Saturday, October 27, 2007

Yes, it depends...

Our approaches in nurturing a child vary as it depends on the situation of the child at a certain stage of life. The changes in stages of life are the factors indirectly given consideration... as in leadership...
A newborn baby needs an autocratic approach. The parent usually dictates on what is good for the infant - food, clothes to wear, etc.

During childhood stage, the child is always told of the right things to do about living. As the child learns important things about life and begins to think for what is good and right, the parent usually asks on what should be the right thing to do which enhances the child's ability to analyze.

During high school or college years, the child becomes an adolescent and the parent begins to usually just consult to know his or her plans and thus allowing the person to find ways to improve himself or herself though parental suggestions are always there.

Upon reaching adulthood with the right frame of thoughts, the person usually decides for himself or herself. As the decision is usually right, the parent just join.

As the adult person learns more and decides to have his or her own family, the parent then begins to escape - though always open to consultation and to give support anytime in times of challenges in life.

What I have mentioned are situations wherein all the styles of leadership are being applied depending on the situation of the person from infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The situations reflect also the stages of development of each employee, subordinate, and the like. The behavioral situations of subordinates are also reflected.

What do you think now is the most effective style of leadership? The answer is "it depends".

The application of whatever style of leadership depends on the situation of each subordinate particularly on the LEVEL OF ABILITY and WILLINGNESS TO GIVE SERVICE. The right approaches toward each of them would also be dependent on the two mentioned points.

The leadership approaches then vary...

For a subordinate with LOW ABILITY and LOW WILLINGNESS, the style to be applied should be AUTOCRATIC wherein the leader dictates, tells, or asks a little.

For a subordinate with LOW ABILITY and HIGH WILLINGNESS, the first level of DEMOCRATIC approach can be applicable wherein the leader asks for suggestions.

For a subordinate with HIGH ABILITY and LOW WILLINGNESS, the second level of DEMOCRATIC approach is applicable wherein the leader consults considering the use of high ability and in turn open the door for willingness of the subordinate to spark and grow.

For a subordinate with HIGH ABILITY and HIGH WILLINGNESS, the style that should be applied is ABDICRATIC approach wherein the leader joins and even escapes (for instance, becoming part only of the Board of Directors).

If the style of leadership does not coincide with the level of ability and willingness of the subordinate, there could be problems that may affect negatively the institution as a whole.

There is primarily a need for psychological consideration on this matter because the challenge now is on how to know the level of ability and high willingness of a certain subordinate. If you have a suggestion regarding this psychological matter in knowing the level of ability and willingness, feel free to express here.

Going back to the question on what is the most effective style of leadership, the answer is given. IT DEPENDS...

YES, IT DEPENDS ON THE SITUATION OF A CERTAIN SUBORDINATE.

By the way, you are welcome to give more ideas.




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