Principle Leadership Styles and Behaviors Essay

Introduction

Jeanne Lewis Case study is concentrated on the investigation of the principle leadership styles and behaviors; the theory to be analyzed is aimed at thorough examination of the necessary tools to meet the follower and organizational needs. Jeanne Lewis case is considered to be a reflection of behaviors which are to be developed in the sphere of business; the disclosure of situational leadership model can be perceived as the background for HR management policies development motivating and stimulating new skills and ambitions of the employees.

Case Study Analysis: Follower Readiness

In accordance with Jeanne Lewis, the situational model is considered to be the model of contingency focusing on the followers; taking into account this fact, leadership can be characterized as successful one only through the process of selecting appropriate leadership style, being concentrated on follower readiness. It should be stressed that follower readiness can be analyzed on the basis of four basic behavior types developed and highlighted by Jeanne Lewis through situational leadership model. In accordance with the theory these types are defined as the following:

• R1 to R4:R1:Unwilliing followers and Low ability needing directed behavior of the leader.
• R2 – moderate ability characterized by followers’ willingness to leader’s directed behavior;
• R3 – moderate ability characterized by follower’s unwillingness needing leader’s directed behavior;

Lewis demonstrated that the model of situational leadership is aimed at providing special framework to assist the leader in implementing and diagnosing the most effective style of leadership, leading to the presentation of successful followers and leaders. (Hill, & Doughty, 2000)

Jeanne Lewis’ Leadership Styles

Jeanne Lewis proved that being a skilled leader requires leading a positive change through the process of adaptation to the particular environment. One of the vivid examples to illustrate the process of adaptation can be analyzed through Lewis’s grim period within the company. The changes experience by the company involved deep attention of the public through the firm’s progress time; as a result she had to adapt the leadership style to the situational environment of change. (Ireland, 2008) The basic theory developed by Jeanne Lewis was based on the principle of path-goal aspect. The basic leadership styles analyzed by Jeanne Lewis are considered to be: Directive; Authoritative; Achievement-oriented; Supportive.

Jeanne Lewis started the development of leadership styles being at the head of operations for the stores at Staples New England. The team of the director was characterized through aggressive standards and rejuvenated performances. In this case Lewis used to stick to achievement- oriented style approach; this style is used in case of challenging goals and the requirement of high standards achievement. Lewis’ directive leadership style can be characterized as the approach used in management setting the goals and leading all the operations. It is necessary to underline the fact that the leaders usually take decisions for other workers and make the subordinates to follow all the set instructions strictly. The supportive style is based on the leader’s attempts to create conducive to work environment through the followers’ needs consideration. Lewis disclosed this style through providing special rewards stimulating the work of the subordinates; besides, the leaders stick to supportive approach in case of stressful or boring working process, in order to make the job more interesting and involving. (Hersey, & Blanchard, 2000) Jeanne Lewis managed to underline the idea that the clear vision of the working environment and the motivation for ambitions development can be reached through the usage of authoritative leadership style. Nevertheless, the success of this style can be ruined through the leaders’ inability to resist the overbearing state in the experts’ presence; Lewis considers this style to be the most appropriate for the organization’s climate creation.

The analysis of the basic four styles described by Joanne Lewis gives an opportunity to evaluate them through personal experience. The system of higher education sticks to the development of teaching policies on the basis of leadership styles combination; thus, I used to experience the tutor’s usage of directive and supportive style at the same time. Jeanne Lewis’ theory appeared to be used in real life in every aspect of social activities; the success of any command work is closely dependant on the effective leader who can adapt the leadership style to the particular situation or environment he works in. (Rosenbach, & Taylor, 2001) Jeanne Lewis managed to highlight the usage of her theory through personal experience exemplifying it by profitability of the Staples stores gained by her ambitions, creativity and motivations. She managed to perform much significant work in the store management pushing the company to productivity and correct effective strategic planning.

Conclusion

The paper highlighted the most important aspects of Jeanne Lewis case study; it concentrated on the analysis of ‘follower readiness’ concept on the basis of its relation to situational leadership model. Besides, it is necessary to stress that the case study disclosed the principle leadership styles developed by Jeanne Lewis and demonstrated their effectiveness through examples. The effectiveness of any business operation is closely dependant of the professionalism and leadership skills of the team head; the analysis of the case gave an opportunity to recognize the most important elements in the working environment policies creation, allowing making the subordinates increase the productiveness and develop professional skills.

References

Ireland, H. (2008). Strategic Management, 6^th Edition. Thomson South-Western.

Hersey, P. and Blanchard, K. (2000). Management of organizational behavior. Prentice-Hall.

Hill, L. and Doughty, K. (2000). Jeanne Lewis at Staples. Harvard Business Publishing.

Rosenbach, W. and Taylor, R. (2001). Contemporary issues in leadership. Westview Press.