Write a conclusion for the following: 

“As a manager I was responsible for Phase 1: Project Definition and Planning. Objective for this phase were to draft and submit a memo to the instructor, detailing the scope and approach of the project (Assignment #2). Included in the memo was the identified manager and rationale, identified phase managers through the project, as well as timeline, deliverables and outcomes within each phase. To ensure the team achieved the deliverables for this phase, I set out a phase deliverable schedule including meeting times, which deliverables were included in the phase, and a timeline achieving phase objectives. Team communications was essential to ensuring all members were in alignment with phase expectations. Flexibility served as a foundation to my leadership style, allowing for any unforeseen circumstances which may arise with the group. 

For this phase I used the participative leadership approach, in that I actively sought input and collaboration from all team members. Throughout the creation of the Project Definition and Planning Memo I solicited feedback on the formatting and content, including project scope and deliverables throughout each phase. My rationale for using this style of leadership is that the team has a shared commitment to success and I value each member’s input and unique skillset. When all team members are participating in the process, creative solutions tend to be proposed. This can be seen with the inclusion on the Gantt chart in our team’s memo, which resulted when the team was brainstorming on how to present our timeline in an aesthetically pleasing way. As many team members are visual learners, one person offered to create the chart using the timeline of deliverables submitted by each team members. This way, the team felt that their input was valued and were able to contribute in way that appealed to their learning style. 

Together my group functions as a virtual, self-managed team. As followers, team members were highly competent in their ability to complete their tasks and by extension, my role involved minimal supervision and support. To ensure desired outcomes were met I focussed on communicating regularly, establishing clear objectives, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and meeting deadlines. Using the methods outlined in our team charter, I reached out to the team via our WhatsApp group chat and offered to take on the Phase 1 Manager role, which was accepted by the team. I then arranged a time for the phase introduction meeting per the team’s availability and sent out a meeting invitation via Microsoft Teams, including an agenda and asking the team to consider which phase they would prefer to lead. In advance of the meeting I drafted the Project Definition and Planning Memo per the assignment instructions, leaving space for the team members to populate the timelines and deliverables/outcomes for their respective phases. During our phase meeting we decided on phase managers, discussed memo feedback, and set a timeline for phase managers to further populate their sections. Decisions made during the meeting, as well as next steps, were reiterated through the group chat. I then finalized the memo formatting and communicated with the team via WhatsApp to solicit feedback before submitting it on Brightspace. 

In my estimation, the team had a neutral response to my leadership. Team members offer varying levels of engagement and it can be challenging to asses their true responses, particularly as not all members have their cameras on in meetings due to connectivity issues. I believe the deliverables required from the team were minimal during this phase and they would recognize the efforts I put in to producing a high-quality memo.  

There was no conflict of note during my project phase, likely since this phase was light in terms of deliverables and asks from the team. This team has shown respect towards one another in our interactions thus far, buoyed by the fact that members meet their commitments and show effort when completing individual tasks. Personality is a considerable factor in the low conflict within the team as well – most members are reserved and highly flexible in their approach to team communication. Those who display Type A personality characteristics still listen to others, wait until it is their turn to speak, and defer to team consensus when making group decisions. 

Several strengths I brought to the role of phase manager are written communication, organization, and empathy. As a communications professional I am well-practiced in writing varied for varied audiences across different media. Strong written communication skills are essential when managing virtual teams. As phase manager, this skill translated into creating a clear outline for the phase meeting agenda, meeting recap, and delegated tasks. In my interpretation of the assignment instructions, I drafted the memo introduction, phase sections, and conclusion, which all had minimal edits from the team. 

As someone with a strong organizational skillset, my ability to outline tasks and timelines for Phase 1 meant the team was kept on track to meet the phase memo deliverables. I set a schedule where tasks were delegated and milestones were met within a reasonable timeframe. As a result, the memo was completed well in advance of the deadline.

Whether through active listening, supporting an employee through a personal challenge, or creating a safe, judgement-free space for sharing, empathetic leadership can take on many forms. As Phase 1 Manager, I applied these empathy skills when a team member disclosed that their task would be late due to a family tragedy. It can be uncomfortable knowing how to respond to these situations, but I find people just want to be heard and acknowledged when faced with personal adversity. I responded by acknowledging the situation and offering to support by finishing their delegated tasks. The team member was appreciative of the offer but wanted to close out their part independently. 

My experience as phase manager revealed several areas for which I could improve – asserting leadership and improving delegation. Although team members show a high degree of flexibility and willingness to adapt, many are experienced managers who are accustomed to the leadership role. As a result, it can be challenging for some to relinquish the leadership role in meetings and phase planning. This presented a difficulty for me as I am meant to lead the team through this phase, but also want to get along and avoid unnecessary confrontation. Admittedly, I did permit others to take the lead at times, which I am regretful for. Next time, I would set clear expectations in team meetings and creating opportunities for all team members to share ideas. Facilitating productive discussions to include input from all members would ensure everyone had their opinions heard and that decisions are made collectively.

As a professional who does a fair amount of writing, I am accustomed to working independently. For this reason, I drafted much of the Phase 1 memo. However, I realized afterwards that I should have delegated more of the phase deliverables to the team instead of taking it all on by myself. To improve, next time I will be more cognizant of my team members’ abilities and trust them to complete their tasks with high competency. Delegating tasks would not only lighten my workload but build skills within the team and increase our collective productivity.”