Leadership Traits and Styles
The Big Five personality traits assessment has proven invaluable in gaining a deeper understanding of my leadership strengths and weaknesses (Cherry, 2022). This assessment has shed light on the top five leadership traits crucial for effective leadership: Conscientiousness, Openness, Agreeableness, Extraversion, and Neuroticism.
Among these traits, Openness holds a special place in my appreciation for leadership qualities. The Big Five results indicate that leaders who exhibit high Openness are more inclined to tackle problems creatively and competently.
They possess a unique ability to think outside the box and are not afraid to explore unconventional solutions. Moreover, leaders high in Openness understand the significance of drawing inspiration from successful strategies employed in the past (Cherry, 2022). This combination of innovative thinking and respect for tried-and-true methods equips open leaders with the necessary tools to navigate daily challenges.
BUS 3012 Week 4 Leadership and Group Collaboration
Conscientiousness is another essential aspect of effective leadership. Highly conscientious leaders exhibit characteristics such as organization, persistence, and future orientation. They carefully consider their decisions’ potential short-term and long-term outcomes, understanding that every action has consequences. This approach fosters a positive work environment, boosts employee morale, and promotes personal and professional growth within the organization (Cherry, 2022).
I have encountered different leadership styles throughout my experience in various organizations, ranging from healthcare to emergency management. I have realized the importance of respecting fellow employees and acknowledging that care is not automatically granted based solely on a leadership position. Dynamic leadership tends to attract people, and as a leader, it is crucial to communicate a positive outlook that motivates and inspires others.
While negativity can hinder effective leadership, true leaders adapt, refocus, and consider different perspectives during challenging times. Effective leadership involves leveraging available resources such as subordinates, fellow leaders, and mentors while understanding one’s leadership traits and the characteristics of those resources to facilitate effective communication and goal attainment.
When discussing leadership styles, in addition to the task or relationship-oriented theories, it is essential to consider autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire styles (AlOqlah, 2021). Adapting one’s leadership style according to the situation is vital to effective leadership. Depending on the case, a leader may need to adopt an authoritarian approach and lead based on their authoritative status.
BUS 3012 Week 4 Leadership and Group Collaboration
In other cases, a more laissez-faire style can be effective, allowing team members to be self-led (AlOqlah, 2021). The democratic approach lies between these two extremes, where the leader still holds authority but builds it through relationships and encourages team members to participate in decision-making (AlOqlah, 2021).
Another perspective suggests the need for situational leadership, where a leader adapts their style based on the preferences of each team member (Wright, 2017). While it would be ideal to cater to each team member’s individual needs, practical constraints such as time limitations and the nature of the problem may make this challenging (Wright, 2017).
Effective communication practices can be applied across different leadership styles. Consistent and regular communication is essential (AlOqlah, 2021). Leaders must encourage open communication, ensuring all team members feel valued and confident in expressing their thoughts (Ahmed, 2015). The leader must clarify roles and responsibilities to avoid confusion and prevent tasks from falling through the cracks (Ahmed, 2015). Emphasizing teamwork and leading by example further reinforces this idea (Ahmed, 2015).
Effective communication becomes even more critical during crises, as specific actions and ideas must be conveyed to a crisis management team. The role of a team leader in such situations is multifaceted and demanding. Firstly, the leader needs to maintain a calm and composed demeanor.
The leader’s ability to remain level-headed amidst chaos and uncertainty sets the tone for the entire team. By demonstrating composure, the leader instills a sense of stability and reassurance among team members, enabling them to focus confidently on their tasks (Dwiedienawati & Tjahjana, Faisal, Gandasari, & Abdinagoro, 2021).
BUS 3012 Week 4 Leadership and Group Collaboration
Motivating team members during a crisis is equally crucial. The challenges and pressures in these situations can be overwhelming, causing stress and potentially impacting individual and collective performance.
A skilled leader understands the importance of boosting morale and supporting the team. By offering encouragement, acknowledging their efforts, and expressing confidence in their abilities, the leader helps team members maintain their motivation and perseverance in the face of adversity (Dwiedienawati & Tjahjana, Faisal, Gandasari, & Abdinagoro, 2021).
In times of crisis, a team leader must also rely on the expertise and skills of each team member. Recognizing and leveraging their strengths can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making. By entrusting team members with responsibilities that align with their capabilities, the leader empowers them to contribute meaningfully to the collective effort.
This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among team members but also taps into their diverse perspectives and knowledge, increasing the chances of finding innovative solutions (Dwiedienawati & Tjahjana, Faisal, Gandasari, & Abdinagoro, 2021).
One recommendation to alleviate these issues is to identify employees with strong leadership skills and designate them as Team Leaders. These Team Leaders can oversee daily tasks and leverage their understanding of each employee’s capabilities to assign appropriate responsibilities. This approach would alleviate the burden on employees and empower them to take ownership of their work.
In addition to appointing Team Leaders, other proven methods can be implemented to enhance productivity further. Recognizing and rewarding exceptional work, meeting deadlines, and fostering exemplary teamwork through quarterly awards serve as motivational tactics. Allowing employees to participate in goal-setting processes, whether yearly or quarterly, creates a sense of ownership, reduces conflicts, and improves overall productivity.
BUS 3012 Week 4 Leadership and Group Collaboration
Implementing friendly competition among peers, establishing suggestion boxes for employee feedback, and conducting individual meetings with each employee demonstrates a genuine interest in their needs and help resolve operational issues.
As leadership plays a crucial role in effective management, the management team must personally communicate changes to the workforce. Transparent communication about operational changes alleviates fear and dispels misconceptions, ultimately improving productivity. Regular meetings between upper management and Team Leaders ensure performance standards are met.
To enhance productivity and promote effective organizational communication, it is beneficial for organizations to empower employees by granting them a certain level of control over operations. Additionally, maintaining consistent interaction between employees and all levels of management plays a crucial role in achieving these goals.
Taking into account the concerns expressed by management and the valuable feedback received from employees, numerous organizations grappling with similar challenges have successfully implemented the suggested strategies, resulting in notable improvements in productivity. Should the management team desire a more detailed discussion of these recommendations, I would happily provide further elaboration and insights. I look forward to staying informed about the effectiveness of the new operating procedures.
References
Ahmed, A. (2019, November 15). Effective Group Communication Processes. Chron. Retrieved from
https://smallbusiness.chron.com/effective-group-communication-processes-3187.html
AlOqlah, R. M. A. (2021). The Effect of Leadership Styles on Improving Communication Method among Academic Administrators. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 16(1), 396–410.
Cherry, K. (2022, October 19). What are the Big 5 Personality Traits? Verywell Mind. Retrieved from
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-big-five-personality-dimensions-2795422
Dwiedienawati, D., Tjahjana, D., Faisal, M., Gandasari, D., & Abdinagoro, S. B. (2021). Determinants of perceived effectiveness in crisis management and company reputation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cogent Business & Management, 8(1). doi:
https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2021.1912523
Wright, E. S. (2017). Dialogic Development in the Situational Leadership Style. Performance Improvement, 56(9), 27–31. doi:10.1002/pfi.21733
