The topic of leadership and trust in organizations can be better understood with the help of a game that fosters collaboration and discussion. In the game, players are divided into groups and assigned a task to complete collectively. The group’s leader must take the initiative to see that the task is completed.
The authoritarian, participative, delegation, or democratic leadership styles are all options for the leader (Abduljaber, 2022). After the group project is complete, the remaining time can be used to discuss the differences and similarities between each leadership style. This exercise promotes conversation about the various leadership philosophies and how each fosters a culture of trust within an organization.
Each group must discuss and choose a task to complete before the game can begin. The task must be simple enough to finish in a constrained amount of time. However, the task must necessitate some form of teamwork. For instance, they create a unique solution to a challenge, paint a mural, or develop marketing concepts. As a result, the task can be more complex than clearing the tables or building a wall, which one person can accomplish.
Setting a task deadline is crucial once it has been selected. Before the task begins, the leader should describe the goals and the leadership style they have chosen. Instead of directing the task, their role should be to inspire and motivate. The effectiveness of the chosen style will be revealed by watching the group in action, which will also help foster camaraderie and trust within the group.
After the game, the leader and their team discuss the effects of employing various leadership philosophies and how these have affected their team dynamics. This promotes conversation about and comparison of various leadership philosophies, as well as an understanding of the value of developing trust and the fundamental traits that distinguish successful from unsuccessful leadership. Each group can also discuss the factors that helped or hindered their ability to build trust and a strong team. The outcomes of the team’s efforts, the leadership style chosen by the leader, and the efficacy of each leadership style will be discussed after each round of the game.
Reference
Abduljaber, A. (2022). Effect of leadership style on job related tension and organizational commitment. Assiut Scientific Nursing Journal, 0(0).