Path-Goal Theory
Let's apply Path-Goal theory to a football team. The team is made up of many different people, including coaches, players and supporting members. Each contributes to a different function of the team. Each team member must know the plays, be encouraged to do their part to win games, feel the coach's commitment and have the support of others in order to perform at their best.
Path-Goal Leadership Styles
There are several different directions a running back can take to get from the 50-yard line to the end zone. Depending on the circumstance, he may run directly to the end zone, serpentine from one sideline to the other or charge into a group of opposing players. Path-Goal leadership styles work in similar ways. Just as there are different paths to the end zones, there are different paths to leading a team. There are various leadership styles associated with Path-Goal theory:
Achievement-oriented leadership Directive leadership Participative leadership Supportive leadership
Achievement-Oriented Leadership
In achievement-oriented leadership challenging goals are set, high performance is expected and management has a high level of confidence in the employee's ability to achieve the goals. This style of leadership is well suited for quarterbacks to use on other team members. The coordinator or coach gives the quarterback a set of goals and plays. The main goal is to win games, but there are smaller, equally important goals for the execution of plays during a game. The coordinator provides the quarterback with the playbook and sets the expectation for performance - all with a high level of confidence that the quarterback can direct the team to execute the right plays at the right time and win games.
Directive Leadership
The quarterback uses a different leadership style with different players. A quarterback gives directives by assigning specific plays to the team and to individuals. Directive leadership involves giving specific advice or
Path-Goal Leadership Styles
There are several different directions a running back can take to get from the 50-yard line to the end zone. Depending on the circumstance, he may run directly to the end zone, serpentine from one sideline to the other or charge into a group of opposing players. Path-Goal leadership styles work in similar ways. Just as there are different paths to the end zones, there are different paths to leading a team. There are various leadership styles associated with Path-Goal theory:
Achievement-oriented leadership Directive leadership Participative leadership Supportive leadership
Achievement-Oriented Leadership
In achievement-oriented leadership challenging goals are set, high performance is expected and management has a high level of confidence in the employee's ability to achieve the goals. This style of leadership is well suited for quarterbacks to use on other team members. The coordinator or coach gives the quarterback a set of goals and plays. The main goal is to win games, but there are smaller, equally important goals for the execution of plays during a game. The coordinator provides the quarterback with the playbook and sets the expectation for performance - all with a high level of confidence that the quarterback can direct the team to execute the right plays at the right time and win games.
Directive Leadership
The quarterback uses a different leadership style with different players. A quarterback gives directives by assigning specific plays to the team and to individuals. Directive leadership involves giving specific advice or