Reference no: EM132760764
Title: Leadership Experience
Title: Critical thinking
Assigned Readings:
Chapter 2. Traits, Behaviors, and Relationships.
Overview:
This week's readings will teach you how to outline some personal traits and characteristics associated with effective leadership and learn how to identify your own traits that you can transform into strengths and bring to a leadership role. You will also learn the difference between autocratic versus democratic leadership behavior and the impact of each.
Learning Objectives:
Outline some personal traits and characteristics that are associated with effective leaders.
Identify your own traits that you can transform into strengths and bring to a leadership role.
Distinguish among various roles leaders play in organizations, including operations roles, collaborative roles, and advisory roles, and where your strengths might best fit.
Recognize autocratic versus democratic leadership behavior and the impact of each.
Know the distinction between people-oriented and task-oriented leadership behavior and when each should be used.
Understand how the theory of individualized leadership has broadened the understanding of relationships between leaders and followers.
Describe some key characteristics of entrepreneurial leaders.
Discussion Board
Reflection and Discussion
Reflect on the assigned readings for the week. Respond to the following prompts: "What do I feel are the most important aspects of my learning in the chapters this week?" and "What about this learning was really worthy of my time and understanding?" Then explain how important it is in society or business.
Also, provide a graduate-level response to each of the following questions:
The chapter suggests that optimism is an important trait for a leader, yet some employees complain that optimistic leaders create significant stress because they don't anticipate problems and expect their subordinates to meet unreasonable goals. Do you agree? Why?
Suggest some personal traits of leaders you have known. What traits do you believe are most valuable? Why?
Respond to the post of at least two peers, using 100 words minimum each.
[Your initial post should be based upon the assigned reading for the week, so the textbook should be a source listed in your reference section and cited within the body of the text. Other sources are not required but feel free to use them if they aid in your discussion].
[Your initial post should be at least 450+ words and in APA format (including Times New Roman with font size 12 and double spaced). Post the actual body of your paper in the discussion thread then attach a Word version of the paper for APA review]
Assignment
Leadership Development: Case for Analysis 2
Consolidated Products
Synopsis
Consolidated Products is a medium-sized manufacturer of consumer products. Ben Samuels was a plant manager who was well liked by employees. They were grateful for the fitness center, picnics, and holiday parties. Ben believed it was important to treat employees properly so they would have a sense of loyalty. Under Ben, the plant had the lowest turnover but the second worst record for costs and production levels. He was asked to take early retirement and Phil Jones replaced him. Phil had a reputation as a manager who could get things done. Supervisors were instructed to establish high-performance standards. Costs were cut by trimming the fitness center, picnics and parties, and training. Phil believed that if workers did not want to work, the company should get rid of them.
Questions:
Compare the leadership traits and behaviors of Ben Samuels and Phil Jones.
Which leader do you think is more effective? Why? Which leader would you prefer to work for?
If you were Phil Jones' boss, what would you do now?