A633.7.3.RB_Leader Follower Relationship_Wathen Reece Sandra

A reflection of my "Quick Test" and what this assessment means in terms of me being a leader and

my relationship to my followers.   This test provided me with an opportunity to evaluate myself on

how I respond to situations as a leader based on certain scenarios.  It is a situational leadership

awareness in that it allowed me to see what types of strategies I employ to solve each of the

leadership questions. 

 

There are four strategies that can determine which are being used based on the situation.  These are: S(1) which is Telling; S(2) which is to Sell; S(3) which is to Involve; S(4) which is to Devolve.  Each of these provide an insight to what leadership strategy is being employed.  The results of the test had my rankings highest in S1, next highest in S4, then S2 and then the lowest being S3.

S(1) is a category of telling someone how to do a task. It doesn't mean it is wrong It is important
before telling someone how to do something it is important to know what level followership they are.  If they are a level 5 then they don't need to know why (as that is part of S(2)).

S(2) is a category of when the workforce needs to own part of the solution along with the leader.  It is
considered a "buy-in" in which the people know the benefits. There is more listening and asking questions before determining solutions.

S(3) is a category in which the leader encourages solutions from the people.  This is considered a

"pull" strategy because in situations when time is not constrained it allows for knowledge sharing and

skills development.

S(4) is a category in which the 4 + 4 principles are being used and the leader is just watching; keeping a eye on things, plus looking ahead into the future goals.  Leaders are performing a support role primarily. 

This is considered the best strategy for a leader.  This lets me recognize the thinking behind the

strategies I employ when dealing with a situation and where I may need to change, or maybe readjust

my way of thinking when dealing under certain circumstances.  Although S(4) was my next highest

rating from the "Quick Test", I need to strive to be primarily an S(4).

It is amazing how much this course has changed my thinking about gaining followers.  I have for the

most part thought I needed to be an officially recognized leader to gain followers.  I since have

realized that all I need is to have the ability to lead.  It is about understanding people, knowing where

they are with skill/will, recognizing their ranges within the followership maturity model.  In addition,

understanding the two-way mutual communication required to be effective with upward/downward

leadership.  It is also about understanding complex adaptive systems and that I am only a node;

connected to the rest of the network - and the network and understanding the network is as important

as the nodes.

This course has provided me the framework with respect to my future leadership goals and

objectives. I am very confident that the learning experiences from this course has provided me with

invaluable information that will guide me to make the best of choices when making key and critical

leadership decisions as well as the application of upward/downward leadership.