Part B - Applying: Getting Ready for the Workplace

Management Skill Builder: Being a Good Leader

The terms management and leadership are frequently used interchangeably. Thats a misnomer. The two arent the same but they are related. Although you dont need to hold a management position to be a leader, youre unlikely to be an effective manager if you cant be an effective leader.

Skill Basics

Although a number of situational variables influence the choice of an effective leadership style, four variables seem most relevant:

1. Task structure.

2. Level of stress.

3. Level of group support.

4. Follower characteristics.

Practicing the Skill

In this scenario, you are fresh out of college and a new manager at CMI. Your predecessor, who was with the company for 37 years, is retiring and you are the replacement. Your team is made up of employees from 19 to 62 years of age. You also have a vocal critic, Lillian, an older employee whose opinion carries a lot of weight with group members. Have students discuss which leadership style you should choose in this situation.

Brainstorm with students which leadership style would be best. Guide students toward applying Houses Path Goal model. Get them to think about both the situation and type of followers involved. Once a strategy is developed, ask for volunteers to come forward and fish bowl it. Role-play the manager and an employee in front of the class. After the fish bowl, ask students how they felt, if there is some way they would improve the process. Have the student(s) with ideas for improving the process come up front and demonstrate.