Embarking on an ILM Award in Leadership and Management is a valuable step enhancing your leadership skills and effectiveness. To support your success, here are practical tips to guide you through the process, meet assessment criteria, and excel in your assignments.
1. Understand the assessment criteria
Start with the criteria—these are the roadmaps your assessor uses to evaluate your work.
- Familiarise yourself with the “how to pass” notes and marking criteria for each question.
- Pay attention to key action verbs like explain, assess, or describe—these guide the depth and type of response required.
- Integrate relevant theories, models, or frameworks where required.
Pro tip: “Keep the criteria visible as you write,” says Lysette Ellis, an Impellus Assessor. “Use them as a checklist to ensure you’re addressing every requirement.”
2. Plan before you write
Effective assignments begin with clear planning. Break down each question by considering:
- What exactly is being asked?
- What examples or evidence will support your response?
- Which leadership or management theories are applicable?
Planning your structure helps you stay focused, avoid unnecessary detail, and deliver a streamlined submission.
3. Add depth through reflective writing
ILM assignments encourage reflection—a skill critical for leadership development. Go beyond describing events to analyse the reasons behind your actions and their outcomes.
- Use reflective phrases such as “This approach worked because…” or “Upon reflection, I realised…”.
- Highlight the impact of your decisions on yourself, your team, and your organisation.
- Always address the “So what?” question to demonstrate the significance of your actions.
Pro tip: Be honest about areas for improvement. Assessors value authentic, thoughtful analysis.
4. Avoid common pitfalls
Stay mindful of these challenges:
- Word count: Stay within the guidance. Too much detail dilutes key points, while too little leaves gaps.
- Relevance: Ensure every sentence contributes to answering the question. Avoid veering off-topic.
- Application of theory: Always connect theory to real-world examples. Standalone theory or practice weakens your argument.
5. Communicate clearly and concisely
Your ILM assignment should mirror the clarity expected of a leader.
- Use headings and subheadings to improve structure and readability.
- Write in concise, straightforward sentences. Avoid jargon or overly complex phrasing.
- Summarise key points effectively in both your introduction and conclusion.
6. Embrace feedback as a learning tool
Feedback is a cornerstone of leadership growth. Use constructive feedback comments to improve and apply lessons learned to future assignments.
Final thoughts
“Your ILM assignments are more than just assessments—they’re an opportunity to reflect on your leadership journey, demonstrate your knowledge, and apply insights in meaningful ways,” says Lysette.
“By understanding the criteria, planning carefully, and incorporating reflective practice, you’ll produce assignments that showcase your capabilities. Avoid common mistakes, maintain clarity in your writing, and welcome feedback as part of your development.”
With these strategies, you’ll not only succeed in your ILM Award but also lay a strong foundation for growth as an effective leader.
