Business interview

Introduction

Ricardo Mendez is a business owner/manager of Family Care Specialist, a health care clinic. Although he only has only been with Family Care Specialist for seven years, he has held a managerial role for approximately thirty years. He operates five clinics across the Rio Grande Valley and roughly 40 employees report to him.

Questions and Answers to the Questions

Describe your leadership style in some detail.

Mr. Mendez would describe his leadership style as one that adapts to the situation, individual and their personality. He believes that leadership should not be performed in the same manner for each employee, but rather based on their level of knowledge and skills. For example, when an employee is not meeting expectations, Mr. Mendez will evaluate their knowledge, skills, personality, their attitude towards their job, and have the employee evaluate themselves. Depending on their personal evaluation, Mr. Mendez will discipline, provide training, or encourage the employee.

How did you become a leader in your organization?

As a business owner, Mr. Mendez created a business plan and presented to his supervisor, who is now his business partner. Because he was part of the creation of Family Care Specialist, he gained a leadership position.

How does your organization develop leaders (or leadership skills)?

As a leader, Mr. Mendez believes it is his duty to influence others to become leaders themselves. He does this by delegating authority and responsibility. Although he gives his employees full authority, he monitors and evaluates their behavior. When a problem occurs, Mr. Mendez teaches his employees how to improve their behavior or their decision making skills. By doing this, his employees are able to develop skills ...

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...e is gaining the respect and trust of him employees. Lastly, in question one, he emphasizes the personal attention and individuality he gives to each of his employees.

h. Employee-oriented

Employee-oriented leaders, a behavioral dimension, emphasized interpersonal relationships by taking personal interest in the needs of the employees and understanding and accepting the individual differences that exist among them (Robbins and Judge 380). Mr. Mendez emphasizes personal relationships with his employees by showing them the respect they deserve. In question one, Mr. Mendez takes personal interest in the needs of his employees by wanting to understand why they are not meeting expectations, instead of making assumptions. Additionally, he understands their individual differences because he changes his leadership style based on their knowledge, skills, and personality.