Discussion: Leadership Styles

 

Leadership styles are specific methods used to wield influence and power, direct and motivate followers, and achieve goals. Each leadership style is associated with a set of assumptions about the role of a leader and his or her relationships with followers. For example, transactional leaders enforce rules, carefully monitor the performance of followers, and motivate followers through rewards and punishments. Conversely, transformational leaders create a compelling vision, unite followers around the vision, and motivate them to put the group’s interests ahead of their own.  

In this Discussion, you will write a profile of a leader with whom you have worked closely and who embodies a specific leadership style, without naming the style. Then you will respond to one colleague, identify the style of the leader, and discuss the pros and cons of that style. Finally, you will return to your original post, comment on whether your colleague identified the correct leadership style, and validate the pros and cons of the style based on your own experiences and the leadership literature.

To Prepare Read this week’s Learning Resources on leadership styles. Identify the distinguishing characteristics and pros and cons of each style. Identify a leader with whom you have worked closely who embodies a specific leadership style addressed in the Learning Resources (transformational, transactional, charismatic, positive, authentic, and servant leadership). Think about how the leader’s attitudes and behaviors align with that leadership style.

Note: For this Discussion, you are only required to respond to one colleague. By Day 3

Post a response to the following:

Create a profile (at least two paragraphs) of the leader you identified, but do not name the leadership style he or she embodies. In your profile, be sure to include the leader’s attitudes and behaviors on a day-to-day basis. Also, include an explanation of how the leader responded to two specific workplace opportunities or challenges. The leader’s responses to the opportunities or challenges should closely align with his or her style.