As a manager you have frequently been challenged to respond to situations involving competing tensions or values. For example, a manager is expected to be productive and efficient, yet sensitive to the personal needs of his or her employees. Recent research on managerial leadership (referred to as the Competing Values Framework) has identified these eight roles essential for effective management: Producer, Director, Coordinator, Monitor, Mentor, Facilitator, Innovator and Broker.
Reflecting on your own strengths, weaknesses and style as a manager, choose some or all of these roles for a discussion of about 1000 words. How and in what situations do you perform these roles? Which roles do you perform best, which least well? If relevant, please describe a time in your career during which your level of competence in one or more roles improved significantly and how that improvement took place. Further, describe a role in which your performance is currently in need of improvement, and outline a plan for improving your competence in that area of management.
The admissions committee is looking for candidates who can reflect well on the variety of challenges they face in their capacity as a manager, as well as on the special challenges of developing one's own competence as an effective manager with a balanced portfolio of skills.