499 A key characteristic of an effective manager is good interpersonal skills.  Among the interpersonal skills that must be built are: motivation, communication, effective confrontation, coaching and

499

1. A key characteristic of an effective manager is good interpersonal skills.  Among the interpersonal skills that must be built are: motivation, communication, effective confrontation, coaching and development.  Describe the importance of each of these interpersonal skills for a manager.
2. A commonly used acronym for goal setting is SMART.  Goals must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.  Describe a professional goal that you have set listing how it fits into the SMART categories.
3. Describe how the decisions managers make differ based on the level of the position such as supervisor, mid-level manager and senior manager.
4. A common tool used in strategic planning is the S.W.O.T. analysis. Pick a company you are familiar with and complete a SWOT analysis for it describing 5 each of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
5. How can a SWOT analysis help a company develop a strategic plan that will be successful?
6. Describe the four functions of management.  What role do these play in the strategic decision making process?
7. Describe the four key elements of a good performance appraisal.
8. Many factors can lead to a company failing.  Discuss the external conditions that can occur that would hinder the success of a company.
9. Discuss your understanding of the POWER SWOT.  How can this method increase the effectiveness of a strategic plan?