MSc Management

Personal Effectiveness
Coursework Assessment Brief (CW3)
 Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................3

2.0 Task 1.........................................................................................................................................3

3.0 Task 2.........................................................................................................................................5

3.1 Role of social media platforms in learning............................................................................5

3.2 Critically evaluate the ability of social media platforms to enhance learning for
professional development............................................................................................................6

4.0 Task 3.........................................................................................................................................7

4.1 Self-assessment by applying Covey’s 7 Habits questionnaire to identify areas of

improvement for my personal effectiveness................................................................................7

4.2 Methods for enhancing my personal effectiveness using social media platforms in a
professional environment.............................................................................................................9

5.0 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................10

References......................................................................................................................................11

Appendices....................................................................................................................................13

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1.0 Introduction

The first and second sections of the present study will look into factors like the successful CEOs'
habits through the CEO Genome Project and the role of social media in learning along with the
abilities of these platforms in the professional development of a person. In the last section, I
would like to access my personal effectiveness improvement areas through Covey’s 7 Habits
questionnaire. Based on the same, I would like to analyze the social media tools which can help
me increase my personal effectiveness.

2.0 Task 1

While the consideration of the CEO Genome Project is done, it can be seen that there are 4 main
aspects of the model such as “Decide with Conviction and Speed”, “Practice Relentless
Reliability”, “Relationship mastery”, and “Proactive in Adapting to Changing
Circumstances”. As per ceogenome.com (2023), "Of the 6 million CEOs of companies in
America, only 7% went to an elite school—and 8% didn't graduate college at all. Some are
immigrants; many worked their way up through the ranks from entry-level positions.” these
qualities set successful CEOs apart from other common people which can be discussed here as
follows:
Decide with Conviction and Speed: while leaders do not necessarily make correct decisions all
the time, the speed and conviction to make the same can be considered as one of the key skills of
the effectiveness of a person. While discussing the same, a study by Botelho et al (2017) can be
considered. As stated by the authors, it was discovered that people who were classified as
"decisive" were 12 times more likely to be high-performing CEOs. The study, in an interesting
finding, shows that some executives with high IQs and a preference for intellectual depth have
trouble making decisions. While their conclusions are typically of high quality, their search for
the ideal solution can cause delays in making decisions and establishing priorities. This
hesitation might frustrate their employees, lead to organizational bottlenecks, and possibly result
in the loss of key personnel. As an example, Google CEO Sudar Pichai was reluctant to take
proper action against highly reputed employees for sexual assault which decreased the reliability
of his leadership. The study discovered that with the exception of a tiny minority, CEOs who

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scored poorly on decisiveness (i.e., poor decision-makers) did so because they made their
decisions too slowly or seldom. If the consideration of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is taken, he
was quick to understand that the cloud system will lead the business in future for which he
introduced Azure cloud service which increased the profitability of the company and became the
top cloud service provider by beating Amazon.
Practice Relentless Reliability: one of the four crucial CEO behaviours was perhaps the
capacity to consistently create results. As per the study by the authors, the CEOs with high scores
in terms of reliability were 15 times more likely to succeed. Employees develop trust over the
consistent leaders where the board of the company and the investors are also more likely to speak
for them. The leaders are more likely to decrease their valuableness to the important entities
within the organization if they don’t consider the aspect as important. As an example, the CEO
of Google, Sundar Pichai suggested the development of a search engine software named Chrome
where the founders of Google were not willing. The reliability of the team led by Pichai and the
conviction had resulted in the development of Chrome which became the market leader in search
engine service providers.
Relationship mastery: The study highlighted how effective CEOs place a high priority on
stakeholder involvement by comprehending their demands and motivations while keeping a
laser-like focus on achieving company objectives. Success rates for those who excel in this
balancing increase by 75%. They don't seek popularity or protect their teams from difficult
decisions, in contrast to CEOs who perform poorly. Instead, they gain the respect of their peers
by exuding confidence in their leadership, even if it necessitates making difficult decisions. Two-
thirds of these CEOs are recognised as strong in conflict management, and they embrace
confrontation when it is required to accomplish business objectives. For the best chance of
success as a leader, they essentially combine stakeholder understanding, results-driven
concentration, and a readiness to face obstacles. As an example, the instance of Satya Nadella
can be given who has been known for regular communication with their employees across the
globe to share his transparent plans. He used an empathetic approach to guide and communicate
with employees which made him a master in interpersonal relationships. Thus, he was able to
change the situation and profitability with the working culture of Microsoft (Morgan, 2020).
Proactive in Adapting to Changing Circumstances: the authors of Botelho et al (2017) the
crucial significance of adaptation for organizations and leaders in quickly changing settings,

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using instances like Brexit and the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election. According to
research, CEOs who are adaptive have a 6.7 times higher chance of success. With a high
emphasis on long-term thinking (up to 50% of the time), CEOs must be excellent at addressing
circumstances not addressed by playbooks. They succeed by utilising a variety of information
sources to spot change early on and take calculated action. Additionally, flexible CEOs have a
growth attitude and see failures as teaching moments. According to the research, having such
traits is essential for success in leadership positions. As an instance of the same, The CEO of
Google, Sundar Pichai had collaborated with the employees and from the same the result has
been amazing. As per the report of Gitnux, he has been adaptive to the newer technologies while
working in collaboration with people has really improved the performance of Google.

3.0 Task 2

3.1 Role of social media platforms in learning

While the consideration of the role of social media in the development of learning is done, the
study by Ansari and Khan (2020) can be considered. The study was conducted with 360 students
of an Indian university which revealed that "online social media used for collaborative
learning had a significant impact on interactivity with peers, teachers and online knowledge
sharing behaviour. Additionally, interactivity with teachers, peers, and online knowledge-
sharing behaviour has seen a significant impact on students' engagement which consequently
has a significant impact on students' academic performance." As per a researcher at the
University of Florida, the use of social media has enabled the students with the opportunity of
collaborative learning and sharing of the study resources with the other students. The same line
of findings was revealed from some universities in Egypt which confirmed that the role of these
social media tools has been significant in the institutions where the learning tools and teaching
aids are distributed through the same. The main benefit of the same has been the ability to create,
share and edit the details regarding the study with the other peers through editing them in
different formats such as audio, video, and PDF format.
The revealing of the same line has also been done in the study by Tess (2013) who stated that
Social networking sites give educators and students a place to communicate, exchange materials,
and work together outside of the confines of the traditional classroom. This improved

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communication can promote a sense of belonging and inclusivity, enabling students to easily
interact with peers and teachers. Social media promotes discussions and debates, which fosters
active learning. It gives pupils a place to voice their thoughts, pose inquiries, and practise critical
thinking. This may result in a greater comprehension and recall of the course information. The
same is true for virtual classrooms, which can gain a lot from social media technologies. They
make education more accessible to a wide range of students who might have varied schedules or
constraints by enabling asynchronous communication and learning.

3.2 Critically evaluate the ability of social media platforms to enhance learning for
professional development

Social networking sites have grown to be effective resources for career advancement, providing a
variety of chances for people to increase their knowledge and proficiency. According to Bedford
(2019), social media has the ability to help faculty members establish Virtual Professional
Learning Communities (VPLCs). These VPLCs go beyond conventional online courses by
offering a vibrant setting for networking and group learning. This shows that social media
platforms provide educators and professionals with a flexible and accessible way to participate in
worthwhile conversations, share knowledge, and create networks suited to their individual
requirements. It is important to remember that most professional growth on social media has
been informal and unstructured (Bedford, 2019). Although this informality can encourage group
learning, systematic procedures would be required to fully realise social media's promise for
professional development.
The relevance of social media for professional growth is further emphasised by the Alsobayel et
al. (2016) study that focuses on healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia. According to the
report, a sizable majority of healthcare professionals, roughly 70.6%, actively use social media
for their professional development. Many people use websites like Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn,
and others to share knowledge and create networks. Social media is thought to be the most
advantageous for networking and knowledge exchange. It is thought to be less helpful,
nevertheless, at improving clinical abilities. This disparity in efficacy raises the possibility that
the use of social media for professional development may be influenced by the particular
learning goals and the environment in which it is implemented.

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Prestridge's (2019) study in the field of education takes a step back to look into the justifications
for teachers' usage of social media for professional development. Information consumers,
information networkers, self-seeking contributors, and vocationalists are the four types of online
teacher involvement that are identified. These classifications are based on how instructors
conceptualise professional development and their online interaction habits. The results cast doubt
on the idea that all professional advancement on social media is equal. Instead, they argue those
educators' goals and methods differ, emphasising the need for tailored tactics to use social media
for professional development.

4.0 Task 3

4.1 Self-assessment by applying Covey’s 7 Habits questionnaire to identify areas of

improvement for my personal effectiveness

Following a thorough self-evaluation using Covey's 7 Habits questionnaire, I have learned a

great deal about my areas of strength and those that need work in order to increase my personal
effectiveness. This examination looks at seven crucial behaviours that each support a life that is
both highly effective and meaningful (Covey, 2014).
1. My score of 67 in Habit 1: Be Proactive is just a little under the threshold of 73. The
focus of this behaviour is on taking charge of one's life and accepting accountability for
one's deeds. I understand the need to be more proactive in this area to increase my own
effectiveness, especially in circumstances when I have a tendency to blame outside
forces. A major goal is to become more aware of my behaviours and decisions.
2. Habit 2: Start with the End in Mind received a score of 67, barely shy of the required 70.
Setting specific objectives and making plans based on values and purpose are key to this
habit. I need to work on clearly stating my long-term goals and making sure that my
activities are in line with my beliefs and mission if I want to get better in this area. I will
feel more purpose and direction after doing this.
3. I scored 80 in Habit 3: Put First Things First, exceeding the criterion of 66. This is a good
result since it shows that I properly prioritise important chores that advance my long-term
objectives. Nevertheless, constant progress is necessary, especially in terms of preventing

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 procrastination and reducing distractions that can prevent me from completing my critical
responsibilities.
4. Think Win-Win Habit 4 received a score of 67, which is just under the criterion of 79.
This habit focuses on creating connections that are mutually beneficial. I need to get
better at working with others and looking for solutions that are beneficial to everyone
involved if I want to increase my personal effectiveness. The main goal will be to always
think about how to win-win situations (Covey, 2014).
5. I received an 80 for Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, matching
the criterion of 79. This practice emphasises the need for attentive listening and
understanding others' perspectives before expressing one's own. Although I have shown
strength in this area, I will keep working to be more understanding of others' emotions
and persistently try to see things from their point of view.
6. My score of 87 greatly exceeds the threshold of 75 for Habit 6: Synergize. This
demonstrates my great preference for appreciating many points of view and fostering
collaborative creativity. I will continue to provide a space where people feel free to voice
their thoughts, and I will actively look for creative solutions through cooperation, all in
an effort to increase my personal effectiveness (Covey, 2014).
7. The benchmark score for Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw was 74, but it only achieved a score
of 67. This behaviour relates to self-care and personal regeneration. I need to regularly
put my physical health and well-being first in order to increase my personal effectiveness.
I should also schedule time for pursuits that enrich my life and give me joy, as this
promotes a balanced and contented way of living.
Along with these specific habit scores, the Time Matrix evaluation showed that a large part of
my time is spent in Quadrant II, which denotes a focus on tasks that are essential but not
necessarily urgent. This is consistent with Habit 3: Put First Things first and demonstrates my
diligence in giving important tasks that advance long-term objectives top priority. I intend to
create a thorough improvement plan that is particular to the areas that have been identified as
needing improvement in order to fully exploit the advantages of this thorough review. The tactics
in this plan will improve interpersonal interactions, goal-setting, time management, and proactive
decision-making. Additionally, I am aware of the importance of getting other opinions, whether
it be through thinking about how people could perceive me or asking a reliable partner for their

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input. This all-encompassing strategy will play a crucial role in my continued quest for growth,
improvement, and personal effectiveness.

4.2 Methods for enhancing my personal effectiveness using social media platforms in a
professional environment

Professional Networking and Relationship Building

● Engagement with LinkedIn: I will actively participate with LinkedIn and use it as my
main professional networking channel. This includes frequently interacting with peers,
coworkers, and thought leaders in the business. In order to ensure a more meaningful and
tailored experience, I will personalise connection requests with a brief statement outlining
the purpose of the connection.
● Engagement Plan: I will provide smart industry articles, intelligently respond to other
people's postings, and join groups on LinkedIn that are pertinent to my sector in order to
build partnerships. I will also plan regular check-ins with important contacts, starting
conversations about shared interests and career advancement (Gibbs, 1988).
Skill Enhancement through Educational Content
● lifetime Learning: I will use social media sites, particularly YouTube and LinkedIn
Learning, to get excellent educational content since I recognise how important lifetime
learning is. I will create a disciplined study schedule and allot certain times to online
classes, webinars, and tutorials that support my career objectives (Cottrell, 2015).
● Curation of Content: In order to maximise my learning experience, I will bookmark,
like, or save blogs and videos that include useful information. This methodical technique
will enable me to successfully review and utilise the learned information. I will also take
part in discussions about the material to better my understanding and build relationships
with other students.

5.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the qualities that make CEO success possible while
revealing significant findings from the CEO Genome Project. It also highlights opportunities for
personal development and improvement based on my self-evaluation in accordance with Covey's
7 Habits. This all-encompassing method for developing self-awareness and an understanding of

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what makes a good leader lays the groundwork for lifelong learning and career advancement. I
hope to increase my personal efficiency and succeed in my professional endeavours by taking
note of these observations and making the most of social media's networking, skill-building, and
personal accountability capabilities. These insights serve as helpful roadmaps on the dynamic
journey towards continual effectiveness and improvement.

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References

Covey, S., (2014). The 7 habits of highly effective teens personal workbook. Simon and Schuster.
Cottrell, S., (2015). Study Skills For Success. 1st ed. London: Palgrave.
Gibbs, G., (1988). Learning By Doing: A Guide To A Teaching And Learning Methods. Oxford,
Polytechnic: Further Educational Unit.
Bedford, L., (2019). Using Social Media as a Platform for a Virtual Professional Learning
Community. Online Learning, 23(3), pp.120-136.

Alsobayel, H. (2016) ‘Use of social media for professional development by Health Care
Professionals: A cross-sectional web-based survey’, JMIR Medical Education, 2(2), pp. 112–
120. doi:10.2196/mededu.6232.

Prestridge, S. (2019) ‘Categorising teachers’ use of social media for their professional learning:
A self-generating professional learning paradigm’, Computers & Education, 129, pp. 143–
158. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2018.11.003.

Ceogenome.com (2023) About CEO Genome. Available at: https://ceogenome.com/about/

(Accessed: 12 September 2023).
Botelho, E.L. et al. (2017) 4 things that set successful CEOS apart, Harvard Business Review.
Available at: https://hbr.org/2017/05/what-sets-successful-ceos-apart (Accessed: 12 September
2023).
Morgan, J. (2020) 3 ways the CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, puts people first, Medium.
Available at: https://medium.com/jacob-morgan/3-ways-the-ceo-of-microsoft-satya-nadella-puts-
people-first-d75c41312ef7#:~:text=Satya%20believes%20one%20of%20his,future%20and
%20invites%20their%20feedback. (Accessed: 12 September 2023).
Gitnux (2023) Top 10 traits of Sundar Pichai's leadership style • Linux, GITNUX. Available at:
https://blog.gitnux.com/sundar-pichai-leadership-style/ (Accessed: 12 September 2023).
Ansari, J.A.N. and Khan, N.A., 2020. Exploring the role of social media in collaborative learning
the new domain of learning. Smart Learning Environments, 7(1), pp.1-16. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-020-00118-7

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Tess, P.A., 2013. The role of social media in higher education classes (real and virtual)–A
literature review. Computers in human behavior, 29(5), pp.A60-A68. doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.12.032

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Appendices

Appendix 1: 7 Habits of Covey Questionnaire result on self

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(Source: http://7h.franklincoveyassessments.com/pre/reportlanding.aspx?
ak=WOxNh3FVcvUeIgY16493)

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