LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES AND PRACTICES ASSIGNMENT

OVERVIEW
This assignment is focused on the application of Pedler’s leadership practices to real world
leadership challenges. We are looking for you to demonstrate your learning from the
module and show your understanding of the models and theories we have discussed. It is
important to choose to focus on issues which hold the greatest interest and relevance to
you.

The assignment involves writing three short pieces showing how leaders can use Pedler’s 7
leadership practices to address challenges.

The word count is 2500 words +/-10%

The first piece is a Personal Reflection on your own leadership, drawing on Pedlers’ practice
of Leading Yourself.

Pieces 2 and 3 are opinion pieces showing how contemporary leaders are addressing
leadership challenges. An opinion piece is a fairly short, original piece of work that weaves
together ‘real life’ issues with theoretical awareness and your own point of view. Your
opinion pieces are an opportunity to demonstrate your applied understanding of the
leadership practices.

 An opinion piece is a thought-provoking piece of writing which puts forward your

views on a subject.
 Typically they will present an idea, question or situation and explore it.
 It can include personal opinion, but this needs to be supported by evidence from
good sources.
 It needs to be more than just personal opinion, though; it should provoke ideas and
discussion
 It needs to be critical so you present both sides of the issue

Each opinion-piece should critically discuss theories we have looked at on the module and
how they can help leaders and managers perform better.

The term critically discuss directs you to examine, analyze carefully, and present
considerations pro and cons regarding the problems or items involved.

You will be expected to present coherent arguments for and against the topic, presenting
evidence on both sides. You should draw on theories and models discussed in the lectures
bringing together different perspectives from the module. You should show that you have
conducted some research from outside the lectures to substantiate your arguments.
You must cite any sources, throughout your essay and include a full list of references in
alphabetical order at the end of the essay (this does not form part of your word count). You
must use the APA Referencing System.

Each opinion piece should be about 1000 words long and should include an introduction,
main body and conclusion.

Personal Leadership reflection

The first piece must be a personal reflection on how you have used the practice of Leading
Yourself to address a personal leadership challenge. Many graduate job application forms
require applicants to reflect on their own understandings and experiences in order to
demonstrate leadership skills. This assignment is your chance to practice this kind of
reflection within a theoretical framework.

You are asked to combine your reflective practice with a critical analysis of the theories and
material you have encountered on this course.

Identify a challenge you have experienced that required you to practice self-leadership.
This does not have to be huge and life-changing; it can be any challenge you have
experienced that required self-leadership. It may be the challenge of group work at school
or university, the challenge of overcoming personal limitations, the challenge of work;
anything where you felt you addressed a personal challenge. Then apply theories of self-
leadership to this challenge to evaluate and explore your response.

In your answer, you should:

 Include a brief description of your experience of self- leadership as a response to a

specific challenge (you can include more detail in your appendices if you want).
 Include theories on self-leadership to explore how you responded to the challenge.
Your response might have been successful or unsuccessful but you should include
theory to evaluate your response.

Opinion pieces 2 and 3

The final two pieces ask you to

Critically discuss how contemporary leaders are addressing a significant leadership

challenge.

Choose 2 other leadership practices for this. You have already explored Practice 1 in your
first opinion piece, so choose two others from the list below. (Page numbers refer to Pedler
et al. (2010) A managers Guide to Leadership. 2nd edition)

Practice 1: Leading yourself page 115

Practice 2: Being on purpose page 133
Practice 3: Power page 158
Practice 4: Risk page 186
Practice 5: Challenging questions page 209
Practice 6: Facilitation page 232
Practice 7: Networking page 254

You should clearly identify the challenge in your introduction and you must justify why you
think this challenge is significant. You can link this to Pedler’s leadership challenges to help
explore the significance.

There are many ways of addressing this and it is up to you how you do this.

Remember to be focused! You are NOT expected to respond to each and every one of the
options above. It is important that you choose to focus on what holds the greatest interest
and relevance to you. We will be exploring the concept of an opinion piece during workshop
and lecture activities.

Structuring your work

Sub-headings will help to show where each opinion piece starts and ends

Introduction

The introduction sets the context for your opinion piece, making it clear why you think this
is interesting or important.

It MUST include a clear and specific statement of your main aim or argument. This is
important so I will repeat it

The introduction MUST include a CLEAR and SPECIFIC statement of your main aim or
argument

I want to hear what YOU think about the issue and this is the thing you want the reader to
know at the end of the opinion piece that they didn’t know at the start.

Main body

This is where you develop the arguments to support the main aim from the introduction.
Whilst I value your opinion, it is worth nothing unless you support it with evidence from
good academic sources. You should use academic journals, books and databases to provide
the evidence. All sources of evidence should be referenced using APA7th edition. Build your
argument logically, analysing and evaluating the evidence as you go so that your overall
conclusion is clearly supported by your discussion.

Conclusion

The conclusion is where you draw together all the points you have made throughout the
opinion piece in order to reach an overall conclusion. This must reflect the main
aim/argument you stated in your introduction. In fact, this can be a re-statement of this
aim!

If my main argument is the ‘Elon Musk is the greatest leader the world has ever seen’, I
would state this in my introduction. Then I need to evaluate evidence to support this
somewhat controversial view. I may state in my conclusion ‘So the evidence discussed
above really does show that Musk is the greatest leader the world has ever seen.’ See how
they link?

Some general guidelines

Specificity

 You should refer to specific theories and authors from the reading lists to substantiate
your claims. Make sure that you analyse, rather than just reiterate the claims of these
authors.
 Be sure to reference any of your sources appropriately! Guidelines are available on ELE
and via the library.

Criticality

This is your opportunity to demonstrate the critical thinking skills which show a deeper
understanding and analysis of the materials discussed in this module. Higher marks will be
given to answers which show critical analysis of your leadership practice. Assignments which
are merely descriptive (that describe, but do not question or evaluate) will receive lower
marks.

For example:

 If you refer to a specific leadership practice, perspective or theory, what

assumption(s) is the practice/perspective/theory based on?
 Are there circumstances when your chosen actions might not be appropriate?
 Might the actions you have selected prevent you from exploring or addressing the
challenge in other ways?
Make Links

Your answer should link your self-reflections to the ideas and theories we have discussed in
the module. How might the perspectives you explore help you to address your chosen
challenge and improve your leadership of self and/or others?

Be Focused

You have a limited word count for this assignment. You cannot address all the relevant
issues.

 Be focused, and make sure your words count!

 Be careful in your choices about what to ‘keep in’ and what to ‘leave out’.
 Give preference to analytical depth over descriptive breadth.
 Choose carefully how you complete the assignment. Make sure your answer is carefully
structured and written in a professional, academic tone. Remember to think through
your introduction and conclusion.

Additional Reading
Please note that for this assignment, you will be expected to read more widely than the core
text and the readings provided in the lectures. This is where the reading list provided early
in the module will come in useful.

You will be expected to conduct your own ‘literature search’ to find suitable readings which
help you to better understand and/or critique the leadership issues which you are
discussing. You are strongly encouraged to access the University’s Electronic Library
(http://www.library.ex.ac.uk/electronic/) and particularly the Electronic Journals in order to
do so.

You may wish to start with the EBSCO EJS, JSTOR, and Business Source Complete journal
collections. Using these databases, you can conduct keyword searches, which will help you
to identify relevant articles.

Alternatively, you can use Google Scholar (http://www.scholar.google.co.uk) to search for

articles using key words –but this is a less scholarly and weaker way of making sure that
your work covers key literature in the field.

References and Word Count

 Referencing must conform to APA 7th guidelines – click HERE for guidance on APA
referencing
 Your word limit is 2500 words, +/- 10%. This should be equally distributed between the
three opinion pieces
 The word limit includes in-text citations but does not include your reference list or any
appendices.
 You can include appendices if you want. These may provide supporting information you
think is relevant but which cannot be included in the text. However, these will not be
marked.

How Will You Be Assessed?

You can see the University’s generic assessment criteria for this assessment on the ELE page,
or via this link. The following grid shows the marking allocation for each section.

A full guide to the marking criteria is shown on the next page.

BEM2037 Assignment marking guide
Criteria
Introduction, context and
statement of aims.
Clearly explained aims and
objectives, links to key
theoretical frameworks and
a clear argument
Maximum marks = 10
Main body Pieces 2 and 3
Clear evaluation of practice
with reference to theory
and coherent narrative
Maximum marks = 40
20 marks for each piece
Main body – piece 1
Fail (<40)
No clear introduction.
No background context
No statement of aims or
objectives.
Assignment is descriptive
with no attempt at analysis
or evaluation of practice.
Personal views unsupported
by evidence or some low
quality evidence from non-
academic, secondary
sources.
Entries are just descriptive
Pass (40 – 49)
Short, unclear introduction,
not in a separate paragraph.
Little or no back ground
context.
Vague statement of aim just
repeating the question.
Assignment is mainly
descriptive with little
analysis.
Evidence is one sided with
no balance between
opposing views.
No evaluation of evidence
Arguments are simple and
presented in a confusing
manner.
Evidence is from a small
range of sources, but most
are non-academic
Personal view unsupported
by evidence
Includes description of
Pass (50 – 59)
Clear introduction
presented as a separate
paragraph.
An attempt to provide some
context.
Aims are not specific and
may be stated as a series of
rhetorical questions.
Evidence for and against the
argument is described but
not analysed.
Most arguments and
statements are supported
by evidence from other
sources.
Clear arguments are made
but do not show any insight
into the issue.
Evidence is mainly from
good academic sources
Personal view expressed
with some supporting
evidence
General reflection on, and
Good pass (60 – 69)
Clear introduction giving an
overview of the main
argument to be presented.
Presented in a separate
paragraph.
Aims and objectives are
specific and clearly stated.
All arguments and
statements are supported
by evidence.
Evidence for and against the
argument is discussed and
analysed.
Discussion of evidence is
balanced and demonstrates
understanding of the issue
The main arguments are
thought provoking.
Evidence is from good
academic sources
Well argued personal view
with good supporting
evidence
Demonstrates use of
Very good pass (70+)
Introductory paragraph
giving a detailed overview of
the main argument(s) and
the scope of the essay.
Concise but thorough review
of key literature to set the
context.
Aims and objectives are
specific and clearly stated so
the key argument is clear.
Arguments are clear and
well thought through.
All arguments and
statements are supported
by very high quality
evidence.
Evidence for and against the
argument is analysed and
critically evaluated in detail.
Arguments are thought
provoking and generate new
insight into the issue.
Evidence shows a wide
range of reading using high
quality credible sources.
Very well argued personal
view with excellent
supporting evidence
Demonstrates an in-depth

Reflection (in Personal
Leadership reflection)
Ability to integrate learning
into real-world experiences
and analyse issues with a
critical attitude
Maximum marks = 20
Conclusion.
Clear summary of main
practice and theoretical
findings
Maximum marks = 10
and impersonal
Only includes descriptions of
theoretical knowledge
No reflection is
demonstrated beyond the
descriptions
No conclusion.
events, and a little further
consideration behind the
events using a relatively
descriptive style of language
No evidence of using
multiple perspectives in
analysing the issues
No clear conclusion is
reached but there is an
attempt to bring together
elements of the discussion.
Conclusion does not flow
from the main body
arguments.
personalization of, the
theories, and concepts
discussed.
Showing satisfactory ability
to relate acquired
knowledge to previous
experiences
demonstrating attempt to
analyse the issues from a
number of different
perspectives
Some evidence of how
learning has affected
student’s perceptions of
work
Some attempt to summarise
the main points raised.
New information is
introduced.
Overall conclusion is linked
to the aims in the
introduction.
reflective cycle and thinking
about how theory can
underpin personal practice.
Shows good self-awareness
and deals with issues from
an emotional level
Shows thinking about
acquired knowledge of
theories and models and
integrate them into different
issues from wide range of
perspectives
Good evidence that the
learning has influenced
future actions
Good summary of the main
points.
Conclusion is related to the
introduction and is linked to
the evidence presented.
reflection on, and
personalization of, the
theories and concepts
discussed.
Shows excellent levels of
emotional self-awareness
and deep reflection on the
issues
Clearly indicates how
learning can be integrated
into future activities
Conclusion brings together
the main arguments of the
essay and reaches a clear
overall conclusion.
Conclusion logically follows
from the evidence
presented and goes beyond
restating the aims.
Presentation and Little or no structure to the
referencing essay.
Grammar, spelling, Many typographic, grammar
references and spelling errors
Maximum marks = 20 Very few references or
citations
Referencing is inaccurate
and insufficient.
References not in APA
format.
Some attempt at structure is
evident.
Some typographic, grammar
and spelling errors
Many statements, facts,
theories and arguments are
not referenced.
Citations are not linked to
references.
There are many inaccuracies
and missing references and
citations.
APA referencing is used but
is inaccurate.
Structure has clearly laid out
paragraphs but paragraphs
are not in a logical order.
Few typographic, grammar
and spelling errors
Most statements, facts,
theories and arguments are
supported by evidence and
linked to references.
APA Referencing is used
throughout.
There are some inaccuracies
in the referencing.
Essay has a logical
paragraph structure, each
dealing with a separate
issue.
No typographic, grammar
and spelling errors
Almost all statement, facts
theories and arguments are
supported by evidence and
linked to references.
Most references are
relevant and up to date.
Citations and references all
in APA format and are
generally accurate.
The essay is well structured
and the logic of the main
argument is clear and easy
to follow.
Excellent presentation with
no typographic, grammar
and spelling errors
All statements and
arguments are supported by
good quality evidence from
primary academic sources.
All references are relevant
and up to date
All citations and references
are accurate and in correct
APA style.
Preparing for your essay by keeping a ‘learning log’.

Throughout the course of the module, both during class-time and in independent
study, you will be asked to complete various brief, non-assessed tasks or
assignments.

Usually, these tasks and assignments will be designed so as to allow you to reflect on
your own emerging understanding of leadership and your own developing leadership
practice. You are advised to engage fully with these tasks and assignments, and to keep
hold of them, as these will form part of your ‘learning log’ throughout the module.

Please note that, although the ‘learning log’ itself is NOT compulsory or assessed,
you will be able to draw on it as you complete your final essay. Therefore, as part of your
‘learning log’ you may also wish to make notes (perhaps on a weekly basis) which will help
you to track your progress or learning through the module.

You may want to jot down any thoughts you are left with following a lecture or
workshop; and/or you may wish to capture some of the questions raised for you as
you complete the assigned reading; and/or you may wish to note any observations
or experiences of leadership from your day-to-day life. The ‘learning log’ is therefore
a collection of thought-pieces, notes, questions, and brief tasks or assignments
which will help you to document and understand your progress through the course,.

You will be given guidelines and advice on how to prepare and complete this
assignment throughout the course of the semester, and that Week 11 of the
semester will be dedicated to providing any additional help or support needed.

Format and Style

Please ensure that all assessed work is submitted in the following format:

 Submit the file as a Word document or as a PDF file. ELE may not accept
other file formats
 Use a clear font – I suggest Calibri or Ariel
 You DO NOT need to add pictures or graphics to make the document ‘pretty’.
You will not get any marks for this! It is an academic piece of work.
 You can use images or graphs as long as they are relevant to the point you
are making. They should be explained in your text.
 Include a title page
 You can include a contents page if you wish
 Divide your work into clear sections with sub-headings:
o Introduction to the whole essay
o Self-leadership reflection
o Opinion piece 1
o Opinion piece 2
o Overall conclusion
  Make sure you reference any images or graphs you use.
 References MUST be in APA 7th. No other referencing style is permitted.

Referencing

For all work on this module you must adopt APA style referencing. Information is
available as a downloadable document on the module’s ELE page. You can find
details HERE

Marks will be deducted from assignments with incorrect or incomplete referencing.

Lecture notes are not an appropriate academic reference. Academic journal articles
and serious publications (online or print) are recommended.

Internet sites should only be used if you can be certain about the academic
credibility of the source. Wikipedia, Businessballs, tutor2u.net, netmba.com, or
similar websites are not acceptable academic references
Suggested Additional Indicative Reading

Ahn, N.Y. and Cunningham G.B. (2020) ‘Standing on a glass cliff? A case study of
FIFA’s gender initiatives’ Managing Sport and Leisure, Vol 25, Nos1-2, pp114-137

Balkundi, P. and Kilduff, M. (2006) ‘The Ties that Lead: A Social Network Theory
Approach to Leadership’ The Leadership Quarterly 17: 419 – 439.

Brown, A.D., Colville, I., and Pye, A. (2015) ‘Making sense of sensemaking in
organizational studies’ Organization Studies 36(2): 265-277

Cranmer, G.A., Goldman, Z.W., Houghton, J.D., (2019) ‘I’ll do it myself: self-
leadership, proactivity and socialization’, Leadership and Organization Development
Journal, Vol 40, No.6, pp 684-698

Flores, O.J. and Gunzenhauser, M.G (2019) ‘The problems with colorblind leadership
revealed: a call for race-conscious leaders’ , International Journal of Qualitative
Studies in Education, Vol 32, No 8 p963-981

Furtner, M.R., Tutzer, L. and Sachse, P (2018) ‘The Mindful Self-Leader: Investigating
the Relationship Between Self-Leadership and Mindfulness’, Social Behavior and
Personality, 46 (3) pp353-60

Larson, L and DeChurch, L.A. (2020) ‘Leading teams in the digital age: Four
perspectives on technology and what they mean for leading teams’ , The Leadership
Quarterly, 31, pp1-18

Maguire, S., & Hardy, C. (2013). Organizing processes and the construction of risk: A
discursive approach. Academy of Management Journal, 56(1), 231-255.
Ndalamba,K.K., Caldwell, C and Anderson, V., (2018) ‘Leadership vision as moral
duty’ Journal of Management Development, Vol 7, No 3pp 309-319

Neves, P., & Schyns, B. (2018). Destructive uncertainty: The toxic triangle, implicit
theories and leadership identity during organizational change. In Organizational
Change (pp. 131-141). Routledge.

Partlow, P. J., Medeiros, K. E., & Mumford, M. D. (2015). Leader cognition in vision
formation: Simplicity and negativity. The Leadership Quarterly, 26(3), 448-469.

Thoroughgood, C. N., Padilla, A., Hunter, S. T., & Tate, B. W. (2012). The susceptible
circle: A taxonomy of followers associated with destructive leadership. The
Leadership Quarterly, 23(5), 897-917.

Uhl-Bien, M., & Arena, M. (2018). Leadership for organizational adaptability: A

theoretical synthesis and integrative framework. The Leadership Quarterly, 29(1), 89-
104.

Uhl-Bien, M., Riggio, R. E., Lowe, K. B., & Carsten, M. K. (2014). Followership theory:
A review and research agenda. The Leadership Quarterly, 25(1), 83-104.