Daniel Amare

Adey Abeba

06/05/17

REFLECTION

For my practicum project, I worked with Adey Abeba where I was given the opportunity

to help improve their menus by adding a different creative insight, as well as providing

information on improving their business process. Working on the practicum project gave me

the ability to practice and develop my leadership skills.

My practicum manager was extremely busy with the restaurant and wasnt able to

contribute as much, which helped me take initiative throughout the process. I was able to

create multiple take-out menu samples and present my ideas to my manager, as well as

incorporate both our ideas within the menu. By taking initiative it helped me become proactive

and present more ideas instead of waiting to take orders from my manger. I also came up with

an idea to create a survey in order to receive critical feedback from consumers which will

elevate areas that need improvements. By taking this initiative, it will help Adey Abeba

understand what their consumers think about their business, and ways they can improve.

Furthermore, I believe taking initiative is important because future employers want to see their

employees being proactive instead of reacting to the orders that they give. On top of that being

able to act and take charge teaches you to be more self-reliant and find the solutions to your

problems.
 Overall, taking initiative helped me become a better decision maker and an adaptive

leader. There were many challenges that were unanticipated in which I was able to make

decisions that helped find solutions to our issues. When faced with a challenge, I had to

critically think and evaluate the situation which allowed me to take the appropriate actions.

Another prominent skill that I developed was using goal setting/path goal theory as a

motivating structure and reflection tool. Goal setting was an effective tool to help reflect on

myself, and make improvements while accomplishing my goals. Applying this method helped

me understand how to determine what I was doing well from what I can improve on. Goal

setting/path goal theory, helped me develop a strategy that lets me analyze myself for quality

feedback in the midst of attaining my goal.

The main reason for my success was due to the great leadership displayed by the

manager. Before I began my project, the manager made it clear of the expectations and goals

that he set forth as we moved forward with the project. He set a standard of excellence that he

wanted me to live by aw well as propelled me to achieve my deliverables. My manager did a

great job of bringing the best out of me by assigning many responsibilities which built trust and

confidence. For example, I was given a great deal of autonomy. This propelled me to become

more of a participative leader, which in result increased my performance and led to a more

successful outcome. Also, being managed by a great leader, led to me being a batter

participative leader, where I was able to freely make decisions that helped the overall business.
 As I move forward with my career, I have developed new skills through my practicum

project that will be essential for my success. I have gained a new mentor who can assist me as

well as point me in the right directions as I continue with my career. I will be able to refer to my

manager in the future whenever I have questions about business or simple life questions, which

will give me great guidance.