Monitoring Performance Assignment

The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of students and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every student is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each student will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least two other posts, either the instructor\’s response to one of your posts, or posts from students. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Friday of each week. Two additional responses are required, each on different days, after Friday of each week. Students are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often – at a minimum of three (3) different days each week, as this promotes learning and is an important factor in grading for the Discussion Board assignment.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow students to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in two-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

Assignment Details

This DB has three parts.
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.
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.
Describe how the decisions managers make differ based on the level of the position such as supervisor, mid-level manager and senior manager.
In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board and comment on other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings.

For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Monitoring Performance

            Managerial skills refer to the ability and knowledge of an individual who holds a managerial position to achieve various specific managerial duties. The skills can be learned through experience while others are in-born. Highly skilled managers should be able to motivate their employees in order to achieve better efficiency. Some of…

Importance of These Interpersonal Skills for a Manager             Effective communication enables managers to transfer information to their employees. In addition, managers are able to effectively clarify and solve differences and issues in the work place that may have negative impacts on performance. On the other hand, managers who are effective in confronting their employees are able to criticize when necessary in order to reduce negative influence. This criticism works as a corrective measure. Effective managers are also equipped with motivation skills. This skill enables the…