OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY

Business School

Module Title:

Leadership Development

Programme:

Master of Business Administration

Assignment:

Produce an individual written assignment critically evaluating my leadership style and produce a plan to show how you will meet your development need(s)

Semester 2 – 2006 / Semester 1 2006

Born half French half German, I was educated in France, where I qualified through different exams in economics at the University of Angers (1997). Immediately after graduation, I started travelling Europe with the goal to embrace different cultures and techniques. I have fulfilled my aims in 3 different countries before settling in London, working in the fish industry.
Nevertheless my experience of leadership has always been limited. I have been working most of my carrier on my own. Only recently, a business partner working within the same industry has joined me in order to create a new company. This partnership had very little impact on my leadership as my partner remains silent, and I am the only employee of the company and I am working from my home office.

A glance at present situation:

Due to the nature of the business most of my suppliers are abroad and most of my customers are located out of London. I have very little, “face to face” interaction with my environment.
Most of the transactions are made over the phone. Time is an issue: the faster the call is, the better it is considered.
Focus should be made on communicating assertively.

A glance at the future:

If the company is meant to grow, my direct interaction with people will be developed. Until that day comes, it is very difficult for me to anticipate what leadership behaviour I should adopt.
Due to the rarefaction of fish stock, the fish industry will have to negotiate drastic changes.
Kotter (2002) has underlined leadership behaviour in the heart of changes.
Steps 1 get the vision right.
Steps 2 communicate for buy in goal.
Steps 3