Having trouble getting started writing your CMI assignment? Crescente’s here to help! In this post we share guidance so you know how to write CMI Unit 526.
Why choose CMI Unit 526 Principles of Leadership Practice?
This is a popular unit from the CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership syllabus. As the name suggests, it focusses on Leadership Practices within organisations. It has three learning outcomes: 1) Understanding leadership practices in organisations, 2) Understanding leadership styles, and 3) Understanding the impact of leadership within organisations.
This unit is a nice alternative to unit 501. Taking this one gives you a lot of options to achieve the Certificate qualification. We like combining this with CMI Unit 507 (Coaching and Mentoring) or CMI Unit 504 (Managing Performance). We offer all the units, so you can choose whatever combination suits you. Need help choosing the right qualification and units? Book a call and we can help you.
Introducing ‘How to…’ guidance videos from Crescente
In ‘How to answer CMI Unit 526’ videos John Chisholm gives a detailed explanation of the meaning of the command verb, how to structure your answer and practical examples you may want to use to demonstrate that you can apply the learning to real life workplace examples. That’s everything you need to know to make good progress on this unit.
As a premium provider of CMI qualifications we provide unrivalled support to our learners. You can expect personalised and tailored support that is super-responsive. Crescente provides ‘How to’ videos like this for all CMI units. We also provide these videos tailored specifically for each individual learner’s work context as part of the high levels of support we offer. If this would be useful to you, please do get in touch [email protected].
Usually we have a call with you for each unit to run through each assessment criterion (AC) and work out a plan with you. This will cover what you need to learn, and what examples you can use from your current context. These videos are just an additional offering to remind you of things to look out for, quirks in the paper, and pitfalls to avoid.
Enough chat. Let’s get into it…
CMI Unit 526 Task 1 AC1.1 Guidance
AC 1.1 – Examine leadership practices within organisations.
Crikey! You can take this question in any direction you want. However, because it is wide open it kind of makes it harder to know where to start. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on the behaviours and approaches (‘practices’) of leaders in your current (or recent) employment. What do they actually say and do? What works? How does it work? For example, maybe the leaders give lots of praise and recognition. They use gratitude and appreciation when you do good work or contribute positively in meetings, go the extra mile for customers or whatever. Use this as an example in this answer then write about the timing, language, tone they use et cetera. Ideally, you could find an academic reference or two to support your answer. We recommend looking at positive psychology research for gratitude and appreciation. Look up appreciative inquiry or Dan Goleman’s work on emotionally intelligent leaders (Primal Leadership or Resonant Leadership).
A quick word of warning at this stage. Don’t go too deep in this first answer as you’ll need the detail later on in Task 2 and Task 3. Keep an eye on the CMI Recommended Content to ensure you stay on track. We lift this from the syllabus and paste it into the assignment brief for you, so you have a clear sense of what they are looking for without having to have too many documents open on your desktop! You’re welcome. We know from listening to our learners that a lot of other CMI providers don’t do this. That’s just one of many ways that Crescente provides better quality support. Enough bragging. Watch the video. Or bookmark this page in your browser for later.
CMI Unit 526 Task 1 AC1.2 Guidance
AC 1.2 – Evaluate the use of TWO (2) theoretical approaches to responsible leadership
Research two leadership theories. Write what is good and bad about each one. One paragraph per theory. Finally, write a conclusion summing up your thoughts on which one you’d use.
CMI Unit 526 Task 1 AC1.3 Guidance
AC 1.3 – Analyse the impact of TWO (2) internal and TWO (2) external factors on leadership practice
Choose two factors from each of the lists above. For each one, say how it affects what a leader does every day. For example, excellent supply chain partners means the leader can improve response times for customers.
CMI Unit 526 Task 1 AC2.1 Guidance
AC 2.1 – Examines the relationship between management and leadership
This answer can be a bit tricky. First, find a table that compares leadership and management. Next, you need to choose three or four examples from the table and say what the relationship is between them. Use sentences like this: ‘Leadership is different management because… Without leadership, managers would… With great management skills leaders can…’
CMI Unit 526 Task 1 AC2.2 Guidance
AC 2.2 – Evaluate THREE (3) leadership styles which can be used in organisations
Use the Primal Leadership (Goleman) handout provided. Read all of the leadership styles. Choose three, say what is good and not good about each one. Give examples from your own work too. Finally, write a conclusion saying which you think is best and which you’d probably avoid.
CMI Unit 526 Task 1 AC3.1 Guidance
AC 3.1 – Evaluate how leadership supports the achievement of organisational objectives
Give strengths and weaknesses, arguments for and against and finish with an ‘In conclusion…’.
CMI Unit 526 Task 1 AC3.2 Guidance
AC 3.2 – Analyse the concept of empowerment and trust in leading others
Choose three or four things from the list above. Write a short paragraph for each. Say how empowerment and trust works when leading other people.
CMI Unit 526 Task 1 AC3.3 Guidance
AC 3.3 – Examine THREE (3) techniques for creating a cohesive team
Think about your own experience of managing and leading. And think about other teams e.g., sports teams. What techniques do you use to bring teams together?
CMI Unit 526 Task 1 AC3.4 Guidance
AC 3.4 – Assess the need to adapt leadership approaches to meet changing needs
This answer can be a bit tricky because it is getting a bit repetitive now. Stick with it. How do you know when you need to change things up a little bit? Level of skill is too low? Level of motivation is too low? People no longer being paid enough?
