PDP Part C: SMART Goals

ProfessionalDevelopmentPlanPartsABCV53.pdf

Home >Business & Finance homework help >Management homework help >PDP Part C: SMART Goals

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN INDIVIDUAL PROJECT

MGT 164: BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP A Professional Development Plan (PDP) allows us to analyze and reflect on our current state, clarify where we wish to go, and define specific action steps to take in that direction. In this course each of you will draft your own Plan. Why: The process of self-reflection and goal setting in written form helps us build clarity and intentionality. This helps us to achieve our goals. How: We will work on this activity progressively through both individual homework assignments and in-class activities that deepen your individual exploration. This plan has three parts that form individual assignments:

Part A: Self-Reflection and Analysis -- due in Class 3  Part B: Feedback from External Sources -- due in Class 5* Part C: SMART Goals and Next Steps -- due in Class 8

*Note that you will need to request input from others for Part B. Therefore, I suggest you send your requests for input in Class 3. Below find instructions for each part. Submit each part separately on Canvas under the individual assignments A, B, or C at the appropriate time. Reminder that late submissions will lose 10% for each 24 hours they are late. This process is an exploration into your leadership goals. Look for what is authentically you and what you care about, as you reflect on who you are and as you set goals for yourself. Enjoy the process. Alison B. Meyer

PDP Part A: Self-Reflection

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

Professional Development Plan Part A: Self-Reflection and Analysis Reflection Essay – Individual Paper Instructions

Due: before Class in Class 3

Objective: • To assess your current position of where have you been and where are you

going, based on what you know today. • To increase your self-awareness.

There are two parts to this assignment: Step 1. Take the online “Big Five” assessment and save a pdf of your feedback report. Step 2. Write an essay based on the self-reflection questions given below and your Big 5 feedback. Make sure to include discussion of all three parts, (“who am I?”, Big 5 analysis, and “Where am I going?”) in your essay to be eligible for full credit. Step 1. “Big Five” Assessment Many personality researchers summarize the individual differences in people's personality traits with five basic dimensions known as the "Big Five": Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Negative Emotionality, Open- Mindedness. These five are independent of each other, and people’s results are on a continuous, normal distribution. Take the free, online assessment (about 15 minutes): http://www.personalitylab.org/tests/bfi2_self_pol.htm Afterwards you will receive a report of your feedback. Step 2. Self-Reflection Essay Using the questions below as thought-starters, write a 2-3 paragraph summary (300- 500 words) and submit on Canvas. Your essay should discuss each of these three topics:

1. Who you are, your background and values, and your broad career goals.

PDP Part A: Self-Reflection

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

2. Reflections on your Big 5 feedback – what you already knew vs. any new information.

3. Identify 2 or 3 professional development goals that are relevant for the next 1-2 years.

This document is for YOU. There is no “right” answer. You are assessing your own current state. Be thoughtful; you may feel you do not have “the answers” – write from what is true for you today. The growth mindset directs we are always able to learn, eg, “I’m not good at this… yet.” Be bold in your visioning. Reflection questions: Who Am I?

• Which people and experiences in your life had the greatest impact on you? Why?

• What are your most deeply held values? Where did they come from? How do your values inform your actions?

Big 5 As you review your feedback report, what did you already know about yourself and what was new information? What else was interesting to you about the feedback? How might understanding your Big 5 help you professionally?

Ex: “I knew I would score pretty high in extraversion, but I was surprised that my score was so high (100)! I’m going to make sure that extraversion is valued in the profession I’m pursuing and look at roles where this is important. For example…”

Where Am I Going?

• Describe your professional goals broadly. • Identify your top 2-3 goals for the next 1-2 years. • Identify the largest obstacle to achieving these goals.

(OPTIONAL: If you are comfortable sharing your Big 5 report, please attach it with your submission on canvas. It will only be viewable by the instructor and course TA.)

PDP Part B: “Reflected Best Self”Exercise

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

Professional Development Plan Part B Feedback from External Sources – “Reflected Best Self” Exercise

Reflection Essay – Individual Paper Instructions

Due: before Class in Class 5 Request Input from Others in Class 3

Objective: To gain input from others on your strengths so that you can build on them in your professional development. What: This exercise was created by Laura Morgan Roberts, Gretchen Spreitzer, Jane Dutton, Robert Quinn, Emily Heaphy, and Brianna Barker to help individuals expand their understanding of who they are and what they do when they are at their best. Why: Identifying your strengths can foster excellence in performance. How: In this exercise, you will request feedback from 10-15 people via email on a time when you were at your best.

Step 1. Identify Respondents and Email Request for Feedback (Class 3) Step 2. Write Your Own Best Self Stories Step 3. Analyze the Common Themes Step 4. Reflect on Your Takeaways

You do not need to submit the stories (Step #1 and Step #2). Submit your analysis table (Step #3) and your takeaways (Step #4) as the paper for the assignment on Canvas by Class 5 before class. Instructions: Step 1. Identify Respondents and Email Request for Feedback ***Send your emails in Class 3 or earlier to ensure time for people to respond.*** Who to ask: Ask family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, mentors, bosses. Specifically focus on people who know you well. Choose a diverse list, eg not just all friends. Choose between 10-15 people.

PDP Part B: “Reflected Best Self”Exercise

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

What to ask: Ask these individuals to provide two stories of times when you were at your best. Specifically, you’ll want to ask about your strengths, accompanied by specific examples of moments when you used those strengths in ways that were meaningful to them or to their organizations. See the Appendix below for more info. How to ask: See the Appendix below for a sample email and instructions you can send to your requestors. Make sure to give them a deadline for when you’d like to get their answers back. 2. Write Your Own Best Self Stories Think about two times in your life when you were at your best. Allow yourself to think of stories from all contexts and time periods. For these memories, write the story of what happened. In the story you could describe the context, the role you played, the actions you took, the characteristics you displayed, the results, and the reasons behind your actions. Sample story:

“I was carpooling with Susan late after a long day of teaching. She was driving and we had just crossed a busy intersection when there was a giant crash from the left side of the car. Terrifying. Turns out a young man on a skateboard guessed wrong about which way we were turning and crashed into us, getting thrown into the road from the power of the impact. Susan pulled over and we rushed to see if he was ok. We helped him out of the street, but he refused to let us call an ambulance. As the driver, Susan was very freaked out that he was hurt, and trying to get the young man to seek help. I made sure she was ok, then helped her decide what to do. I had a strong feeling to help her. Later she said it was so powerful how I made her feel everything was going to be ok. My calm helped her work through the stress of the situation. I realized it’s one of my values and strengths to be there for people in tough moments. I’m proud of this strength, and I trust that I can handle emergency situations calmly.”

3. Analyze the Common Themes Gather the stories from all the emails you received. Review them and think about each story and what they teach you or confirm about how others see you. Look for patterns and themes. List several examples from the stories—theirs and yours—to illustrate each theme. These will help you write declarative statements about you at your best, i.e. anchoring “truths” about you. Gather everything in the below

PDP Part B: “Reflected Best Self”Exercise

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

table. Include the theme/pattern of the strength, a declarative statement about it, and examples from the stories you received:

Patterns: Recurring behaviors, contributions, etc., across all of the stories and analysis. Look for repeated or similar words to guide you if you are having trouble finding patterns. Themes: Underlying truths about your values and beliefs and the essence of you at your best.

NOTE: You may also find stories that seem opposite. If this is the case, it could indicate adaptability or flexibility as a strength in particular contexts. NOTE: make sure each pattern/theme has at least 2 examples to support it; otherwise it may not be a clear strength. SAMPLE TABLE:

Reflected Best Self Stories Date: __/__/__

Summary: I received 15 “reflected best self” stories. These came from 2 former bosses, 3 co- workers and 2 family/friends. Strength Pattern/Theme Declaration Examples Given 1. Persistence

I believe in working toward excellence and will work through any difficulties to produce the outcomes I seek.

1. Motivated team to stay focused on excellence 2. Worked side-by-side with Lila until flooded basement was cleaned 3. Focused on outcomes

2. Empowering I believe in the potential of others to do great things. I use my words to support them.

1. Helped teammates believe in their own potential for greatness. 2. Helped Lila keep her spirits up during household disaster.

3. 1. 2. 3.

PDP Part B: “Reflected Best Self”Exercise

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

Step 4. Your Takeaways Now that you have analyzed the stories and what they tell you about you, reflect on these as a whole. Use the questions below to guide your reflection: fill in these sentences. Write 2-3 sentences per question to share your discoveries and insights. Help us understand why these discoveries are important to you. This is your personal reflection and will help with your PDP Part C SMART Goals: 1. What I’ve learned about my strengths and values is that ________________________. Also, I’ve learned ______________________________________. 2. What surprised me about this feedback is ________________________. 3. What I already knew that this confirmed is __________________________. 4. The circumstances that bring out my best self are _______________________ and _______________________. 5. When I am at my best, I ____________________. Because of this I _________________. 6. How this will help me professionally is _______________________ (NOTE: consider your PDP A goals, your intentions from the “Act Like a Leader” article, for example) 7. Other reflections (optional): Reflected Best Self Exercise Adapted from “How to Play to Your Strengths” by Laura Morgan Roberts, Gretchen Spreitzer, Jane Dutton, Robert Quinn, Emily Heaphy, and Brianna Barker Harvard Business Review, Managing Yourself January 2005 https://hbr.org/2005/01/how-to-play-to-your-strengths

PDP Part B: “Reflected Best Self”Exercise

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

Appendix to Part B

Sample email to send to those who will reflect on you. Include in the email the “additional instructions” at the end that gives them samples of what you’re looking for from them. Hi _________, I hope this message finds you well! I am writing to request your help with a class assignment. I am taking a course on leadership as part of my program at UC San Diego. I would be grateful for your help with one of the required exercises for the course, the Reflected Best Self Exercise. This exercise was created to help individuals expand their understanding of who they are and what they do when they are at their best. I am asking people who know me well to provide me with two stories of when I was at my best in their eyes. What was my positive contribution in each story? Instructions for your input and examples of such stories can be found below. To be usable for this exercise, I would need to receive your response by [_________]. Thank you very much for considering this request! Your feedback will be extremely valuable to me. I will keep all responses anonymous and will be sure to tell you what I learn after the exercise. Thanks! XXXXX ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS This will require you to think about your interactions with me and to identify those times when I was at my best in your eyes. In writing, please be sure to provide details so I can understand the context, what happened, and what my positive contribution was. Best-self stories often capture things that people say or do in critical times or everyday routines that make a difference. These stories are often unacknowledged publicly. Best-self stories may describe someone’s approach to people, challenges,

PDP Part B: “Reflected Best Self”Exercise

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

tasks, or even a work environment. I have included some examples of what these stories could look like. Please use this only as a guide. STORY EXAMPLES 1. From work colleague: You have the ability to get people to work together and give all they have to a task. For example, I think of the time that we were working on the Alpha project. We were getting behind and the stress was building. We started to close down and get very focused on just meeting our deadline. You noticed that we were not doing our best work and stopped the group to rethink our approach. You asked whether we wanted to just satisfy the requirements or whether we wanted to really do good and important work. You reminded us of what we were capable of do- ing and how each of us could contribute to a better outcome. No one else in that room would have thought to do that. As a result, we did meet the deadline and created a result we all feel proud of. 2. From a friend: You have capacity to persist in the face of adversity. For example, I think of the time that we were helping Lila empty her flooded basement. Her family lives far away and she was impossibly short-handed. Instead of getting overwhelmed with her, you became more focused than I have ever seen anyone get. I think you went 24 hours without sleep to help her remove the water. I was amazed that you could maintain a positive attitude and consistently helpful orientation to Lila under those conditions. 3. From a boss: You are great at building relationships critical to project success. For example, I think of the time that: We were working for a clothing company committed to using organically grown cotton, and to having fair labor practices. You were the liaison with the various agencies and individuals critical to sourcing the organic cotton, and to creating the worker-owned sewing cooperatives here and in Central America. Despite resistance, you crafted and co-created a vision for how the business could work to meet these radically different goals. You easily navigated cultural differences and built strong relationships that thrive to this day

PDP Part C: SMART Goals and Next Steps

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

Professional Development Plan Part C: SMART Goals and Next Steps Reflection Essay – Individual Paper Instructions

Due: before Class in Class 8 Objective: What: Here in this assignment you are leveraging the power of making commitments actively and publicly using the principle of “Consistency.” You will also look at ways to practice leadership behaviors. Finally, you will reflect on the whole PDP process. Why: According to the science of influence, people align with their clear commitments. For a reminder on the principle of consistency, refer to the reading, “Harnessing the Science of Persuasion.” There are 3 parts to this assignment. Turn in all 3 on Canvas.

Step 1. SMART Goals Tables Step 2. Leadership Behaviors Action Plan Step 3. Reflect on Your Takeaways from the PDP Process

Instructions: Step 1: SMART Goals Tables How: Write out 2 of your 1-2 year goals in the “SMART” table format described below. If you are having difficulty, email us for help. Remember in Part A you defined goals for yourself for the next 1-2 years. Now take each of those goals—or new ones as they have come to you in the course of our work—and put them into the “SMART” goal format in this table (see Appendix below for sample tables: Goal: Specific & Significant

Measurable Achievable Relevant Time-Bound

PDP Part C: SMART Goals and Next Steps

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

Specific & Significant Your goal should be clear and specific, so you know what you are working toward and you can ground it in the real world. When goals are action-focused and specific, they are more likely to be achieved. The “w” questions can guide you in crafting clear and specific goals:

• What do I want to accomplish? • Why is this goal important to me? • By when? • With whom or for whom will I be doing it? • Which resources will I need?

Measurable When your goals are measurable, you can track your progress and know when you’ve accomplished it. When goals are not measurable, it can be tricky to know if you are making progress. For example, if your goal is “to be a better public speaker” what does that look like and how will you know you’ve achieved it? Questions that can help you create measures are:

• How will I know when I’ve achieved it? • How much? How often? • What will I be able to SEE or FEEL?

Achievable Effectively written goals are ambitious and stretch you. They are not so impossible that you feel defeated before you start. Challenge yourself to stretch a bit out of your comfort zone with this goal. An achievable goal will can answer questions such as:

• How can I accomplish this goal? • How realistic is this goal based on the constraints I am aware of?

Relevant How does this goal relate to your larger goal? How important is this goal to you? Here are some thought-starter questions for clarifying the relevance of your goal:

• Is this goal aligned with my values?

PDP Part C: SMART Goals and Next Steps

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

• Is this the right time to pursue this? • Why am I the right person for this? • Is it applicable in my current or future environment?

Time-Bound When you give a time frame, this energizes your focus. Some questions to consider – not all will apply to your situation.

• What will you do, by when? • What can I do now? • What can I do while still in school? • What can I do once I am working? • What can I do a year from now?

To find out more about writing SMART goals, this website can help: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm Step 2. Leadership Behaviors Action Plan With your SMART Goals, you’ve clarified the what your goal is, why it’s important and some actions you need to take. To support these goals, what are some of the leadership behaviors/Skills you want to develop? Think back to class lessons such as the “Act Like a Leader” article, social styles, networking, decision-making and the leadership stories from cases and leaders we studied. Examples of behaviors/skills: negotiations, networking, managing my emotions, asking for what I want, building trust with people, communicating my ideas, communicating my value, teaming, etc. Remember that leadership development is biased toward action (“Knock your responsibilities out of the park”). Action means you will need to practice things that you are not good at yet, or that are outside of your comfort zone. What are 2-3 behaviors you could take action steps to practice and build?

PDP Part C: SMART Goals and Next Steps

MGT 164: Business and Organizational Leadership -- Fall 2020 © Alison B. Meyer [email protected]

Instructions: Using the table as a guide, identify how you can practice the leadership behaviors you want to work on.

What do I want to be able to DO more skillfully?

What BEHAVIORS/ SKILLS do I need to meet this objective?

How will I PRACTICE what I am working on?

What MILESTONES do I plan for this objective?

(example) Networking Getting over my shyness and discomfort talking to people I don’t know

Choose 2 events per month. Plan in advance some questions to ask as conversation- starters. Look at the invitee list in advance and reach out to people before the event to meet at event.

Add 3 contacts who can help with my strategic network per month for the next 6 months.

Step 3. Your Takeaways This is the time to reflect on the complete Professional Development Plan process: self- reflection, strengths, and goals. Write a short reflection (100-250 words) addressing the following 3 questions: What: How was the process of self-reflecting on your background, strengths, and 1-2 year goals? So What: What are your biggest takeaways from the process? Now What: Where do you go from here?

If it is helpful, you may want to share in your reflection an inspirational quote that guides you, or a picture to close your reflection.

“Ambition is not a dirty word.” – Reese Witherspoon

PDP Part C: SMART Goals and Next Steps

Appendix to Part C

Sample SMART Goals – from three different students: SAMPLE 1: Goal Get a summer internship in biotech Specific & Significant

I am looking to get a summer internship at a name-brand biotech company in the local, SoCal area. This is so that I can get industry exposure and networking opportunities to help me in my medical school application. The internship goal is for one that gives me opportunities for upward mobility, communication with upper management, and publicity.

Measurable I will (see “Achievable”) put at least 1 hour per day into research and applications, until I receive an offer.

Achievable I will achieve this goal by applying through as many academic programs as I can find, calling company recruiters, and applying to hospital volunteer positions.

Relevant My long-term goal is to get into medical school. This internship will increase my knowledge in the field and support my application.

Time- Bound

I am ready to start the internship in June, but, the ideal would be to have a position set in stone by early May.

PDP Part C: SMART Goals and Next Steps

SAMPLE 2: Goal Finish my CPA eligibility requirements Specific & Significant

My goal is to complete my courses for CPA eligibility within the next year. This is important to me because the effort I put into these courses will help me be better prepared for the CPA exam. In addition, the material I study will correlate to the type of work I will be doing, so it’s important that I take this learning experience as an opportunity to grow in the field.

Measurable I will know I’ve achieved my goal when I finish all my accounting courses and feel prepared for the CPA exam.

Achievable This goal is obtainable because I have about 6-8 accounting courses left to take, and I plan on completing these within the next year. I have a spreadsheet with the specific courses I need to take, so I can check them off as I complete them.

Relevant This goal is relevant to my future career plan of getting my CPA licensure and working full-time at a Big 4 firm for a couple of years. My studies will also contribute to my overall growth and expertise in the field that I can apply when I start getting work experience.

Time- bound

1. In my time at school, I will study with purpose in my classes and thoroughly learn the accounting principles that are the foundation of my job.

2. Outside of school, I will research extension and master’s programs I could apply to for my additional courses. I want to see what the most beneficial investment for me will be.

3. I will apply to accounting internships so that I can gain hands-on experience and see more tangibly of what the accounting job entails.

PDP Part C: SMART Goals and Next Steps

SAMPLE 3: Goal: UX Designer job by graduation

Specific & Significant

My goal is to be hired for a full-time UX Designer job outside of Southern California before I graduate 1.5 years from now. Why it’s important is because I want to pursue a career that I believe I will enjoy. Also, I want to be financially independent and no longer need my parents’ generous financial support.

Measurable I will know I’ve achieved my goal when I get an offer from a company where I am excited about the company and the role.

Achievable

This goal is definitely realistic; however, I will need to keep myself accountable to complete all the steps necessary to reach my goal. I can accomplish my goal by setting time increments of tasks I need to complete (shown in time-bound) and always keep an eye out for new jobs that open up. Additionally, I need to keep myself motivated. What I’ve learned from the internship search this year is that I start losing motivation when I don’t see results, so my steps can help keep me track.

Relevant This goal is worthwhile because it is relevant to my current career ambitions of becoming Designer of Services and Experiences in a top design firm or in the design department of a top company.

Time-bound

Steps for now: - School: Take relevant Design and Cognitive Science courses. - School: Do projects that will translate well in my portfolio. - Internship: Work very hard in my summer internship and let them

know I am interested in a full-time offer. - Job-hunting: Apply for jobs over the summer and during the year,

go to career fairs, prepare for interviews until I receive an offer.