Reference no: EM132828994

Analyze the following case and answer the questions

Southwest Airlines

How can an airline survive a government order to ground its entire fleet and shut down for days? After 9/11, all U.S. airlines were faced with this same crisis. One that succeeded through the difficulty was Southwest Airlines, already known for its outstanding customer service. Southwest's passengers, flight attendants, pilots and ground crews were stranded all across the country after the terrorist attacks. But unlike their competition. Southwest's leadership did more than just sit and wait. They encouraged employees to leverage their trademark fun approach to business and to help stranded customers enjoy themselves at the movies or the local bowling alley. And when the consequences of the shutdown forced other airlines to cut staff. Southwest's then-CEO, James Parker, announced just three days after 9/11 that the company would be keeping all of its employees, as well as issuing a profit-sharing payment. Leadership characteristics like leadership style, crisis management, creative problem solving and a strong belief in the company's vision saw Southwest through this unimaginable situation. The CEO also protected his staff which ultimately led to a stronger airline.

Question:

Explain the leadership style used by CEO, Mr. James Parker, in order to achieve success in the adverse situation.