Reference no: EM133825100

Question

Consider the different managers and/or supervisors that you have been managed by either currently or in the past. Describe the characteristics of who you feel was your "best" manager and your "worst" manager.

This manager, Stephanie, is a manager at my former place of employment, Cobb. Despite my none so subtle past negative critiques of the overall organizational structure and leadership at Cobb through an academic lens, there were certainly positive aspects in the workplace, one being under what I consider exemplary leadership. Stephanie was approachable and made efforts to understand the unique strengths and challenges of each team member, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment the best she could. On her end, she was exceptionally transparent, and it was up to the team members to participate in equal transparency. As most readers are well-aware, concepts of transparency and communication are focal points of effective leadership to me, terms I bring ad nauseam, I know, but transparency equals trustworthiness, and trust leads to respect. Perhaps worth mentioning, perhaps not, but Stephaine, like Mike, is also in her 20's. Age is only of interest because whereas Mike was yes, maybe even was discriminated against due to his young age, he certainly upheld the stereotypical naivety and entitlement. In contrast, even as an intern, Stephanie displayed characteristics of maturity that were lacking in managers three times her age. Further, Stephanie not only welcomed but also valued feedback, both in providing feedback and encouraging transparent feedback from her team, even if it was critical. In turn, when she had to provide negative criticism to the team, most comprehended that it was from a place of her just wanting the team to be better, for everyone to be better, and often her desire to better herself. For further context, she strongly encouraged professional growth, setting clear goals and providing the resources needed to achieve them. Stephanie is the manager I have mentioned in past cohort courses who emphasized professional development, taking it upon herself to do so, even at the risk of criticism by other managers. As a member of her management support team, she wanted the members to excel and grow to a level that they would merit promotion, even at the risk of losing a value team member she was reliant upon, a truly unselfish mindset in that regard.

After having read the "Leadership Theories" article, which of the four core theories would best represent the leadership of your "best" manager: Trait, Behavioral, Contingency/Situational or Power/Influence? Also, include your reasoning behind the classification as well as any relevant examples.