge that I am potentially falling behind on acquiring new skills and exploring innovative approaches. To overcome this, I can take immediate steps to expand my comfort zone.

Steps I can take now to improve further..

1. Identify Specific Challenges: I will take the time to clearly identify and articulate the specific challenges within my comfort zone.
2. Honest Self-Reflection: Instead of making excuses, I will practice honest self-reflection. If I catch myself avoiding a task or making excuses, I will pause and acknowledge the underlying fear or discomfort.
3. Set Clear Goals: I will establish clear, achievable goals for stepping outside my comfort zone.
4. Continuous Learning: I will prioritize continuous learning by actively seeking opportunities to acquire new skills or knowledge.