BUS 119 week 2 discussion 1 replies (DO NOT CHANGE THE BID)

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Guided Response: Review several of your peers’ posts and identify the leadership style that you can relate to. Respond to at least two of your peers and provide recommendations to extend their thinking.  Challenge your peers by asking a question that may cause them to reevaluate their choice of leadership style. Respond to two of your peers’ posts.

#1 Raymond Kong

Nov 5, 2017Nov 5 at 12:35pm

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The style I identify most with would be Democratic Leadership. When I lead others, I give direction and resources to my subordinates to ensure their success in every mission. Democratic leaders treat followers as “fully capable” (Northouse, 2012, p.22) workers and I believe everyone is able to accomplish anything, they may just need a little assistance. They may reach the goal at a slower pace than I would like, or they come up with a harder way of getting to the finished result, but they accomplish the mission and mature a little along the way. At my current billet, the Admirals and Generals have a nickname for me, “Shadow King”. I am by far the most junior enlisted member working under the agency. With that said, the leadership has noticed that the others are drawn to me. Either seeking a resolution to their current problems that they themselves cannot answer, looking at me to support their ways of answering problems or looking for advice. The others do not pull rank during missions, they know that I am both confident, more than capable, and my personality contributes greatly to the relationships I have built within the Pentagon. They know if they follow me not only will the mission be completed above expectations, but they will grow as well. I am not a great leader, but I do put others before myself.

I believe most of the leadership I have dealt with in the military is a combination of Democratic and laissez-faire leadership styles. I have chosen both because this is what I have dealt with. I know some (most) of my colleagues would say the military is mostly filled with the authoritarian leadership style. In a large-scale review of the military, I would agree with it correlating with the authoritarian leadership style. The military is filled with the junior enlisted ranks (E1-E4) most of these young military personnel need to be under someone’s’ control and influence to ensure the missions are accomplished and standards are met. I do agree that the majority of workers are similar to “Theory X” with the assumption numbers 1 “The average person dislikes work and will avoid it if possible” (Northouse, 2012, p.21) and 2 “People need to be direct and controlled” (Northouse, 2012, p.21). But there are a few personnel who can be managed using the Theory Y.

The leadership I was brought up with gave me a chance to become confident in my work, creative when accomplishing missions and allowed me to mature as a leader. Without them consistently micromanaging my every move, they allowed me to prove to the command that I do not need directions or to be under their control nor do I dislike work. This style of leadership allowed me to be amongst those in Theory Y. With that said, I do not believe everyone should be treated as a Theory Y subject. I have met plenty of personnel within the higher ranks where I would (figuratively) need to hold their hands to ensure mission success.

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#2Eric Hunter

MondayNov 6 at 9:38pm

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In reviewing the styles of leadership, I believe I identify the most with the democratic leadership style. This style allows fair treatment of the team, open communication and guidance. Our department knows what is expected and works diligently to complete each task.  In doing so, the team works together to achieve our goals and are willing to assist others if needed. Each person in a valued member of the team and is recognized for their talents as well as accomplishments.

After completing the Leadership Styles Questionnaire, the highest score aligned with my beliefs.

Authoritarian Leadership: 19

Democratic Leadership: 22

Laissez-Faire Leadership: 20

Over the years I have witnessed a variety of leadership styles in which some were overbearing, and others were extremely laid-back.  I can remember a supervisor from my teenage years who exhibited an extreme form of the authoritarian leadership style. He was demanding, controlling and seemed to criticize everything.  This style of leadership was not effective from an employee or production standpoint.  The employees felt unappreciated and unmotivated which led to a reduction in productivity.

The behaviors of a leader can make a significant impact. The impacts vary depending on the leaders personal leadership style.  The authoritarian leadership style can be associated with many negative aspects however in certain situations can produce positive outcomes (Northouse, 2018).

References

Northouse, P. G. (2018). Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice (4th ed.). Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/

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