In this paper I will speak of my leadership experiences as well as how my particular leadership style will continue to enhance and shape my role in the culture of the organization which I serve. Over the course of this class we have learned the skillsets (hard vs soft) as well as characteristics traits which make a great leader. Through the assignments, interactions with discussions boards, and group projects I have been able to determine what leadership theory I am best associated with. As discussed in chapter fourteen, the theory which best fits my leadership style is The Path-Goal Leadership Model. According to our textbook Management: A Practical Introduction by Angela Kinicki and Brian Williams, Robert House created and redevised this …show more content…
The leadership styles I have implemented and used in my current position are the following: path-goal clarifying, achievement oriented, work facilitation, supportive, and interaction facilitation. (Kinicki and Williams, …show more content…
In the Harvard Business Review article, The Focused Leader by Daniel Goleman speaks of leaders who can use their “gut feeling” to draw more resources and make more accurate decision making resources. (Goleman, 2013) Now after reading this article the first time it did not seem as relevant to my own personal leadership as I thought it would be or to the model in mind. However, recognizing my own inner voice in leadership is imperative for me to provide such skills, encouragement and mentorship to other colleagues and boost give them the boost of confidence they may need. The article states “Executives who can effectively focus on others emerge as natural leader regardless of organization or social mark”, meaning once you can focus on what you know and be confident in your decision making process an natural leadership role will automatically progress. As a woman in the healthcare administration field, I rarely see woman in upper management or leading projects, or mergers. So it’s imperative for me to confident in my decisions and leadership making skills. Additionally the article speaks of the importance of building relationship and networking between different department and leaderships within in the organization. (Goleman, 2013) This is one area which could work on and building relationships with other leaders and creating a
Path-goal approach to leadership by House (1971) mentions that the roles of a leader involve primarily increasing individual rewards of followers to gain goal fulfillment and make the path to rewards seamless by clarifying, removing roadblocks and increasing followers opportunities for satisfaction (Dessler & Valenzi, 1977). The theory, which primarily feeds off motivation, has conquered as an acceptably rational explanation for an individual decision-making process. The days when organizations were able to function and prosper based on their product, service, or structural innovations are no longer sufficient to keep them afloat. Nowadays, companies are required to pay extra attention to the leadership process that makes things happen.
My style of leadership according to the quiz by Cherry (n.d.) is participative leadership which is a type of leadership that engages the members of the team to participate in decision making and problem solving while the leader makes the final judgment in the deliberation process. This style of leadership allows members who are experts in their fields provide input to reach a more effective and accurate decision. This fits exactly into my leadership style. I always believed that in every aspect there is a greater or lesser person than you are, so, why not focus on the best in others and tap on their expertise in knowledge or skill to get the best results.
My Legacy Leader is LTC Brian A. Coppersmith, USA, Ret. LTC Coppersmith exemplified Army leadership from his character, presence, and intellect to his ability to lead, develop and achieve. LTC Coppersmith’s leadership ability directly affected me as a Human Intelligence Collection Sergeant operating under his command in garrison pre-deployment, and while deployed forward to Iraq. The example that LTC Coppersmith set for me is the foundation that I have used to guide each of my actions on as a leader. It is my hope that I will be able to positively influence and inspire at least one Soldier in the same manner that LTC Coppersmith inspired and influenced me.
Leadership styles reflect a manner and approach of providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating people. Traditionally, effective leadership styles were thought of a one size fits all, leaders picked one approach and used it all situations. In today’s world, successful leaders recognize the style of leadership is relative to given situation, based on analyzing the employees and the organization. Leadership styles are most effective when the actions of a leader reflect what is best for individuals and the organization, simultaneously. Leadership styles ultimately affect human behavior, and according to James G. Clawson, change occurs at three levels: Level one leadership is focused on visible behavior patterns.
Each different branch of leadership has a multitude of criteria and reasons that are beneficial to follow each. For the purpose of this examination focusing on the three main styles of leadership will be beneficial on top of focusing its use of them by professional leaders. Each style has their own pros and cons allowing one to understand how they can be beneficial or hurtful to any company. Professional leaders are able to represent the use of these styles and how they can alter the progress of a business or team.
...rson & Rowland 1973, p. 407). Leaders can be divided into two categories of relationship-oriented and task-oriented leaders and depending on the situation and setting, one of the two will be more suited for the specific environment. The task-oriented leaders are focused on result and the relationship-oriented leader is more effective in communicating and creating relations and long-term goals. The relationship-oriented leader is one that would potentially possess a higher level of EQ, due to the empathetic aspects. It is therefore argued that depending on the leadership style and the situation of the organisation and the setting that makes one leader more successful than another. This means that one leader may have attributes that will be more suited for a certain setting or organisation and will therefore work more effectively towards the goals (Hunt 1967, p. 302).
In order to ensure that I function as an effective leader, I must observe and reflect upon major leadership theories and models. I believe the Situational Leadership Theory, the Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, and Vroom and Yetton’s Normative Decision Model may help me achieve this high quality leadership that I seek. These theories and models are not without their faults, but studies have proven them to provide some level of effectiveness. Further reflection on each will help to determine what theory/model or what combination of these theories and models will yield me the best results.
When I am at my best. I am able to prioritize with leadership the needs of the people and/or organization that I am working with before mine. I strategically plan to overcome whatever challenge emerges in the developing or planning of a team project. In addition, I am dedicated and positive throughout the entire process. I am able to bring the group’s ideas together in order to meet a common goal without further delays. I tend to be very analytical and purpose oriented. I am not distracted very easily from the main goals and I am very persistent.
This paper will provide an in-depth look into my personal leadership philosophy. My leadership philosophy consists of leading by example, being an approachable person, learning from others, and knowledge of your team. Throughout my life, I have worked with outstanding leaders and all of them contributed to my leadership philosophy. I believe leadership is diverse and ever evolving throughout life experience. I have witnessed one common denominator in all my great leadership and it was their ability to adapt to their followers. A leader maximizes the potential in each individual they lead. During my time as a leader, I have found leading by example, being approachable, learning from others, and knowledge of your team as vital to leadership.
Leadership styles refer to the manner and approach, through which directions are provided, plans being implemented and motivating people. From the employee’s perspective, it encompasses the patterns of both explicit and implicit actions that a leader performs. Kurt Lewin conducted the first major leadership study in 1939 by leading a group of researchers in identifying the various types of leadership (Burnes, 2004). The study remained influential by establishing three major styles of leadership.
Leadership is the glue that binds any business together, identifying and understanding your type of leadership style can ultimately aid you in becoming a better leader in your professional career. A successful business cannot function without leadership therefore this is a crucial aspect of internal employee development for businesses striving to stay relevant in a crowded marketplace. In addition to recognizing your leadership style every leader needs to look to them and identify what type of personality they have. By becoming an informed business leader you will gain trust and respect of your team to guide them into the future and maximizing potential growth. Throughout this paper I will identify my leadership style and also personality type and how it has affected my personal career growth. Identifying these conclusions is extremely important in crafting company culture.
I have had the opportunity to work with leaders of different styles, and by just watching them, listening to them and seeing how the staff reacts; I can gauge what is productive with their staff. I try not to copy or mimic their style and ensure my own style comes through in being consistent, authentic and genuine. I feel by following these traits they give me necessary foundation and help me towards achieving leadership excellence.
Each one defines different types of leadership that exist in work environments. From the laissez-faire to the supreme autocrat, leaders and organizations have a variety of leadership styles, but not every style is right for everyone. I also found my capabilities and leadership style in were I feel I am suitable and I am a laissez-faire leader because I am laid back and allowing my employees to get on with their tasks as they see fits and also in how direct supervisor and somehow fails to provide regular feedback to those under
R.J House, "A Path-Goal Theory of Leader Effectiveness," Administrative Science Quarterly, September 1971, pp.321-338; and R. J. House, "Path-Goal Theory of Leadership; Lessons, Legacy and a Reformulated Theory," Leadership Quarterly, Fall 1996, pp.323-352
In this paper I will look at the four major leadership styles, their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and in what situations a particular leadership style is desired. Additionally, I will look at my leadership style and how I acquired this style throughout my career.