Reference no: EM133849083

Assignment:

Consider the different managers and/or supervisors that you have been managed by either currently or in the past. Describe the characteristics of who you feel was your "best" manager and your "worst" manager. Which of the four core theories would best represent the leadership of both your "best" and "worst" managers: Trait, Behavioral, Contingency/Situational or Power/Influence? Also, include your reasoning behind the classification as well as any relevant examples. Does this student's writing below fulfill the assignment? How could they be more specific in regard to behavioral theory?

Reflecting on my experiences with managers, I can identify distinct characteristics that define my "best" and "worst" managers. According to Robbins and Judge (2014), effective leadership is characterized by personal qualities that differentiate leaders from non-leaders.

For my best managers, the following characteristics stand out based on the article "Leadership Theories":

1. Supportiveness: My best manager provided guidance and encouragement, fostering a positive work environment.

2. Open Communication: He encouraged feedback by actively listening to our ideas and concerns.

3. Empowerment: He consistently delegated responsibilities, allowing us to take ownership of our work. He often held one-on-one meetings to discuss not only project progress but also personal development goals, which made me feel valued and motivated to perform well.

In contrast, my worst manager displayed characteristics such as:

1. Micromanagement: She excessively controlled tasks and did not trust the team to make decisions, which I believe stemmed from a lack of control in her personal life.

2. Lack of Communication: Her failure to provide feedback or updates led to confusion and frustration among team members.

3. Inflexibility: She resisted new ideas and approaches, sticking rigidly to outdated methods. For example, she would frequently interrupt my work to insist on her way of doing things, which stifled creativity and created an uncomfortable atmosphere. Interacting with her felt burdensome, even when she made herself available.

The leadership style that best represents my best manager is the Behavioral Theory. This theory focuses on the behaviors of leaders rather than their traits or situational contexts. My best manager demonstrated effective leadership behaviors by actively engaging with the team, encouraging collaboration, and showing empathy.

On the other hand, the leadership style that best describes my worst manager is the Power/Influence Theory. This theory emphasizes the impact of a leader's ability to exert power on their management style. My worst manager used her positional power to control and micromanage the team, employing an authoritarian approach that discouraged autonomy and creativity.

In summary, my best manager exemplified Behavioral Theory through supportive and empowering actions, while my worst manager embodied Power/Influence Theory through her micromanaging and controlling tendencies. These distinctions highlight the significant impact that different leadership styles can have on team dynamics and effectiveness.