Leadership and management skills are important in public administration. Leaders uplift those around them and exemplify the values of public service. Managing in the field requires a deep understanding of theory and the ability to effectively practice. To be a leader, one needs to know how to collaborate with others, manage people in an organization, and recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. 

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Standard E of the MPA Portfolio focuses on understanding the functions of management in leadership through demonstration of leadership, collaboration, organizational management, and awareness of professional norms. The works I selected to fulfill Standard E are from PAPA 5315: Behavioral Skills for Managers, PAPA 5316: System Skills for Managers, and PAPA 6324: Personnel and Policy Implications. 

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The first work for Standard E, Objective 1 is a response to the midterm in Behavioral Skills. The midterm question required a detailed description of someone I consider to be a good leader and support my answer with examples of different approaches to leadership theory. I chose to focus on Leslie Knope, the fictional Deputy Director of the Pawnee Parks & Recreation Department in the NBC show Parks & Recreation. My midterm response reflects Leslie’s approaches to leadership, through her behavior, character, and traits associated with leadership. My essay highlights her unwavering commitment to her citizens, her dedication to her coworkers, and her constant adaptability in the face of conflict, all traits I aspire to demonstrate in my professional career. This assignment required reflection on how Leslie Knope’s leadership influences my own leadership style. I gained invaluable insight into my skills as a leader and how I can best apply them in my professional career. 

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Example 2 for Standard E, Objective 2 is a response to the midterm in System Skills. The midterm question asked how measuring successes impacts individual and organizational outcomes and what factors are important for success. My response to the question posed highlighted how the measurement of success affects both individuals and organizations. It is necessary to evaluate success to better understand the factors necessary for success. My essay demonstrates my understanding of management and organizations as it shows I recognize the importance of setting tangible goals and highlighting achievements. Evaluating and recognizing success is important for building organizational relationships and understanding them. 

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Example 3 for Standard E, Objective 3 is a section of an Organizational Report on UVA Wise’s Residence Life for Behavioral Skills. My portion of the larger paper was a collaboration with 3 other students in Behavioral Skills to demonstrate our understanding of organizational systems and relationships. I highlighted the organizational relationships UVA Wise’s Residence Life group had with other organizations on their campus and how those relationships effect their job function. My section demonstrates my ability to effectively collaborate with a group to produce high quality organizational reports. 

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The final work for Standard E, Objective 4 is a response to the midterm in Personnel. The midterm question asked for a detailed response on paradoxes in an Human Resources management and recommendations to mitigate them. My answer focuses on understanding and recognizing the recruitment strategies in Human Resources. The response demonstrates my awareness of professional norms and the importance of diversity, particularly in the workplace. 

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As I have learned throughout the MPA program, leadership and management are essential skills in public administration. All of my works in Standard E demonstrate my knowledge of leadership and understanding of the nature of management.