ANALYSIS OF LEADERSHIP STYLES
1) Discuss the dimensions of the leadership attributes /skills and connect them to your learning of leadership style.
2) When you conclude that the style is more consistent with one particular style, explain the rationale supporting your conclusion. Additionally ferret out behaviors that do not easily fit into your selected dominant style.
3) Discuss the strengths of the leader in each case and his/her shortcomings. Explain your reasoning underlying your conclusions.
4) In your estimation how can each leader modify his/her leadership behaviors and skills to become more effective?
Sample Solution
1. Leadership Dimensions & Learning Styles
There are many frameworks for understanding leadership styles and attributes. Here's a common approach that combines both:
- Dimensions: These are the fundamental qualities that influence a leader's behavior. Some examples include:
- Visionary: Ability to articulate a clear and inspiring future direction.
- Decisive: Confidence in making timely and well-considered decisions.
- Communication: Effectively conveying ideas and motivating others.
- Empathy: Understanding and considering the feelings of others.
Full Answer Section
- Learning Styles: These describe how a leader prefers to receive and process information. Some examples include:
- Analytical: Focuses on data and logic to make decisions.
- Collaborative: Values input and thrives in teamwork environments.
- Strategic: Thinks long-term and considers the big picture.
- Directive: Provides clear instructions and expects results.
- Inspirational: Motivates through enthusiasm and positive energy.
By analyzing a leader's strengths and weaknesses in these dimensions and their preferred learning style, you can start to identify their dominant leadership style.
2. Identifying the Dominant Style
- Look for patterns in the leader's behavior. How do they typically make decisions? Communicate with others? Motivate their team?
- Consider how their strengths in different dimensions contribute to their overall leadership approach.
- There might be a dominant style (e.g., transformational, democratic), but some behaviors may not perfectly fit that mold. Analyze these "outlier" behaviors to see if they represent a developing skill or a situational adaptation.
3. Strengths and Shortcomings of the Leader
- Based on the dominant style and learning style, identify the leader's strengths. For example, a transformational leader might excel at inspiring a vision and energizing their team.
- Analyze their weaknesses as well. Is the leader too focused on the big picture and neglects details? Do they struggle to delegate tasks effectively?
4. Recommendations for Improvement
- Once you understand the leader's strengths and weaknesses, suggest ways they can become more effective.
- If a leader is too directive, they could benefit from incorporating more collaborative approaches for decision-making.
- If a leader struggles with communication, recommend training or coaching to improve their skills.
By analyzing these aspects, you can gain valuable insights into a leader's style, their strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas for improvement.