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Alan Robbins started Plastic Lumber Company because he saw a way to both help the planet and make money by converting plastic milk and soda bottles into fake lumber. He also had definite ideas about how to run a company. Robbins wanted to be both a boss and a friend to his employees. His leadership style stressed teamwork and participation, and Robbins spent a lot of time running ideas by workers on the factory floor. By seeking their participation, he rarely just provided clear direction and consistent standards. Instead, he focuses on asking for input and listening to his employees.

The degree of freedom Robbins allowed with his leadership style actually led to some serious problems. Some workers were frequently late or absent without calling, showed up under the influence of drugs, and started fights on the factory floor. Letting employees participate in decision$-$making weakened Robbin's authority in many employees' eyes. Those who genuinely wanted to do a good job were frustrated by the lack of order and the fact that some employees seemed to get away with anything.

a$.$ According to the Life Cycle of Leadership theory, what type of leadership style is Alan exhibiting?

b$.$ What else do you want to know about the workers' development level for working on the factory floor to determine which type of leadership style is best $($according to the Cycle of Leadership theory$)?$

c$.$ Give one recommendation that you would have if you were serving as Alan's mentor? Please list the one pro and one con of the recommendation using course content.

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