C203 Instructional Guide for Task 1

This instructional guide is designed to help you navigate and successfully complete Task 1 for C203.

Please keep in mind a few tips, you can write in any format you like. There is NO sample paper, please discard that information if you see it somewhere. We allows students to write in any format you choose (i.e. MLA, APA, or CHI). Please refer to the Academic Formatting Guide to assist with formatting and setting up your paper correctly.

Helpful Submission Tip(s) for Task 1:

While not required, I strongly recommend that you format your paper following the rubric structure. Please label each section clearly with headings such as A, B1, B2, B3, etc.. This makes it much easier to align your responses directly with each rubric prompt.

Using this approach will also benefit you if the task is returned for revisions, as you (and the evaluator) can quickly locate the specific section that needs adjustment.

Additionally, I suggest using a ledger format (bullet points, clear subheadings, or tables as appropriate) to help organize your information within each section. This structure will make your paper more reader-friendly and ensure that all required elements are addressed clearly and efficiently.

Remember, the goal is to make your work as easy as possible to evaluate, while still maintaining professional formatting. You’ve got this!

Section A: Upload Completed Self-Assessments

You must upload your completed results for the following assessments: – 360° Refined™ Leadership Test – CQ Pro Assessment – VIA Character Strengths Survey – Clifton Strengths Assessment (completed in C200)

Action Step: Attach the full reports from each assessment into your Task 1 submission

Section B1: Perceived Leadership Effectiveness (Analysis of Assessments)

Rubric Instruction: – Explain how your leadership effectiveness is supported by the results of each assessment (there are three assessments).

Tip: Describe what each assessment says about your strengths and how they reflect your effectiveness as a leader. Write in your own words, using specific examples from your assessment results.

Section B2: Select and Apply a Leadership Theory

Rubric Instruction: – Choose ONE leadership theory to evaluate your perceived effectiveness: – Transformational – Transactional – Situational – Participative – Servant – Behavioral – Trait theory

– Summarize how your CHOOSEN leadership theory aligns with your leadership approach.

Tip: Keep your explanation clear, concise, and personal. Avoid over-complicating your discussion.

Sections B2a – B2c: Alignment with Each Assessment

Rubric Instruction: For each assessment (360° Refined™, CQ Pro, VIA Character Strengths):

·       Analyze how the leadership theory you selected aligns with both the highest and lowest scoring categories of that assessment.

·       Use at least one scholarly source to support your analysis for each subsection prompt (B2a, B2b, and B2c (you should have three in-text citations for this area).

Tip: Be sure to directly connect your assessment results with your chosen theory. Provide thoughtful analysis, not just a summary. These are three different prompts. B2a is for 360 Refined Leadership Results, B2b is for the CQ Pro Assessment, and B2c is for VIA Character Strength Assessment. The rubric instruction is the same, but for three different assessment analysis.

Section B2c (Action Items)1: Recommendations for Improvement

Rubric Instruction: – Recommend THREE specific action items you can take to improve your leadership based on the self-assessment results. – For each action item, explain how it will improve your leadership effectiveness.

Tip: Be practical and focused. Use your assessment data to guide your choices.

Section B2d(i): Leadership Theory Support for Action Items

Rubric Instruction: – Explain how your selected leadership theory supports the action items you recommended. – Use one scholarly source to support your explanation.

Tip: Show how your chosen theory naturally aligns with and supports your improvement plan.

Section B2c (Leadership Profile): Create Your Leadership Profile

Tip for Completing Your Leadership Profile:

Think of this section like building your personal leadership resume or portfolio. Just like a resume, you are presenting a clear, organized snapshot of your leadership journey, strengths, and experiences. Be sure to:

·        Use bullet points or a clean, easy-to-read format for each section.

·        List your information professionally under each heading (Name, Education, Strengths, etc.).

·        Be specific and authentic in describing your leadership philosophy, strengths, and real- world experiences.

·        For your Leadership Experiences, think about projects, jobs, volunteer work, school activities, or personal situations where you demonstrate leadership. These can be brief but should clearly show how you have applied your leadership skills.

·        Do not overthink the wording — this is your personal profile, so use language that reflects you and your leadership style.

Using a simple, resume-like format will not only help you stay organized but also make it easier for evaluators to review and provide feedback.

Recommended items to include in your leadership profile.

1.  Your Information – Name – Address – Email – Phone Number

2.  Education and Credentials – Bachelor’s degree (include school name, city, state) – Master’s in Science in Management and Leadership (In Progress)

3.  Personal Leadership Philosophy, Vision, and Values – Clearly state your personal leadership philosophy. – Include your vision for leadership and the values that guide you.

4.  Leadership Strengths (List 5) – Use your assessments to identify top strengths.

5.  Leadership Competencies and Skills (List 5) – Identify key skills you possess as a leader.

6.  Areas for Leadership Improvement (List 3) – Identify areas you want to grow in.

7.  Leadership Experiences and Application (List 5) – Provide real examples of how you have applied leadership.

Tip: Be detailed and authentic. Use this profile as a personal leadership snapshot.

Conclusion

Rubric Instruction: – Write a conclusion that summarizes your key takeaways from completing Task 1 and reflects on your leadership development.

References

·       Include all sources cited throughout your paper.

·       Follow APA formatting guidelines for all in-text citations and references.

·       Please use the Academic Formatting Guide to assist with formatting.

Final Reminders: – You do NOT need to cite your Clifton Strengths, VIA Character Strength, and etc. report; you can reference it in-text without an APA citation as it is based on your personal results.