Reference no: EM132768408
Title: Leadership Experience
Chapter 3. Contingency Approaches to Leadership.
Overview:
This week's readings will position you to understand how leadership is often contingent on people and situations. You will also review the application of the Hersey and Blanchard's situational theory of leader style to the level of follower readiness. Additionally, you will use the Vroom-Jago model to identify the correct amount of follower participation in specific decision situations.
Learning Objectives:
Understand how leadership is often contingent on people and situations.
Apply Hersey and Blanchard's situational theory of leader style to the level of follower development.
Apply Fiedler's contingency model to key relationships among leader style, situational favorability, and group task performance.
Explain the path-goal theory of leadership.
Use the Vroom-Jago model to identify the correct amount of follower participation in specific decision situations.
Know how to use the power of situational variables to substitute for or neutralize the need for leadership.
Discussion Board - 450 words
Reflection and Discussion Forum Week 3Reflection and Discussion Forum Week 3
Reflect on the assigned readings for the week. Respond to the following prompts: "What do I feel are the most important aspects of my learning in the chapters this week?" and "What about this learning was really worthy of my time and understanding?" Then explain how important it is in society or business.
Also, provide a graduate-level response to each of the following questions:
If you were a first-level supervisor of a team of telemarketers, how would you go about assessing the development level of your subordinates? Do you think most leaders can easily shift their leadership style to suit the development level of followers?
Think back to teachers you have had, and identify one each who fits a supportive style, directive style, participative style, and achievement-oriented style according to the path-goal theory. Which style did you find most effective? Why?
Respond to the post of at least two peers, using 100 words minimum each.
[Your initial post should be based upon the assigned reading for the week, so the textbook should be a source listed in your reference section and cited within the body of the text. Other sources are not required but feel free to use them if they aid in your discussion].
[Your initial post should be at least 450+ words and in APA format (including Times New Roman with font size 12 and double spaced). Post the actual body of your paper in the discussion thread then attach a Word version of the paper for APA review]
Assignment - 350 words
Leadership Development: Case for Analysis 3
An Impossible Dream?
Synopsis
Allen Block was responsible for the technical implementation of the new customer relationship management (CRM) software in Los Angeles and Chicago. The software was badly needed to improve follow-up sales for his company, Exert Systems. Exert sold exercise equipment to high schools and colleges, as well as to small and midsized businesses for recreation centers, through a national force of 310 salespeople. The company's low prices won a lot of sales; however, follow-up service was uneven and the new CRM system promised to resolve those problems with historical data, inquiries, reminders, and updates going to sales reps daily. The CEO of Exert ordered the CRM system installed with all possible haste. Block currently had four members in the team working on this project: two in Los Angeles and two in Chicago. On his way to Chicago from Los Angeles, Block kept on thinking about what was wrong with his team. The guys in LA seemed to be focusing tirelessly on work, alternating work with joking around. His team members in Chicago appeared to be alternating between bickering and avoiding one another. Block kept receiving persistent complaints about his team members' productivity from his boss Zequine Mansell. All through his flight, Block kept on thinking about the reasons for this low productivity and lack of passion among his team members. Block also started fearing that this would ruin his dreams of replacing his boss Mansell, after her retirement.
Questions
How would you characterize Block's leadership approach (task versus people)? What approach do you think is correct for this situation? Why?
What would you do now if you were Block? How might you awaken more enthusiasm in your team for completing this project on time? Specify the steps you would take.
How would you suggest that Block modify his leadership style if he wants to succeed Mansell in two years? Be specific.