Expert answer:Case revision
Expert answer:Use those comments to make revisions to improve and strengthen the original analysis.Summary: Derek Watson finds himself the newly promoted manager of his department within the company. The previous manager, Greg Allen, was highly resented by Derek and his coworkers. Upon his own request Greg Allen was transferred to a different department, making Derek the new manager. Derek is worried that his old friends would soon resent him too if he didn’t provide the right kind of leadership. He studied leadership in college and remembered a technique called path-goal theory. He is also aware of other departments in the company using “employee empowerment”. Freedom was something that Derek and his coworkers wanted under Greg Allen but didn’t. Derek wants to figure out what kind of leadership he would need to provide to become an effective manager.300 Words
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Summary: Derek Watson finds himself the newly promoted manager of his
department within the company. The previous manager, Greg Allen, was
highly resented by Derek and his coworkers. Upon his own request Greg
Allen was transferred to a different department, making Derek the new
manager. Derek is worried that his old friends would soon resent him too if
he didn’t provide the right kind of leadership. He studied leadership in
college and remembered a technique called path-goal theory. He is also
aware of other departments in the company using “employee
empowerment”. Freedom was something that Derek and his coworkers
wanted under Greg Allen but didn’t. Derek wants to figure out what kind of
leadership he would need to provide to become an effective manager.
Q1: Using path-goal theory, what do you think is the type of
leadership style that Derek should adopt?
For a fully effective leader in a company, it is imperative that he adopts the
path-goal theory. The theory calls for considerate leadership of the
employees’ needs to meet the company’s expectations. Moreover, the
theory is generally a process where a leader selects acceptable behavior
which motivates the employees to work towards achieving a certain goal.
In reference to the path-goal theory, Derek should adopt policies that are
compatible with the needs of the employees to avoid a leadership that the
employees might resent. Since the employees did not approve the kind of
leadership provided by Greg Allen, Derek should work towards adopting an
entirely different style of leadership. In this regard, Derek is bound to be
successful if he does not incorporate a directive style of leadership like his
predecessor. This calls for him to consider how his subordinates think
about different issues. Thus, he should ask for their reasoning before
making any critical decision. Also, working with a team that is learned
means that everyone has a rational view on all issues, and is likely to
dispute any decision that does not work in their favor.
Clearly, the employees in Derek’s department are individuals who can work
without much supervision in their duties. More so, they are skilled in what
they do and therefore employee empowerment can work best in Derek’s
department. Derek’s department is clearly skilled in its work and
empowerment can be quite effective. Employee empowerment involves
giving the workers autonomy since they show a level of responsibility in
their work.
While taking the leadership of his department, Derek should understand
the environment that the employees work best. In this respect, he should
allow the employees to work without strict supervision since it is evident
that they do not perform in such environments. Furthermore, he ought to
consider his colleagues’ views before concluding on decisions that affect
them. Accordingly, they will not revolt against him as they did with Greg
Allen and he will be assured of a leadership that the entire department
agrees.
Q2: Do you think empowerment is a realistic goal for this department?
Why or why not?
I think empowerment is a great goal and a great way for a leader to set up
each employee to be the best that they can be. Each of the employees
seem to understand their job and perform well. This would imply that all
they need now are the resources to do their job even better. For example,
providing double computer monitors if an employee is constantly on the
computer. The other part to being an effective leader in Derek’s case is to
bring the employees together so that they can become a more close-knit
team. Derek can do this as the leader by taking the employees out for a
company paid lunch meeting. Soon, the employees would be more open to
spending more time together after work as a team. For example, having a
cookout after work in the summer months. Derek can also start weekly or
bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with each employee. This would guarantee
that each employee feels that he or she is heard. In my opinion, the best
thing that Derek can do is be honest with his employees and listen to what
they expect out of him as a leader and by stating what Derek expects out of
his new employees. This is a tough transition and it will definitely take some
time for every employee to adjust to the new situation.
Q3: What other issues do you think Derek needs to consider as he
takes over as head of this department? Explain your reasoning.
Derek should be prepared to take over other departments if the company
starts downsizing. He will have to deal with incorporating the two staffs and
probably letting some people go as a result of the downsizing. He should
also be prepared to deal with other companies trying to compete with their
company. Derek should be thinking about how to stay above the
competition. He should also think about what he’s going to do if he has to
discipline one of his old coworkers. For example, if an employee comes in
late one day he can sign on paper who came in late or who didn’t show up
at all. Eventually he will have to dismiss or deduct from their pay.
o
For this case, I’m agree with question number one case, The Path-Goal
Hypothesis of Authority was made to depict the way that pioneers engage
and back their followers in achieving the destinations they have been set by
making the way that they should take clear and simple. In particular,
pioneers: Clarify the way so subordinates know which approach to go.
Expel blockades that are stopping them going there. Expanding the prizes
along the course. Pioneers can adopt a strong or confined strategy in these.
In elucidating the way, they might be order or give vague intimations. In
removing alternate routes, they may scour the way or offer help the follower
move the more noteworthy pieces. In growing prizes, they may convey
occasional help or make room with gold. This assortment in approach will
rely upon the situation, checking the supporter’s ability and motivation, and
also the inconvenience of the work and other significant components. So
same what the group case says Derek’s specialty are people who can work
without much supervision in their obligations. All the more along these lines,
they are talented in what they do and accordingly worker strengthening can
work best in Derek’s area of expertise. Derek’s area of expertise is
unmistakably gifted in its work and strengthening can be very viable.
Representative strengthening includes giving the specialists independence
since they demonstrate a level of duty in their work.
For question two I think Individual strengthening is tied in with taking a
gander at your identity and ending up more mindful of yourself as a one of a
kind person.
Individual strengthening includes building up the certainty and quality to set
sensible objectives and satisfy your potential. Everybody has qualities and
shortcomings and a scope of aptitudes that are utilized as a part of ordinary
circumstances, however very frequently individuals stay ignorant of, or
underestimate, their actual capacities.
A man going for strengthening can take control of their life by settling on
positive decisions and defining objectives. Creating mindfulness, a
comprehension of your qualities and shortcomings – knowing your own
particular restrictions is vital to individual strengthening.
Finding a way to set and accomplish objectives – both short and
longer-term and growing new abilities, acts to build certainty which, in itself,
is basic to self-strengthening.
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The dilemma facing Derek Watson is one that faces many leaders: how
much control and independence do you give to your followers? If Derek is
overly laissez-faire, his team members may not respect him and won’t take
their work seriously. However, if he behaves as an imposing control freak,
he is likely to experience the same rebellious attitude that Greg Allen
experienced. Clearly, finding that happy medium is the ultimate goal for
Derek.
Our group agreed that path-goal theory, which is based on identifying a
leadership style that best fits the employees and work environment in which
the leader operates in order to achieve goals (House, Mitchell, 1974), will
be an effective strategy in Derek’s leadership endeavors. Really, the above
description stresses putting the employees first, by adapting one’s
leadership style to what best fits them. Clearly, the over-imposing style
used by Greg Allen will not be an effective strategy to continue with as
Derek takes over.
One area where our group varied from the presenting group was in
Discussion Question #3. The presenting group focused on scenarios in
which Derek would be taking over other departments, and we agreed with
the group’s suggestions under those scenarios. However, we took a
different approach to the question, trying to think of other leadership
strategies Derek will need to consider within his current department. We
focused on finding unique ways to reward and show appreciation to his
team members. Being recognized and rewarded for strong performance is
very fulfilling, and may lead to a team member being more motivated to
impress his or her higher-ups as they crave further recognition. This is
really the concept of leader-member exchange (LMX) theory, which
stresses the importance of leader’s behaviors toward individuals on a
personal basis (Bateman & Snell, 2017). Some unique ways Derek could
show gratitude toward his team members would be to bring in food in on an
unannounced day, or to go on a small field trip with his department that
would be part of a paid work day. The presenting group used Discussion
Question #2 to suggest group lunch outings, cookouts and one-on-one
meetings. All of these suggestions are also ways that Derek could enhance
his leadership abilities as he takes over the department.
One of the other issues that Derek should take into consideration is that
some of the group members may still not satisfied with his leadership. In
this case, he may think about eliminating some of them from the picture, or
replacing some, since they are working in an unhappy environment.
Elimination could be by transferring or firing the unhappy employee. Of
course, he should be careful before doing something like that, but as a
leader of the group, he has to achieve the goals and save the mission of
the department.
Ultimately, Derek should be more active in taking these measures than his
predecessor, and encourage his department to achieve their goals. By
doing so, Derek will motivate his laborers through his recognition of their
hard work.
o
Since Derek is a newly promoted manager and did not like the way that is
previous manager Greg did his job perhaps Derek should consider this when
facing new challenges in his role. Whether that be not being a micro-manager, or
giving the people underneath of him more freedom to perform their roles. Derek
should learn the new job from his old friend or the old leader how to handle the
job, at least the basic things, if he doesn’t know he gonna be a leader, he should
trust himself he can deal with it, and be positive.
I agree with group 8 in that the group should be empowered to do the best they
can and work towards ideas they think are in line with the company’s own goals.
It should also be encouraging that a coworker got promoted to a be the new
manager of the department. This should show to the department that they are
good workers and deserved to be empowered by leadership. They can be better,
depending on the leader who hold the department, his behavior with the
workers, his respect, give the workers Catalysts to given more and better job,
make them love the job.
Derek going forward needs to realize that he is a leader now and with that he
needs to realize that he might not be able to be involved in some activities that
he used to be active with when he was a fellow subordinate. Also, he may feel
alienated now due to the fact that he is in a leadership position and may be
looked as a “brown noser”. Finally he will have to set an example for others to
follow now, which being promoted to his new position is a sign that he has a
good example, but going forward he needs to keep a good image for others to
follow.
1. The type of leadership style that Derek should adopt is the supportive
leadership style. In chapter 10, it is defined as a form of group
maintenance-oriented behavior. This seems like the best fitting choice
because it is stated that Derek already feels that his team or group are
hard workers and know how to do their individual jobs well. It is
assumed that if each employee can do their individual job efficiently, as
a whole unit, the group should be fine in terms of satisfying the
company’s goals. Derek however, is worried mostly about his group not
seeing Derek as a friend anymore and will become dissatisfied with him
being a leader. So being able to maintain the group’s positive internal
relationship is important. That is why the supportive leadership style
seems to be the best fit since it focuses mainly on the group as a whole.
Also, supportive leadership style fits because their previous leader Greg
seemed to cause dissatisfaction for the members of the group, If Derek
used the directive leadership style, this would most likely cause more
dissatisfaction. Supportive leadership is especially appropriate in this
type of situation as it provides a positive structure for both the Derek
and his group members.
2. We agree that empowerment is a realistic goal for Derek to set for his
employees. A big part of achieving this goal is to perform well as a
cohesive unit. If Derek were to choose the supportive leadership style, it
would help in the departments cohesiveness and bring positive results
for the business. Derek already stated that he thinks each member in
the department are hard workers and put a lot of focus into their jobs.
Derek and his coworkers clearly want this goal to be achieved. We
believe that as long as he is able to keep his coworkers performing the
way they have been, but improve on the cohesiveness of the
department as a whole and keep positive relationships among himself
and all other employees, this empowerment goal could be reached.
3. As the new leader of the department, Derek needs to fully understand
what was working and what wasn’t working, so that the downsides of
the department can be turned into upsides and the positives can be
improved on further. As an employee under Greg, Derek witness first
hand what was good and what was bad. However, as the new leader,
Derek should not just base his approach on his experience. He should
hold one on one meetings with each employee so that he can get their
opinions. This will also help in gaining trust from his employees and
improve on the cohesive work environment in the department. Another
thing Derek needs to worry about is having his leadership role over
looked by the employees. It seems that Derek and his colleagues have
gotten to know each other fairly well while working under Greg. If
Derek’s colleagues get too comfortable with Derek, they might feel as
though they can get away with more in there work. Therefore,
productivity may go down and problems may begin to occur in the
department. Derek needs to find the proper balance of being a strong,
influential leader, while still showing empathy for his employees, the
department and the work environment.
We agree with the analysis that Derek Watson should adopt the path-goal
theory. The importance of this theory is that it will help him to get the best
out of the employees that work under him in the organization. Besides that,
this theory will help him to select the acceptable behavior within the
organization and this means that he will achieve the desired goals and
objectives. We are in the agreement that Watson needs to adopt the
policies that will be acceptable by all so that the organization can move
forward. In addition, it is imperative that he does his best at maintaining that
friendship with his coworkers and doesn’t change his current personality.
Watson needs to maintain a positive attitude and not discipline his
coworkers, but rather encourage them.
We also believe that empowerment is a realistic goal for this department
because it means that every employee will be given an opportunity to be
the best they can in their work. In addition, the employees will have a better
understanding of their work and this would imply that the goals and
objectives of the organization are achieved within the minimum set
deadlines. We think the idea of having biweekly meetings is also great
because this means that the employees will have an opportunity to express
themselves in the best way possible. Watson needs to make sure that the
coworkers understand that he wants to help them in the best way possible,
that he wants to impute from them on what they expect from him. Making
sure that nobody is felt left out is also as important, he needs to make an
effort to maintain a relationship at work with every coworker and checking
to see if they need anything or if he can help in any way every day.
If Derek Watson takes up as the head of this department, it is true that he
will have to deal with emerging issues such as downsizing, and this means
that he should be prepared to deal with external competition. In any way,
he should instill discipline in the organization to ensure that they meet the
long-term goals. He should also prepare to answer to his boss to all of his
concerns about where the company is heading and how well the coworkers
are working together. Taking up the head of the department is a big job to
fill, Watson just needs to keep his composure, and everything will fall in
place.
o
It is emphasized that Derek’s department was comprised of employees that
directed their own activities and did not seek out assistance on their
jobs.With this key point, we can agree that directive leadership is not an
option for Derek. Especially since Greg, the previous department head,
had employed a directive style. The two best options for Derek are
supportive and achievement-oriented leadership. Since it seemed that the
staff were not pleased with the authority system that was in place before,
supportive leadership would be a welcomed choice. This will allow a
positive source of gratification for the employees while performing their
activities. It also allows Derek to give them supportive feedback to help
improve the quality of their work. One concern would be that the employees
would not want a constant support since they all tend to work
independently. Achievement-oriented leadership would allow the
employees to keep doing their own independent work while getting
rewarded for the work they accomplish well. This would greatly increase
production quality and increase employee moral.
Will the employees in the department working mostly independently,
empowerment will be more difficult to implement, but it is still a realistic goal.
Employee empowerment would work very well with the
achievement-oriented leadership, because the goals to be reached could
be ones for the company as well, not just the department. Then the
department could reward themselves for meeting company goals. This
collaboration to reach the desired department/company goals would show
that the department can performed as a unit even though they may like to
work independently.
Derek will need to also consider the responsibilities of being a manager. He
is not going to be able to be their friend all the time, there may be times
when he is going to need to be in boss mode. We also agree about taking
over other responsibilities if departments start to downsize. Having
company lunches and weekly meetings with the employees is a great way
to help Derek get to know his workers even more. He can see the progress
his employees are making each week and reward them with cookouts,
lunches, and even a holiday party if they don’t already have something …
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