According to the , leaders are effective when they select the right leadership style for the situation they face. Specifically, this depends on the of followers that is, their readiness to take responsibility for their own behavior. This, in turn, is based on two variables with which we are already familiar: (1) (the degree to which followers have the appropriate job knowledge and skills that is, their need for guidance and direction), and (2) (the degree to which followers are willing to work without taking direction from others that is, their need for emotional support). To be to identify and enact the most appropriate style of leadership in any given situation, it is first useful to understand the style to which you are most strongly predisposed. This experiential leadership exercise will help you gain such insight into your leadership style. Following are eight hypothetical situations in which you have to make a decision affecting you and members of your work group. For each, indicate which of the following actions you are most likely to take by writing the letter corresponding to that action i
n the space provided. ________ 1. In the face of financial pressures, you are forced to make budget cuts for your unit. Where do you cut? ________ 2. To meet an impending deadline, someone in your secretarial pool will have to work late one evening to finish typing an important report. Who will it be? ________ 3. As coach of a company softball team, you are required to trim your squad to 25 players from 30 currently on the roster. Who goes? ________ 4. Employees in your department have to schedule their summer vacations to keep the office appropriately staffed. Who decides first? ________ 5. As chair of the social committee, you are responsible for determining the theme for the annual company party. How do you do so? ________ 6. You have an opportunity to buy or rent an important piece of equipment for your company. After gathering all the facts, how do you make the choice? ________ 7. The office is being redecorated. How do you decide on the color scheme? ________ 8. Along with your associates you are taking a visiting dignitary to dinner. How do you decide what restaurant to go to?