Style Approach to Leadership
In the investigation of the various characteristics and styles of leadership the emphasis of the style approach is the focus on the actions and behavioral characteristics of the leader. There are two behaviors of the style approach that researchers have observed: task behaviors and relationship behaviors (Northouse, 2007). People who are in roles of leadership should possess both behaviors to be successful in their position and maintain motivation and the quest for achievement in their subordinates. Task behaviors are those traits that keep others motivated to work to complete objectives. Relationship behaviors are characteristics and actions that leaders possess that make others feel respected and want to work towards goals. Unlike other approaches to leadership, such as the trait approach, the style approach looks at a leader’s behaviors and actions. Balancing these two behaviors is the key to being an effective leader (Northouse, 2007). On page 86 of Northouse’s text, “Leadership: Theory and Practice”, I completed the style questionnaire and this report will detail the results of my questionnaire and how I will utilize this information when assuming a leadership position.
Task behaviors In my current position as an Instructional Designer, I create computer-based training (CBT) and instructor-led training for the U.S. Military and various international military groups, such as the Iraqi Navy. My position allows me to either work in a group with myself and other instructional designers, or as a lead in creating a training course with a group of multimedia designers. I have been in this position for almost 5 years now and have completed over seven CBTs and one instructor led course. My courses are typically of subject matter I do not have experience with, such as engineering or biological detection. When it came to my score in the task behaviors of the style questionnaire, I scored in the moderately low range. I did expect this, as I do not have much
Task behaviors In my current position as an Instructional Designer, I create computer-based training (CBT) and instructor-led training for the U.S. Military and various international military groups, such as the Iraqi Navy. My position allows me to either work in a group with myself and other instructional designers, or as a lead in creating a training course with a group of multimedia designers. I have been in this position for almost 5 years now and have completed over seven CBTs and one instructor led course. My courses are typically of subject matter I do not have experience with, such as engineering or biological detection. When it came to my score in the task behaviors of the style questionnaire, I scored in the moderately low range. I did expect this, as I do not have much
References: Bennis, W. (2003). On becoming a leader. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing. Bingham, T. and Galagan, P. (2007, May). At C level: there are no happy losers. T+D, 61(5), 42-48. Northouse, P. G. (2007). Leadership: Theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.