Understanding Leadership styles
1.1 Describe the factors that will influence the choice of leadership styles or behaviours in workplace situations (24 marks)
There are several factors which influence the choice of leadership style in workplace situations.
A main factor which will influence the choice of leadership style is the sort of person you are dealing with, depending on the persons skills or how willing that person is at doing a job. According to Hersey and Blanchard knowing which style of leadership to use is largely dependent on the maturity of the person or group your leading.
An individual with low maturity lacking skills, knowledge and confidence is M1 on Hersey and Blanchards maturity scale this person will need guidance and directing allowing him/she to make mistakes and learn from them (as long as there is no money lost). A relaxed control over this person whilst they are learning is good to build their confidence, shadowing the individual is good to identify what they need coaching in.
An individual who is high skilled but low will (not willing to work) will need a different approach, exciting and supporting a low willed person is important. Identify issues for low will and try to rectify this or offer your help and assistance. Monitoring performance and giving feedback to these individuals is vital as they will be aware you are observing them. Giving these individuals an incentive to work is also a good idea as this may motivate them and give them some will to do more work. If there are certain factors of the job which de-motivate the individual try to reduce this or change how they can do it i.e. longer time scale, less pressure, take turns with someone else to do the job.
Another important factor is your company policies, organisational culture and structure, this influences your choice of leadership style as your policy may have strict guidelines on how to deal with situations. If your policy has strict guidelines you will need to delegate by providing clear
There are several factors which influence the choice of leadership style in workplace situations.
A main factor which will influence the choice of leadership style is the sort of person you are dealing with, depending on the persons skills or how willing that person is at doing a job. According to Hersey and Blanchard knowing which style of leadership to use is largely dependent on the maturity of the person or group your leading.
An individual with low maturity lacking skills, knowledge and confidence is M1 on Hersey and Blanchards maturity scale this person will need guidance and directing allowing him/she to make mistakes and learn from them (as long as there is no money lost). A relaxed control over this person whilst they are learning is good to build their confidence, shadowing the individual is good to identify what they need coaching in.
An individual who is high skilled but low will (not willing to work) will need a different approach, exciting and supporting a low willed person is important. Identify issues for low will and try to rectify this or offer your help and assistance. Monitoring performance and giving feedback to these individuals is vital as they will be aware you are observing them. Giving these individuals an incentive to work is also a good idea as this may motivate them and give them some will to do more work. If there are certain factors of the job which de-motivate the individual try to reduce this or change how they can do it i.e. longer time scale, less pressure, take turns with someone else to do the job.
Another important factor is your company policies, organisational culture and structure, this influences your choice of leadership style as your policy may have strict guidelines on how to deal with situations. If your policy has strict guidelines you will need to delegate by providing clear