Mariela Mendieta Nava

March 2024
As a master's student in business management with experience in marketing, I found
myself leading a challenging university project: the development of a mobile app aimed
at improving communication between students and professors. This project turned into
a perfect opportunity to apply my leadership skills and academic training.

What happened?

Background: It all started when I noticed a significant gap in effective communication

between students and professors. Convinced I could make a difference, I convened a
team of peers with complementary skills to develop this app as part of my master's
project.

Brief description of the events: I organized several initial meetings to define the project
objectives, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines. I used my marketing experience to
identify our target market and develop effective promotion strategies. My public
speaking skills were crucial in presenting the project to the department to gain their
support, while my networking ability proved invaluable in seeking advice and
mentorship.

Specific leadership actions: I was meticulous in delegating tasks, ensuring each was
assigned based on the individual strengths of my team members. I maintained open
and frequent communication to monitor progress and motivated the team through
recognition and constructive feedback. My transactional leadership approach
manifested in how I set clear expectations and rewards for achieving our goals,
ensuring the deadlines were met.

What were the outcomes?

The project was a resounding success. The app was not only developed within the set
timeline but also received excellent reviews in pilot tests, leading to its implementation
across the university. This resulted in a significant improvement in communication
between students and professors, increasing both satisfaction and academic
performance.
Why did this happen?

The success was due to a combination of effective leadership, a highly committed team,
and the department's unwavering support. My ability to delegate effectively, my
task-oriented approach, and my transactional leadership kept the team focused and
motivated. Additionally, my extroversion and networking skills created a collaborative
work environment and ensured the necessary external support.

How was transformational leadership performed?

Although my approach tends more towards transactional leadership, in this project,

elements of transformational leadership naturally emerged. I inspired the team with a
clear vision, promoted innovation, and motivated members to exceed their own
expectations. This combination of leadership styles proved to be extremely effective,
meeting our specific objectives and fostering the personal and professional growth of
everyone involved.

What did I learn?

I learned the importance of adapting my leadership style to the specific needs of the
team and the project. I discovered that a combination of transactional and
transformational leadership can be very effective. This project reinforced my skills in
communication, delegation, and motivation. Moreover, it gave me a deeper
understanding of how to apply my training in business management and marketing in
real situations to achieve a positive impact. This project represented not just a
significant academic achievement for me but also an invaluable learning experience,
preparing me for future professional challenges.